Caravan Packing Checklist

Touring caravan at the ready, it’s time to head off for a well-deserved break. Whether you’re off for a short weekend away with a friend, a two-week break with the family, or a six-month tour of the British Isles with your better half, you still have the unenviable task of packing prior to your departure.

With that in mind we’ve put together a helpful caravan checklist for you, it includes all of those essential items that we think you might find handy for your caravan holiday! There are links to the items we like, and we’ve even collated a printable version of the checklist for you too, so next time you plan on going away you can get organised well in advance!

There are certain things that should be on every packing list that you need in order to enjoy a successful caravan holiday. This checklist will be especially useful if its your first time on a caravan holiday.

Caravan Essentials

Make sure the below are at the top of your check list.

• Gas bottle – Hungry caravanners have got to eat, so you will need a gas bottle to power your hob, cooker, and possibly BBQ.
• Water containers – Clean, freshwater is a must for day-to-day caravan living, opt for a large water container that’s easy to fill and manoeuvre.
• Large waste water container and waste hose – Make sure your waste water is easy to shift and empty. Get your waste water from your caravan to your waste container via a waste hose.
• Spirit level/levelling aid indicator – The last thing you want to do is spend your holiday in a tilting caravan (that steaming cup of coffee looks dangerously close to sliding off the table)!
• Extension lead and caravan mains convertor lead – If you want to plug in your numerous electrical items you will need to pack an extension lead.
• Mains polarity tester – Insert a polarity tester into one of the pin sockets to check all the connections are wired correctly.
• Large caravan battery – If you are planning to stay out in the wilds, or on a site that doesn’t provide electricity, then you will need to bring along a large caravan battery.
• Corner steady pads – Big caravans are nice and roomy, but they are also weighty, and could sink into the earth.
• Winder adapter – A winder adapter is a useful tool for winding a caravans legs up and down with ease along with some jack pads.
• Steps – Unless you fancy leaping in and out of your caravan door you will need a caravan step to climb safely up and down.
• Awning / pop up gazebo – If you need some outside space next to your caravan then one of these is a must.
• Water pump – Give it a quick check before you leave to make sure it’s working.

Staying Safe on Your Caravan Holiday

• Towing mirrors – Its the law. You need these to tow your caravan.
• A spare tyre and foot pump – Don’t get caught out if a caravan tyre blows out!
• Tool kit – You don’t want to spend your caravan holiday doing DIY inside your caravan but you do want to be prepared in case an emergency fix is required.
• Spare bulbs, fuses and batteries – Don’t end up left in the dark at night inside your caravan, take along a few spare bulbs and fuses. Batteries are always useful as well.
• First aid kit – No one wants to fall ill or get injured on their caravan holidays, but however safety conscious you are, accidents do happen in caravans.
• Insect repellent and sun protection – Insects can be pesky at certain times of the year, so you might also want to keep repellent to hand and light a citronella candle to use inside the caravan.
• Fire blanket and a fire extinguisher – Take a look at your caravan insurance policy, chances are it will ask that you have a fire blanket and extinguisher readily available in your caravan.
• Torch, solar lights, lighter and matches – There might be outdoor lighting in place (depending on where you choose to park up your caravan). However, solar lights will come in handy to illuminate your pitch.
• Hitch lock and cover – We’re always looking for ways to save money when it comes to caravan insurance, and you could lower those premiums by investing in a hitch lock to fit on your caravan tow bar.
• Wheel clamps – Fitting a wheel clamp on your caravan will deter thieves, and as a result, you could save money on your caravan insurance too!

Food and Drink

One of the most important parts of any caravan holiday involves tucking into yummy food and drink. Make sure you take some of these items from our caravan packing list.

• Mugs, cups, glasses and beakers – You can’t beat a nice cuppa inside your caravan, invest in a some decent travel mugs that keep your drinks hot and have handy lids to reduce spillages / keep nasty insects out. Plastic beakers are useful for kiddies, and whilst a plastic glass may not be the most glamourous vessel for your pinot grigio, it will save you from having to deal with a shattered wine glass inside caravans.
• Tea bags and coffee!
• Plastic plates, bowls, & cutlery – Minimise breakages inside the caravan by opting for plastic dinnerware – plastic plates and bowls are robust and easy to clean.
• Outdoor table and chairs – An integral part of a caravan holiday involves lots of lounging around outside (even if the weather isn’t on your side you can still get some fresh air under your awning). Set up an outdoor table and chairs and make the most of the great outdoors.
• Food bags and boxes, foil and cling film – Keep your caravan grub fresh and tasty, and bug-free, by keeping it covered.
• Cooler and ice trays -“I just love a glass of tepid chardonnay, and a luke-warm beer,” said no caravanner ever!
• BBQ  – Invest in a caravan gas BBQ, chuck on the sausages and burgers and get grilling. If you don’t want the hassle of cleaning a BBQ or lugging it home with you, go for a disposable one instead.
• Kitchen appliances – You won’t be able to take along every kitchen gadget on your caravan holiday, so we’re thinking more of the essentials here, such as a kettle and toaster.
• Cooking & kitchen utensils – Unless you are planning to eat out every day you will need to do a bit of cooking inside your caravan. Channel your inner Gordon Ramsey or Nigella out and knock up a feast! You will need pots and pans, plus all the usual utensils – we’re thinking wooden spoon, spatula etc Don’t forget those essential items such as an oven glove, chopping board, tin opener, kitchen scissors, and (most importantly) a corkscrew and bottle opener!
• Food and drink – Compile a simple shopping list prior to each road trip, what do you plan on eating/drinking?  You will have to shop for fresh items such as bread and milk every time you go away, but you can keep a few essentials such as condiments, tins, goodies such as biscuits and crisps, and drinks stored in cupboards.

Comfort

Home is where the heart is, or in this case – your caravan is where your heart is! Make your place as welcoming as possible by packing creature comforts, practical extras and a few nice touches from our comfort checklist.

• Windbreaker/sun canopy – Make your caravan outdoor space as user-friendly as possible by setting up a windbreaker/sun canopy to guard against the elements.
• Doormat  – Make your tourer more welcoming by popping a doormat down – a place to wipe your feet and leave your slippers ready for a bout of relaxing.
• Bedding – Get a good night’s sleep – invest in quality bedding such as a comfy duvet and pillows. You will also need duvet covers and pillowcases. Take along a couple of snug throws and blankets too – great for snuggling up under on a chilly evening.
• Towels – You will need a couple of hand towels and bath towels for drying off. If you are planning on swimming or visiting the beach pack beach towels too.
• Clothesline – Dry your clothes, air your towels, hang up your sandy swimming costume! A clothesline will enable you to wash through garments and dry items off – don’t forget clothes pegs (unless you don’t mind retrieving wind-swept knickers and socks from around the site)!
• Bin – You probably have a caravan bin in the kitchen already, but you might find it useful to keep another in the bathroom or awning (if space allows).  Pack plenty of bin liners, or you will be scrabbling around for carrier bags to haphazardly tuck inside instead.
• Wet weather gear -Ok, so you might strike lucky and enjoy glorious sunshine, but you’re just as likely to strike out and get a shower or two! Cover all bases and take along waterproofs, wellies and an umbrella.
• Sun cream – The British weather is unpredictable.
• Toiletries – Pack a toiletry bag to leave in your tourer, then you don’t have to remember to pack all of those essential toiletries every time you go away. Include soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, razors and shaving gel, toothbrushes and paste, hair products such as hairspray, perfume/aftershave and sanitary items.
• Wipes, tissues, and loo roll -Don’t forget to take toilet rolls, you don’t want to get caught short! Tissues are needed for snotty noses and wet wipes are also very handy – great for sticky fingers and cleaning off mucky kids!
• Comfy slip-on shoes/slippers – You don’t want to have to put on a pair of trainers every time you want to nip outside, but going barefoot isn’t advisable either. Keep your feet cosy by taking along some comfy slip-on shoes or a pair of slippers.
• Earplugs/eye mask – Caravan walls are quite thin, and you might find yourselves parked quite close to your neighbours.
• Clock – Don’t scrabble around for your mobile phone to find out if it’s wine o’clock yet! Put a clock in your caravan so you can check the time whenever you wish.
• Mini electric heater – It’s always good to have a backup plan, and a mini-electric heater could be just the thing.
• Clothes and Shoes – Take along hangers for your wardrobe so you can hang items that are liable to crease (ironing is not a pastime you should partake in on any holiday)! Evenings can be chilly, so we recommend a warm fleece and a decent jacket.

Let Me Entertain You Check List

Forget the sweeping and dusting, say goodbye to the paperwork, and lock the lawn-mower in the shed. You’re off to have fun in your touring caravan. Take a few items from this caravan checklist for entertainment purposes and enjoy:

• Outdoor fun – Check if there are any restrictions on ball games, if not set up a fun game of football of cricket. Other ideas include a friendly game of swingball, chucking a frisbee to one another and flying a kite. You could take along a bike and enjoy the local area, and if you are planning on visiting the beach don’t forget your bucket and spade!
• Indoor fun – Colouring books, board games, dominoes and whatever else takes your fancy.
• TV & DVD -We know that the essence of a caravan holiday involves reconnecting with your other half, family and friends. A TV can prove useful if the weather is poor.
• Music – Plug your phone or tablet into speakers and enjoy singing along to your fave tunes, or have an impromptu dance in your awning!
• Books and magazines -There’s no better time to catch up on your reading. Take a healthy stock of books and magazines and peruse until your heart’s content.

Keep It Clean and Tidy

Keep your little home from home neat, tidy and dirt-free by taking along a few key essentials from this checklist.

• Toilet chemicals – Required to keep your toilet fresh and clean – ideally, steer clear of strong-smelling stuff that will pollute your nostrils. We have a great list of chemicals on our caravan toilet page.
• Washing up – Take a bowl for the sink, plus washing up liquid and a cloth/sponge, and don’t forget gloves if you like to be kind to your hands! You will need tea towels to dry up with (unless you prefer to chill out and let everything drip dry of course)!
• Cleaning up – Take along antibacterial spray to keep surfaces clean, and kitchen paper will be invaluable to mop up spills etc.  A bucket and cloth or sponge will also come in handy to wipe down outdoor furniture etc.
• Tea Towels – For drying the dishes.
• Kitchen Roll – You will be shocked at how much of this you use.
• Mini vacuum/dustpan and brush – Keep your caravan clean and crumb-free! A little mini vacuum can be your best friend.
• Disposable gloves -Someone has to clean out the chemical loo!
• Don’t forget your dog – If you’re taking your four-legged friend you will need to pack his doggy bed, lead, poo bags, water and food bowls, dog food and of course a selection of squeaky toys!

Caravan Checklist Conclusion

Phew, who knew you needed to take so much with you? Whilst, it seems like there are lots of items on this checklist once you have them you can use many of them again and again. It’s worth getting organised and kitting your touring caravan correctly if you want to make the most of your caravan road trip.