Today’s article is all about: What do I need for a caravan? Having a caravan is like having a second home. That is why some of the things on the list will be completely necessary and some that will not. They will simply be details that help make the trip more pleasant and beautiful. In this post, we bring you a list of accessories to equip the caravan.

What do I need for a caravan?

There are a few essential things you will need for a caravan. Before embarking on your trip, you should prepare a list of necessary things to take. Although at first glance our caravan seems to be equipped with everything, some things do not come with the keys for your new home on wheels.

Once we are clear about this, we will begin to draw up the list of the most necessary things from safety, to hygiene, tools and organization.

What you need to feel safe in your caravan:

Fire extinguisher: ABC powder fire extinguisher with wall bracket tested according to DIN-EN3.
Solar Aerator: important for the ventilation of your caravan. Automatic starts with daylight. Ceiling or wall mounting. Does not require an electrical connection.
Safety Spike: safety plugs cover the pegs preventing foot injuries. At night they light up as they are fluorescent.
Gas Alarm: warns of LPG, CO 150 PPM and many other anaesthetic gases.
First aid kit: for any emergency that may arise.

Caravan bathroom and cleaning accessories:

Aqua Kem Blue Sachets: balls to deodorize and facilitate the emptying of the waste tank.
Easel: when it rains and it is airy, it carries stability and rigidity of the floor.
Tank: recommended to carry booster fuel.
Trash: to throw food and dirt that is generated during the trip.
Toilet paper
Special soap
Cleaning cloths or rags
Shower gel and shampoo
Garbage bags
Towels
Toothbrush and Paste
Sunscreen
Hygiene Products for Women, Men and Children

Caravan comfort essentials:

Crockery pack
Cookware
Chairs
Table
Bedding (sheets and/or duvet)
Pillows
Dustpan and Broom
Clothesline
Toolbox
Batteries
Paper and pen
Map or GPS
Organizer with pockets

Multi-outlet: female and USB sockets with light
Led ceiling light
Storage mesh: with sturdy three-sided support frame.

9 things you should know before your first adventure in a caravan

If you start in the world of caravans or motorhomes (you are buying one, think about renting it …), you should know that it is not to take your car and arrive at a hotel with your suitcase. In this experience, you will find advantages and disadvantages … which may end up being advantages:

Caravan driving license

If the caravan you are driving weighs less than 750 kg, you can tow it with any licence, except A or A1 (as these are for motorcycles). Please see the table below for more information on what type of licence you need for towing a caravan:

Type of vehicle	Type of licence needed
Vehicle (up to 3500 kg) + a caravan of up to 750 kg Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)	Licence category B
Vehicle (up to 3500 kg) + a caravan with a GVM more than 750 kg, without the combination of both vehicles exceeding 4250 kg	Licence category B
Vehicle (up to 3500 kg) + a caravan with a GVM more than 750 kg, but both vehicles weigh between 4,250 and 7,000 kg	Licence category B+E
Vehicle (3500 kg+) + a caravan with a GVM more than 750kg	Licence category C+E
Vehicle (3500 kg+) + a caravan with a GVM more than 750kg, without the set exceeding 12,000 kilograms	Licence category D+E
Vehicle of those authorized by permit D1 + a trailer or semi-trailer of more than 750 kilograms of GVW	Licence category D+E

Caravan insurance

Caravan insurance works just like car insurance, it provides peace of mind while you are on the road. As essential, as with cars, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers any potential damage that you can do to third parties and civil liability insurance.

Here’s how it works:

If your caravan weighs 750 kg or less – it is covered by the insurance of the towing vehicle (your car).
If your caravan weighs more than 750 kg, you need to insure your caravan separately.

In addition to this insurance, which is essential, it is also advisable to have insurance that covers the damages that we can do while driving (the most delicate are usually the manoeuvres and they do not usually include it), and those that include theft or fire, for example.

How fast you can tow a caravan

It is important that you know the speed limits when travelling with a caravan or motorhome, they are not always the same as passenger cars, and they do not have to be those indicated on the signs of the roads you are driving on.

The average speed limit for pulling a caravan is somewhere between 55 and 65 mph, but you can find a more specific answer in the table below. To drive well with a trailer, there is absolutely no need to go fast. So, if you have a deadline to meet, you have to take a large margin of time to avoid delays.

Where to sleep with a caravan

With a caravan, you do not stop on the shoulder of a road to sleep, but you would look for a suitable place, carrying your house on your back does not imply stopping to sleep where you please.

The most suitable places are the campsites, they are sites prepared and equipped for tents, caravans, motorhomes ..They have their corresponding security measures, with different services, according to their category, and, above all, if you do not have experience it is the best place to stop for the night, at least until you get used to the camping world.

There is a limit of seats in a caravan

Although there is always the option of bringing a tent, it is normal to travel with a caravan or motorhome with a sufficient number of places for all occupants, but it is important to know that in motorhomes you have to travel inside only in the seats prepared for this, with their corresponding seat belts.

Usually, the places to travel and those to sleep tend to coincide, but there are cases in which they do not, so make sure you have room for all the occupants. It is prohibited to travel in a caravan that is being towed!

Exterior equipment for caravans

As in all vehicles, in which you have to wear a reflective vest and fault triangles, if you travel with a caravan or motorhome you need to bring chocks in case you park in places with a significant slope, rear-view mirrors that allow you to see the vehicles that they circulate on the adjacent lanes.

Caravan interior equipment

Keep in mind that you will live, that is, you will sleep, wash, prepare food, eat – in your caravan. Bring everything that you may think is necessary, but also, don’t overload your caravan and respect the MAM of your caravan!

Plan your caravan trip

Our recommendation is that you consider your route carefully and find several alternatives for camping if you change plans or do not find a free parking space at the desired campsite. If you can anticipate it in advance, with a reservation you will go more relaxed. If not, we recommend that you contact the campsite you want to arrive at least the day before and confirm the possibility of finding a place or making a reservation.

FAQ on What do I need for a caravan?

What expenses does a caravan have?

Expenses for a caravan include the following: insurance, parking, maintenance. A caravan must have at least insurance against damage to third parties. The expenses are around an average of $100 per year. In addition, you can subscribe to voluntary camping insurance.

What car do you need to drive a caravan?

If your caravan weighs 1,000 kg, you can drag it just as easily with an 80-90 hp car. And if you have a 750 kg caravan, it is easy to carry it with a 60 hp engine.

Do I need to tell my insurance if I tow a caravan?

Whether you will have to tell your insurance that you are towing a caravan, will depend on its weight. When its permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeds 750 kg, the trailer or caravan must be insured independently of the vehicle towing it. Otherwise, it will be covered by the third party liability insurance of the towing vehicle at no additional cost.

References

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What do I need for a caravan? (a beginner’s guide)