Over the recent years, caravan holidays have boosted in popularity. It’s become such a holiday favourite, that 550,000 Brits set off each year in their caravan or motorhome to seek the perfect location to pitch up and relax. The beauty about caravan holidays, is that they are what you make of them, you have wide variety of options, multiple locations to choose from and the natural beauty and thrill from the open road alone gives them enough reason to have one. One of greatest benefit of a caravan holiday too is that they save hundreds of pounds on expensive flights and hotels.

What’s important to consider about caravan holidays though – no matter whether you’re new or a pro at them – is the preparation, which is important and can be the difference between a dream holiday and a holiday from hell. If the right preparations are put in place you can almost guarantee a great holiday, where you feel safe no matter the eventuality.

With that, we’ve put together this guide on essential caravan preparation.

Damp and mould

If your caravan has being sitting on your drive throughout the winter period, it could be prone to damp, which is the most common issue people have with their caravans each year. If left untreated, damp can cause long-term water damage, so it’s important to pin-point and treat it as soon as possible. Often materials and soft furnishings are the first areas to show signs, but you should always check windows and doors for any cracks or broken seals to identify possible leaks and ensure your caravan is kept watertight. It’s a good idea to properly air your caravan before setting off too, to get rid of any musty smells that have accumulated over the winter period. If you’re short on time, you can use a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.

Check tires

It would be wise to check your tyres before any long trip. Getting onto the open road and then suffering a flat or even a blowout can be a dangerous and a costly experience and can shorten the time you get to spend relaxing. One way to avoid this is to rotate the wheels of your caravan periodically across the year, particularly if it’s been kept static for long phases – that way the weight of the vehicle isn’t concentrated on one specific area of the tyre for too long. This can help prevent any warping, cracking, or bulging.

You’ll need to also check the tyre pressure too. This will not only help identify any slow punctures; it can also save you fuel. Be sure to leave some time to make necessary repairs, as last-minute changes can not only impede on your holiday but can also prove to be expensive.

Prepare your gas

Most caravan depend on gas bottles (or LPG cylinders) for refrigerating, heating and cooking. For any summer holiday trip to be successful, it’s crucial you have an ample supply available. One particular benefit of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) for caravans is that it’s so versatile – powering a variety of appliances on the move. What’s more, it’s affordable and provides a lot of energy from a small volume of liquid, making it the ideal choice for your summer caravanning break. It’s also a more efficient, reliable and cleaner energy supply than electric systems. You also acquire lightweight gas bottles for caravans which would minimise the weight added to your caravan.

Caravan servicing

Again, if your caravan has been stored away over the winter It’s crucial to check over you caravan before any journey and a good way you can do so would be via service. Wearable parts, that are often invisible to the untrained eye, will be examined during a caravan service. Mechanics will examine brake pads and breakaway cables alike, ensuring the utmost safety within the caravan is maintained. However, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a simple once over — more than 100 components will be examined thoroughly.

Final preps

One last thing before you hit the road. It would be a good idea to make sure that everything is currently packed and stowed away to avoid any damage to your belongings. This includes making sure that all windows, doors and cupboards are closed and locked. Staying safe should always be a priority, so don’t forget to check your towbar connection and re-position your car’s side mirrors too – to give you as much visibility of your caravan as possible.[1]

Sources

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/technical-advice/liquefied-petroleum-gas/

https://www.flogas.co.uk/domestic-lpg-caravan-services

https://www.gaslightbottle.co.uk/product/gaslight/

https://www.intasure.com/blog/guides/weigh-touring-caravan.asp

https://www.go4travelblog.com/6-tips-prepare-your-caravan-road-trip/

https://thencc.org.uk/our_industry/statistics.aspx

https://www.pure-leisure.co.uk/preparing-caravan-upcoming-season/

https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/check-your-caravans-tyres-2893/

https://www.autoprotect.co.uk/engage/how-to-check-your-tyre-pressure-at-a-petrol-station