Handy Tips & Know How for Your First Caravanning Adventure
Your first caravanning adventure is such an exciting time. Having the freedom to hitch the van up and get ready to explore. Although it can also be a little daunting, we have some great tips for a smooth journey and an enjoyable holiday that’ll keep you planning your next trip.
Towing a caravan adds a whole new dimension to your holiday. There are so many more options for where you can go. But before you get on the road, there are a few more things to think about – how much time you spend driving, where to park, the extra weight slowing you down and using more fuel.
Here are our hints for your first caravanning adventure:
Make a checklist
Before you go, think about the extras you’ll need:
- Towing mirrors (legally required)
- Extra water and oil
- Spare tyre
- Current travel advice
Some items aren’t needed straight away, but you might add them later for a better caravanning experience, like wheel locks and sway control bars.
Check and re-check
Inside the van and outside before you take off. Make sure everything is safe:
- Check the lights (brakes, indicators) work when plugged in
- Everything inside is secure – drawers, windows, doors, all locked up
- Check that the jockey wheel is up
- Raise the caravan step
- Make sure you have the keys to unlock it when you get there! (Hint: take a spare key and leave it in the car)
Less is more
Yes, it’s nice to be comfortable when you travel, but you don’t need all the creature comforts from home. Think about the weight of all those ‘just in case’ items you’re packing (and probably won’t use). Knowing the weight in your van matters. You can usually find a shop for other things you didn’t pack, depending on where you’re going.
Watch the weight
Watch the weight – swap a few things:
- Crockery and cutlery for sturdy plastic ones
- Avoid glass where possible
- Bottle of wine for a cask (yes, really!)
Think about other drivers
Once on the road, you can travel quickly and get ahead of the traffic, but towing a van is different from driving a car. Use the slow vehicle turnouts where you can. Allow more room for turning and take it easy when stopping – remember you have a big weight behind you. We’ve all been stuck behind a slow-travelling van before, so be courteous. Getting there is part of the adventure! Let others have a great caravanning adventure too.
Top up when you can
Be prepared! Towing a van uses more petrol, so fill up when you can. No one likes seeing the gauge fall to empty with no service station in sight. A jerry can for those long-distance legs can give you peace of mind.
Work as a team
This covers everything from helping to reverse (yes, everyone has had multiple attempts at reversing while having a crowd gather at the caravan park to watch and offer advice), to the set-up and pack down. Have a routine, talk to each other and trust each other. While a caravanning holiday is a wonderful chance to relax and get away, it’s also a time when you need to lend a hand.
Be kind
Offer leftovers to fellow travellers, have a chat with your van ‘neighbours’. You might find out the best places to stop on your way to your next destination. You’ll get advice (not all will be needed or taken), but you’ll give advice too. Relax, play a game of cards, and enjoy a wine as the sun sets, and you’ll discover caravanning as a way of life that you love.
Your first caravanning trip might not be perfect, and that’s fine. You’ll make mistakes, learn things, and probably have a few worrying moments. But you’ll also work out why caravanning becomes a way of life for so many people.
Need somewhere secure to store your van between trips?
We’ve been helping caravanners at Yarra Valley Caravan Storage for over 10 years with 24/7 access and affordable rates. Contact us chat about your storage needs.