Everything You Need To Know About Your Caravan’s Safety Systems

Your caravan has several safety systems designed to protect you, your family, and the van itself. Some are obvious (fire extinguisher, smoke alarm), others are less visible (breakaway system, gas shut-off). Understanding what safety equipment your van has, where it is, and how it works could genuinely save your life in an emergency.

Fire Safety

Fire extinguisher: Your caravan should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for electrical, liquid, and gas fires (a dry powder ABE type is the standard). Know where it is and check the pressure gauge is in the green zone. Replace or service before the expiry date stamped on the unit. Ideally, keep one inside the van and one accessible from outside (in the tow vehicle or an external compartment).

Smoke alarm: Most new caravans have a smoke alarm fitted. Test it monthly (press the button). Replace the battery annually. If your van doesn’t have one, fit a battery-powered smoke alarm; they cost $15 to $30 and take 5 minutes to install.

Fire blanket: A small fire blanket in the kitchen is useful for smothering cooktop fires. Costs $10 to $20. Keep it accessible near the stove, not above it.

Gas Safety

LPG leak detector: Monitors the air for gas leaks and sounds an alarm. Should be installed low in the van (gas sinks to floor level). Some vans have these factory-fitted; if yours doesn’t, install one.

Gas shut-off valve: Located at the gas bottles. In an emergency (smell of gas, fire, accident), turn both bottles off at the valve immediately.

Gas compliance certificate: Your gas system should be inspected every 2 years by a qualified gas fitter. Keep the certificate in the van; it may be required for registration renewal and insurance claims.

Electrical Safety

RCD (Safety Switch): Your 240V system should have a Residual Current Device that trips if there’s an electrical fault, preventing electrocution. It’s usually located on the 240V panel inside the van. Test it monthly using the test button.

Circuit breakers: Your 240V and 12V systems have circuit breakers or fuses that protect against overload. Know where they are so you can reset or replace them if they trip.

Towing Safety

Breakaway system: A cable connecting the van to the tow vehicle with a pin that pulls out if the van detaches while towing. This activates the caravan’s brakes independently, stopping the van. Check the cable is correctly attached every time you hitch up. Test the breakaway battery annually (it’s a separate small battery that powers the brakes during a breakaway event).

Safety chains: Two chains connecting the van to the tow vehicle as a secondary connection. Crossed under the hitch so that if the coupling fails, the chains catch the drawbar and the van stays connected. Check chain condition regularly and ensure they’re correctly fitted.

Carbon Monoxide

Gas appliances produce carbon monoxide (CO) as a byproduct of combustion. In a well-ventilated van with properly maintained appliances, this isn’t a concern. In a sealed van with a faulty or poorly vented appliance, CO buildup can be fatal. A battery-powered CO alarm ($30 to $50) provides an additional safety layer, particularly if you use gas appliances at night. Never block ventilation openings in your caravan.