Wheel bearings allow your caravan wheels to rotate smoothly. If they become worn, contaminated or inadequately lubricated, friction and heat can build up and potentially cause serious damage.

Before your trip, consider whether you've noticed any unusual rumbling, grinding or humming noises from the wheels. Excessive hub temperature or wheel looseness can also indicate a problem, although brakes and other components can produce similar symptoms.

Wheel bearings can deteriorate internally without obvious external signs, so a visual check alone isn't enough to establish their condition.

If your caravan is due for servicing, has covered substantial distances since its last inspection or has shown any warning signs, arrange an assessment before travelling.

Your caravan's braking system is essential for controlling a loaded towing combination.

Before leaving, check for known braking problems, unusual noises or changes in how your caravan behaves when braking. Where fitted, ensure the electrical connections for electric brakes are secure and that required breakaway equipment is maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Excessive heat, pulling or reduced braking performance should never be ignored. These symptoms can have several causes and require proper investigation.

If you suspect a braking fault, have it assessed before towing rather than hoping it will hold up over a long journey.

Tyre problems can quickly disrupt a holiday, particularly when travelling long distances or carrying a heavily loaded caravan.

Check each tyre for:

• Cuts, cracks, bulges and other visible damage.
• Uneven tread wear.
• Adequate tread depth.
• Signs of ageing or deterioration.
• Correct inflation pressure for the tyre specifications and load.

Don't forget the spare tyre. Check that it is in usable condition and properly inflated.

Follow the caravan and tyre manufacturers' recommendations for pressures and loading. If a tyre is damaged, repeatedly loses pressure or shows unusual wear, have it assessed before setting off.

Working caravan lights help other road users see your vehicle and understand your intentions.

Test your indicators, brake lights, tail lights and other required lighting. Check that the electrical plug connecting the caravan to your towing vehicle is secure and that the wiring shows no obvious damage.

If a light fails or works intermittently, the cause could be a bulb, connector, wiring fault or another electrical problem.

Resolve any faults before your journey so your caravan's lighting and required electrical equipment function correctly.

The connection between your towing vehicle and caravan needs to be secure every time you travel.

Check the coupling for visible damage, excessive wear and correct engagement. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to confirm that it is locked properly.

Inspect the safety chains and their attachment points for damage or corrosion. Make sure they are connected as required for your particular setup and applicable regulations.

Check any fitted breakaway cable or other required safety equipment as well.

Never set off if the coupling is not secure or a critical towing component appears damaged.

Your caravan's suspension and chassis support its weight and help maintain stability on the road.

Look for visible damage, corrosion, damaged springs, loose components or leaking shock absorbers where fitted. Pay attention to unusual changes in ride height or towing behaviour.

Long journeys, heavy loads and rough roads can place additional demands on these components.

A quick visual inspection cannot identify every developing fault. If you notice unusual movement, instability or visible damage, arrange a professional assessment before towing.

Before departure, inspect the wheels for visible damage and check for missing wheel nuts or other obvious problems around the wheel mounting points.

Wheel nuts must be tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque using the correct procedure. Don't guess the required setting or assume that tighter is always better.

If you've recently had tyres replaced, wheels removed or bearing work completed, follow the workshop's or manufacturer's instructions regarding any required follow-up checks.

If you suspect a wheel has been loose or damaged, have it inspected before travelling.

An incorrectly loaded caravan can affect stability, handling and braking.

Before leaving:

• Secure loose items inside cupboards and storage compartments.
• Distribute cargo according to the caravan manufacturer's guidance.
• Keep heavy items properly secured.
• Stay within the caravan's payload and axle limits.
• Confirm that your towing vehicle's towing capacity and towball download limits are not exceeded.
• Ensure the loaded combination complies with applicable mass limits.

Avoid making last-minute additions to your load without considering the effect on weight distribution.

If you're unsure about your loaded weights, seek appropriate advice before setting off.

Your towing vehicle needs to be in suitable condition for the demands of the journey too.

Before departure, look for obvious tyre damage, fluid leaks and warning lights. Adjust your towing mirrors to provide the required view along both sides of the caravan.

Then walk around the caravan and check that:

• Doors, windows and roof vents are secured as appropriate.
• Storage hatches are closed.
• Steps are retracted or secured.
• Awning components and external accessories are stowed.
• The jockey wheel and removable fittings are properly secured.
• Nothing is hanging below the caravan or likely to contact the road.

A final walk-around can help catch simple oversights before they become problems.

Pre-departure checks are useful, but they cannot replace regular mechanical maintenance.

Wheel bearings, brakes, suspension and other components can develop faults that aren't obvious from the outside. This is particularly important if your caravan has been sitting unused, is overdue for servicing or has completed a demanding trip since its last inspection.

Arranging servicing ahead of your holiday gives you an opportunity to identify concerns and organise any necessary repairs before you leave.

Don't wait until the day before departure if you already know something needs attention. Contact your workshop early to discuss your requirements and available appointments.