Why every caravanner needs this crucial skill before hitting the outback
- Replies 1
Travelling through remote and challenging terrain can quickly turn from an adventure into a test of preparedness.
Unexpected vehicle troubles often catch even experienced travellers off guard in isolated areas.
One seasoned caravanner recently faced such a situation that highlights the critical importance of being ready for the road ahead.
A veteran caravanner urged travellers to ‘know your vehicle’ and always carry a toolbox after narrowly avoiding disaster on a harsh stretch of the Australian outback.
Dan Parker had been taking only short trips between campgrounds in recent months but was preparing for a longer journey along the Nullarbor in South Australia.
Despite careful preparation for the ‘dangerous’ Eyre Highway, Dan discovered a serious problem during a routine rest stop.
He explained that he routinely checked the wheel hubs for heat during his usual walk-around inspections and noticed one wheel hub was overheating.
‘I feel the wheel hubs each time to check for temperature on my usual walk-around inspections [and] this is when I found the problem,’ he said.
Dan said the affected part was so hot it felt like the tyre was about to explode.
With the nearest town at least 180 kilometres away, he had to rely on his own skills to fix the issue.
The experience reinforced to him the importance of knowing how to maintain your vehicle and carrying the right tools on any trip.
‘People always talking about weight and caravans but you got to take tools—allow some weight for tools,’ he urged.
Wearing gloves, a cap and sunglasses, Dan managed to take apart the caravan wheel and repair the bearings enough to get his family safely back on the road.
After driving five more kilometres, he stopped again to check the wheel’s temperature to ensure the problem was resolved.
He has since advised fellow caravanners to learn ‘basic skills’ to avoid becoming stranded in remote locations.
‘My advice is to learn a few basic skills before you go into potentially dangerous locations. Make sure you can change a tyre, make sure you can change a [wheel] bearing...take tools but know how to use them...there will be no phone service,’ he warned.
Dan’s story was shared on social media and has highlighted how vital preparedness is when travelling across Australia’s vast and unforgiving landscapes.
Watch the full video below.
Source: TikTok/campcants
When was the last time you checked your vehicle’s basics before hitting the road? Share your experience in the comments.
Unexpected vehicle troubles often catch even experienced travellers off guard in isolated areas.
One seasoned caravanner recently faced such a situation that highlights the critical importance of being ready for the road ahead.
A veteran caravanner urged travellers to ‘know your vehicle’ and always carry a toolbox after narrowly avoiding disaster on a harsh stretch of the Australian outback.
Dan Parker had been taking only short trips between campgrounds in recent months but was preparing for a longer journey along the Nullarbor in South Australia.
Despite careful preparation for the ‘dangerous’ Eyre Highway, Dan discovered a serious problem during a routine rest stop.
Caravanner warns of hidden outback dangers. Image source: TikTok/campcants
He explained that he routinely checked the wheel hubs for heat during his usual walk-around inspections and noticed one wheel hub was overheating.
‘I feel the wheel hubs each time to check for temperature on my usual walk-around inspections [and] this is when I found the problem,’ he said.
Dan said the affected part was so hot it felt like the tyre was about to explode.
With the nearest town at least 180 kilometres away, he had to rely on his own skills to fix the issue.
The experience reinforced to him the importance of knowing how to maintain your vehicle and carrying the right tools on any trip.
‘People always talking about weight and caravans but you got to take tools—allow some weight for tools,’ he urged.
Wearing gloves, a cap and sunglasses, Dan managed to take apart the caravan wheel and repair the bearings enough to get his family safely back on the road.
After driving five more kilometres, he stopped again to check the wheel’s temperature to ensure the problem was resolved.
He has since advised fellow caravanners to learn ‘basic skills’ to avoid becoming stranded in remote locations.
‘My advice is to learn a few basic skills before you go into potentially dangerous locations. Make sure you can change a tyre, make sure you can change a [wheel] bearing...take tools but know how to use them...there will be no phone service,’ he warned.
Dan’s story was shared on social media and has highlighted how vital preparedness is when travelling across Australia’s vast and unforgiving landscapes.
Watch the full video below.
Source: TikTok/campcants
When was the last time you checked your vehicle’s basics before hitting the road? Share your experience in the comments.
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