Equipment needed for first time buyer.

[PeterJ]

We have just purchased our first caravan. We are totally new to caravanning and would like advice from experienced caravanners.

Can anyone please reply with a list of the essential equipment that is required such as water containers etc.

 

[Damian]

Peter, you are asking a lot, especially there is such a long list of "essentials", anyway, here are some, no doubt others wil add to the list.

Suitably matched tow car.

Hitchlock

Wheelclamp

Caravan Jack

Spare Caravan Wheel and Tyre

Fresh Water Container,Aquaroll or similar

Waste Water Container,Wastemaster, or similar

Gas Bottles

Electric Hook Up Cable for site mains electric.

Bedding

Crockery

Cutlery

Cooking pots and pans

Clothing

Food

First Aid Kit

If you have an awning

Hammer for pegs

The list is endless, almost, but care has to be taken to ensure you do not overload your van.

 

[cris_408518]

Good wide footed sturdy door step!

Sense of Humour

Breathable ground sheet if you have awning!

Sense of Humour

Travelling abroad - electric cable adapter, polarity tester, Camping Gaz Bottle as UK bottles can't be exchanged in Europe.

Sense of Humour

Basic tools, simple Volt meter / circuit tester / WD 40 / Grease gun for tow hitch etc /

Sense of Humour

Haynes Caravan Manual (Halfords) can be a good read ;-)

Sense of Humour

Torque Wrench to check wheel Nuts/Bolts

Sense of Humour

Hoses. 1 to fill fresh water containers at tap! Hoses to connect van to waste containers.

Sense of Humour

KETTLE for gas stove or low wattage for electric!

Sense of Humour

Map reading course for the passenger (if a bit iffy with maps).

Print off route to destinations from internet or buy a basic sat nav.

Taking wrong turns in car or taking wrong route is not to big a propblem. With van behind, partner nervous that you hit something with it and kids whingeing about "how much futher". can be a different story.

Direct trouble free routing will make Caravanning far far more pleasant!

Have seen to many stressed partners arriving on sites ;-)

 

[cris_408518]

BUY A CARAVAN STABILISER IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE!

 

[lolly_5087162]

A bottle opener!!

Never leave home without one!!

Lolly x

 

[Brian-Bear_5094910]

Friendly bank manager to finance all off above!

but seriously its not that bad and the lists above are first class

Dont forget chill the wine and beer before you leave and keep cool in coolbox or fridge until you arrive. There is nothing like a holiday feeling having a pint in one hand and a cigar in the other as you set up the van on your chosen pitch.

^>

 

[cris_408518]

Forgot - simple caravan 2 way level.

Don't forget "sense of humour"

some sort of chocks/ ramps / wooden blocks = for levelling.

ps. remember the sense of humour ;-0

 

[lunar2000]

Peter, We wouldn't go anywere without a Fire extinguisher and Fire Blanket,

 

[LadyMaureen]

Peter,

Go to www.oakwood-village.com and you can get lists which you can print off for your own use.

I eventually made up my own and laminated them and kept them in the 'van for reference.Also had a smaller one to keep us right when we were getting ready to leave, as invariably we always forgot something !!