Handover Helpers: Getting to Know Your Southern Cross Caravan
Watch the handover video, download your owner manual and review key setup, safety and maintenance tips before your first trip.
Collecting your new caravan is an exciting moment, but there is a lot to remember during handover. Your Southern Cross Caravan includes a range of systems, features and setup steps that are important to understand before your first trip.
This Handover Helpers guide brings together the key information new owners need in one place, including our handover video, practical setup reminders and owner manual downloads.
Watch The Handover Video
Start by watching the Southern Cross Caravans handover video. It gives you a visual walkthrough of important features and helps reinforce the information covered during your in-person handover.
Before You Tow Away
Before leaving with your caravan, take time to complete a final check. Make sure any 240V power cables are turned off and disconnected, stabiliser legs are raised into travel position, chocks are removed when safe to do so, gas bottles and gas appliances are turned off, and wheel nuts are checked.
When connecting to your tow vehicle, ensure the hitch is secured, the handbrake is released, chains are attached correctly, the breakaway cable is connected to the tow vehicle, and the trailer plug and Anderson plug are connected where applicable. Before departing, complete a full walkaround of the caravan and tow vehicle.
Power, Batteries And Solar
Your caravan includes a 12V electrical system that powers many of the caravan’s essential components. Depending on your model, your setup may include solar panels, batteries, a mains charger, DC-DC charging and an inverter.
Owners should become familiar with the control panel, battery monitoring, inverter operation and charging options. It is also important to turn off the inverter when it is not required, monitor battery charge levels and understand how solar performance can be affected by shade, weather, dust and time of day.
Water, Hot Water And Plumbing
Your caravan’s water system may include fresh water tanks, mains water connection, a water pump, hot water system, external shower and grey water tank. Before travelling, make sure you understand how to fill and use the fresh water tanks, when to use mains water, how to switch the water pump on, and where the relevant taps and drains are located.
The hot water system should be turned off while travelling or when not in use. Always follow the owner manual instructions for safe operation, cleaning and maintenance.
Toilet, Grey Water And Waste
Depending on your model, your caravan may include a cassette toilet and grey water system. Owners should understand how to prepare, use, empty and clean the toilet cassette correctly, and where black water can legally be disposed of.
Grey water should also be managed responsibly. Some campgrounds provide grey water drains, while other locations may have different rules. If grey water has been stored for an extended period, treat it carefully and dispose of it through an appropriate dump point where required.
Awning, Pop Top And Camp Setup
Your handover will also cover important setup features such as the awning, stabiliser legs, pop top operation where applicable, external kitchen, beds and general campsite setup.
Awning and canvas care is especially important. Avoid using the awning in strong wind or heavy rain, prevent water pooling, and make sure canvas is dried properly before storage. For hybrid models, owners should also understand how to safely open and close the pop top and secure it before towing.
Bad Weather And Storage Tips
Bad weather can cause damage if the caravan, awning or canvas is not set up correctly. In windy or wet conditions, close windows and doors, secure poles and ropes, avoid water pooling and pack away the awning where needed.
When storing your caravan, empty water tanks, clean grey water systems, maintain battery charge, dry canvas thoroughly and complete regular checks. Proper storage helps protect the caravan and reduces the risk of avoidable warranty issues.
Download Your Owner Manual
For detailed model-specific instructions, refer to your owner manual.
These manuals include important information about power systems, water systems, toilets, kitchens, awnings, towing setup, maintenance and caravan care. Always refer to the correct manual for your model and contact Southern Cross Caravans if you are unsure about any system or setup step.
Need Help?
If you have questions after handover or need help understanding your caravan, contact the Southern Cross Caravans team. We are here to help you feel confident before you head off on your next adventure.
