Essential Tips for the Newbie Caravanner

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So you have decided on your first caravan holiday? We can’t tell you enough, the amount of excitement lying ahead of you. Before the actual trip begins, another exciting part is the planning for the trip. The apprehension and preparation is a good boost to look forward to actual caravan holiday. 

A holiday with a towing caravan includes many factors like packing essentials, road safety, destination choice, and parking points, etc. However, don’t let it dampen your spirits. We have some essential tips for the newbie caravanner to have a great first caravan holiday.

1. Make a list, and check it twice. You can never go wrong with a checklist. From kitchen to bathroom, bedroom, outdoors and everything else in between, there are some packing essentials which will let you off on a good start. Check our recommendations here and you will rarely miss a thing on the road.
2. Check van health. Your caravan and vehicle readiness for the road is an essential part of caravanner preparedness. Lights, tyres and other tool kits like spare fuses, a set of battery leads, extension towing mirrors, and a strong tow-rope along with crisis dealing equipment should hold you in good stead.
3. Get towing ready. Most new caravanners take time to adjust to twoing. Make sure you have all the basic manoeuvres under control. Parking, reversing, over-taking, etc. take some getting used to. Don’t panic if your caravan is swaying, lower the acceleration and loosen the steering a bit. Be aware of side-winds from larger vehicles and keep an eye on fuel consumption. Fellow caravanners will be happy to help with useful tips. 
4. Practise a set-up routine. After a long time on the road towing for the first time, the last thing you want is a setting-up hassle. Remember, you are on a caravan holiday and stress should not be a part of it. Draw out a set-up routine starting with unhitching your caravan and parking your vehicle away. Steady your caravan and set up gas and water systems. Connect the power and check all appliances. You are now set to enjoy as a caravanner.
5. Start early, start small. Take it easy on your maiden caravan trip. Remember, you are getting used to everything from driving a tow car, to setting-up and packing for a caravan holiday. Get an early start to avoid morning rush hour traffic, same goes for evening. 

Choose a less ambitious, nearby route. If you are within an hour’s drive from home, the return trip will be easier and shorter too. Familiarise yourself with the caravan’s system before venturing out.

There are numerous other things that are equally important, but as a newbie caravanner these essential basics should boost your confidence. For everything else, you can always rely on expert advice from the community and reliable caravan establishments like Camp Smart. Just remember to secure all drawers in the caravan before you accelerate!

Congratulations new caravanner, the great Australian outdoors is waiting to be explored.