Starting Out Caravanning
The Essentials you will need when starting out caravanning
If you’re new to caravanning it’s a little like playing house when you were a child. Not just the home maker scattering pretty cushions but also the technician who needs to know when to fill the water tank, change the gas bottle and keep it all running smoothly. Fortunately modern caravans are great at helping you out with all this monitoring.
Firstly think about the habitation side and being comfortable. You will need bedding so this can either be pillows and duvets from home or you may like to consider sleeping bags which are often more compact and can be left in the van without the need to strip your beds at home each time you go away. Kids especially love sleeping bags as it adds to the adventure.
Next you will be thinking of cooking and eating. Storage space is always at a premium so a set of nesting pans is always a good investment.
A set of melamine tableware is a practical and fun choice where you can really let your personality shine and make your home away from home truly yours. You can match it with some colourful cutlery or keep to the ever popular stainless steel variety but you will want a set you can leave in the draws rather than moving it to and from your home kitchen.
Don’t forget one of the most essential bits of kitchen equipment – your kettle. Remember to check the Watts as most site hook-ups won’t take the power of your normal hose kettle but there is a huge range of low watt (around 900W) options to choose from.
An in order to enjoy your brew to the fullest you really can’t beat a YETI mug to keep it hot (or cold depending on your choice of beverage). These bright durable mugs are great for being out and about, keeping the wildlife out of your drink and maintaining it at the perfect temperature.
Many caravans have an onboard fresh water tank but you may want to consider some container to move the water from tap to van. The Aqua Roll has been an essential for caravanners for many years and you won’t be able to go far on any campsite without seeing one. They are even available made from recycled polmer.
You will also need a waste water carrier to empty your waste tank into which uses hoses running from your caravan. Do think about where you want to stow any waste containers when not in use as you don’t want them rolling round your living quarters. Remember this is separate to your toilet whichh will have its own cassette system and needs to be emptied in to specific points on campsites.
Having your own toilet is a huge advantage of a caravan. No more restricting fluids after 7pm so you don’t have to crawl out of your tent at 2am to walk through a freezing campsite to the spider infested toilet block. It’s important you familiarise yourself with the specifics of how your onboard toilet works and how to empty and clean it. Generally you will need 2 types of chemicals – one for the cassette (generally blue or green in colour) and one for the flush tank (generally pink). You may like to investigate alternative environmentally friendly options such as Elsan Organic toilet fluid rinse if you are concerned about the more tradiotion al chemicals and even specific toilet paper for cassette toilets.
Thinking about the practical exterior you will want a sturdy step to help with access in and out as there can be quite a step up. There are lots of options to look at here. Do you want sturdy plastic or a metal frame? One larger step or two shallower ones? Folding or fixed? You can even get steps with handrails to make you feel more secure when entering or exiting.
You will also want to check you have a mains hook-up cable so you can connect on site. Your caravan may already have one but it’s worth checking before you set out just in case. Also make a note of which size gas bottle your caravan uses and ensure the hoses and regulator are in good condition. A spanner of the correct size is also useful to carry for when you need to switch bottles.
An option you may wish to consider is getting an electric motor mover fitted. These are a great asset when moving your caravan around and a great help when getting the car aligned to hitch up – especially useful for those new to this.
Towing mirrors are a legal requirement for many vehicles and available in various forms to suit your car/van. These are easily removable and stored in your caravan when not needed.
You will also need a hitchlock to secure your caravan. Please ensure you check your insurance policy as some have specific requirements and having a higher security can even reduce your premiums so can be a good investment long term.
Once you arrive on site you may find that the ground is not quite as level as it looked at first glance. This is where ramps and chock and help you level up and stay put. Many folk also carry a small spirit level with them to help achieve the perfect setting (and stop any arguments as to which way you’re tilting!)
Each time you pitch your caravan you’ll be winding down the corner steadies or legs as most people call them. Some brands have specific clip and lock feet but we would recommend using some form of pad. This not only protects the legs from scratches and mud but also helps to stop them sinking on soft ground and keeps you level. You may also notice that more experienced caravaners around you carry a 12V drill with a corner steady winder attachment as this saves a lot of time and bending down.
Enjoying your outdoor life is one of the main reasons we love our caravans so a couple of outdoor chairs are a welcome addition. This could be as simple as a folding stool or traditiional deckchair or there are some amazing advanced inflatable chairs and even sofas which offer relaxing comfort whilst still being durable and compact for storage.
For enjoying a relaxing read or even a bit of a snooze you could look at a recliner. These are a great multi purpose chair which fold flat for storage and their durable design will give you many years of use.
All that’s left is to start your adventure!