Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a caravan, you’ll start mentally preparing for fabulous trips to the great outdoors. You’ll be looking at campsites and researching the beautiful scenic countryside and marvellous beaches that the UK and beyond has to offer. However, before you set off on your first adventure, you’ll want to be 100% sure that you have everything you need. You don’t want to be miles from home, tucked away in the wilderness, when you realise you’re missing something essential.
That’s why we’ve gone to the trouble of putting together our definitive list of caravan essentials. In this guide you’ll find your caravan essentials starter kit, from your home comforts to the essentials to keep your caravan running. So check our caravan essentials list and see if there’s anything here you should get your hands on before you set off!
The Caravan Essentials
Leisure battery
A leisure battery is essential for powering the 12V appliances and devices in your caravan. Leisure batteries are specifically designed to deliver a steady and reliable flow of power over extended periods, making them perfect for running lights, televisions, kettles, ovens, and other similar appliances. Without this, your caravan will simply be a vehicle, as opposed to a cosy and functional living space.
Often, when you purchase a brand-new caravan, a leisure battery may not be included. To avoid any surprises, it’s worth confirming with your dealer during the buying process whether a leisure battery is included. Or, if buying a used caravan, check whether there is a leisure battery on-board with the current owner or dealership. This will give you time to find and purchase one before embarking on your first adventure if it’s not already provided.
Towing mirrors
When you’re driving a car that’s towing a caravan, it's absolutely essential that you have a clear view of the road behind and alongside your setup. You should be able to see 20 metres behind and four metres to either side of your caravan when on the road. To achieve this, most tow vehicles will require you to use additional towing mirrors.
These mirrors extend your field of vision and are typically attached to your existing wing mirrors using clamps, straps, or suction mounts. It's important to choose towing mirrors that are compatible with your specific mirror type for a secure and stable fit.
Spare rear number plate
In the UK, towing a caravan requires more than just hitching it to your vehicle. You also need to ensure that the caravan displays a proper number plate that matches the registration of the towing vehicle. This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a legal requirement designed to help identify the vehicle towing the caravan. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you cannot just make a makeshift number plate at home with some markers and cardboard. It’s important that you place a number plate on your caravan that is reflective and features black characters on a yellow background.
The number plate must be professionally made by a registered supplier who will require proof of vehicle ownership, such as your vehicle's V5C logbook, and a form of identification.
Caravan electric hookup lead
If you’re staying on a pitch at a campsite that offers you the use of mains electricity, then you will need to ensure you have an electric hook up. This allows you to connect your caravan to the mains, in order to power your on-board appliances. This essentially means you won’t need to rely on your leisure battery whilst you’re hooked up.
The standard 25-metre orange cable is a perfect choice for connecting your caravan to a power source. You should ensure you have one that’s wound onto a reel helping to keep things neat and tidy. Make sure you fully unwind the cable before plugging it into the power at your site. This prevents the cable from overheating and ensures safe usage during your stay.
Gas bottle
For added convenience and comfort while caravanning, it's essential to have a reliable supply of gas on hand to avoid unexpected shortages. Common options include 6kg or 7kg cylinders of propane or butane gas, with propane being the better choice for colder conditions, as butane may not function properly in freezing temperatures.
When you purchase your initial gas bottle, it’s usually done through a ‘refill agreement’. As part of this agreement, you will pay for the bottle and then simply exchange it for a full one when it’s empty. Alternatively, you can opt for refillable gas bottles, which allow you to top up as needed, offering a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option in the long run.
Awning
Like most caravan owners, we absolutely love an awning. Whether you’re living in a caravan year-round or using it for the occasional holiday, a porch awning makes a fantastic addition to your setup. Awnings expand your living area and provide you and your loved ones with a comfortable spot to relax and take in the views in the fresh country air. They also offer you protection for your belongings from the elements.
Awnings come in a variety of styles and materials, so it’s important to think about your specific needs before choosing one. If you’re after something quick and easy to set up and pack away, a lightweight and budget-friendly option might be ideal. However, if you plan to use your awning frequently, such as most weekends or for extended stays, it may be worth investing in a more durable, higher-quality model that can withstand regular use. Consider how you intend to use your awning to ensure you select the one that best suits your caravanning lifestyle.
Kitchen and dining essentials
Whether you’re an avid foodie who loves to whip up delicious feasts in the comfort of your caravan, or someone who enjoys more simple meals, it is vital that you’re fully prepared to cook and dine on your trip. That means taking a look at this informative list of some kitchen essentials that we think you should consider before setting off.
Some of these items may seem a bit obvious, and we don’t mean to patronise you, but you’d be surprised how many people pitch up, erect their awning, and settle in for a glass of wine, only to discover they’ve forgotten their bottle opener.
Regardless of how you plan to cook, here are some key items that are worth packing to cover all your culinary needs:
- Cutlery and plates: Make sure you bring enough knives, forks, spoons, and plates for everyone on the trip. You should consider lightweight, durable options like melamine or reusable plastic sets that are easy to clean and store.
- Cooking utensils: Essential items include spoons, spatulas, tongs, and a set of sharp knives. Don’t forget a chopping board for food prep. Can opener and bottle opener: These small but vital tools are often overlooked, but they’re necessary for opening cans, jars, and bottles. Particularly if you want to enjoy a nice glass of wine with a view!
- Pots and pans: A versatile frying pan and a couple of saucepans of different sizes should cover most of your cooking needs, however, if you are someone who enjoys indulging in lavish meal prep, then be sure to bring enough cookware to meet your requirements. A good tip is to look for nesting sets to save space!
- BBQ equipment: There really is nothing like enjoying some alfresco grilling in the Great British countryside! And even if you’re not planning an elaborate BBQ, having at least a basic disposable one can add to the holiday experience. If you did want to purchase a proper BBQ, consider investing in a portable model - there are many compact and efficient portable BBQs out there.
- Washing up supplies: It’s often the most boring items that are the easiest to forget, so make sure you remember to pack items like sponges, dish soap, a collapsible washing up bowl, and a drying rack or tea towels. You’d be surprised how important it is to keep your kitchenware clean, especially when you are cohabiting in the limited space of a caravan.
- Other handy items: Depending on your preferences, you might also consider packing a kettle, a toaster, or a coffee maker for those creature comforts that make a holiday feel like home. There are few things in life more enriching than that first morning coffee, on a crisp morning as you step out into the fresh country air.
Caravan Safety and Security Essentials
Hitch lock
A hitch lock is an effective and visible way to deter thieves. These gadgets prevent your caravan from being hitched up and towed away. Essentially, a hitch lock secures the hitch mechanism of your caravan, making it impossible to lift the hitch handle or insert a tow ball. Hitch locks come in various designs, but their function is the same: to block access to the hitch handle and keep the hitch head securely locked. They typically consist of a heavy-duty metal cover that fits over the hitch handle, secured in place with a strong lock. This setup prevents the hitch from being operated, providing a solid barrier against theft and ensuring your caravan stays right where you left it.
Wheel lock
Wheel locks are an effective measure to help prevent theft of your caravan by securing the wheels in place. These locks are designed to clamp around your caravan’s wheels, creating a strong barrier that immobilises them and deters would-be thieves.
Opting for brightly coloured wheel locks can enhance their effectiveness, as the vivid colours act as a visual deterrent, warning potential thieves that your caravan is well-protected.
While wheel locks can be somewhat cumbersome to install and may seem bulky, their presence can be a strong deterrent. The time and effort required to remove them can dissuade thieves who are typically looking for quick, easy targets. By using wheel locks in combination with a hitch lock, you create a multi-layered security system that significantly increases the difficulty of stealing your caravan.
GPS tracking device
GPS tracking devices offer several key benefits. Firstly, they can help with theft recovery by providing real-time location data, which increases the chances of recovering your caravan if it is stolen. As with the wheel and hitch locks, these devices can also act as a deterrent, as thieves are less likely to target a vehicle equipped with tracking technology.
Additionally, GPS trackers allow for real-time monitoring of your caravan’s location from anywhere, which is useful when parked in unfamiliar areas. They also provide valuable travel history data and can enhance safety by assisting emergency services in locating you quickly if needed.
Some trackers feature geofencing alerts to notify you if your caravan moves outside a designated area, and they may even lead to reduced insurance rates!
Home Comfort Caravan Essentials
Folding table and chairs
These are a must-have for any caravan adventure in the great outdoors. We all love getting comfy inside the caravan, however, when the weather’s warm you’ll want to set up your alfresco seating and relax with your loved ones in the Great British countryside. Whether you’re dining in the sunshine, playing games, or enjoying a drink with friends, these versatile seating arrangements provide a comfy spot to relax and unwind. They are also nice and compact once folded up, making them ideal for storage on a caravan.
Beach towels
We won’t spend too long singing the virtues of a beach towel, but you never know when you might need one. So it’s always worthwhile having a few stored away on your caravan for any impromptu beach or lake trips you may embark on!
Playing cards, books, and games
There’s bound to be a bit of downtime on your travels. So it’s always a good idea to ensure you’re prepared with lots of ways to entertain yourselves during your trip. Playing cards are essential, as are a selection of board games you enjoy. It’s also worth having a little library stocked up with some books you’ve always wanted to read - you never know when you might fancy tucking into a good novel!
Caravan step
Another simple but effective addition to your caravan setup is a caravan step. It may seem obvious, but a step is incredibly useful by simply making getting in and out of your caravan a lot easier. This is even more important if you are carrying heavy items or have someone in your party with mobility issues.
Breathable ground sheet
This is a smart addition to your awning, allowing you to make the space more cosy and comfortable. Pop your awning up and your ground sheet down and you’ve created an almost enclosed living space, keeping dampness and bugs away!
Wind break
It’s safe to say that if you’re a caravan owner in Great Britain and you intend to spend time sitting outside, you will want to invest in a wind break. A wind break can help you create a cosy, sheltered area so you can enjoy the outdoors without getting blasted by the infamous British wind!
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