Just when you thought you’d chosen a caravan that was perfect in meeting your every desire, you’ve thought of some small – or not so small – way in which it might be improved still further.

And although the modern caravan is designed and built to meet practically every whim and fancy of the discerning owner, there are still ways in which you might customise, personalise and simply make it better.

You might try several different approaches – depending on your budget and the extent of the changes you want to make:

Utilitarian

• if you don’t have one already, probably the simplest, most straight forward and utilitarian way of improving your ‘van is to invest in an awning;
• they come in all shapes and sizes – with some doubling the usable floor area of your caravan at a stroke;
• you could opt for a full awning for long stays, or a lighter porch awning for short breaks and weekends. For year-round use, look out for all-season fabrics and reinforced poles that can withstand British weather.

Further reading:

Guide to Awnings

Why use a caravan awning?

Awning insurance: need to know

Modernise

• all the major manufacturers regularly launch new models and variations on best-selling versions – the touring caravan market is especially fast-moving;
• if your caravan is more than several years’ old, therefore, you might feel that it is beginning to look a bit dated and in need of modernisation;
• if that is the case, it is surprising how relatively small-scale changes and adjustments can make the world of difference to an interior that has begun to look somewhat tired and worn;
• you might reupholster, for example, by recovering all the soft furnishings or simply introducing a few more scatter cushions;
• change the curtains or blinds and install new lighting ideas, or a new sound system might also give you a newly colourful sensory background;
• when all’s said and done, something as basic as a thorough spring clean is liable to bring your caravan up to date, with a modern-seeming appeal;

Upgrade and add a touch of luxury

• take a step beyond the simply utilitarian addition of an awning or breathing a more modern look into the interior of your caravan by upgrading towards an element of luxury;
• electrics – and the appliances and devices you run off the system – provide many opportunities for a touch of indulgence;
• this might come in the shape of the latest in Bluetooth speakers, for instance, or a clever network of USB plug sockets and ports – which can be used to connect as many devices and gadgets as you care to imagine;
• other upgrades might be designed to take some of the chore out of setting up your pitch upon arrival at the campsite of your choice;
• an automated levelling system, for example, will help to ensure that your caravan is immediately on an even keel, as electric corner steadies and hydraulic jacks beneath the axle settle your ‘van on the most uneven of pitches – and you’ll be set up in just a few minutes;
• an electrically-powered motor-mover will also take the strain out of manoeuvring your caravan in any tight space – making the very best of your chosen pitch or ensuring the perfect positioning for storage;
• for the kitchen, consider upgrading to a dual-fuel hob or adding a compact coffee machine. In the bathroom, a high-efficiency showerhead or eco-flush toilet cassette system can improve comfort while saving water.

Further reading: Caravan technology – how innovation is transforming your home on wheels.

Add personality

Sometimes, it’s not about gadgets or upgrades, but creating a space that feels uniquely yours.

• add framed photos from your travels, decorative rugs, or themed crockery for that home-from-home feeling;
• choose a soft colour palette to make the space feel light and relaxing, or go bold with statement décor touches that reflect your taste;
• upcycling vintage finds or using removable wallpaper can help turn your caravan into a stylish retreat – without permanent changes.

This type of personalisation can be especially rewarding if you’ve bought a second-hand caravan and want to make it your own.

Further reading: Pimp your static home on a budget – although this is aimed at static caravan owners, many of the tips can be used for a tourer.

Futureproofing your investment

Whatever your ‘van, whatever its age and whatever your budget, there is always likely to be room for improvement. You might want to consider some of these tips and suggestions for modernising or adding a touch of luxury to your caravanning experience.

But remember – when you make any improvements, it’s important to think ahead:

• Weight: Any additions may impact your caravan’s MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass), which affects both safety and legality when towing
• Insurance: Enhancements can increase the replacement value of your caravan, so let your insurer know to ensure you’re covered appropriately
• Resale value: Tasteful upgrades and well-maintained interiors can significantly boost the future resale appeal of your tourer

Don’t forget your caravan insurance

Finally, don’t forget that if you make extensive changes or improvements to your caravan, do let us know – you may need to increase the sum insured of your caravan insurance to reflect its increased value.

Here at Cover4Caravans, we’ll help make sure your caravan insurance policy continues to match your caravan and its contents – so you can enjoy every trip with total peace of mind.

With your caravanning season now in full swing, it’s important to stay abreast of any key developments that might affect your upcoming outings and holidays.

Let’s lift the lid on some of the most recent headlines.

Major caravanning organisations promote safer towing

A consortium of major caravanning organisations – including the Camping and Caravanning Club, the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and the National Caravan Council (NCC) – has launched a campaign for safer towing.

The Alliance’s first major initiative is the launch of the TLC campaign – Tyres, Load, Connectivity – a comprehensive resource hub aimed at helping drivers keep their trailers, caravans, horseboxes, and other towed vehicles safe and roadworthy:

• Tyres – keep all the tyres on your trailer and the vehicle towing it properly inflated and ensure all have the required tread and are free from any damage, plus address tyre ageing;

• Load – loads must be evenly distributed in the trailer, made secure, and comply with legal restrictions; and

• Connections – ensure that the lights, breakaway cables, and all electrical connections are securely fixed and are working properly.

Trigano caravan sales     

The French caravan manufacturer Trigano has admitted that the prospects for sales in the coming year do not look that good, according to a story by Practical Caravan recently.

Although the company foresees little chance of a significant uplift in sales this year, it was keen to scotch rumours that had previously circulated dismissing its chances of financial recovery.

Mobile signal boost transforms UK countryside

When you take to the road in your touring caravan this season, you can expect much better mobile telephone coverage even in the most rural spots.

A recent story in Out and About Live described advances made by the Shared Rural Network (SRN) that bring improved mobile connectivity thanks to cooperation between mobile providers and the government.

The SRN has upgraded more than 50 existing telecommunications masts in England, Wales, and Scotland. The dramatically improved 4G network will support all four of the major UK mobile providers across remote areas that have until now been starved of viable signals. This will bring effective coverage to some of the country’s most picturesque countryside.

The area benefitting from this upgrade is the equivalent of nearly 66,500 football pitches, says Out and About Live. It covers such well-visited tourist destinations as the national parks in the North York Moors, the Lake District, and Snowdonia. Trails across such scenic countryside as the Southern Upland Way and areas of outstanding natural beauty like the Dee Valley and the Clwydian Range will also benefit.

The NCC backs the Back British Holidays campaign

In a recent press release, the National Caravan Council (NCC) announced that it is thrown its support behind Out & About Live’s campaign to revive the country’s domestic tourism and leisure vehicle industry.

It hopes to encourage its more than 700 members to participate in the initiative across various websites, social media, and other channels of communication – so engaging the necessary support from Government.

There are seven principal aims in the current campaign:

1. Promote domestic tourism;

• Boost financial support for tourism-oriented businesses;

• Manage operational costs and inflation;

• Empower local authorities in the development of tourism;

• Improve the reliability of travel to tourist destinations in the UK;

• Develop specially designated “tourism zones”; and

• Press forward on net-zero and green tourism practices.

The aims are designed to protect the future of the tourism and leisure vehicle industries in the UK which are estimated to contribute to the economy more than £31 billion a year and directly or indirectly employ more than 3.3 million individuals.

You can find out more here.

Both can be described as caravans. Static homes are also known as “mobile” homes – in the choice of words, surely not so different from a touring caravan.

Yet there is a world of difference between a touring caravan and a static home – with the latter subject to a number of common myths:

1. Static homes are just glorified caravans

As we’ve said, there is a world of difference! A touring caravan is designed for just that – touring, with the ability to make a quick getaway. A static home – for all its alternative description as a mobile home – is designed to stay put in the one place for most of its life.

Static homes are built for comfort, spaciousness, and long-term living. They’re likely to have central heating, full-size kitchens, and double glazing – in fact, all the amenities you’d expect to find in a typical home.

2. They don’t hold their value

Most things you own will depreciate over time – neither your car nor a touring caravan will hold its original price for long.

But make some informed choices about a desirable and well-appointed park for mobile homes, pick a modern model capable of the occasional upgrade, keep it in a good state of repair, and you may that your static home still commands a favourable resale value when it’s time for you to move on.

In the meantime, you could see it as getting more than your money’s worth of value simply enjoying a home for your summer holidays and more.

3. They’re cold in winter and boiling in summer

That’s very much old hat – and might once have held a grain of truth.

But today’s static homes typically have every amenity you’d find in a bricks and mortar home – including efficient central heating and air conditioning.

4. You don’t need caravan insurance for a static home

Anything you own can be protected by insurance – without that safeguard, you’ll be paying for any loss or damage from your own pocket.

Loss or damage to your static home could prove expensive indeed, so you’ll want to make sure you are covered by appropriate insurance – and, in this case, it is specialist caravan insurance for static homes.

BONUS TIP: In most cases, you do not have to accept the static caravan insurance offered to you by the site owner – you are typically free to shop around for your own cover. But it’s always best to check your park’s terms. Some parks include static home insurance in your pitch fees or offer it as an optional extra. Others may let you choose your own provider but ask for proof of active cover that meets their minimum requirements, such as a specific level of public liability. An admin fee may apply.

If you’re not tied to a particular policy, you’re free to shop around for your own static caravan insurance.

5. You can park them anywhere you like

Just think of the sheer size of even the most modest static home and you’ll appreciate why you can’t park or berth them just anywhere.

A static home can be parked on a duly registered caravan park or on any private land where the permission of the local council has been granted.

6. They’re only for older people

This is a myth that might have gained ground because there are certainly some residential (park home) caravan parks where there is a minimum age (say, 55 years or older) to maintain a tranquil environment for more mature residents.

Sites for static holiday homes tend to attract all types and ages of visitors, from families and younger visitors to couples and solos.

7. You can live permanently in a static caravan

You cannot live permanently in a static (park) home.

A park home is a permanent residence built to residential standards, suitable for year-round living and subject to council tax.

A static caravan (holiday home) is for seasonal use only, located on holiday parks, with no full-time residency rights and fewer legal protections under UK law.

If you’re looking to combine your love of history with the freedom of the open road, this 11-day caravan or motorhome itinerary is the perfect way to do it.

Travelling from Herne Bay on the Kent coast all the way to the Scottish Highlands, and then looping back, this route is packed with history, sweeping views and lakeside living. Every stop on the journey offers something new to uncover. With comfortable, well-equipped campsites at each leg of the trip, you’ll enjoy both convenience and charm, all at your own pace.

Whether you’re a seasoned tourer or planning your first long-distance trip, this route offers a fantastic balance of scenic drives, cultural discoveries and restful overnight stays.

7-day motorhome itinerary: Herne Bay to Scotland

Day 1 – Herne Bay to the Cotswolds (approx. 175 miles)

Leave Herne Bay and head towards the rolling hills and honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds. Broadway or Bourton-on-the-Water make excellent first stops. Settle into a local campsite and enjoy a stroll through the village before dinner at a traditional pub.

Day 2 – Cotswolds to the Lake District (approx. 190 miles)

Continue north through the heart of England to reach Cumbria’s Lake District. Consider basing yourself near Keswick or Ullswater for excellent walking and views. Take a late afternoon cruise on one of the lakes or enjoy a quiet evening on-site.

Day 3 – Exploring the Lake District

A day to take things slower. Visit Grasmere for some gingerbread, wander around Ambleside or hike a gentle trail like Tarn Hows or Orrest Head. If you’re travelling with dogs or kids, you’ll find plenty of space to roam.

Day 4 – Lake District to Glencoe (approx. 200 miles)

Cross the border into Scotland and take in some of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes. Glencoe offers moody mountains and history in equal measure. Consider a stay at a loch-side site with a view of the peaks.

Day 5 – Glencoe to Isle of Skye (approx. 130 miles)

Drive through Fort William and up past Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the Skye Bridge. Skye is home to the Quiraing, Fairy Pools, and incredible sunsets. It’s wild, windswept, and utterly unforgettable.

Day 6 – Exploring Skye

Dedicate a full day to the island. Drive the Trotternish Peninsula, take in Portree’s harbour, or walk to Neist Point Lighthouse. Try local seafood if you’re eating out – or just soak in the silence and star-filled skies back at the van.

Day 7 – Skye to Aviemore (approx. 130 miles)

Head back east through the Cairngorms National Park. Aviemore makes a good base, with hiking, wildlife parks, and plenty of touring routes nearby. Choose a forest-side site and enjoy the contrast of the Highlands’ softer side.

4-day return route from Scotland to Herne Bay

Day 8 – Aviemore to Edinburgh (approx. 125 miles)

Drive south towards the Scottish capital. Stop at the Forth Bridges viewpoint before heading into the city. Stay at a nearby site with public transport links – many offer park-and-ride options. Spend the afternoon exploring Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, or Arthur’s Seat.

Day 9 – Edinburgh to Yorkshire Dales (approx. 200 miles)

Leave Edinburgh and head to the Yorkshire Dales. Wensleydale or Wharfedale offer a mix of peaceful pitches and great walks. Stop off at Richmond or Skipton enroute. A fish and chip supper in the Dales feels well-earned after a day’s drive.

Day 10 – Yorkshire Dales to Rutland Water (approx. 140 miles)

A quieter day with a scenic route south. Rutland Water is a hidden gem with lakeside cycling, birdwatching and a relaxed pace. Ideal for a penultimate night stop that still feels like a proper getaway.

Day 11 – Rutland Water to Herne Bay (approx. 150 miles)

Make your way home, taking a break near Cambridge or the M11 services. Reflect on the trip and start planning your next one – Scotland has a way of pulling you back.

Please note: All distances provided are approximate and based on typical driving conditions. Actual journey durations may vary depending on traffic, roadworks, weather, and vehicle type. Always allow extra time for stops and check live traffic updates before setting off each day.

In caravanning as in life, there are some things you simply must have or do. These days, caravanning life has changed beyond recognition. Where once it probably meant a couple of weeks away just getting away from it all by roughing it a little, today it remains a chance to escape the humdrum of everyday life without roughing it at all.

Essential home comforts – including all the latest communications gadgets and devices – have become a necessary part of that two-week travelling caravan break.

Before getting down to the nitty-gritty of must-haves, though, let’s spare a thought for the must-do’s. If your caravan has been languishing in your driveway at home or stored away during the winter, it first needs a good old-fashioned spring clean. It’s your first must-do – and all the must-haves can follow on later.

Must do’s

Spring cleaning your caravan

Spring cleaning might often be seen as a chore. When it comes to spring cleaning your caravan, however, it is probably the first sign of your getting ready for the coming new season of holidays and outings. The sense of anticipated fun, adventure and relaxation might make spring cleaning a surprisingly welcome and pleasant task!

So that you only have to do it once in preparation for the coming season, and to help you get the task done properly, you might want to take on board some of the following tips and suggestions.

Spring clean your insurance

Your first spring cleaning exercise involves no physical effort on your part at all – but is no less important for all that.

An annual spring clean of your caravan insurance may ensure not only that your cover is up to date, but that it reflects the steady changes in market valuations and provides the appropriate scope and level of protection for you and your family.

As part of that annual health check, you might want to contact us here at Cover4Caravans to ensure you still have the most appropriate insurance and at a cost-effective price.

Cleaning and maintenance

When cleaning, the job falls naturally into two parts – the inside and the outside of your ‘van:

Inside

• dust and hoover as you would any other room in your house, of course;
• but with a caravan, one of your main enemies is likely to be condensation, damp and the potentially very damaging mould that may grow in such conditions;
• use your nose or a purpose-designed damp meter to detect the tell-tale signs of damp before it has the chance to get hold;
• give the interior a thorough airing and ensure that air vents are unblocked and properly facilitating the flow of air;
• flush through the water system, using a proprietary freshwater cleaning agent if you so wish – refer to the manufacturer’s instructions;
• another place where you should never use bleach is the toilet in your caravan, where once again you need to select a proprietary cleaner;
• while on your internal spring cleaning, check that both gas and electrical appliances are working and the connections in good order – or get them checked by a professional;
• check the gas cylinders, if necessary, weighing them to make sure that there is enough for at least your next outing;
• make sure your fire extinguisher and smoke alarm are still in date and working correctly – these are easy to overlook but vital in an emergency.

Outside

• tackling the outside of your caravan is essentially a question of plenty of water, a good sponge, and the appropriate amount of elbow grease to remove the stains, bird lime and sap from trees that may otherwise damage the finish of external surfaces;
• the general consensus is that high-pressure water hoses should be avoided;
• cleaning the outside of your caravan, therefore, is likely to be a pretty straightforward affair – potentially more important are some of the essential safety and maintenance checks that need to be done;
• don’t forget to lubricate external locks, hinges and corner steadies to keep them moving freely throughout the season.

Wheels and tyres

• properly checking the wheels and tyres after a long winter’s layover, for instance, is likely to require you jacking up the caravan, resting it on axle supports and deploying the corner stays;
• when safely raised from the ground, grip the tyre of each wheel, and attempt to wiggle it from side to side – there should, of course, be no detectable play in the wheel bearings;
• on the tyres themselves, you need to check for cuts, bulges and other deformities and ensure that the full depth of tread follows a straight path around the whole circumference of the tyre (further reading: How old are your tyres?);
• if your caravan has been stationary for some time, consider rotating the tyres or even replacing them if they’re past their prime, regardless of tread.

Brakes

• with the caravan raised off the ground, you also need to check that the brakes are working correctly;
• to check that there has been no binding – especially if the brake has been left on during the winter – simply spin the wheel and listen carefully;
• provided there is only the sound of the brake shoes gently brushing the inside of the wheel, everything is likely to be fine, but if there is a significant dragging noise the brakes need adjusting by removing each wheel;
• when the adjustments have been made, remember to do the wheel spin test once again before satisfying yourself that the brakes are working safely.

Hitch, jockey, and steadies

• the final series of external checks involve the hitch mechanism, the jockey wheel, and the corner steadies;
• as the only point of contact between your caravan and the car towing it, the hitch is clearly an important mechanism;
• the hitch must be firmly secured, and the head needs to be clean and properly greased, checking too that the breakaway cable is in excellent condition;
• maintenance of the jockey is essentially a question of the wheel rotating freely and you being able to raise and lower it easily – in other words, suitable attention to greasing points;
• corner stays might also be checked that they are in smooth working order simply by cleaning them – with brake fluid if necessary – and greasing the operating mechanism;
• finally, inspect your towing mirrors and number plate lighting – small things, but legal requirements that often get missed.

Must-haves

Switching from that must-do spring clean to what you must-have for your caravan allows you to be a little more indulgent.

Let’s consider just some of how your chosen must-haves might make life easier.

Motor movers

Touring caravans are designed with weight considerations in mind – with careful balance making for easier manoeuvring.

But there are still situations where you might find it challenging to manoeuvre. A motor mover is designed to give you just that little extra help. It might be needed when space is restricted, and the caravan needs to be unhitched from the car or when you need to align the wheels precisely so that a wheel lock may be used to provide that extra level of security.

Motor movers work on the principle of providing power to turn the wheels of the caravan to move it backwards and forwards and turn it in tight spaces. The power typically comes from the caravan’s own battery and the work is done by clamps which fit against the tyre.

Generally, the motor mover is simple and easy to operate through the kind of remote control device you might use with a television set.

Further reading: Motor movers explained

Solar chargers

Getting away from it all is one thing but doing without all your favourite gadgets and devices is another thing entirely.

A solar charger provides a ready – and free – source for all those power-hungry devices such as telephones, laptops, games controllers, and batteries.

Cookers and hobs

So, we’ve enjoyed a mini-succession of especially fine summers, but it’s still somewhat optimistic to hope to do all of your cooking over a campsite barbeque.

Thankfully, you can buy a whole range of cooking aids for your caravan ranging from a single burner hob right through to a full-sized oven – allowing you to give full rein to your culinary expertise.

Satellite systems on the go

If the idea of missing out on your favourite TV programmes while you are away is a non-starter, then a portable satellite system may help you ensure that you stay up to date with all those plot lines.

It will also provide a source of entertainment for the kids on those occasional days when you can’t get out and about.

Shower al fresco

Maybe not what springs immediately to mind when you think about high-tech gadgets but what about a portable external shower unit so you can help ensure that all that sand or mud stays outside where it belongs?

Further reading: Which caravan gadgets? and Guide to Caravan Gadgets.

But remember …

If you intend to buy a few of these must-have items, be sure to check that your caravan insurance covers them.

Final thoughts

Caravanning has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and today it offers all the freedom of the open road – with none of the compromises.

Whether you’re deep-cleaning your van for the season ahead, upgrading with clever tech, or ticking off essential maintenance checks, taking the time to get your caravan in top shape will help ensure smoother, safer and more enjoyable travels.

And once that’s all done? You can relax, unwind, and get back to what it’s really all about – the adventure.

Disclaimer

Please note – the maintenance tips in this article – including those related to brakes, tyres, electrics and gas etc – are for general guidance only. If you’re unsure, always consult your caravan manufacturer’s handbook or speak to a qualified professional. Safety must always come first, and certain checks or repairs should only be carried out by someone competent and experienced in caravan maintenance.