Whether you are touring in a caravan, enjoying a camping trip or spending time on a seasonal pitch, access to fresh drinking water is essential. While most caravans have onboard water storage, many owners still prefer to collect fresh water directly from the site tap for drinking and cooking.

This is where a good-quality water carrier comes into its own. Modern collapsible water carriers offer several advantages over traditional rigid containers, helping to save space without compromising on convenience.

Water carriers

When you are on a camping trip or outing in your caravan, you will need plentiful supplies of drinking water. According to the NHS, adults are generally advised to drink around six to eight glasses of fluid a day – and maybe even more in hot and sticky weather or if you are exerting yourself.

Your caravan is undoubtedly fitted with its own water tank and, provided you are scrupulously careful in keeping the tank clean and fill it only with fresh water, there should be no problem drinking water from it, suggests the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Many people may prefer to drink water that has been drawn from the tap more recently, however, and that means using a water carrier to get it from the onsite tap to your caravan.

Collapsible water carriers

However big your caravan, carrying extra drinking water takes up valuable storage space. This is where collapsible water carriers come into their own, providing additional capacity when needed while folding away neatly when empty.

There are further benefits as well:

Durability

• one of the reasons why you probably never gave your old water carrier a second thought is because it is so durable – it can seem as though it will last forever;
• a collapsible water carrier remains just as durable and will serve you well for many years;

Portability

• a collapsible water carrier is portable – simply pick it up if it’s empty;
• typical sizes range between five litres and twenty litres and you might want to weigh the advantages of having several smaller water carriers rather than one big one;
• a 20-litre water carrier is very heavy when it’s filled, of course – but carriers of this size may also have inbuilt wheels to make getting back from the tap to your caravan so much easier;

Storable

• when it’s not in use, your collapsible water carrier will take up precious little space – whether that’s in your garage or stowed in your caravan when you’re ready to roll;
• as you fill it, the carrier simply expands to occupy the same space as the volume of water itself;

Eco-friendly

• its durability and long-term reusability mean a collapsible water carrier may help reduce waste compared with repeatedly purchasing disposable water containers;
• those eco-friendly credentials are enhanced still further since a water carrier you can fill straight from the tap may reduce the need to buy and dispose of multiple single-use plastic water bottles.

BPA-free materials

If you are buying a collapsible water carrier, it is worth checking whether it is made from BPA-free materials.

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical that has historically been used in the manufacture of some plastics. Although regulatory authorities continue to assess its safety, many consumers prefer BPA-free products for storing food and drinking water. Choosing a BPA-free water carrier may provide additional peace of mind when carrying water intended for consumption.

One of the first questions many new caravan owners ask is, “How much will caravan insurance cost me?”

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Two people can own very similar caravans and still receive different quotations. That’s because insurers look at a range of factors when deciding how much risk they are taking on.

A small touring caravan that spends most of the year in a secure storage compound may attract a different premium from a brand-new twin-axle model that travels around the country every weekend.

If you’ve been comparing caravan insurance quotes and wondering why the prices vary so much, some of the following factors may help explain why.

The value of your caravan

As a general rule, a caravan that costs more to repair or replace is likely to cost more to insure.

A nearly new touring caravan packed with modern features will usually represent a bigger financial risk to an insurer than an older model with a lower market value.

It is also important to think about any extras you have added. Motor movers, solar panels, upgraded security devices and specialist awnings can all add value to your caravan and typically may need to be declared to your insurer.

Where the caravan is kept

Ask any caravan insurer what information they want first and storage is likely to feature near the top of the list.

A caravan stored behind locked gates in an approved storage facility may present a different level of risk from one left on a driveway or in an unsecured location.

Insurers know from experience that theft and accidental damage are more common in some situations than others. As a result, where your caravan spends most of its time when not in use can have a noticeable impact on the premium you are quoted.

Depending on your circumstances and the policy selected, at Cover4Caravans, we may offer discounts up to 20% off your annual premium for caravans stored at a CaSSOA-approved site.

How often you use it

A caravan that is taken away for a handful of weekends each year is exposed to different risks from one that is constantly on the move.

The more frequently a caravan is used, the greater the chance of accidental damage, theft or incidents occurring while travelling. Insurers may therefore ask questions about how often you tour, where you travel and how long your trips typically last.

For many owners, that flexibility and freedom is exactly why they bought a caravan in the first place. It simply means insurers need a clearer picture of how the caravan is being used.

Your claims history

As with many forms of insurance, your previous claims history may also be taken into account when insurers assess risk.

Making a claim does not automatically mean your future premiums will increase. However, insurers may consider previous losses when calculating the cost of cover.

If you have enjoyed several years without making a claim, some insurers may view this differently from someone who has experienced multiple claims in a relatively short period.

The level of cover selected

The cost of caravan insurance may also be influenced by the level of cover you choose.

For example, insurers may offer different levels of protection for accidental damage, awnings, contents, personal possessions, public liability and other optional benefits. The wider the scope of cover selected, the higher the premium may be.

It is important to make sure that any cover arranged reflects your needs and circumstances rather than focusing solely on price.

Where you use your caravan

Insurers may also ask questions about where the caravan is used and how far it typically travels.

A caravan that remains on a seasonal pitch for much of the year may present different risks from one that regularly tours the UK. Some insurers may also offer cover for European travel, which could affect the premium charged.

Why do caravan insurance quotes vary?

Many caravan owners are surprised to receive different quotations from different insurers.

This is because each insurer has its own underwriting approach and assessment of risk. Factors such as the caravan’s value, where it is stored, the security measures in place, how often it is used and the cover selected may all be weighed differently.

As a result, there is no standard caravan insurance premium that applies to every owner.

The importance of accurate information

When requesting a quotation, it is important to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

Details such as the caravan’s value, storage arrangements, security devices and intended use all help insurers assess risk and determine the terms of cover that may be available.

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information could affect the cover offered or any future claim.

Further reading: How much is caravan insurance?

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a general overview only. Insurance premiums, cover, exclusions and policy conditions vary between insurers and individual circumstances. Always check the policy documentation carefully and consider seeking guidance from an insurance broker or insurer before arranging cover.

Summer 2026 has seen continued interest in caravanning holidays, manufacturer updates, campsite development proposals and reminders about towing regulations. Here are some of the latest caravan news headlines affecting UK caravan owners and holidaymakers …

Summer 2026’s most popular caravans, motorhomes, and campervans

Many holidaymakers continue to choose UK staycations, attracted by the flexibility, convenience and value offered by caravanning holidays.

If you’re wondering what type of caravan, motorhome or campervan is proving most popular this summer, Caravan Times recently highlighted several standout models from Bailey of Bristol.

Among touring caravans, larger twin-axle models appear to be attracting strong interest from buyers looking for greater comfort on longer trips. The Bailey Pegasus Black Bologna was singled out as an example of this trend, combining generous living space with features designed to support extended touring and year-round use.

In the motorhome sector, layouts that maximise living space continue to prove popular. Bailey’s Adamo 75-4DL was highlighted for its separate lounge areas and flexible sleeping arrangements, reflecting the growing demand for motorhomes capable of accommodating longer holidays and family touring.

Compact campervans also remain in demand. Models such as the Bailey Endeavour B62 appeal to buyers looking for a vehicle that can be used both for touring and everyday driving.

According to Caravan Times, this reflects a broader trend towards practical, multi-purpose vehicles that offer flexibility without sacrificing comfort.

German production plans announced for Elddis caravans 

Once based in Consett, County Durham, future manufacturing of the Elddis caravan range will now take place in Germany, announced Practical Caravan magazine on the 3^rd of June.

The Elddis brand is currently owned by the Erwin Hymer Group (EHG), which plans to continue production of the caravan range at its plant in Isny-in Allgäu in southern Germany. It’s the site where EHG also manufactures its range of Dethleffs caravans, motorhomes, and campervans.

Revised caravan pitch plans submitted for Norfolk railway station

The owners of the former railway station and its three-and-a-half-acre site at Whitwell and Reepham in mid-Norfolk have had to scale back their plans to extend pitches for touring caravans there.

A story in the Eastern Daily Press recently revealed that a planning application from Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station initially proposed pitches for up to fifteen touring caravans.

This has been scaled back to five static caravans and two shepherd’s huts.

The poor local road network and limited footpath access to the site of the former railway station were given as reasons for the scaled down expansion plans.

Devon and Cornwall emerge as caravan speeding hotspots

For those towing a touring caravan, Devon and Cornwall remain among the most popular destinations for touring caravan holidays in England. They are also a hotspot for speeding fines that catch out the unwary.

In a story on the 19^th of May, the Sidmouth Herald revealed that motorists towing caravans in Devon and Cornwall were the most likely in the whole of the UK to be caught out by the special provisions of the Highway Code’s SP20 that set lower speed limits for vehicles towing trailers, caravans, and motorhomes than ordinary cars.

Some drivers of those vehicles may, therefore, be unaware that whereas the normal speed restriction on a dual carriageway is 70 mph for ordinary cars, it is only 60 mph if you are towing a trailer such as a caravan. On single carriageways, the speed limit is 60 mph for cars but only 50 mph for caravans. Drivers should always check the current Highway Code and any vehicle-specific restrictions that apply when towing.

Important insurance reminder: Motoring convictions may affect insurance premiums, so it is important to understand the speed limits that apply when towing a caravan.

Your static caravan is likely to represent a substantial investment, so arranging suitable insurance may help protect you financially should something go wrong. And while insurance for a static caravan is not usually a legal requirement, there are circumstances where having cover may effectively become necessary.

Is static caravan insurance legally required?

There is currently no UK law that specifically requires you to insure a static caravan. Unlike a touring caravan or motor vehicle, a static caravan cannot typically be driven on public roads, so standard motor insurance requirements do not apply.

While there is generally no legal obligation to insure a static caravan, there are circumstances where insurance may effectively become a practical requirement.

When static home insurance may be required

Static home insurance may be required contractually.

When you sign the lease for the plot on which your static caravan is berthed, you may see that the park or site owners require that you meet minimum insurance requirements.

The requirement naturally varies from one site to another, but it typically requires a minimum level of insurance against public liability claims – those claims arising from incidents where a neighbour, visitor to the caravan park, or a member of the public is injured or suffers damage to their property through some contact with your holiday home.

The site or park operator may offer you static home insurance in order to meet this requirement. But, in many cases, you do not have to accept the insurance offered by them. Instead, you may arrange your own static home insurance cover and submit evidence of an appropriate form of insurance to the owners or management.

Although this might involve you paying a small administrative fee, independently arranged static caravan insurance cover could still prove more cost-effective than the site’s offering.         

If you have arranged to buy your static caravan through a finance agreement, typically finance providers require evidence that the caravan remains insured throughout the agreement term – effectively to safeguard the outstanding balance of your loan.

What does static caravan insurance cover?

Whether you accept the site management’s insurance or prefer to arrange your own policy independently, the following are typically the principal areas of cover – bearing in mind that the precise schedule of cover will vary from policy to policy, and from one insurer to another:

• loss or damage through major incidents such as fire, storms, flooding (exclusions may apply), and impacts (from vehicles or falling objects such as branches of trees);
• theft, vandalism, or damage from attempted break-ins;
• public liability cover for claims arising from injury or property damage – and given the potential for substantial claims (especially those involving physical injury), cover limits may be as high as £5 million; and
• options for additional cover extending, for example, to accidental damage, the contents of your caravan, and loss of use following an insured incident.

Note that exclusions may apply – for example, some insurers may apply exclusions/conditions for flood-prone areas.

What are the risks of not having static caravan insurance cover?

The risks of any failure to arrange insurance for your static caravan tend to underscore the reasons why – although not legally required – it is widely expected.

One of the main financial risks from not having static home insurance is that you may need to cover repair or replacement costs yourself.

And if you have not arranged the appropriate insurance cover required by the park, you could be in breach of the terms of your pitch agreement, which may put your lease at risk.

Similarly, if your static caravan is subject to a finance agreement, failing to maintain any required insurance cover could place you in breach of the finance terms.

Without insurance, you typically do not have financial protection against public liability claims, meaning you could become personally responsible for legal costs or compensation payments.

Things to check before arranging cover

Before taking out static caravan insurance, it may help to check:

• whether the park has minimum insurance requirements;
• any age limits for caravans accepted by insurers;
• whether flood, storm or accidental damage cover is included;
• policy excesses and security requirements; and
• whether contents and decking are covered as standard or optional extras.

Here at Cover4, we are here to help. We can take the time to discuss your individual circumstances, explain the different types of cover for static caravans available and help you explore insurance options that may be suitable for your circumstances and any requirements set by the park or finance provider.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Terms, conditions, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply to insurance policies and may vary between insurers. Always check policy documentation carefully.

One of the great things about owning a touring caravan is your ability to customise and personalise it to suit your own particular tastes. That helps your ‘van to stand out from the crowd, or make it more secure, or simply offer you greater enjoyment and satisfaction in owning it.

Any amount of customising and personalising may be done through the addition of must-have caravan accessories. The following are a few suggestions:

Awnings

• probably one of the most useful – and distinctive – accessories for any caravan is its awning;
• it greatly extends the amount of usable space – to make even the smallest of touring caravans seem roomy;
• the room created under your awning acts as an outside space where you can cast off muddy boots and wet raincoats or even store the bike you have taken with you on holiday;
• alternatively, the extension made from your awning can be used as an all-weather dining room – with the sidewalls rolled up or let down, perhaps, according to the whims of the famous British weather;
• you are likely to be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your personal awning, so before buying one, make sure to read our detailed guide about awnings.

Further reading: Awning insurance: need to know.

Portable power and charging solutions

Modern caravanning often involves smartphones, tablets, cameras, sat-navs and other electronic devices. A portable power station or additional charging solution can help keep essential devices powered when you are away from home. Many caravan owners also invest in USB charging points, battery monitors and portable solar panels to help manage their power usage more effectively. These accessories can make longer trips more comfortable and may reduce concerns about running out of power during your holiday.

Are you sitting comfortably?

• holidaying with a touring caravan doesn’t mean you have to rough it – a few well-chosen pieces of furniture might provide all the comfort you need, without robbing you of that all-important storage space inside the ‘van;
• there are a number of outlets for all manner of touring caravan furniture, often providing a wide range of space-saving yet comfortable chairs, tables, folding beds and a whole host of fixtures and fittings designed to make life in your touring caravan just that little bit more comfortable and leisurely;
• as we mentioned in a previous post, you can also get a cuddle couch seat, which lets you snuggle-up side by side on foldaway seating made for two.

Levelling and stability equipment

Even on well-maintained sites, pitches are not always perfectly level. Levelling ramps and wheel chocks are relatively inexpensive accessories that can make a significant difference to comfort. A properly level caravan may help appliances operate as intended and can make sleeping, cooking and relaxing much more enjoyable. Many experienced caravanners regard levelling equipment as one of the first accessories new owners should purchase.

BBQ

• whether you regard it as camping furniture or an essential piece of caravanning kit, a barbecue is more than just another accessory – it will very likely have its very own story to tell;
• it’s probably the smell of whatever’s on the grill, but there is nothing that quite matches the barbecue’s knack of drawing all and sundry from far and wide;
• think of it as a way to meet new friends among your fellow campers and you are almost certain to be sold on the idea of a new BBQ to greet this season’s outings;

Television

• socialising around the barbecue may be all well and good, but you might also get grudgingly envious eyes cast towards those times when you get the chance to sit down by yourself and watch your favourite television programmes;
• taking a TV with you when caravanning might be frowned upon by die-hard camping purists, but why not treat yourself to a harmless piece of enjoyment in this handily mobile form of entertainment;
• in an increasingly technological age, of course, all manner of electronic gadgetry is not only available but surprisingly affordable, so you might even think about hooking up your TV to on-the-go mobile broadband connections to the internet;

Hardy favourites

• spare a thought for such an essential piece of kit as the humble water carrier;
• caravanning wouldn’t quite be caravanning without the sight of campers struggling through the damp grass with their daily needs for water;
• the website GO Outdoors illustrates that even well-worn traditions such as this may be subject to change and improvement through the simple expedient of putting the water carrier on wheels;
• you are likely to be the envy of anyone continuing to struggle with actually carrying their water and soon come to appreciate that a wheeled version proves more than just a novel accessory;
• also, you may wish to read our article: Benefits of collapsible water carriers.

Storage and organisation

Space is always at a premium in a touring caravan. Clever storage solutions such as hanging organisers, stackable containers and collapsible kitchen equipment can help keep everything tidy and accessible. Good organisation can also make setting up and packing away quicker, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your holiday and less time searching for essential items.

More information: Caravan storage ideas.

Travel safe

• one of the accessories you might not want to boast about or otherwise draw attention to is your very own safe, which can be bolted onto the floor or chassis of your caravan;
• use it to keep items such as passports, cash, credit cards and even your jewellery safe and sound and away from prying eyes.

Lighting for outdoor living

Many caravan owners enjoy spending evenings outside their caravan during the warmer months. Portable LED lighting, rechargeable lanterns and awning lights can help create a welcoming outdoor space. Modern LED lighting is typically energy efficient and available in a wide variety of styles, making it easy to find something that suits your preferences.

There is a wide range of caravan accessories available that may help you customise your touring caravan and make your trips more enjoyable.

Further reading: Guide to Caravan Gadgets.