Packing a caravan for a long trip or even a just weekend getaway can be a bit of a daunting task, but it really doesn’t have to be. Right now, we’re all staying home and isolating in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Why not use this time when we can’t travel to perfect your caravan packing process so that you’re ready to go once the world returns to normal. Read on for some helpful tips to make packing your caravan a cinch!
Tip 1: Make Lists
Be thorough – make an extensive list of what you need to pack ahead of time. There will likely be variables depending on where you go but the bulk of your list will be relevant each trip. Add to it when you think of something else, which inevitably happens every trip.
Tip 2: Kit your Caravan out like a Pro
If you’re a regular traveller, it makes life easier to have a well stocked caravan that only needs to be replenished with toiletries, food and clothes when you’re heading off on your next trip. If you’re not a regular on the road, aim to set your caravan up over time. You will likely find yourself going on more trips when it’s not such huge job to pack the van each time – bonus!
Tip 3: Clean and replenish your Caravan at the end go every trip
Don’t leave the big clean for the next time you want to get away. It’s so much easier to give your van the once over when you arrive home and then have it ready and waiting for you the next time.
Tip 4: Utilise space saving hacks
Organising your caravan is an art and it can take time but there is a wealth of information at your fingertips on the internet. Look for websites, forums and Facebook groups or talk to seasoned travellers about how they setup their vans. Once everything has a home in your van, it makes it effortless to keep it neat and pack it up when you’re ready to hit the road. Just Google caravan space saving hacks for inspiration.
A simple Google search will provide endless storage inspiration
Tip 5: Downsize your entertainment
Buy the compact versions of your favourite board games, stop storing DVD’s and CD’s and invest in streaming platforms such as Spotify and Netflix – they are cheap and subscription based – only want them for a month? No problems! Enjoy puzzles? You can do them on free apps. Space is precious so weigh up what you’re willing to forfeit for your entertainment.
Tip 6: Master the art of Freezer Tetris
We all know how precious that fridge and freezer space is. Invest in some shallow Tupperware containers or even better, some environmentally friendly, reusable ziplock bags to freeze leftovers flat – they stack so much better this way and will cut your thawing time in half!
Tip 7: Know your limits
Whilst it’s good to be prepared when you’re on the road, you need to remember your limits – weight limits that is. It’s sometimes tempting to overpack but we regularly see caravaners who have overloaded their van and this is a dangerous safety oversight.
What do you need to know about towing weights? Well, there are a few definitions you’ll need to be aware of when towing:
- Aggregate Trailer Mass – the maximum your fully-loaded tow vehicle can weigh.
- Gross Trailer Mass – the weight of the fully loaded trailer imposed on the axle when it is attached to the tow vehicle.
- Tare Mass – the weight of an empty caravan excluding the weight of any after-sales fitted accessories.
It can sound technical and tricky but it doesn’t need to be. We have more helpful information on towing weights here or get in touch with our expert team for more insight.