29. March 2026
100 expert caravan tips!
A caravan holiday is the ultimate "slow travel" experience, but it does come with its own unique set of rules and quirks. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, here is the ultimate checklist of 100 tips to make your trip smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Preparation & Packing
- Check your towing weight: Ensure your car’s towing capacity matches your caravan’s MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass).
- Nose weight matters: Use a gauge to ensure the weight on the hitch isn't too heavy or too light.
- Weight distribution: Place heavy items low down and over the axle for stability.
- The "Snagging" List: Keep a notebook in the van to jot down things that need fixing.
- Standardized Toolkit: Keep a dedicated set of tools in the caravan so you don't have to raid the garage.
- First Aid Kit: Check expiry dates on bandages and creams annually.
- Soft luggage only: Use collapsible bags instead of hard suitcases; they are easier to store.
- Levelling ramps: Essential for uneven pitches.
- Spare bulbs and fuses: For both the car and the caravan.
- A spirit level: Don't guess; there’s nothing worse than sleeping on a slant.
On the Road
- Check your tires: Look for cracks in the sidewalls and check pressures (including the spare!).
- Towing mirrors: They aren't optional; they are a legal requirement in many regions.
- Plan your route: Use a caravan-specific Satnav to avoid narrow lanes or low bridges.
- Take breaks: Towing is more tiring than standard driving. Stop every 2 hours.
- The "Walk Around": Before moving, check all windows, roof lights, and lockers are locked.
- Handbrake check: Ensure the caravan handbrake is off before pulling away.
- Step away: Don't forget to stow the entrance step!
- Steady as she goes: If you experience "snaking," ease off the accelerator—do not brake hard.
- Watch the swing: Remember the "rear-end swing" when turning tight corners.
- Fuel up early: Fuel consumption drops significantly when towing; don’t risk the "Low Fuel" light.
On-Site Setup
- Arrive in daylight: Setting up in the dark is a recipe for an argument.
- Pitch selection: Look for level ground and proximity to the water tap.
- Reverse with a spotter: Use your partner or a friend to guide you (and agree on hand signals first!).
- Wind down the steadies: Never use them to lift the van; they are for stability, not levelling.
- Connect the electrics: Uncoil your hook-up cable fully to prevent overheating.
- Check the polarity: Use a tester to ensure the site’s electric hook-up is wired correctly.
- Fresh water first: Get the Aquaroll filled and the pump primed immediately.
- Waste management: Ensure your Wastemaster is positioned under the outlets.
- Fridge switch: Switch from 12V (car) to Electric or Gas once parked.
- Level the fridge: Many caravan fridges won't work properly if they aren't level.
Cooking & Kitchen
- Nesting bowls: Save cupboard space with stackable cookware.
- Melamine dishes: Lightweight and won't shatter on bumpy roads.
- The Slow Cooker: Great for having dinner ready after a long day of hiking.
- Anti-slip matting: Line your cupboards to stop plates from sliding around.
- Kettle choice: Use a low-wattage electric kettle to avoid tripping the site’s circuit.
- Keep it simple: One-pot meals are your best friend.
- Outside cooking: Bring a CADAC or portable BBQ to keep smells out of the van.
- Magnetic spice tins: Great for saving shelf space.
- Toaster bags: Perfect for making toasties without a bulky sandwich press.
- Check your gas: Always have a spare bottle; it always runs out at 3:00 AM.
Hygiene & Maintenance
- Pink and Blue: Don't forget your toilet chemicals (Pink for flush, Blue/Green for waste).
- Special toilet paper: Use quick-dissolving caravan toilet paper to avoid clogs.
- The "Golden Rule": Empty the waste tank (cassette) daily to avoid heavy lifting.
- Microfibre towels: They dry much faster than cotton and save space.
- Shower shoes: Essential for using communal site showers.
- Squeegee: Wipe down the onboard shower after use to prevent mold.
- Dehumidifier bags: Use them during winter storage or damp weather.
- Sterilize tanks: Clean your water system at the start of every season.
- Ventilation: Keep vents clear; caravans need air circulation to prevent condensation.
- Roof maintenance: Check seals for leaks every few months.
Sleeping & Comfort
- Memory foam topper: Caravan mattresses can be thin; a topper makes a world of difference.
- Sleeping bags vs. Duvets: Duvets feel more like home, but sleeping bags are easier to stow.
- Earplugs: Campground neighbours or heavy rain on a plastic roof can be loud.
- Packing cubes: Keep clothes organized in small lockers.
- Hot water bottles: Great for chilly nights if you don't want the heater on.
- Blackout blinds: Most vans have them, but check for gaps to ensure a lie-in.
- Command hooks: Use them for coats and towels without drilling holes.
- Shoe storage: Keep shoes in a box in the awning to keep the floor clean.
- Portable fan: Essential for summer trips as caravans heat up quickly.
- Scatter cushions: Use them for lumbar support on bench seating.
Technology & Utilities
- Battery health: Keep your leisure battery charged, especially when not in use.
- LED bulbs: Swap all interior lights to LED to save battery power.
- Solar panels: Great for "off-grid" or "wild" camping.
- Wi-Fi Booster: Campground Wi-Fi is notoriously weak; bring your own signal booster.
- Power bank: For charging phones without using the leisure battery.
- Downloaded entertainment: Download movies/shows before you leave home.
- Long hook-up cable: Sometimes the bollard is further away than you think.
- Cable tidies: Keep your awning area safe from trip hazards.
- Water pump spare: If the pump fails, your holiday is effectively over. Carry a spare.
- USB adapters: Ensure you have 12V USB plugs for when you aren't on hook-up.
The Great Outdoors (Awnings)
- Air awnings: Faster to put up than pole awnings, but heavier to carry.
- Rock pegs: Standard pegs won't work on hard-standing pitches.
- Storm straps: Use them if any wind is forecast.
- Awning carpet: Breathable ones are best for the grass.
- WD-40: Use it on the awning rail to make the fabric slide through easily.
- Mallet: A heavy-duty rubber mallet is a must-have.
- Drying rack: Hang it on the back of the caravan for wet swimwear.
- Outdoor lighting: Fairy lights or solar stakes make your pitch feel like home.
- Foldable chairs: Invest in high-quality ones; you’ll spend a lot of time in them.
- Windbreak: Provides privacy and stops the stove from blowing out.
Pets & Kids
- Tie-out stake: Keep your dog secure but free to roam the pitch.
- Collapsible bowls: Perfect for walks and space-saving.
- Travel crates: The safest way for pets to travel in the car.
- Board games: The classic "rainy day" caravan activity.
- Glow sticks: Put them on tent pegs or dog collars at night for safety.
- Picket fence: Great for keeping small toddlers contained in the awning.
- Bucket and spade: Always keep these in a locker for impromptu beach trips.
- Walkie-talkies: Fun for kids and useful for manoeuvring into tight spots.
- Nature scrapbooks: A great way to keep kids engaged with the outdoors.
- Scavenger hunts: Create a list of things for kids to find around the site.
Pro Tips & Etiquette
- The Wave: It’s tradition! Wave to other caravanners on the road.
- Quiet hours: Respect the site’s noise rules (usually 10 PM – 7 AM).
- Leave no trace: Take your rubbish to the bins and leave the pitch clean.
- Check out times: Don’t be that person blocking the road at noon.
- Winterize: Drain all water systems before winter to prevent frozen pipes.
- Security: Always use a hitch lock and wheel clamp.
- Insurance: Ensure your caravan insurance covers "new for old" and European travel.
- The "Welcome Pack": Keep tea, coffee, and biscuits in a reachable spot for arrival.
- Join a club: Memberships like the Caravan and Motorhome Club offer great discounts
- .Relax: Things will go wrong. The pump might leak or a fuse might blow. Take a breath—it’s all part of the adventure.