Beginner Caravan buyer requires Accessories

[gnomee]

Had ours since Feb, the dealer slung in a gas bottle & a hitch lock. It came with chocks, a step, wheel brace and waste water carrier.

Take a short trip (our first was about 3 miles to a Campsite owned by a friend), that way you'll know where the local shops are when you realise what you are missing something or you can always go home to pick stuff up.

A kettle, an extension lead. We use an electric Tepenyaki grill instead of a bbq, can cook almost anything on it (even peas in a saucepan) , it saves on gas and its easy to clean.

A hook to pull the awning through the channel (much cheaper than a divorce) and a bit of fairy liquid for lubrication. If you are as tall as me a small step ladder would help.

A small bin. A mallet for the awning pegs (forgot that on the first trip further afield). A multi USB charging plug. A really cheap gardening kneeling mat from Lidl or a piece of foam, gravel pitches are hard on the knees when winding the legs down!

And after that beer and wine (in responsible quantities).

I'll see what we forget this weekend..... And when I say we I mean me

 

[Buckman]

Just to add whatever you do with the awning be very careful using Fairy Liquid because if some of it runs, the streaks can be quite difficult to remove from the side of the caravan. Ideally it is best to use a silicone spray in the awning rail.

 

[Saxo Appeal]

Just out of curiosity, why would you need to buy a AL-KO Hitch Lock, when you have two AL-KO wheel locks? Is there any need?

 

[otherclive]

Just out of curiosity, why would you need to buy a AL-KO Hitch Lock, when you have two AL-KO wheel locks? Is there any need?

What does your insurance require? Having a hitchlock gives an extra layer of defence against theft and may lead the theives to an easier target.

 

[Saxo Appeal]

We are actually thinking of placing the caravan in a storage where you drop it off, they then clip it onto a small tractor and move it into their secured storage yard. When we want it back they bring it out for you, which is quite convenient.

I was just thinking of what really is the difference with having a AL-KL wheel lock on each side of the caravan, and having an AL-KL Hitch Brace. Is there any realy point in having both?

I haven't been doing the insurance quotes, it's my other half. So need to find out

 

[otherclive]

We are actually thinking if putting the caravan in a storage where you drop it off, they then clip it onto a small tractor and move it into their secured storage yard. When we want it back they bring it out for you, which is quite convenient.

I was just thinking of what really is the difference with having a AL-KL wheel lock on each side of the caravan, and having an AL-KL Hitch Brace. Is there any realy point in having both?

I haven't been doing the insurance quotes, it's my other half. So need to find out

You could just as easily question why to even bother with Alko wheel locks when in secure storage as they should not be required anyway as the storage is secure. My post #29 gave the normal reason in answer to your question. It’s your decision , no one else can make it for you, other than your insurer perhaps. Over the years Ive read accounts of how quickly thieves are able to steal a caravan and twin axles being particularly desirable. Not just from storage, but from homes, and small rural sites, service areas etc too. Why make it easier for them?

 

[Saxo Appeal]

Yes right enough, when in storage I wouldn't think it was imperitive to have as much security.

But once the caravan is parked up at a Campsite, this is when more security is essential.

Not that I'm saying people on the campsite will do anything, but any theif driving in through an unsecured site could be off with one that they like the look of

 

[otherclive]

Yes right enough, when in storage I wouldn't think it was imperitive to have as much security.

But once the caravan is parked up at a Campsite, this is when more security is essential.

Not that I'm saying people on the campsite will do anything, but any theif driving in through an unsecured site could be off with one that they like the look of

My insurer insisted on a wheel lock and hitch lock even when stored in a CASSOA Gold site, so I used an Alko wheel lock and Alko hitch lock. When touring I used a less secure wheel lock than the Alko. It was easier to fit when on pitches be they hard or grass, or having to use a ramp.

 

[Saxo Appeal]

I suppose that’s the issue on a campsite and trying to fit the wheel locks

You have to level the caravan, then try line up where the lock goes through the alloy

 

[Mel]

Have a look at Lock and level. Selling point is that it takes the hassle out of two Alko locks on a twin axle. Never used one myself as have neither a Twin Axle nor an Alko lock.
Mel

 

[Bluetonic]

I suppose that’s the issue on a campsite and trying to fit the wheel locks

You have to level the caravan, then try line up where the lock goes through the alloy

Which makes Lock'n'level an invaluable accessory for a Twin Axle, unless you have a self leveling system or don't use the alko wheel locks.
But even then, to level a T/A side to side I find to be a real PITA trying to use ramps.

LocknLevel | Videos

Video demonstrations of our LocknLevel products

www.locknlevel.co.uk

I have no affiliation withe the company, just a VERY happy customer

 

[trevormonty]

That Lock n level sure bets using a block of wood. Now on my wish list.

 

[Saxo Appeal]

Do you to fit 2 wheel clamps to the same side, or does it have to be 1 on each side, or does it really matter?

 

[otherclive]

Normally most seem to be fitted to one side.

 

[Dustydog]

Normally most seem to be fitted to one side.

TAs like mine only have the Alko lock receivers fitted to the near side .

 

[audiorob]

I have requirements of one approved wheel lock, secure wheel nuts for the alloys, and hitch lock for my insurance to which I added rear corner steady locks.

 

[Buckman]

If they store your caravan using a tractor that probably means no locks on it whatsoever and you may not be able to access the caravan once stored.

 

[Saxo Appeal]

That’s from Flogas who also supply conventional steel propane and butane. I’d get a second Gaslight and being much lighter than steel you save payload. Look at Flogas website for options. I think they come in 5 and 10 kg. One of each could be an option. You don’t always need to carry two. I only carried two bottles when abroad.

5 year protection

 

[otherclive]

5 year protection

View attachment 5456

Confused ?????? What has Flogas got to do with Alde heating

 

[Saxo Appeal]

Confused ?????? What has Flogas got to do with Alde heating

Apologies, I quoted the wrong post

 

[Saxo Appeal]

Also check whether the ALDE fluid is the 2 year oir 5 year variety. I think the 5 year is now standard, but check as it is over £200 to change the fluid.

5 year protection

 

[Beachball]

Have a look at Lock and level. Selling point is that it takes the hassle out of two Alko locks on a twin axle. Never used one myself as have neither a Twin Axle nor an Alko lock.
Mel

We use a Lock and level when we had our twin axle on a seasonal pitch and a bulldog hitch lock .

 

[Saxo Appeal]

Nice to have is a MiFi for improving internet access and running an amazon firestick etc

Any recommendations on a Mifi device?

 

[Buckman]

Any recommendations on a Mifi device?

Why not use your phone as a hot spot. Our MiFi now resides at the bottom of a drawer.

 

[Saxo Appeal]

We have previously when camping, and with having 2 kids it just burns down the battery and isn’t good for it.

That Nighthawk M1 looks good but very expensive