Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of touring or are a more experienced caravan owner, there’s always something new to learn about van life – especially when it comes to sidestepping errors that could otherwise spoil your fun.
With this in mind, I’ve compiled a list with the rest of the expert team at Practical Caravan, including Deputy editor Paul Critcher, Reviews editor Peter Baber, Staff writer Jo Davies, and contributors Andrew Jenkinson, David Motton, and Nigel Donnelly, to highlight the mistakes that can occur when caravanning. These are the errors you will want to avoid making, as well as the things you will want to make sure you don’t forget about packing…
If you’re looking for some of the errors to steer clear of at a campsite too, we’ve got you covered, as we also took a look at the 27 mistakes you’ll want to avoid on-site in your caravan.
1 Dropping keys in the chemical disposal point
I haven’t done this myself, but I know someone who has… Removing the chemical toilet cassette involves unlocking the hatch door, so your keys are required. Unless they’re then safely secured in your pocket, it’s easy to let them fall into the chemical disposal point (the same applies to the cap of the cassette). The result isn’t pretty – keep those keys tucked away!
2 Pitching in the wrong place
Deputy editor Paul Critcher says: “Back in my youth, I had a history of pitching up in the wrong place. On one occasion, we found a quiet spot not far from Swanage, in Dorset. Happily settled down for the night, we were awakened by a group of scuba divers, who had turned up for a night dive off Swanage Pier and were noisily kitting up right next to us. Remember, too, that wild camping isn’t allowed in England, Wales or Northern Ireland without the landowner’s permission.”
3 Buying a van without seeing it first
Some of the hints and tips on these pages are less important than others, but this one is crucial: when you’re thinking of buying a used caravan, never do it without having seen it first. Ideally, you’ll meet the seller at their home, and always remember: if it seems to be a deal that’s too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Not testing the beds for size when buying
I once heard from a couple of keen caravanners who were selling their van after just a couple of months, because the beds were uncomfortable. They said they had been embarrassed to lie down on them at the dealership, to try them out for size. They lost a lot of money on their purchase. The lesson here – never be embarrassed to check out the beds when buying!
5. Not slowing on roads that are unfamiliar
One of the joys of touring is heading off to new areas, whether it’s to pitch up at one of the best caravan sites in the Lake District or exploring Wales. However, Jo advises being careful when you’re driving in an area you’re not used to.
“Underestimating unfamiliar roads has to be one of the most stress-inducing touring mistakes. I’ve scraped tyres and collected a couple of dings in places such as rural Wales and the Lake District, often misjudging low-lying walls hidden in hedges.”
“Tight corners, narrow lanes and few places to pull in are regular features in the most beautiful holiday spots, so be prepared to go extra slowly, take your time with manoeuvres and don’t worry about any angry looks from the locals!”
6. Forgetting Sunday closing in Europe
If the thought of a European tour appeals, make sure you plan ahead and remember opening times can be different. Peter says: “Shops in France generally do not open on Sundays. This includes fuel stations. While autoroute service stations may remain open, most of the old stations d’essence in villages will be firmly fermé. I found this out to my cost one time in Normandy, where what was supposed to have been a gentle ride back to Dieppe turned into a horror story. Try to fill up by Saturday night.”
“And bear in mind that Germany could be even worse. If you think that this super-efficient country would not be so draconian about Sunday opening, think again.”
“Until 2006, German shops were only allowed to open on one Saturday afternoon in every four – never mind Sundays. I recall once driving into one Black Forest town on a Saturday afternoon, only to have a tumbleweed moment as I realised I was ganz allein. Even today, German-speaking countries have the strictest Sunday hours in Europe. So don’t assume anything.”
7. Not figuring out how to stay warm
Caravan heating systems provide a great way of keeping warm, so don’t wait until you’re sitting freezing in a field to work out how your heating works. Nigel says: “In the old days when you were lighting a little gas fire, it was self-explanatory, but in these days of programmable central heating and digital themostats, figuring things out on the fly isn’t smart.”
“Invest an hour digesting the details in the handbook to ensure you get the best from your heating when the mercury plummets. There are plenty of guides on YouTube, too, if studying the handbook feels a bit too much like going back to school!”
If it comes to it and you need more warmth, you can also consider buying one of the best caravan heaters too.
8. Assuming that you’ll find a petrol station
A useful tip when you’re towing a caravan – plan for petrol stops! Jo says: “There aren’t really many opportunities for ‘living on the edge’ when it comes to caravanning, but gambling on your petrol reserves is certainly one way.”
“When I’m out on the road, I have a habit of thinking that petrol is bound to be cheaper at the next fuel station, or that we simply haven’t got time to stop – but it’s always worth planning your fill-ups with care. Don’t meander around waiting for a station: add a stop on your sat nav or Google Map route.”
9. Forgetting you need to store your bedding
When choosing a caravan, it’s important to remember exactly what the sleeping setup you opt for will mean to what you need to store. Peter says: “It’s true, of course, that fixed beds take up a lot of room in any caravan interior. But it’s also true that if you decide to do away with fixed beds, you will then need to ensure that you have enough storage space to put away all of the bedding during the day.”
“Otherwise, you’ll find that you end up with an interior that is nothing but piles of duvets, sleeping bags and pillows, and so you probably won’t save on living space at all. It’s worth remembering this when you’re choosing your next caravan.”
10. Buying a van with the wrong layout for you
There are plenty of caravan layouts to choose from, but if you’re planning to buy a ‘van, it’s important to take the time to think about what you want from your ‘van.
Paul says: “If you seek buying advice from any caravan expert, leisure vehicle dealer or Practical Caravan, the answer will always be the same – get the right layout.”
“Do you want more space during the day or would you prefer the convenience of a fixed bed? Will you need bunks for the grandchildren? Are you a keen cook? Try before you buy, hire if you can. List your priorities. Visit shows and dealers. Research, research, research.”
11. Forgetting to pack the toilet rolls
We all know the importance of remembering to pack the best toilet chemicals for a caravan but there’s another loo essential to not overlook as well, says Paul.
“Toilet tissue is surely the caravanner’s best friend. Light in weight, easy to dispense, and perfect for any spillage or snotty nose. Do you remember the waxy sandpaper that used to double for toilet paper at sites in mainland Europe? Thankfully, those days are largely gone, but you can still encounter the occasional public facility that still provides the card-like stuff that’s all too reminiscent of the 1970s. Never forget the loo roll!”
12. Running out of gas on the Continent
Contributing editor John Sootheran says: “You can’t get Calor gas on the Continent, because they use different bottles and fitments. One memorable year (before I was aware
of this important fact), we ran out of gas in the van and had to buy a small, single-burner Campingaz stove to boil up water for cuppas and pasta. Fortunately, we could use
the barbecue for most of our cooking! Your caravan has space for two gas cylinders. Always carry a spare.”
13. Not making the most of touring apps
Jo says: “Although I love an off-grid getaway, there are so many apps that can add to your touring experience – and make it harder if you don’t have access to them.”
“Personally, I’m a die-hard Google Maps fan and find it’s great for ad hoc destinations, such as parks and cafés, or locating specific shops.”
“PetrolPrices UK is brilliant for fuel stops. Outdoorsy must-haves are Komoot and AllTrails for walking, hiking and cycling routes, while Hipcamp is good for finding off-the-beaten-track sites.”
“A lot of these places use what3words if they’re difficult to find, and it’s useful for so many other things, including emergency situations.”
14. Letting your kids outgrow your caravan
A family caravan should provide comfort for everyone, so it’s important to remember children can outgrow the space. John says “I simply hadn’t realised quite how much my son had grown in the past year, or at least not considered the matter in relation to our caravan. As it was, every morning, I found myself having to clamber out over his legs, which were supported with cushions where they hung over the edge of the front sofa. Time to upsize, I think!”
15. Venturing on a narrow shortcut
Tow car editor David Motton warns: “When you are towing a van, shortcuts aren’t always such a good idea. One of our contributors decided to cut the corner rather than drive the long way around when returning a caravan to its storage pitch. They didn’t check the route first, and ended up having to unhitch and make a U-turn, with the help of a passing van driver, when they reached a narrow bridge which the van was too wide to use. Not a mistake they will make again!”
16. Take the time to check and avoid a wreck
Nigel explains: “Low-speed manoeuvring near obstacles is really hard to judge from the driver’s seat. If you don’t have a co-pilot to confirm clearance, get out of the car and check that the caravan will clear overhanging trees, bollards and any other obstructions. Agreed, this is a bit of a chore, but it’s far preferable to sweeping up the mess when you get it wrong.”
17. Driving too quickly downhill
David says: “If your tow car has to work rather hard to reach 60mph on the motorway (the speed limit when towing a caravan on a motorway), it’s easy to underestimate just how quickly your car and caravan can gain speed when you’re going downhill. Keep an eye on the speedo and be ready to back off the accelerator or change down a gear to control your speed.”
18. Overpacking roof lockers in your van
Take your time when loading a caravan, in particular when you’re packing the overhead lockers in your tourer’s kitchen.
John advises: “From my own experience, I can tell you that having bottles of wine, or on one especially memorable tour, maple syrup, stashed there is a major faux pas!”
“One severe speed bump or late-braking incident and you’ll be mopping up the sticky spillage and broken glass for hours – and very likely throwing out a section of caravan carpet, too.”
19. Not checking locker doors are secure
This one from Used-van contributor Andrew Jenkinson is something that could happen to anyone. He says: “In our case, a box of cornflakes had been opened and then put in the kitchen’s bottom cupboard, but the door had not clicked shut properly.”
“After a motorway tow, we had driven along a rather twisty B road. It wasn’t until we arrived at the campsite and opened the van door that we noticed the problem – the floor was covered in cornflakes! We had done the same with the wardrobe door, too, and our clothes were strewn across the floor.”
20. Forgetting you’re on holiday
Paul says: “Don’t sweat the small stuff! Maybe everything isn’t perfect. The pitches might be a bit close together and the neighbours a little loud, the pub is a bit of a walk or the café’s run out of croissants. Relax and enjoy it – you’re on holiday!”
21. Believing touring is just for summer
Of course, it’s up to you when you choose to holiday in your caravan, but it’s a mistake to think you can’t enjoy caravanning in the winter. Modern heating systems are remarkably effective, so your tourer can be cosy, whatever the weather. Out of season, you can enjoy wonderful destinations without the crowds
22. Forgetting to pack your can opener
When you’re kitting out a caravan, make sure you don’t forget the essentials. I once set off on a long tour of Europe, with plenty of canned food on board. When I was hundreds of miles from home, I realised I’d forgotten my can opener. These days, I have a spare in the van – better safe than sorry (and hungry)!
23. Believing touring is just for the summer
Of course, it’s up to you when you choose to holiday in your caravan, but it’s a mistake to think you can’t enjoy caravanning all year round. Modern heating systems are remarkably effective, so your tourer can be cosy, whatever the weather. Out of season, you can enjoy wonderful destinations without the crowds.
24. Failing to disengage your mover
We all know the benefits of having the best caravan mover: being able to manoeuvre the van with very little effort makes caravanning so much easier. However, don’t forget to disengage it! Andrew explains: “I have used mine a lot over the years, but it’s important to add it to your checklist of things to do before you drive off – it’s one thing I always make sure of. I came across one chap who had driven off with the mover on, realising his error just in time!”
25. Thinking campers are cool and caravans aren’t
David says: “Campervans can be two or three times the price of a caravan. They offer less living space, and you have to pack everything away just to nip to the shops for a pint of milk. Perhaps we’re biased, but we think caravans are better than campervans!”
26. Forgetting to have a cold beer ready
Paul says: “You’ve just driven 200 miles and spent the past hour setting up the awning and the BBQ, perfecting your pitch. You’re a bit warm and very, very thirsty. And then you realise you don’t have a cold beer to hand! Always one to avoid…”
27. Don’t be bullied by impatient idiots
Nigel says: “For some reason, normally calm and collected drivers can turn into Incredible Hulks when confronted by a caravan. Let them do what they want and don’t get involved. Instead, take a leaf out of the Wagon Driver’s playbook. Be considerate, but don’t put yourself at risk of a problem by being too polite. It’s good practice to pull over and let faster traffic past on a B-road, but do make sure you aren’t pulling in anywhere awkward to get out of because you are pressured by somebody behind you. Wait until a layby with easy access, no potholes and good visibility comes up before pulling over. If they’re in that much of a rush, they should leave earlier! Or be a good enough driver to pick a suitable overtaking spot if you’re holding them up that much.”
28. Forgetting the ‘wind back’ check
David warns: “A caravanning acquaintance of ours once heard a bang, looked around behind them, and found the caravan had dropped off the back of the car. Fortunately, they had only just left home and were travelling slowly, so the damage to the tourer was minor and nobody was hurt.”
“This goes to show the importance of winding the jockey wheel back after hitching up your caravan, to lift the back of the car a little and make sure both hitch and towball are securely and safely connected before stowing the jockey wheel.”
29. Not checking how bad the traffic is
Nobody wants to spend their holiday in traffic and, while you can’t always avoid it, you can at least check your route before you leave. There are plenty of good traffic apps, but one of the best caravan sat navs can also help
30. Forgetting to pack cards and games for rainy days
While the best caravan gadgets can help to keep you occupied on rainy days, it’s also worth bringing board games and a pack of cards to make some special memories.
Paul explains: “Some of my favourite memories of time spent with my grandparents are of playing Ludo on rainy days. I’m talking full-on downpours (drizzly days are for walking in raincoats!), when the pitter-patter on the roof lends itself to cups of tea and Penguin biscuits.”
“No apps allowed in our van – well, maybe one or two, but when it comes to Ludo, we want the full board. If there are enough players, contract whist is one of the best card games ever invented – though I have to relearn the rules every time we play!”
31. Not asking the locals for tips about the area
Jo says: “Between Google, Lonely Planet – and Practical Caravan, of course – you can plan your tour activities, campsites, meals and far more, pretty much down to the minute. However, don’t forget that the most valuable resource when you’re away is all around you – the locals!”
“A friendly conversation with someone will not only brighten your day, but can elicit some really fantastic recommendations, tips about the area, and if you’re lucky, even a few hidden gems for beating the crowds.”
32. Being late for the ferry
Another one that Paul advises to avoid is being late for the ferry, He says: “There’s nothing quite so final as watching the ferry that you should have boarded sailing off into the distance. Caravans are often required to turn up earlier than regular car passengers, so double check websites for timings.”
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