No matter the season, caravan trips are fantastic for all the family as they really bring the great outdoors right up to your door step and you can make the what your trip your own compared to staying a luxury hotel. It’s apparent, that around 550,000 of the British population set in a caravan or motorhome each year to find the perfect place to pitch up and relax. Whether it’s a ‘staycation’ or to travel further afield, the trend of caravan holidays seems to be on the rise. Not only does a caravan a multitude of options, it often saves money buying expensive flights and hotels.
Whether you’re new to the caravanning community or a veteran, one of the main factors to consider before you set off on your holiday is how to best prepare your caravan – particularly when it comes to its energy supply. If prepare right, then you’ll be sure to enjoy your trip with the comforts of everything being under control, no matter what eventuality.
With that, we’ve teamed up with Flogas Gaslight to talk you through essential caravan preparation.
Damp
First things first, look for is damp throughout your caravan. 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 water tight.[1] 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 time. If you’re short on time, you can consider using a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process
Tyres
It’s essential to check your tyres before any setting off on your trip. Getting onto the open road and then suffering a flat or even a blowout can be a dangerous and 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
It’s highly recommended to check the air pressure in your tyres’ 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.
Gas preparation
For most caravans, bottled gas(or LPG cylinders) are depended on for refrigeration, heating and cook, so for any trip to be successful, it’s crucial you have packed a supply. 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 caravanning break. It’s also a more efficient, reliable and cleaner energy supply than electric systems.
The challenge of taking gas bottles for caravans, is knowing how much you need to take. If you pack too much, then you’ll be carrying unnecessary weight. Take too little and you could find yourself without gas when you need it most.
Servicing your caravan
If it’s been a while since you last serviced your caravan, its crucial to book in a general service wherever possible. 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 preparations
Last thing, would be to make sure you’ve packed everything correctly 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.
