Caravan Checklist for Royal Welsh Show Countdown

Visitors planning to hitch up their caravan and take it to the forthcoming Royal Welsh Show are urged to make sure it’s safe and roadworthy.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers are aware that for many, their caravans are used once a year to attend the event. This can often lead to caravans in desperate need of repair being taken on a road trip with no real consideration of whether it is safe to use.

In the countdown to the show, which opens on Monday, July 18, officers have issued advice on how to make sure a caravan is fit for purpose.

Inspector Andy Pitt said: “We see a high number of visitors staying in touring caravans for the full duration of the show. Some bring caravans which I’m amazed even make the journey to the end of the road!

“This may be a cost-effective way for people to enjoy the full duration of what the Royal Welsh Show has to offer, but in all seriousness it could come with a high price if the condition of the caravan were to cause a road traffic collision or cause some sort of incident on the caravan site.

“I strongly advise people to use some time in the lead-up to the Royal Welsh Show to make sure their caravans are in a suitable condition to make the journey to Builth Wells.”

• Your caravan must be registered so it can legally be driven on the roads
• Check coupling and safety chains are in good condition
• Ensure brakes and external lights are working correctly
• Check wheels, tyres, wheel bearings and suspensions are in good condition. This is particularly important if the caravan has been stationary for some time
• Tyres should be all the same type and size and have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. also check the pressure
• The spare wheel is in good condition and present
• Check gas bottles are full, turned off and secured
• Be sure you know how to attach your caravan to the towing vehicle safely. Ensure that stabilisers, breakaway cables and lighting cables are all attached.