We've compiled a number of essential tips that we think every new caravanner should know before their first caravan trip away from home.
Stay Somewhere Close to Home
We chose a caravan site very close to home four our first trip away. It was literally ten miles from where we store our caravan. This was on purpose because we knew that if we forgot anything or ran into any issues, we could easily go back and retrieve what we needed. It also gave us peace of mind knowing that we weren't too far away from home in case of emergency.
Plan Your Route
Before embarking on your first caravan trip, it's important to plan out your route. This includes checking for any road closures or construction, as well as finding suitable rest stops along the way. Make sure to also take into account the size and weight of your caravan when choosing a route.
Check Your Towing Vehicle
It's crucial to check your towing vehicle before heading out on your first trip. Make sure all tyre pressures are correct and inspect for any signs of wear. Ensure e you have fitted your towing mirrors correctly, fastening them tight enough to keep them secure. Final adjustments can be made once hitched up.
Understanding Towing and Hitching
Towing and hitching a caravan can be intimidating for new caravanners, but with practice, it becomes easier. Familiarize yourself with the basics of towing, including understanding the weight limits and towing capacity of your vehicle. Learn how to properly hitch the caravan to your vehicle, ensuring that it is secure and stable. There are plenty of videos on YouTube to teach you this.
Before setting off on your journey, always double-check your hitch is secure (Wind down the jockey-wheel so it raises the caravan and towing vehicle without the hitch detaching), check your electrical connections and ensure your safety chain is connected. Remember when towing to take wider turns and allow for extra braking distance when towing a caravan.
We have produced a guide to help you with hitching/unhitching your caravan here.
Packing Smart and Efficiently
Packing smart and efficiently is essential to make the most of the limited space in a caravan. Make a checklist of all the essentials you'll need for your trip, including bedding, kitchenware, toiletries, and clothing. Utilize storage solutions such as collapsible containers, vacuum-sealed bags, and hanging organisers to maximise space.
When packing, distribute the weight evenly to maintain stability while towing. Secure loose items and fragile items to prevent damage during travel. It's also important to pack emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit, tools, and spare parts.
Arriving at your Pitch
In our experience caravan sites will have their own rules (or not) for setting up on your pitch. Our advise here is to give your self plenty of room and, if you can, drive on forwards to your pitch to avoid having to manouver / reverse on to your pitch.
If you are unable to drive straight on, if possible, pull forward as far as you can so you have a straight run at reversing on to your pitch.
If your caravan is fitted with Motor movers, don't let your pride get in the way of using them. Park up, unhitch and manoeuvre into your pitch precisely with the motor mover. It might just save your relationship!
Managing Water and Waste
Properly managing water and waste is crucial for a comfortable and hygienic caravan holiday. Familiarise yourself with the water and waste systems in your caravan, including how to fill and empty the water tanks, as well as how to properly dispose of waste.
When staying at caravan parks or campsites, make use of the available facilities for refilling water tanks and emptying waste. Follow any specific guidelines provided by the park or site. It's important to conserve water and use it wisely to avoid running out during your trip.
Fresh Water
Most sites will either have a nearby water tap, to fill your Aquaroll, or a dedicated water tap per pitch, which will require you to use a mains adaptor kit for your Aquaroll.
If using the Aquaroll as your water source, you will need to have a pump inserted in your Aquaroll to pump the water to your caravan.
If you are using a direct to mains connection you will need to also fit a ball-valve kit to your Aquaroll to switch off/on the water automatically as you use it.
Grey Waste Water
Most caravan sites will also have a local or dedicated grey waste point. A local grey waste point will require you to collect waste in your Wastemaster and empty it daily at the localised grey waste water point.
A dedicated grey waste point, per pitch, normally on 'Super Pitches' or similar will have a dedicated grey waste point, just for you to use. On these pitches you may find it easier to run your grey waste pipes directly from your caravan to the grey waste point, as this will save you having to empty your Wastemaster container daily.
Toilet Chemicals
Most sites will provide a chemical toilet waste point. This is separate to the grey waste points. Chemical toilets must never be emptied in grey waste points.
A chemical toilet waste point usually will include a hose/running water to allow you to rinse out your chemical toilet and partially refill before adding chemicals.
Gas and Electric Connections
It's important to familiarise yourself with the different types of gas and electricity systems used in your caravan, and as much as your excitement will allow it is always a good idea to read the handbook that came with your caravan to understand the nuances of the systems that make your caravan unique.
Electrical Hook Up (EHU)
Most camping and caravanning sites offer electrical hook up, sometimes with an additional charge. You will need an EHU cable fitted with 16A plugs and sockets to connect to the site's electric supply. And you may even need an extension cable (16A) to reach the supply for your pitch. These are normally available in 10-25m lengths.
Always connect to your caravan first and then to the supply and disconnect in the reverse order.
Propane / Butane Gas Connection
If you are planning on cooking whilst you are away ensure you have purchased the correct gas bottle and gas for your caravan. In recent years sourcing new Gas bottles has been tricky (you may need to buy one secondhand on Facebook marketplace or similar) and then get it refilled by a local approved dealer.
And don't forget your Gas Spanner to ensure your connection is tight and leak free.
Before hitting the road, to return home, always make sure all gas and electric connections in your caravan are switched off and disconnected.
Caravan Essentials Checklist for 1st Trip
We've created a Pinterest Board here too, of the items we think you should have on your first trip.
Pack up your Awning in Advance
To avoid having to pack away your awning when it is wet or in the rain, it is a good idea to consider packing it up early or in advance. Packing your awning away when it is wet can lead to it getting damp and rotting whilst stored.
We generally avoid packing away our awning on the morning of departure as mornings are often damp and dewy. We often check the weather app on our phones whilst we are away and choose instead to pack away our awning early, preferably in the afternoon before we depart, if possible.
This saves us a lot of work when we return home as we do not need to unpack our awning and dry it out ready for its next use.
Safe Travels!
Safety should always be a top priority when caravanning. Familiarise yourself with the caravan's safety features, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. Test these features regularly to ensure they are in working order.
During travel, adhere to speed limits and drive cautiously. Be aware of the height and width of your caravan to avoid collisions with low bridges or narrow roads. Regularly inspect the tires and check the pressure to maintain optimal safety.
Lastly, safe travels, and let us know if you think we have missed anything.