Tips for travelling with a Caravan !
“Going on a caravan holiday means that you will have your creature comforts wherever you go, you never have to pack light and you can put the kettle on in any location,” so said long-time enthusiast Margaret Beckett.
Whether you are a seasoned caravanner or a complete novice, these handy tips will help ensure your holiday goes without a hitch!
The legal bit
Driving Licence Requirements
If you’re new to caravanning, the first thing you’ll need to do is check your driving licence. According to the RAC, if you want to tow a trailer weighing more than 750kg when the combined weight of the towing vehicle and trailer is more than 3,500kg, you will need to have B+E entitlement on your licence.
If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you’re generally allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.5 tonnes MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass), but you should check what your licence allows you to tow.
View or share your driving licence information - GOV.UK
Insurance
Although caravan insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it is good to know that you’ll be covered in the event of an accident.
When renewing your caravan insurance policy, make sure the sums insured are in line with current market prices. Don’t forget to take into account the value of your caravan equipment and include this in your sums insured should they be stolen or damaged.
It is worth mentioning that over-insuring is money down the drain. Check certain aspects of caravan insurance aren’t already covered on home or other policies you have and don’t duplicate.
Caravanning in Europe
Before setting off on a European adventure, make sure you’re fully up to speed with EU rules, regulations and caravanning legislation.
Caravanguard’s guide to caravanning in Europe has all the information you need including details on speed limits, up-to-date touring laws and equipment to take with you.
Five things you need to know when caravanning in Europe - Caravan Guard
The European Motoring Kit contains all the items required to drive across Europe; Hazard triangle, high vis vest, breathalyser kits, headlight deflectors in a neat package from Amazon.
The journey
For a smoother journey, travel light. Make your caravan lighter by removing things used in cooler weather and only pack items for the sunshine.
The Garmin Camper is an accurate sat-nav especially tailored to motorhomes and caravans. It plans slightly different routes, sticking to main roads and also reports much longer journey times. Route planners should also notify you ahead of tolls.
Travelling with children? Check out our blog on in-car activities to keep them entertained on the journey.
The Campsite Pitching up
You’ve arrived at the campsite and you need to find your perfect pitch. Hedges and other units can form great windbreaks on an exposed site.
Choose flat ground if possible. It will mean you don’t need to use a ramp under a wheel or extend your jockey wheel and steadies uncomfortably high.
www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Towropes from motorists’ shops are intended for towing vehicles on Tarmac and not for pulling cars and caravans off boggy ground. In this situation, it’s a case of safety first by making sure everyone stands well back to avoid injury should the rope break. The flat braided type have the highest strength rating.
Travelling with Children
A caravan adventure can be easily adapted to suit children of all ages. www.PracticalCaravan.com offers some useful ideas for achieving an awesome family-friendly holiday.
Always choose a site with a playground and ask for a pitch close to it, then they don’t have far to wander and you can keep a close eye on them.
Let them help set up the awning, get the water, do the washing up and take the rubbish to the bins to earn pocket money!
When they are very little, take a big playpen to keep them entertained while you set up. A Bumbo floor seat can also be indispensable for this purpose.
Bumbo Floor Seat - Pink: Bumbo: Amazon.co.uk: Amazon.co.uk:
Other essentials include a First Aid kit and a Rainy Day Plan including puzzles, art supplies, games and books. An awning provides the perfect play area on wet days as well as valuable storage space.
For tips on organising safe and practical sleeping spaces for babies and tiny tots check outTin Box Traveller - UK family travel blog: holidays, days out and adventures
One last thing
Did you know that 2019 is the 100th Anniversary of the first modern caravan?
For a chance to enjoy a caravan of your own, check out this great competition* Win a caravan and an awning worth £26,500! - The Camping and Caravanning Club
(*Competition closes 8th November 2019)
Happy Caravanning!!