New to Caravanning: Your Essentials Checklist
Whilst there are hundreds if not thousands of great products available to caravanners, no one wants to fork out a fortune for items they might not need or won't ever use, particularly if you have just paid for a new caravan. There are however a few essentials that will make your first caravanning trip easier, more enjoyable and altogether stress free – just the way it should be.
The first absolute essential is a portable water container for filling your fresh water tank when you first arrive on site. Often simply called an ‘Aquaroll' after one of the leading products of this type (think ‘Hoover' or ‘Tanoy'), these are an absolute must for every caravanner as in case you hadn't noticed your home away from home is not plumbed in to the mains!
You will also need a step for getting in to the caravan door as steps aren't generally something which manufacturers supply, though if buying from a dealer these will often be included as part of a ‘new starter kit'.
An awning isn't strictly an essential as some caravanners do go without, but with the offer of doubling your living space and greatly increasing your caravans usability, it's an item which most caravanners wouldn't do without. You can buy different types and sizes of awning, from a full length awning with large zipped doors, to a porch awning designed simply as an area to take off muddy boots before entering the van, so be sure to do your homework and choose the awning that's right for you and your caravan.
Moving to the inside of the caravan, a small spirit level which you can use to ensure the caravan is level when you hitch up on site is a very clever buy – some sites have pitches which are quite sloped and sleeping on an unlevel surface can be very uncomfortable. With a spirit level you can ensure the caravan is level when you first put its legs down.
This is an item which you may already have but if not then is well worth buying; a Sat-Nav. Whilst on your everyday routes you might not find the need for a Sat-Nav, when trying to find a remote caravan park for the first time you will be extremely glad of one of these increasingly affordable devices.
It's fairly likely you'll have been given a gas bottle with your caravan, either if you bought it second hand or new through a dealership, but a spare is an essential buy if you intend on visiting sites without electric hookup or plan on using the cooker for the majority of your stay, which brings me on to the next sensible buy...
A portable gas barbecue. These can be picked up from most caravan accessory shops and outdoor leisure stores, they run off your standard caravan gas bottles and give you that al fresco dining experience without the need for charcoal or fire lighters which take up vital space. In fact, some caravans now come with a special outdoor BBQ gas point on the side of your caravan, so you can hook up the barbecue without having to remove the bottle from its usual home in the front locker.
These items should make your first trip a little bit easier and more enjoyable, but there are hundreds of items which you may find you need over the years and will unwilling amass – just keep in mind that whatever you buy, you will have to carry with you! On the subject of weight, make sure that your caravan and its contents never exceed 85% of your cars total weight as this is the maximum ratio which is safe to tow. Of course it is advisable to be well underneath this to get the best control and safety when towing, plus much more better fuel consumption – and remember that the maximum towing weight detailed by your car manufacturer is the one you should never exceed, even if less than 85%.
Last, but certainly not least on your list of must haves, is a specialist insurance policy that covers your caravan and all your carefully chosen new equipment. Make sure that the total value you are insured for is enough to cover your caravan, awning and every item of equipment.
The first absolute essential is a portable water container for filling your fresh water tank when you first arrive on site. Often simply called an ‘Aquaroll' after one of the leading products of this type (think ‘Hoover' or ‘Tanoy'), these are an absolute must for every caravanner as in case you hadn't noticed your home away from home is not plumbed in to the mains!
You will also need a step for getting in to the caravan door as steps aren't generally something which manufacturers supply, though if buying from a dealer these will often be included as part of a ‘new starter kit'.
An awning isn't strictly an essential as some caravanners do go without, but with the offer of doubling your living space and greatly increasing your caravans usability, it's an item which most caravanners wouldn't do without. You can buy different types and sizes of awning, from a full length awning with large zipped doors, to a porch awning designed simply as an area to take off muddy boots before entering the van, so be sure to do your homework and choose the awning that's right for you and your caravan.
Moving to the inside of the caravan, a small spirit level which you can use to ensure the caravan is level when you hitch up on site is a very clever buy – some sites have pitches which are quite sloped and sleeping on an unlevel surface can be very uncomfortable. With a spirit level you can ensure the caravan is level when you first put its legs down.
This is an item which you may already have but if not then is well worth buying; a Sat-Nav. Whilst on your everyday routes you might not find the need for a Sat-Nav, when trying to find a remote caravan park for the first time you will be extremely glad of one of these increasingly affordable devices.
It's fairly likely you'll have been given a gas bottle with your caravan, either if you bought it second hand or new through a dealership, but a spare is an essential buy if you intend on visiting sites without electric hookup or plan on using the cooker for the majority of your stay, which brings me on to the next sensible buy...
A portable gas barbecue. These can be picked up from most caravan accessory shops and outdoor leisure stores, they run off your standard caravan gas bottles and give you that al fresco dining experience without the need for charcoal or fire lighters which take up vital space. In fact, some caravans now come with a special outdoor BBQ gas point on the side of your caravan, so you can hook up the barbecue without having to remove the bottle from its usual home in the front locker.
These items should make your first trip a little bit easier and more enjoyable, but there are hundreds of items which you may find you need over the years and will unwilling amass – just keep in mind that whatever you buy, you will have to carry with you! On the subject of weight, make sure that your caravan and its contents never exceed 85% of your cars total weight as this is the maximum ratio which is safe to tow. Of course it is advisable to be well underneath this to get the best control and safety when towing, plus much more better fuel consumption – and remember that the maximum towing weight detailed by your car manufacturer is the one you should never exceed, even if less than 85%.
Last, but certainly not least on your list of must haves, is a specialist insurance policy that covers your caravan and all your carefully chosen new equipment. Make sure that the total value you are insured for is enough to cover your caravan, awning and every item of equipment.
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