Walk around the vehicle with the operator
Walk the whole vehicle with a staff member before signing anything. Ask them to point out every existing scratch, dent and chip, and confirm each appears on the condition report.
- Photograph all four sides, the roof, the windscreen and the rear
- Check the windscreen for chips and the mirrors for cracks
- Open every door, the tailgate and the pop-top
- Test headlights, indicators, brake lights and hazards
| Area | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Body panels | Scratches, dents, loose trim, damaged bumpers |
| Glass | Windscreen chips, cracked mirrors, damaged seals |
| Tyres | Tread depth, sidewall cuts, uneven wear |
| Interior | Stains, tears, broken latches, missing fittings |
A photo of the odometer, fuel gauge and water gauge at handover settles most disagreements later.
Check the equipment inside
Ask the operator to show you where everything is stored, then confirm each item is in the locker. Kit lists differ between vehicles, so treat the list as a starting point.
- Bedding, pillows and linen, or confirm none is included
- Cookware, crockery, cutlery, kettle and cooking fuel
- Fridge or cooler, and how it is powered
- First aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle and tools
Water, gas and power
Water and gas often run out sooner than renters expect. Ask how the tanks are filled and where the isolator switches sit before you leave town.
- Confirm the water tank is full and ask how it is refilled
- Check the gas bottle is connected and how to change it
- Ask how the lights, pump and fridge draw power, and where the battery isolator sits
Ask the operator to demonstrate refilling water and swapping the gas bottle while you watch, not just describe it.
Tyres, spares and documents
For a 4x4 camper, tyre pressure matters off the bitumen, so get both sets explained before departure.
In Broome the operator supplies campervans and 4WD campers but no passenger cars. A 4WD camper needs a driver aged 21 or over, a campervan 18 or over. Ask whether a non-English licence needs a translation, and get the emergency contact and roadside assistance process.
- Confirm the spare wheel, jack and brace suit the vehicle
- Ask what pressures to run on dirt and on the highway
- Check whether low-range and diff locks are fitted and how to engage them
Common handover mistakes
- Signing the condition report without walking the vehicle
- Assuming equipment is included without opening the lockers
- Not testing the fridge before leaving town
Questions on this road
What should I check first at pickup?
Walk the whole vehicle with a staff member and record existing damage before signing. Photos of body, glass, tyres and gauges protect you at return.
Is bedding always included?
Not always. Some vehicles are hired bare and expect you to bring your own linen and sleeping bags.
Do I need a special licence for a 4WD camper?
No, but the minimum driver age for a 4WD camper is 21, compared with 18 for a campervan.