This is something that often accompanies anything that has been out of use for a while, especially when it has been away from fresh air. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to minimise the smell. The best method is prevention, which means that when you have finished a trip and are putting your caravan away, ensure that there is nothing damp left inside and no rubbish or food scraps that could fester for the months or years until your next trip. Also, even if you aren’t planning on using the caravan, open all the doors and windows for a few hours every couple of months to air the interior. Keep some moth balls or sacks of lavender in drawers and crevices to help absorb the musty smell. Finally, if you’re heading out on the road and the smell is still lingering, you might like to spray some essential oils around the caravan to keep it smelling fresh.

First introduced in the 1930s, Teardrop Campers became extremely popular after WWII. Now, the mini-caravan is popular with people who prefer more comfort than camping but do not want to go so far as to tow a full-size caravan. For those looking to purchase a Teardrop Camper in Queensland, a good option is Aussie Teardrop Campers. Based in South-East Queensland, Aussie Teardrop Campers builds three different models of the miniature caravan, including two on-road versions (Belmontear and Desertear) and the new heavy-duty off-roader, the Adventuretear. Each of the models can also be customised with a range of upgrades and optional extras including a frame-mounted esky and independent suspension. Whether your taste is retro or sleek contemporary, there could be a Teardrop Camper to suit you.

The new rules apply to all imported and locally produced trailers up to 4.5 tonnes, including box, motorcycle, boat, plant and equipment trailers as well as horse floats, caravans and other recreational trailers. These products will now need to comply with a new national code of practice, with the importers and local manufacturers of non-compliant trailers facing fines of up to $66,000. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese said the new legislation would help prevent trailers being sold with couplings that were incompatible with Australian vehicles, unsafe drawbars and safety chains, non-standard LPG installations, inadequate lamps and reflectors or inadequate brakes and suspensions.

“People that unwittingly purchase trailers with such safety defects can face real difficulties registering them with state and territory transport authorities, potentially costing the owners thousands of dollars to make them compliant,” Mr Albanese said.

“We want Australians to feel confident that the trailers they buy are safe and roadworthy.”

More than 18,000 trailers are imported annually, with thousands more manufactured locally. Transitional arrangements will apply for a year so vehicles already purchased will not be affected.