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Thinking about buying a holiday home, in a part of the country of your choosing, set in its own manicured grounds? Static caravans have been meeting the dreams of thousands of happy owners for many years.

A static caravan typically offers a holiday home from which to enjoy:

• somewhere to take your main holidays lasting several weeks – or more;
• an escape for occasional weekend breaks;
• a wide choice of locations to suit your particular tastes – close to the beach, in the depths of the countryside or near popular tourist attractions;
• a chance to sample life in a part of the country to which you might want eventually to retire;
• a gathering place for entertaining your friends and relations; and
• a handy money-spinner when you let it to paying guests for their holidays and visits.

Before investing in such a home, however, what are some of the things it might be helpful to know in advance?

Location

Practically everything to do with buying a home – for holidays or otherwise – has to do with location.

In the case of your second home, it is likely to be a question of choosing a part of the country to which you want to return again and again. To be able to use it for weekend breaks or for last-minute getaways, it is also important that it is not too far away from where you live, so as to avoid many hours of driving just to get there.

If you are thinking of letting it occasionally or regularly, it needs to be located in areas popular with tourists and other visitors.

Your static home

Choosing the right caravan as your holiday home is clearly critical – and fortunately, there is a huge range of different types and sizes of static home to suit practically any preference or purpose.

One of the first decisions, when you begin your search, is whether to choose a caravan already on-site or directly from a manufacturer or private sale elsewhere.

If you choose to buy a home already on a park you like, bear in mind that the management is almost certain to be charging the current owner a commission on the sale.

If you are buying from elsewhere, however, you need to take into account whether your chosen park has a pitch available, whether it approves your type, size and age of caravan and the cost of transporting the home to the site itself.

When assessing suitability, prospective buyers may also wish to clarify park rules around subletting, age limits on caravans, permitted upgrades, and any restrictions on use. These factors can influence both enjoyment and insurability, and should be reviewed carefully before committing.

Choosing a park – and the lease of your pitch

So that your static caravan enjoys the security, proximity to essential services and on-hand management throughout the year, you are likely to want to choose carefully the caravan park on which it is pitched.

This means choosing not only the facilities on offer but also the terms under which your caravan occupies the pitch you rent or lease – it is commonly called a licence agreement. There is clearly greater security and less uncertainty if the respective rights and obligations of you and the park owners are set out in writing.

The greatest confidence is likely to be given by an agreement that complies with the code of practice formulated by the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BHHPA) and the National Caravan Council.

The park you choose will charge a rent for the lease of the pitch and this varies from one park to another and often between different pitches at the same park. With the lease, you are also agreeing to any terms and conditions relating to the management of the park.

Perhaps one of the most important of these is the length of the lease – anything from 5 to 20 years – and may impose conditions relating to the maximum age of the static caravan you may keep on the pitch.

Other conditions may be designed to ensure that caravan owners treat neighbours with the respect and consideration they are due, for example, in terms of avoiding excessive noise and keeping the pitch and its surroundings neat and tidy.

Other ongoing costs

The services you receive are typically provided by the park owners and since you are buying them indirectly, they might include any commission management decides to impose. To gauge the likely amount of your monthly electricity bills, you might want to request sight of previous bills to former owners.

In the case of bottled gas, you might want to ask whether this is supplied only by the park management or if it may be bought independently off-site.

The National Association of Caravan Owners (NACO) explains that since you do not live permanently in your static caravan, you are not liable to pay Council Tax – although your lease agreement with the site might include a contribution towards the business rates of the company.

In practical terms, budgeting should also allow for caravan insurance, ongoing maintenance, wear and tear, and compliance with site rules. While static caravans can retain value in certain circumstances, this should not be assumed, and owners are generally advised to view them primarily as lifestyle assets rather than financial investments.

Letting your holiday home

Many static caravan owners take the opportunity of earning extra cash from their investment and help to offset running costs by letting their second home to visitors. To help you do so, many parks offer a managed letting service to find suitable tenants as and when you need them.

Naturally, there is a charge for this service and you may also need to pay a setup fee and for cleaning the caravan after each guest leaves – these costs need to be taken into account when calculating any income you might expect from lettings.

Alternatively, of course, you may decide to handle all of the lettings business yourself.

If you do decide to let, you need to make sure that you have adequate static insurance to cover these paying guests. Whether the caravan is used solely by you or let to paying guests, insurance becomes a key consideration once ownership begins.

Static home insurance

The moment you become the proud owner of your holiday caravan, it is important to arrange appropriate static home insurance. You might consider several insurance providers, of course, but specialists such as ourselves here at Cover4Caravans have many years of experience in matching the needs and requirements of your particular caravan with the most suitable products available – at what we believe is a competitive price.

Your park management is almost certain to suggest their own insurance provider and you might feel under some pressure to arrange cover from this source. Typically, however, you are under no such obligation, and you might want to source your own static caravan insurance. While the site owner may ask for sight of your standalone cover, and may charge a small admin fee, overall, you may be able to save money by getting your own static homes insurance.

From an insurance perspective, it is important to disclose accurately how the caravan will be used, including whether it will be owner-occupied only or let to paying guests. Failure to disclose material information could affect the validity of cover or the handling of a claim, depending on policy terms.

Public liability insurance

Although you might have declined the park’s offer to arrange cover, as we touched on above, you may still be required to furnish proof of your insurance protection in one important respect in particular – public liability indemnity.

Both you and the park management share an interest in ensuring that there is cover in place to indemnify you against claims from members of the public, other park residents and their guests who may suffer a personal injury or have their property damaged as a result of some negligence on your part.

By far the most compelling reason – as far as the park owners are concerned – for insisting on caravan insurance is for the protection of other caravan owners on the site, their visitors, and members of the public.

This element of protection is afforded by the public liability cover which is typically an important component of insurance for static caravans.

This gives you indemnity from any claims arising from your neighbours, visitors, or members of the public that, as a result of your negligence or breach of your duty of care have suffered a personal injury or had their property damaged. In that event, your insurance is there to ensure that any such injured party is adequately compensated (up to pre-agreed limits).

If you intend to let your holiday home to other people when you are not using it, public liability insurance is again an essential form of protection from claims made by such temporary tenants or their visitors who allege your negligence in causing personal injury to them or damage to their property.

Public liability claims might involve very substantial demands for compensation, so it is typical for cover to start at £2 million (with the static insurance policies we offer) and it is by no means uncommon for it to be more than that sum.

What else needs to be covered in my static home insurance?

Public liability insurance is not the only element of static caravan cover that is likely to provide invaluable protection. Other elements typically include:

• safeguarding the structure of the caravan itself from such potentially catastrophic events as fire, flooding, impacts, vandalism, and theft;
• cover for the contents of your holiday home;
• an optional extra offered by some policies might extend to emergency accommodation in the event of your static caravan being destroyed or rendered unusable by a major insured incident;
• if you are moving your caravan onto the site or relocating it to an alternative park, you might also want to ensure that you and the transport company have sufficient goods in transit insurance to safeguard your investment whilst it is on the road.

Owners who let their caravan may also wish to consider their ongoing duty of care to guests, including maintaining fixtures, appliances, and access areas in a safe condition. While insurance can provide financial protection, it does not remove the responsibility to take reasonable precautions. Your insurer is entitled to rely upon your taking all reasonable steps to mitigate any loss or damage – especially during those times when your holiday home is vacant or unoccupied.

From an ownership perspective, it may also be sensible to consider how often the caravan will be used, whether it will be left unoccupied for extended periods, and how seasonal patterns of use could affect maintenance responsibilities, security expectations, and insurance requirements. Insurers will typically expect reasonable care to be taken during quieter periods, particularly outside the main holiday season.

Summary

If you are thinking of buying a static home, therefore, some of the principal considerations might be summarised by the location, your choice of caravan park, the particular holiday home you choose and the insurance that is in place to protect your investment.

Static caravans may make ideal second or holiday homes. You might choose to enjoy one all to yourself or to let it to friends or other paying guests from time to time. There may be more involved in buying and owning a static caravan than first appears, but a little background research – and talking to any other owner who has gone before you – is likely to ensure that you go into it with eyes wide open and years of enjoyment ahead.

Further reading: Guide to static homes.

It’s coming along faster than you think – a new caravanning season is on the close horizon. To whet your appetite, here are some of the latest news stories …

Could new “capsule caravans” replace static homes?

The classic seaside caravan holiday has changed very little over the years. The basic design and layout of the standard static home is pretty much the same for today’s generation of holidaymakers as it was for their parents.

This could be about to change, according to a story by the BBC recently.

A designer from the island of Anglesey set out to revolutionise the concept of the classic caravan holiday by designing a holiday home purposely framed as a “luxury hotel room”.

The design incorporates open-plan living – as you’d find in many a hotel room – using a basic shipping container structure to build a capsule of galvanised steel frames clad with external aluminium panels. The resulting capsule has an estimated lifespan of some 50 years, according to its designer, compared with the mere 15 years or so of a conventional caravan.

Eriba unveils special edition silver tourer

At the other end of the design spectrum, some manufacturers proudly guard a reputation for all that is retro when it comes to caravans.

A German manufacturer with just such a retro identity is Eriba. It continues to build on that basic approach – with sleek, “Crystal Silver” aluminium bodywork – in a way that introduces subtle nods towards modernity.

Out and About Live has captured Eriba’s approach to the launch of a new Touring Silver Edition that blends innovation with classic looks. The caravan has a very broad specification that is reflected across five different layouts. These are identified by the model references 430, 530, 542, 630 and 642 – emphasising the fact that customers have a wide choice of configurations across the whole Touring Silver Edition range. 

Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for a touring holiday over flights in 2026

Holidaymakers tired of all the hassle of airports and crowded flights are looking for greater value for money by touring in the British Isles or abroad.

That was the preference of more than half (53%) of people recently surveyed at the Scottish Motorhome, Caravan, and Holiday Home Show in Edinburgh and cited by What’s On Glasgow. Explaining their reasons for touring rather than flying, respondents cited the freedom to move around, opportunities for spontaneity, freedom from the bugbears of baggage restrictions, lost luggage, airport parking charges, and interminable queues.

Not only may a touring holiday offer greater flexibility and control, but it may also represent better value for money, said those who were surveyed. Touring also offered some of the familiar benefits that are impossible to enjoy when catching a flight to your destination – having your pet with you, for example, or enjoying other familiar home comforts.

New Pembrokeshire regulations for camping sites

In a bid to manage unregulated camping within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (which affects the National Park landscape, wildlife and nearby communities), the relevant authority has withdrawn the temporary permission granted to specific areas for use by caravans, motorhomes, and campers.

Following the withdrawal of temporary authorisation for such camping, and with effect from the 1^st of January this year, landowners must in future apply for planning permission for land to be used for overnight camping. Exceptions apply, such as for weddings, festivals, filming or agricultural shows.

Have you noticed the days gradually getting longer? The weather’s probably not yet giving much of a clue, but a new caravanning season is just around the corner.

And with it, you may want to make the most of this change in the seasons for thorough service and maintenance of your caravan, so that you’re ready to roll just as soon as conditions permit.

Below, we briefly recap what this typically may involve – although it’s worth noting that this is not a substitute for a professional annual service, which we discuss further on in this article. However, the following may be a good place to start …

Bodywork and exterior

• after several months laid up for the winter, an overall inspection of the outside of your caravan can reveal any splits, cracks, or impact damage;

• inspecting the roof requires special care, of course, when you check for damage around the seams, joints, and any aerials;

• check seals and mastic around doors, windows, rooflights and lockers for damage or gaps;

Wheels and tyres

• they’ve been idle and taking the weight of the whole caravan during the winter months, so carefully check the condition of the wheels and tyres;

• ensure that the wheels are secure by checking the torque of the wheel bolts or nuts;

• as we’ve explained in an earlier article, the state of the tyres is especially important – with industry recommendations that you replace them after 5 to 7 years however much tread remains;

Electrics, gas, and fire safety

• reconnect and test the battery;

• inspect and test all the road lights and indicators – with the caravan hitched;

• test the internal lights and power sockets;

• reconnect the gas supply, checking the regulator and hoses – replacing the latter if they’re older than 5 years;

• test all the appliances – including the fridge – on gas and electricity;

• run the heating and hot water systems before your first outing;

• test the smoke, carbon monoxide, and any LPG alarms – replacing the batteries if necessary;

• check the condition of the fire blanket and make sure the extinguisher is in date and accessible;

• review our article about fire safety tips for your caravan;

Water system

• reconnect the water supply and the pump;

• disinfect and flush out the freshwater system – checking for leaks around joints, taps, and the waste-holding tank of the toilet;

• make sure wastewater outlets are unblocked and run clear;

Ventilation

• your caravan is bound to smell a bit musty after being closed all winter – so, open all the windows and the door to give the interior a thorough airing;

• check for any signs of damp or mould, especially in corners and inside lockers;

• if they’ve been left in the caravan over winter, check the soft furnishings and mattresses for damp, tears, and other wear;

• ensure all the vents are clear and not blocked by covers or storage items;

Insurance – and other paperwork

• check your touring caravan insurance is fully up to date – and that it covers touring during the early part of the year and extends to European travel;

• if you have it for your car, confirm that your breakdown and roadside assistance cover includes your caravan;

• update the caravan’s service record.

Why a professional annual service still matters

While the checks outlined above can help highlight obvious issues after winter storage, they are not intended to replace a professional annual caravan service. A service carried out by a suitably qualified technician – often at an Approved Workshop – will usually cover a wider range of safety‑critical and technical checks that are not easily carried out at home.

In some cases, maintaining a regular professional service schedule may also be a condition of your caravan insurance policy, subject to policy terms and underwriting requirements.

Running gear and towing safety 

A professional service will typically include checks of the braking system, suspension, chassis components and hitch assembly. These parts play an important role in towing safety and can be affected by periods of inactivity, particularly over the winter months.

Gas and electrical safety 

Gas and electrical systems are also usually inspected in greater depth as part of a professional service. This may include checks of LPG connections, regulators and appliances, alongside electrical safety tests such as RCD operation. These inspections are designed to help identify potential safety concerns that may not be apparent during routine visual checks.

Damp testing and water ingress 

An annual damp test may commonly be included within a professional service. Specialist equipment is used to assess moisture levels in areas that are not visible, such as behind panels or beneath flooring. Early identification of water ingress can help limit further deterioration and reduce the likelihood of more extensive remedial work being required.

Warranties, resale and cost considerations 

Many caravan manufacturers require evidence of regular servicing by a qualified technician in order to maintain warranty protection. Missing or delayed services may affect warranty validity, depending on the manufacturer’s terms and conditions. A documented service history can also be helpful if you decide to sell your caravan in the future, as it may provide reassurance to prospective buyers. 

Professional servicing also focuses on identifying potential issues at an early stage. Minor problems can sometimes be addressed before they develop into more significant faults, helping to reduce the likelihood of unexpected repair costs later.

Important note 

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute advice. Insurance cover, policy conditions and servicing requirements vary between insurers and manufacturers. Always refer to your policy documentation and manufacturer guidance, or speak to your insurer or service provider, to confirm what applies to your individual circumstances.

If you have just bought your first caravan – or if you have borrowed one to see what caravanning has to offer – you may have all sorts of expectations about the pleasure it is about to bring – for example:  

• the freedom of the open road; 

• knowing that wherever you might pitch up, your second home on wheels is there to give you a good night’s sleep and all the comforts of home; and 

• the chance to meet like-minded friends and establish long-term contacts to help you get the most of your caravanning holidays. 

If you are just such a newbie, it might be helpful to share a few initial thoughts on making the most of the adventure that is opening up to you.  

Even if you are an old hand or have been caravanning before, it might also be useful to jog your memory about the preparation that needs to go into getting your caravan ready for a new round of outings. 

The caravan you choose  

As you are likely to have discovered, there are all types of caravans from which you might have chosen (if you are not borrowing or renting a ‘van), and each might be better equipped to serve the specific purpose you need: 

• conventional designs – these have a single axle and may range in length from 3 to 6.5 metres, sleeping between 2 and six occupants; 

• the conventional touring caravan has all your home comforts including a toilet, sink, shower, and kitchens fitted out with a cooker, work surfaces and a kitchen sink;

• on the other hand, you might have chosen something considerably more substantial and in need of a twin axle to tow;

• at the other end of the scale may be a small “teardrop” caravan specifically designed to make towing even easier; 

• if you went for ease of towing and a relatively small and less well–equipped interior, you might have chosen a pop–up, folding or GRP caravan. 

Layout 

When you were choosing your caravan, one of the most important considerations may have been the space and layout it offered.  

Although relatively small, you may be surprised by the ingenuity with which modern caravan designers have been able to exploit every possible opportunity for maximising the useful floor area. 

Prepping the caravan 

Before hitching up and taking to the road, of course, you are going to want to ensure that the caravan is thoroughly roadworthy.  

There are several checks and simple maintenance routines to be followed before embarking on any trip and it is important that you carry these out. As a newbie, you may feel more confident in entrusting maintenance and servicing to qualified caravan engineers.  

If you have already been caravanning before and are prepping the trailer for a new season, read on.  

Insurance

Whatever the size or specification of the caravan you have purchased, it may be sensible to consider how it is protected with appropriate caravan insurance, subject to policy terms and conditions.

If you are new to caravanning, understanding which type of cover is suitable for your circumstances can feel unclear, particularly given the range of policies and options available. At Cover4Caravans, we specialise in helping customers explore insurance options for a range of caravan makes and models, taking individual requirements into account.

For more experienced caravanners, you may already be familiar with the role suitable caravan insurance can play. However, it can still be worthwhile to review your cover from time to time, particularly if your policy is due for renewal or if your circumstances have changed.

Towing 

Perhaps the single most unfamiliar aspect of touring with a caravan is the fact that you are going to be towing it. Fortunately, towing is not necessarily that difficult and with a little care, patience and practice you are soon likely to get the hang of it. 

The broadest rule of thumb is that the heavier the caravan the heavier and more powerful car you need to tow it. This may be made more difficult by the fact that the manufacturer is likely to have stipulated a Mass in Running Order Weight (MIRO) or unladen weight of the caravan. 

This is considerably less important or useful than the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM), which combines not only the crude weight of the caravan but also its maximum laden weight. 

The more you investigate, the more you may be baffled by the various descriptions and ways of calculating the ratio of the caravan to vehicle weight. A comprehensive guide published by the RAC covers everything from towing limits, measuring the weight and nose weight of your caravan, tips on reversing with a caravan. 

While you are completing your preparation before actually getting behind the wheel, though, you might also like to read some helpful guides published by the Camping and Caravanning Club about what you can tow, including what the law says, and a further guide on becoming a confident tower. Plus, our own guide to towing mirrors. 

It might be prudent, of course, to practice towing an old and inexpensive trailer in the first instance rather than denting, scraping, or backing into something with your new caravan.  

For hands-on instruction and practice, you might also want to consider enrolling on one of the caravan manoeuvring courses offered by the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club. 

On the road 

With a good deal of homework and preparation done, you may be ready to hit the road and take the first trip with your caravan. Here are some tips that may help your initial excursion – and subsequent journeys – go smoothly and safely:  

• when packing the caravan, take care to distribute the weight properly, with heavier items on the floor and more or less over the axle; 

• before every outing, check and, if necessary, inflate the tyres until they are at the correct pressure;

• many caravans have special devices designed to improve their stability – check that these are correctly installed and in working order;

• remember that the legal speed limit when towing your caravan will vary depending on its weight – the link above gives detailed information; 

• your first trip with the new caravan is likely to be relatively close to home but whenever planning a journey, you might want to remember that the car and trailer is less manoeuvrable than the car alone – if you are accustomed to using a sat nav, bear in mind that these devices may often take you down impossibly narrow or winding country lanes;

• experience is likely to teach you how to pick the best pitches when you arrive at a site, but broadly speaking you might want to avoid trees (leaves, sap and bird droppings), choose level ground and decide whether you want or need to be close to or further away from the site’s amenity block.

Location, location, location 

Choosing the location for your initial outings with the caravan is almost as important as choosing the place where you intended to live. It might only be a holiday or weekend break, but your choice of camping site may make or break the occasion.  

Making the choice, of course, depends on who is in your party – a family with children, for example, is likely to have quite different priorities to those of a retired couple.  

In other words, a lot depends on what you hope to get out of your trip away from home – peace and tranquillity of the countryside, say, or action-packed sporting adventures, or maybe sites of historical interest. 

There are innumerable guides and listings of the very many campsites both in England and abroad, though you may be equally influenced by word of mouth and the recommendations of other more seasoned caravanners.  

Amenities 

Your choice of campsite is also likely to be determined by the facilities and amenities it has to offer. Typically, these are fully detailed in the site’s advertising and, in these days of the internet, the majority of sites maintain their own webpage.  

Amenities are generally included in the many listings of caravan sites and if you want to dig deeper, you might read through some of the reviews of the experiences encountered by previous visitors.  

Etiquette  

Caravanners sometimes consider themselves to be members of a rather select group or club and particular sites are likely to attract like-minded souls. You may become aware of an unwritten etiquette amongst such folk and most of this is largely a matter of common sense and respect for other people’s enjoyment of their own holiday:  

• if you have your dog with you, for instance, some sites may insist that it is kept on a lead at all times – even if there is no such rule, make sure to keep your pet under control;

• leave shower rooms, washrooms and washing up sinks clean, tidy, and free from waste – leaving them as you hope to find them;

• avoid taking short cuts across other campers’ pitches – there may be nothing more annoying or intrusive than have a stranger appear close up to your caravan windows or awning; 

• keeping a respectful distance; 

• an environmentally friendly piece of advice is to lift up any groundsheets you might be using under your awnings from time to time so that the grass has a chance to breathe before turning brown as it dies; 

• if your children have bought their bikes with them, teach them not to ride close to other caravans, but to stick to the paths and roads, taking care of both pedestrians and cars; 

• many caravanners are looking for a little peace, quiet and relaxation when on their holiday – blaring radios or televisions and noise late at night or early in the morning are all things likely to be frowned upon. 

Going abroad 

With a caravan in tow, the whole of Europe may be your oyster, offering a huge range of potential destinations and caravanning experiences. Making a success of any such holiday requires a little more preparation and patience, especially concerning the different driving conditions, laws, and regulations you may encounter.  

Also note that you should check your caravan insurance cover, and also territorial limits and policy conditions before you travel.

The Caravan Club has published a number of guides for first-time caravanning visitors to Europe, with advice on subjects such as essential and recommended documentation, pieces of kit that might be required for use in different countries, speed limits on a country by country basis, and a general checklist of all the items that are either essential or recommended when taking your car and caravan across the Channel to Europe.  

We also have a number of destination guides which you view here: 

Trip Related Guides 

Caravanning for Adrenaline Junkies 

Complete caravanners’ guide to mainland Europe 

Caravanning for History Buffs 

Caravanners’ guide to theme parks in and around the UK 

Caravanning for Adults 

Coastal campsites for Caravanners – where to go and where to pitch up 

Guide to caravanning in France 

Guide to caravanning in Germany 

Guide to caravanning in the Channel Islands 

Guide to caravanning for cyclists 

Starting out or preparing for the next season? 

Every caravanner started out as a newbie at some point in time, so you are by no means alone on the learning curve to making each outing and holiday a success. After your first few excursions, you may soon discover that you are unlikely to be a newbie for long.  

If you have passed that stage of being a newbie, though, here are some tips and suggestions about getting your caravan ready for the next season. 

First of all, the process is likely to involve a game of two halves – in the spring you are likely to have a checklist of things to do as the caravan is brought out of hibernation; in the autumn you are probably preparing to put it into storage. 

Spring  

Just when you start reviving your caravan from its winter’s rest, of course, depends on when you intend to use it. As March or April come around, typically many people start preparing for that first outing around the Easter holidays.  

These are just some of the issues you might want to look out for and address: 

• damp is one of the major enemies of any caravan owner – and whilst it is locked up over the wintertime, condensation and damp may have set in;

• a thorough airing of your caravan is likely to be called for, with special attention paid to any soft furnishings which need to be dried out and a careful check of doors and windows for any signs of leaks;

• unchecked and unresolved, the rot encouraged by condensation may cause untold damage to the inside of your caravan, quite apart from the unpleasant smell, unsightly marks, and risks to your health; 

• tyres need a thorough check for signs of bulging, cracking or wear and are likely to need inflating to the correct pressure; 

• water tanks and appliances are likely to have been drained down for winter storage and may now have a musty smell and taste – annual sterilisation, flushing and refilling may help to get systems back into a usable state;

• for similar reasons, the empty fridge might also welcome a thorough clean – some bicarbonate of soda mixed into the cleaning water may help to clear any lingering musty smell; 

• check the cooker by lighting each of the jets to ensure that there are no blockages and replace the gas cylinder or cylinders if necessary;

• some elements might be easy to overlook, so it may come as a timely reminder from the Crime Prevention Website to check your onboard security and safety equipment – everything from locks, alarms smoke-detectors and the supplies in the first aid kit; 

• as you near the end of this checklist of items, you are nearly ready to sally forth on your first outing of the season; 

• before taking to the road, however, there are several final checks still to make; 

• double–check that the wheel bolts are properly tightened – especially if they have replaced winter wheels that you used whilst the caravan was in storage; 

• make sure that the gas is turned off at the cylinder;

• ensure that the flush tank and on-board toilet tanks are empty; 

• close and lock all cupboards, wardrobes, and stowage compartments; 

• secure anything that is loose or might shift about when you are underway; 

• lock the fridge shut;

• close and lock windows and roof vents whilst on the move;

• check the caravan’s road lights;

• make sure the jockey wheel is secured in its raised position and check the breakaway cable is properly connected; 

• check the caravan’s nose weight to check that you are not overladen; and 

• release the handbrake – and you are off! 

Further reading: Is your caravan ready for spring touring? A pre-season maintenance checklist

Autumn  

Hopefully, the careful preparations you made at the beginning of the season meant that you had many trouble-free days of caravanning. Although you encountered no problems during the summer, however, it is still important to prepare just as carefully when laying up the caravan for winter – especially if you hope next season’s outings to go without a hitch:  

• the immediate question, of course, is where the caravan is to be located for its winter hibernation; 

• the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) has a network of member sites throughout the country, with each one graded according to the security and facilities present – storage at a CaSSOA site may also earn you a discount in your caravan insurance premiums and is something we recognise here at Cover4Caravans;

• although the security measures may help to put your mind at ease, it may still be a good idea to visit the storage site in advance to check whether your caravan is going to be on hard standing or concrete, under cover or in the open, and ease of access for you and the vehicle being used to put the caravan into storage and retrieve it again in the spring;

• whatever the chosen location, it is likely to be important to thoroughly clean and wax the outside of the caravan, removing birdlime, oil stains, black or green mould – all of which may leave permanent marks if left untreated; 

• use caution and attention to personal safety when using step ladders or stretching over to clean the roof of your caravan – it might well not bear your weight; 

• tyres are especially vulnerable to wear when left to bear the weight of your caravan in the same position over a long period of time. Further reading: How old are your tyres?

• you may want to consider replacing the normal road wheel with winter wheels – especially the lockable type, for added security; 

• where possible, store the vehicle with the corner steadies lowered and the handbrake off, to reduce the chance of it sticking; 

• probably the most important preparation inside the caravan is to completely drain down all water systems – whether fresh water, the toilet flush or heating system – to prevent damage caused by pipes, fittings or valves freezing during the winter;

• special care needs to be taken towards the storage of gas cylinders, which need to be turned off and disconnected from the caravan’s supply; and 

• your caravan storage site may have specific policies relating to the storage of gas cylinders and you may not be allowed to keep them close to the vehicle for the duration of the winter. 

Whether it is preparing your caravan for a well-earned rest during the winter months or the anticipation of enjoying yet another summer on tour, the care and attention you give to getting ready for the next caravan season are likely to prove well worth your while. 

Further reading: Winter caravanning: What to pack and where to go.

Additional considerations for new and returning caravanners

Beyond the practical checks already outlined, there are a number of wider considerations that may help support a smoother caravanning experience over time. Budgeting realistically for ongoing costs, for example, may help avoid surprises.

Servicing, storage fees, replacement tyres, gas, site fees and insurance premiums can all add up over the course of a season, particularly for those new to caravanning. Taking time to map out likely annual costs may help you decide how often you plan to travel and which types of trips are most suitable.

Weather planning is another factor that may influence both comfort and safety. Conditions in the UK can change quickly, and caravanners may wish to keep an eye on forecasts before travelling, particularly when towing. High winds, heavy rain or heatwaves may affect driving conditions, pitch selection and the use of awnings. Adjusting travel plans or delaying departure may sometimes be the more prudent option.

Security is also worth revisiting as part of your wider preparation. While many modern caravans are fitted with alarms, trackers or wheel clamps, these measures may work best when used together rather than in isolation. Parking orientation on site, the use of hitch locks when stationary and awareness of site security procedures may all play a role in reducing risk. As with any security measures, insurers may expect reasonable precautions to be taken, subject to policy terms.

Documentation is another area that can be overlooked. Keeping copies of service records, inspection reports, insurance documents and ownership paperwork together may make administration easier, particularly if you need to refer to them while travelling. Some caravanners also find it helpful to keep digital backups in case documents are misplaced.

Finally, it may be worth allowing time after each trip to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved next time. Small adjustments to packing routines, pitch preferences or travel timings may significantly enhance future trips. Over time, experience often builds confidence and helps caravanners develop habits that suit their own style of travel.

Further reading: Caravanning Checklist.

Caravanning is often associated with freedom – the ability to change plans, take the scenic route or stay longer somewhere that feels right. For many people, the word “planning” sounds like the opposite of that. Too rigid. Too organised. Too close to turning a break into a schedule.

In reality, planning is what makes that freedom possible.

The most enjoyable caravan trips are rarely the least planned. They are the ones where enough thought has gone in beforehand to remove friction, reduce uncertainty and allow decisions to be made calmly once the journey begins.

Planning isn’t about control – it’s about flow

Good planning in caravan touring isn’t about locking yourself into a fixed itinerary. It’s about understanding the shape of your trip before you set off. Knowing roughly how far you want to travel, what kind of landscape you’re heading into and how much energy you want to spend each day.

That awareness makes a real difference. Touring through wide, open regions such as the Scottish Highlands feels very different from travelling through tighter, more populated areas. Distances, road types and stopping points all affect how a day unfolds. Planning helps you work with a destination rather than against it.

Experience changes how people plan

Ask long-term caravan owners how they plan today, and many will tell you they plan less than they used to – but more effectively. Early trips are often over planned, driven by nerves or fear of getting things wrong. Over time, that shifts.

Experienced caravan travellers know what matters. They plan around pace, daylight, weather and how they want the trip to feel, rather than trying to account for every detail. That confidence comes from understanding their own preferences as much as the destination.

Planning supports flexibility, not rigidity

One of the great myths about planning is that it removes spontaneity. In practice, the opposite is often true. When you’ve done a bit of thinking in advance, changing plans becomes easier, not harder.

This is especially true in places where weather plays a big role. Touring areas like the Lake District or Pembrokeshire where the weather can be notoriously unpredictable can look very different from one day to the next.

Knowing your alternatives – shorter drives, nearby locations or quieter routes – makes adapting feel natural rather than stressful.

Time and energy matter more than mileage

Planning also changes how people think about distance. Caravan touring isn’t about covering ground quickly; it’s about enjoying the journey without arriving exhausted.

Shorter travel days, realistic arrival times and room to pause along the way often lead to better experiences. Regions such as the Norfolk Broads lend themselves particularly well to this slower rhythm, where the landscape encourages unhurried movement and time outdoors.

Planning cushions the unexpected

Unexpected situations are part of any trip. Roads close. Weather shifts. Plans change. What tends to define the experience is not whether something unexpected happens, but how prepared you are when it does.

When a trip is loosely planned, changes feel manageable rather than disruptive. You’re less likely to feel boxed in by decisions made earlier and more able to respond calmly to what’s happening in front of you.

A practical planning checklist for caravan touring

While the following checklist is not exhaustive, here are some ideas of what to include when planning your next trip …

For wet weather and downtime

• board games, cards or puzzles for relaxed evenings;
• books, magazines or downloaded films for offline use;
• activities that don’t rely on good weather or outdoor space;

For navigation and detours

• paper road maps for wider route awareness;
• notes on alternative routes or nearby areas worth exploring;
• offline navigation or saved locations where signal may be limited;

For food and drink flexibility

• simple, adaptable meal options;
• hot drinks and comfort favourites;
• easy snacks for travel days or unplanned stops;

For comfort and routine

• extra layers, blankets or throws;
• familiar items that make the caravan feel settled;
• lighting, music or small touches that create a relaxed atmosphere;

For shared time

• games or activities suitable for everyone travelling;
• items that encourage conversation and downtime;
• space to slow the pace and enjoy being together;

For peace of mind

• essentials that reduce reliance on local facilities;
• a small buffer of supplies for plan changes;
• the basics that allow you to adapt calmly if circumstances shift.

Confidence is the real benefit

Perhaps the most valuable outcome of planning is confidence. Not the loud, performative kind, but the quiet assurance that comes from knowing you’ve thought things through.

That confidence allows you to relax once you’re on the road. Decisions feel easier. Detours feel less risky. The journey feels lighter.

In many ways, planning becomes part of the pleasure. Reading about places, imagining routes and shaping the kind of trip you want to take all build anticipation. Far from limiting freedom, thoughtful planning clears the way for the kind of flexible, rewarding travel that caravanning does best.

Further reading: Caravanning Checklist,
Guide to what to do on rainy days and Winter caravanning: What to pack and where to go.