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Let’s face it, life on the road isn’t always smooth sailing (or should we say smooth towing?) — and that’s where knowing a few essential caravan fixes can save the day.
One minute you’re cruising along with your favourite playlist pumping, the next you’re pulled over with a wobbly cupboard or a fridge that’s suddenly gone on strike.
Every seasoned caravanner has had that moment when something breaks, leaks, or rattles at the worst possible time.
The good news? Most of these hiccups are quick to fix once you know how. Here’s your handy guide to the most common caravan problems and exactly how to sort them out without calling for backup.
Cradle Mountain, caravanning in the snow and an all-out snowball fight in Hobart top the list of highlights.
“The kids loved Tassie. We homeschooled while we travelled — life doesn’t stop just because you’re on the road. We still worked, they still learned and we made it work.”
For Gayle, who has a condition similar to multiple sclerosis that will eventually affect her mobility, the trip was about making the most of now.
“This was our big one — the ‘go and do it while we can’ trip,” she said. “We’d been to Tassie years ago when I was pregnant with our eldest and always wanted to go back. We weren’t putting it off any longer.”
Of course, travelling as a family isn’t always smooth sailing.
“The usual parenting stuff still happens — meltdowns, bickering, cabin fever. An 18-foot-six van can feel pretty small some days. That’s when you take a walk, give each other space, or do something on your own for a bit,” she said.
Over the years, Gayle’s picked up a few tricks for keeping things simple and sane:
After nearly a year on the road, the Bentleys wrapped up their trip at the 2025 On The Move Owners Retreat — their third one so far.
“We’ve met some great people through On The Move,” Gayle said. “We all keep in touch online, but it’s better in person. Facebook’s great, but nothing beats a chat and a hug.”
For Gayle, the road is less about escape and more about time — time together, time outside, time to make the most of what’s in front of you.
“Just go,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. The kids won’t remember the planning or the mess — they’ll remember the good stuff. That’s what matters.
