Caravan Essentials List
I’m quite often asked what accessories should be on a Caravan Essentials List. Actually, I’m never asked that, it’s a sneaky way of getting the phrase into the first paragraph! That said, having been caravanning for over 100 years, I know a thing or two about when should be on any Caravan Essentials List.
If you’re new to caravanning it’s a big thing to understand what you actually need when you go caravanning. You obviously need a caravan, a tow car and even a tow bar. As it’s really your home on wheels you need a lot of the stuff you use in your home. You don’t need to buy everything especially for your caravan, you can take stuff from your home. Things like bedding, cutlery etc can all be taken from home.
Let’s start from the outside of the caravan as there’s quite a few bits you’ll need, assuming you want to do anything other than sleep in it.
Water
Drink, wash, cook, you’ll need water. Water comes into the caravan via something similar to a water but. One make is Aquaroll, there are other makes, but it’s a bit like a Hoover. A Hoover is a vacuum cleaner, but everyone just uses the term Hoover. The same with an Aquaroll. They do a budget version which is about 10 quid cheaper, but I’ve heard people having issues with it, just get the real deal.
*Last update on 2021-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
So you have water coming into your caravan, what happens when it goes down the plug hole? Well, unless you have something to catch it in, it’ll just go on the ground, not very satisfactory. You’ll need a waste container. In a caravan this is known as grey waste. It will collect water from the kitchen and washroom and will need emptying when it’s raining and dark. AND you’ll have to remember to empty it as there’s not gauge.
*Last update on 2021-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There are other makes, but I’d always go with the wastemaster personally.
Electricity
I know it might be unbelievable, but caravans have electricity. To get this wonderful thing into your caravan you’ll need an electric hook up cable, which is a cable that allows you to hook up electricity! They come in different lengths, I’d recommend 25 metre one.
*Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The have an end that plugs into your caravan and another that plugs into the electric hook up on site.
Gas Bottle
Although some caravan’s come with an electric hob plate, some don’t. You’re more than likely need a gas bottle. There are a few to choice from, most would probably select a Calor gas bottle. I personally would go for a Gas Light
Towing Mirrors
There are a myriad of towing mirrors available. Some flat, some convex, some cost more than others.
I’d recommend the following:
*Last update on 2021-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why do I recommend convex?
Toilet Cleaner
I know what you’re thinking; “Is there anything a caravan doesn’t have?” I know, amazing right? A caravan has a toilet! You do need some chemicals though. Some to put into the cassette and some for the flush water to make things smell nice(r)
I’ve tried others, I prefer these:
*Last update on 2021-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There is of course a tonne of other stuff you can spend your money on. But the items in this article are pretty much the bare minimum.
*Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API