During Your Trip

If something goes wrong

If anyone is injured, call 000. For damage, a breakdown or a fault, call your rental company's on-road assistance number. You'll find it on your rental documents, and often on the key tag.

• After an accident: report it to the rental company within 24 hours. Record the time and place, the other parties' details and photos of the damage, and don't accept blame. See accidents.
• Breakdown or flat tyre: pull over where it's safe and call the on-road team. You don't need to change a flat tyre yourself. See vehicle breakdown.
• Something inside the van has stopped working: call the on-road team rather than going without it. Some problems, such as a fridge setting or the water pump switch, can be fixed over the phone. See utility failures.

If you can't reach the rental company, contact DriveNow and we'll help you get in touch. When things go wrong points you to the right guide for other situations, such as hitting an animal or road closures.

Driving safely and legally

• Know the basics. Drive on the left, follow the posted speed limits, signs and road markings, and check the local rules for each state or territory you drive through. Road rules covers the general rules, including seat belts, alcohol limits and parking signs.
• Allow for the size of the van. Campervans are taller and longer than a car. Know your vehicle's height, stay out of undercover car parks and drive-throughs, and have someone guide you when parking or reversing. Stop to rest every two hours on long drives. See safety tips for campervan travel.
• Avoid dusk, dawn and night driving. Many animals are most active then, and most rental companies don't allow driving on highways or open country roads at night. If an animal appears in front of you, brake firmly in a straight line rather than swerving. See wildlife on the road.
• Fuel. Use only the fuel your vehicle needs. The branch staff will tell you, and there's usually a sticker on the fuel inlet. In remote areas, fill up whenever you can. Roadside assistance usually doesn't cover running out of fuel. See petrol.
• Tolls and ferries. Ask the rental company at pick-up how tolls are paid. Some charge extra fees for unpaid tolls. See toll roads and charges. Most rental companies require written permission before you take the van on a ferry. See ferries.

Where to stay

Only stay overnight where it's permitted. State, territory and local council rules decide where that is, and fines for camping where it isn't allowed can be substantial. Holiday parks, national parks and some state forests and free camps can be options, but check the rules for each one. Book holiday parks and powered sites ahead during school holidays and other busy periods. Overnight parking lists apps and park agencies for finding sites, and tips for a good night's sleep covers setting up for the night.

Using your campervan

• Power. In most campervans, the fridge, lights and water pump run from the house battery. Appliances such as the microwave, 240V sockets and any living-area air-conditioning usually need a powered site. How the battery charges, and how often to plug in, depends on the vehicle, so ask your rental company and plan powered sites to match. See power management and heating and cooling.
• Connecting safely. Use the supplied or approved lead at a suitable outlet with safety-switch (RCD) protection, such as a powered site. The supplied lead is usually a 15 amp lead, so it won't fit an ordinary household power point. Don't use an adaptor to make it fit. Check with your rental company before using a generator. Unplug the lead before you move the van. See electrical safety.
• Water and waste. Fill the freshwater tank with the supplied hose. Empty the toilet cassette and waste water at an authorised dump point whenever you have the chance, following the rental company's instructions for your vehicle. Keep fats, oil and food scraps out of the sink. See water management and waste management.

Using campervan features is a quick overview of the toilet, fridge, awning, gas bottle and other features.

Travelling with family and pets

While the van is moving, every passenger must sit in a seat with a seat belt, and children need a restraint that suits their age and size. Pets must be safely restrained too, and many national parks don't allow pets. See travelling with children and travelling with pets.

All During Your Trip guides

• Help: When things go wrong, accidents, vehicle breakdown and utility failures
• Driving: Road rules, safety tips, wildlife on the road, petrol, toll roads and charges and ferries
• Where to stay: Overnight parking and tips for a good night's sleep
• Using the van: Using campervan features, power management, electrical safety, water management, waste management and heating and cooling
• Family and pets: Travelling with children and travelling with pets

Part of the Campervan Hire Handbook.