With Spring right around the corner, it’s time to start planning out some epic car camping trips!
If you are on this site, I’m sure you’ve already planned out your car camping set up around a vehicle sleeping platform (like the Hele Box!)
Outside of comfy car camping platforms and storage systems, there’s something else you should take time investigating out before hitting the road.
Your vehicle!
You can have the best car camping set up in the world, but without a working vehicle it’s almost useless.
Here’s a list of things you should check on your vehicle to make sure it's ready for the epic adventures ahead:
Fluid Checks
- Oil
- Transmission
- Steering
- Brake
- Coolant
Check all these fluids while your vehicle is on flat ground, and ensure their levels are near or at full.
MAKE SURE YOU ENGINE IS COLD WHEN CHECKING COOLANT LEVELS. Opening your radiator cap while the vehicle has been running/or is hot can cause serious burns.
There should be dip-sticks for each (except for brake fluid/coolant depending on your vehicle)
If you aren’t familiar with your vehicle’s engine, a quick google search of your make/model/year along with “where is x” should pull up a Youtube video or article to get you dialed in.
Oil should be changed every 3-5k miles (especially on older vehicles)
Transmission Fluid/Steering Fluid/Brake Fluid/Coolant can go years/100k+ miles without needing to be changed
Check for Leaks
Even if your vehicle’s fluid levels aren’t low, it's good to take a peak under your vehicle with a flashlight to see if you can spot any fluids sitting in or around your engine bay.
If you spot a leak/drip/wet spot - see if you can trace it upwards to the source.
Make sure to take your vehicle in for proper inspection/service if the leak is leaving noticeable puddles/drops underneath your vehicle when parked overnight.
Tires
How much tread do you have left?
If your tires are bald or on their way out, now is a good time to consider getting new ones.
The last thing you want to be is stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat.
Speaking of flat tires, here’s a tip you do not want to forget:
Just about every vehicle on the road comes with a spare tire, but if that tire’s been sitting for years - it’s likely lost some of its inflation.
Make sure to check the tire pressure with a pressure gauge to ensure that it’s pumped enough for use.
The only thing worse about a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, is replacing it with a spare that’s just as flat. Speaking from firsthand experience here!
Emergency Equipment
Make sure your vehicle has some basic emergency equipment in it.
Here’s a few things you should consider:
- Jumper Cables
- Tow Rope
- Flashlight
- Basic Tool kit
- Duck Tape
Treat your vehicle with care and respect, and it will do the same for you.
If you ran through this checklist, but still aren’t sure about the roadworthiness of your vehicle for a long-range trip - take it to a professional!
If your vehicle is dialed in but your car camping set up isn’t - here’s some helpful resources for you to check out:
- Ultimate Car Camping Checklist
- Vehicle Sleeping Platform and Storage System
- How to Organize Your Car for Camping
Safe Travels!