Are you an avid traveller seeking the freedom of the open road? Caravanning, or RV camping, is a fantastic way to explore the world while enjoying the comforts of your home on wheels. However, embarking on a caravanning adventure requires careful planning and preparation.
In this blog, we will provide you with essential tips to ensure your adventure is a success. Whether you are a seasoned camper or a first-time caravanner, these tips will come in handy. From choosing the right equipment to planning your route, we have got you covered. Get ready to learn how to make the most out of your outdoor experience. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let us guide you through the world of caravanning and camping.
In this article, we'll share essential caravanning tips that will help you get fully prepared for your next memorable trip.
CARAVANNING:
Tips For Getting Your Caravan Ready
If you're gearing up for an exciting caravanning adventure, proper preparation is the key to a smooth and enjoyable journey. Getting your caravan ready involves a series of essential steps that ensure safety as well as your comfort on the road. Here are some valuable tips to help you get your caravan ready for your next trip.
- Check the tyres: Properly inflated and well-maintained tyres are crucial for safe towing. Check tyre pressure, tread depth, and inspect for any signs of damage. Don't forget to examine the spare tyre as well.
- Check the brakes: Regularly checking and maintaining your brakes can prevent accidents and ensure a smooth and safe journey.
- Check the lights: Check all interior and exterior lights to ensure they're all functioning properly and to ensure your safety during various driving conditions.
- Pack essentials: Load up on necessary supplies like food, water, clothing, toiletries, and medication. Don't forget to pack entertainment options for downtime.
- Check the gas and water levels: Properly maintaining gas and water levels can extend the lifespan of your caravan's appliances and systems. Regular checks and maintenance help prevent unnecessary wear and tear, preserving the value of your investment.
- Secure loose items: Before you hit the road, go through all the items in your caravan. Make sure everything is properly stored and organised. Discard any unnecessary items to reduce clutter and potential hazards.
- Test the weight: Before you embark on your journey, take the time to test and adjust the weight distribution within your caravan. Uneven weight can lead to handling issues, poor fuel efficiency, and increased wear on your vehicle and caravan.
Tips For Staying Safe While Caravanning
Caravanning offers a unique and exciting way to explore new places and create lasting memories. However, like any adventure, it's essential to prioritise safety during your journey. Read on to discover how to stay safe while caravanning.
Safety and Security Tools
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: If you are camping in an RV or other enclosed space, it's important to have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert you to potential fires or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
- Security alarms: If you are concerned about theft or break-ins, you may want to consider installing a security alarm. These can include door and window alarms, as well as alarms that detect movement or vibrations.
Caravan Steps
Caravan steps are an important component of a safe and convenient camping setup, particularly for those staying in an RV or caravan. They provide stability, accessibility, and protection, making it easier and safer to enter and exit your vehicle.
Here are some of the most common types of caravan steps:
- 1. Single Step: A single step is the most basic type of caravan step, typically made of plastic or metal. It is lightweight and easy to store, but may not provide enough height for larger caravans or RVs.
- 2. Double Step: A double step has two steps, providing additional height for larger caravans or RVs. It is usually made of metal and can be heavier and more durable than a single step.
- 3. Folding Step: A folding step is designed to be compact and easy to store when not in use. It typically has two or three steps and can be made of plastic or metal.
When choosing a caravan step, consider the height of your vehicle, your mobility needs, and your storage space. It's important to choose a step that is stable, durable, and easy to use. If you want more tips in choosing a quality caravan steps, feel free to read “Tips for Choosing the Right Caravan Step”
Advice For Keeping Your Caravan In Good Condition
Maintaining your caravan in good condition is crucial for a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Here are some valuable pieces of advice to help you keep your caravan in top shape:
- Regular cleaning: Regularly clean both the interior and exterior of your caravan. Use appropriate cleaning products for different surfaces. Clean out the water tanks, waste systems, and gas appliances as needed.
- Check for leaks: Inspect and maintain the seals around windows, doors, and roof vents. Ensure that there are no leaks to prevent water damage and maintain a comfortable interior.
- Check tyres and brakes: Check tyre pressure before each trip and inspect the tread for wear. Rotate and replace tyres as needed, and make sure the spare tre is in good condition. Also, keep the brakes and suspension in optimal condition by having them serviced regularly.
- Service your caravan regularly: Schedule regular professional servicing for your caravan. An experienced mechanic or caravan technician can perform thorough checks and address any issues you might have missed.
- Store your caravan properly: Store your caravan in a dry, covered area when not in use to protect it from the elements. If storing outdoors, use a weatherproof cover.
Must-Have Caravan Accessories That Can Enhance The Trip
Having the right caravan accessories can significantly enhance your travel experience and make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. Here are some must-have caravan accessories to consider:
- Awning: Awnings provide extra outdoor living space, protection from the sun, and shelter during light rain.
- Solar panels: Solar panels can help keep your caravan's batteries charged, allowing you to extend your time off-grid and reduce the need for electrical hook-ups.
- Leveling blocks: These are essential for ensuring your caravan is levelled when parked. Uneven terrain can affect your comfort and the functioning of appliances like refrigerators.
- Portable BBQ: Enjoy outdoor cooking with a portable BBQ or grill. It's a great way to prepare meals while soaking in the sights and sounds of your surroundings.
- Satellite dish: A specialised antenna used to receive satellite signals for television, radio, internet, and other communication services.
- Folding chairs and tables: Lightweight and collapsible camping chairs and a folding table provide comfortable seating and dining options outside your caravan.
- Water carrier: A practical and essential accessory for your caravaning or camping trips. It's designed to transport and store fresh water for various purposes such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, and washing.
RV Maintenance
CAMPING:
Beginner Camping Mistakes
It is important to be aware of some common mistakes that beginners make to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Here are some of the most common beginner camping mistakes and how you can avoid them.
10 Camping Essentials You Need for Your Next Camping Trip
To get the most out of your camping trip, you must have the right equipment and supplies packed in your car. Packing the wrong things and forgetting essential items can ruin even the best of trips.
- Camping Tents: A good camping tent is one of the essential items on this list. You want one that is large enough for the number of people sleeping in it, sturdy enough for all types of weather, and reliable enough to last you for many years.Don’t skimp on the price, as a good quality tent will be one of the most valuable items you own. A few things to consider when shopping for tents are the number of people it’s designed to accommodate, the type of environment you’ll be using it in (desert, mountains), and the type of material it’s made. And remember that tents come in different sizes and weights, so make sure that the one you choose is lightweight enough to carry comfortably and is easy to set up.
- Sleeping Bags or Blanket: Sleeping bags are a popular choice for camping, but you can also use blankets if you’re camping in warm weather. And if you’re camping with kids, choose a thick sleeping bag or blanket that can easily be folded or rolled up and carried with you. Choose a sleeping bag or blanket made from a breathable fabric and large enough to fit everyone sleeping in the tent comfortably. It would be best if you regularly cleaned your sleeping bag or blanket to reduce the chance of catching lice or fleas. If you’re camping in warm weather, use a bug net or insect repellent to prevent insects from climbing inside. And if camping in cold weather, bring an extra blanket to layer with your sleeping bag.
- Stove and Cooking Utensils: Suppose you plan to cook while camping; ensure a good-quality stove and sufficient fuel to last your entire trip. Also, ensure the stove is gas powered, not electric, as most campgrounds don’t provide electricity. Stores that sell camping equipment sell large pots and pans with handles that fold in or snap shut, making them easy to pack and store in your car. If camping in a group or with friends, you may consider buying a portable cooking kit with pots, pans, and a stove. It will make it easier for everyone to use the stove and cook their meals. Remember to pack a sufficient amount of dishes and utensils for each person and cleaning supplies, like a sponge or dishwashing liquid, to keep them clean.
- Flashlight with Extra Batteries: We all know that one day, the lights will go out. When that day comes, you’ll be thankful to have a flashlight with extra batteries ready to go in your pack. A flashlight is one of the essential pieces of survival gear you can put in your bag. You can use it for lighting, self-defense, and first aid. If you’re camping in a tent, you’ll want to ensure that your flashlight is small enough to fit inside your bag and has enough light to guide you around the tent or campsite. If you plan to go camping in a remote area, you’ll want to pack a large, heavy-duty flashlight with a long-lasting battery. A remote area may not have electricity, so you’ll need a bright flashlight that can last many hours.
- Camping Toilet: If you’re unfamiliar with camping toilets, they are simply a bucket or boxes you can use to dispose of your bodily waste. You can buy or make your camping toilet, which is effortless. Most camping toilets come with a toilet seat, so you don’t have to sit on the ground or an open bucket. These toilets also have a bag inside that can be replaced as needed. But if you decide to make your camping toilet, make sure you dispose of the waste properly.Find an inconspicuous spot away from the camp and bury your waste in a hole. Make sure to use a spade or shovel to dig the hole and close the hole with dirt after you’re done.
- Water and Food Supply: If you plan to bring food with you on your camping trip, ensure it’s kept in a cool and dry place to prevent spoilage. You can store it in a dry bag or fridge, such as the myCOOLMAN, or wrap it in a cloth or t-shirt to keep it from becoming damp. You should also pack enough water for everyone, especially camping in a warm or hot climate. You should also pack water purification tablets or a water filter if your water supply becomes contaminated. If you’re camping with children, make sure you pack enough food for them and for any adults who are accompanying you on your trip. You don’t want to run out of food before the trip ends, so ensure you have enough supplies to last you the entire time.
- Rain-gear and Umbrella: If you’re camping in a warm or hot climate, you’ll want to pack a rain jacket, suit, or umbrella that can double as sun protection. The umbrella can also shield you from harmful UV rays, should you find yourself in a place with no shade. In addition, an umbrella makes a great companion for hiking trips and long walks in the woods. It’s easy to carry and protects against rain and the intense sun. If you plan to visit a cool area during your camping trip, you’ll want to bring a raincoat and an umbrella to shield yourself from the cold rain. Finally, an umbrella is beneficial if you’re hiking or trekking through a forest, as it will provide a shield against the rain and falling leaves or branches.
- Firewood & Equipment: If you’re planning to start a campfire during your trip, ensure you have enough firewood to last you the entire time you’re camping. You don’t want to run out of firewood when you’re in the middle of the woods with no way to get more, so pack enough firewood for the entire trip. You can buy firewood from a local store, or you can collect your firewood during your camping trip. However, you choose to get your firewood, make sure it’s properly dried out before you pack it in your bag. If you plan to use a fire pit or a fire ring during your trip, make sure that it’s large enough to hold your firewood while providing enough room for everyone around the fire to sit.
- Survival & First Aid Equipment: If camping in a remote area, you should bring survival and first aid equipment. This equipment can help you and your group survive if you become lost or injured or are forced to spend more time in the wild than expected. First aid equipment should include bandages, tweezers, a pocket knife, and a first aid guide. You may also want to pack a pressure bandage, butterfly bandages, and gauze or cloth. If you plan to travel to a forest or jungle area, you should pack a machete or long blade to help you cut your way through thick vegetation, a water bottle, and a compass.
- Insect Repellents: The reality is for most campers, no matter the season, there are bugs, and depending on how prepared you are can be the difference between enjoying your camping trip or not. While there are plenty of home remedies and tips and tricks you can learn while camping, it is best to be prepared. RV Online have a great selection of insect repellents that will ensure those nasty bug bites and insects stay away.
Useful Camper Accessories You May Use To Make Your Camping Easier
There are many useful camper accessories that can make camping easier and more enjoyable. Here are some examples:
- Navigator - Anywhere Table - Extends 1m High
- SlumberTrek - Aluminium Table Rectangle; Also available in square.
- Navigator - Nowhere Chair - Adult Size; Also comes in Kids size.
- Navigator - Nowhere Flip Stool
- SlumberTrek - Butterfly Chair
- SlumberTrek - Folding Camping Chair
- Femstar - Portable Baby High Chair
- TRA - Caravan External Table
- Explore Planet Earth - Pegasus Hiking Chair
- Explore Planet Earth - Pegasus Hiking Stool
- Explore Planet Earth - Pegasus Deluxe Chair
- Explore Planet Earth - Dash Lite Table MK11
- Explore Planet Earth - Dash Deluxe Table MK11
- Explore Planet Earth - Dash Side Table MK11
- Explore Planet Earth - Luna Chair
- Explore Planet Earth - Acacia Chair
- Explore Planet Earth - Otway Deluxe Chair
- Explore Planet Earth - Traveller Wavy Arm Chair
- Explore Planet Earth - RV High Back Chair
- Explore Planet Earth Bondi Rock M11
- 1. Leash: A leash is an important tool for responsible pet owners when camping. It can help keep your dog safe and under control, show respect for other campers, comply with campground rules, and protect the local wildlife.
- 2. Dog food container: A dog food container is an important item to have when camping with your dog, as it can help keep your dog's food fresh, prevent spills, protect against wildlife, and ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy during your outdoor adventures.
- 3. Dog bed: A dog bed can be an important item to bring when camping with your dog. It can provide comfort, insulation, and protection, helping to ensure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy while enjoying the great outdoors with you.
- 4. Dog seat: A dog seat is an important piece of equipment to have when camping with your dog. It can help keep your furry friend safe, comfortable, and contained while travelling, and make the journey more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- 1. Shower drink holder: Is the ultimate bathroom indulgence. Made from 100% antibacterial silicone, it will secure to any smooth, clean surface including glass and tiles, and importantly, will keep your beverage safe, sound, and right at your fingertips.
- 2. Body scrubber: Featuring silicone bristles, this bathroom essential is built for deep cleansing and optimal exfoliation.
- 3. Face scrubber: Designed with gentle 100% silicone bristles for optimal exfoliation, our scrubber makes for a relaxing addition to your grooming routine.
- 4. Toiletry organiser: It has enough space for your razor, face wash, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, and then some. Plus, it comes with a convenient divider to keep your favourite items separate from the rest.
- 5. Shower caddy: Got the kind of storage that other bathroom storage dreams about. Be it shampoos, conditioners, face washes, or anything in between. It has specially designed drainage holes and will stick to any surface thanks to its patented silicone-grip technology.
- 6. Shower mirror: Fog-resistant and shatterproof, it’s perfect for all the brushing and shaving you do in the shower. Plus, thanks to its patent silicone-grip technology, it’ll stick to glass or tiles, both securely and with ease.
- 7. Toothbrush and Razor holder: Easy-to-reach, and packed with quintessential grooming items, it makes your morning routine super-efficient. Keep toothpaste and toothbrushes safe and secure in its multi-purpose pouch, all while enjoying the hygienic benefits of specially designed drainage holes.
- 1. 2 Burner LPG Stove: It features convenient twin rotary control with push button piezo, it gives you the cooking space you need.
- 2. Single Butane Stove: Economical, highly efficient outdoor butane gas cooking stove. With twin over-pressure sensing devices - enhanced safety devices that sense if the pressure becomes too high. If over-pressure occurs the cartridge is ejected or the gas supply is shut off to the burner.
- 3. 2 Burner Stove with Grill: Is the perfect cooking companion for camping trips, with 3 fine burner adjustment controls to give you the cooking variety you need.
- Twin Stove with Hotplate: Highly efficient outdoor butane gas cooking stove that comes complete with a reversible, non-stick, cast aluminium hotplate. The full stainless steel body ensures durability, long life, and excellent performance.
- Coolers/Fridge/Freezers
- myCOOLMAN is a brand of portable refrigerators designed to keep food and drinks cold or frozen while on the go. These fridges are typically used for camping, boating, RVing, and other outdoor activities where access to traditional refrigeration is limited.
- myCOOLMAN fridges come in a variety of sizes, from small 15-liter models to larger 96-liter models and use energy-efficient compressor technology to maintain consistent temperatures. They also feature rugged designs and are built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
- Camera: A camera can be a useful and enjoyable tool to have when camping. It allows you to capture memories and document your trip, plan future trips, share your experience with others, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being well-prepared for your next caravanning and camping adventure is key to a safe, enjoyable, and memorable journey. By following these essential tips, from thorough maintenance checks and proper packing to safety precautions and route planning, you'll be equipped to make the most of your trip.
So, get ready to hit the road with confidence, knowing that you've taken the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and rewarding caravanning experience. Also, make sure you bring the must-have accessories for caravanning that you can get at the RV Online shop with you on your next outdoor adventure. Happy travels!