Tips for first time caravan owners

Tips for First-Time Caravan and Motorhome Owners

As exciting as your first caravanning trip may be, it’s crucial to ensure you’re doing everything properly before you set off. Following these guidelines will make sure your first journey is fun, stress-free and doesn’t cost an extreme amount.

Before You Leave, Make a Checklist

It’s much more expensive to buy things on the road, plus it’s a major waste of time. We’ve made this basic checklist for you to add your personal items to!
 

• Basic food
• First-aid kit
• Mosquito repellent
• Fire extinguisher
• Mechanical needs (these vary between models)
• Clothing for all occasions
• Gas bottles
• Batteries
• Entertainment
• Kitchen goods (cups, plates, cutlery, etc.)
• Cleaning equipment
• Toiletries

Drive Carefully

It’s important to take extra care when towing a caravan because your vehicle will behave differently. When presented with a sudden hazard, you need to slowly and carefully manoeuvre through it. When you drive carefully, you’re also consuming less fuel so it’s a win-win.

Have Working Setup and Pack-Down Routines

​When you get to your destination, spending hours figuring out the configuration of your site can be incredibly frustrating. Practice setting up your caravan, outdoor area and furniture before you leave home so you’re not racing the sun on your first day of holidays.
 
This is also a good opportunity to figure out what you’re missing and add those things to your checklist. Plus, if anyone was to borrow your caravan, you’ll have an excellent guide to give them!

Be Aware of Your Utility Usage

​Check the level of your water tanks and gas bottles every day while you’re away. Doing this will make sure you’re never caught off guard, and it can help you keep track of how economic you’re being with supplies. Turn off your utilities when you’re not using them and stay safe when operating your electricity. Keep an eye on your sewage level and empty it at registered dumping points whenever you can.

Keeping Your Caravan Safe

​Securing your camping spot is very important. There are a few things you should keep in mind when setting up for the night.

Invest in Adequate Locks

A coupling lock can be used to lock the caravan to your car when you leave the campsite and it can also secure your caravan from being towed away by thieves when it isn’t hitched.
 
The best way to prevent theft is by using a wheel clamp to lock the caravan’s tyres in place when you’ve camped.

Pick a Safe Location

Be mindful of your caravan’s security when you’re choosing a site. Park close to other campers and as far away from the exit as possible. It’s a good idea to insure the inner contents of your caravan as well as the van itself.

Consult the Professionals at DeLuxe RV Group

Buying a motorhome or caravan is a long and expensive process, so you want to make sure you’ve done everything you can to get it right. For information on the best models available and other caravanning tips in New Zealand, get in touch with DeLuxe RV Group. You can call us on 03 926 6789 or send us a message online.
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