Top 20 Caravan Essentials for Camping

Caravan holidays have shot up in popularity in recent years, with almost half of UK adults (47%) reporting they’ve been on a caravan, motorhome or camping holiday in the past 3 years. With the option for travel and accommodation in one handy vehicle, it’s no surprise that caravanning has become more popular with holidaygoers, but what makes a trip really exceptional? 

In this blog, we’ll talk you through our top caravan essentials to ensure you get the most out of your time away. We’ll cover everything from camping essentials to cosy comforts that allow you and your family to have the best possible experience. 

Are you planning a trip but need some wheels? Find yourself the perfect vehicle with our affordable caravan finance options at Auto Finance.

1. Portable Water Tank

If you’re travelling in a caravan it’s unlikely that you’ll have access to a running water system and waiting until you stop off to use water is incredibly inconvenient. 

One of the caravan essentials every camper should have is a portable water tank. This can be connected to your kitchen and bathroom to allow access to clean water for cooking, cleaning and using the loo. This water should also be clean enough to drink. 

Having a portable tank or two means you won’t need to worry about conserving water and you can simply refill your tank before you set off or at stop-offs without having to wait until you reach your campsite.

2. Fridge or Cooler

Most caravans should have a built-in fridge but if you’re off on a trip with your family it can be difficult to find enough room to fit all your food and drinks for both you and the kids into a smaller fridge. It’s always handy to have a mini fridge or even a cooler for drinks to give you that extra bit of space to allow you to store fresh ingredients for healthier and tastier meals on the road. 

If you’re looking for inspiration on what meals to whip up from the fridge, you can check out our caravan cooking meal ideas.

3. Awnings

An awning is one of the must-have caravan essentials if you’re heading out on a camping trip as it allows you to camp out in the open without having to bring and set up an additional tent. An awning is fixed to your caravan, creating an extra room outside for more space and shelter. Here you can benefit from the sun and breeze of the outdoors whilst also still being sheltered as you would in a normal tent. 

You can purchase awnings in a range of different shapes, sizes and styles so there should be one available to fit any caravan and your travelling needs.

4. Caravan Cover

Britain is known for its wet and windy weather and whilst you might be protected against the elements inside your van on a weekend away, your vehicle is not. Prolonged exposure to sun, water and dirt can cause your caravan to rust and damage over time. To help protect your van whilst out camping, utilise a caravan cover that completely covers the exteriors to prevent water and UV rays from damaging the framework. 

5. Camping Furniture

Although your caravan will come with fitted furniture like tables and chairs, if you’re heading off on a camping trip you’ll want to sit outside and enjoy stories and snacks by the campfire. It’s always a good idea to bring along portable camping chairs and a table so you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably. These items are easy to transport and can be folded down so they’ll take up minimal space in your van. 

6. Solar Panels

With all the gadgets and technology in mobile homes today, it’s inevitable that you’ll be using more electricity when you’re on the road. Installing solar panels on your caravan is a brilliant way to help you reserve the limited energy in your caravan batteries, allowing you to stay powered from the time you leave till the moment you reach your campsite. 

If you’re soaking up the sun and enjoying the activities amongst nature on your trip, your solar panels will charge whilst you’re out exploring. This means you can return to your caravan with enough power to whip up a meal, shower and unwind with some evening screen time. 

7. Games and Entertainment

When you’re travelling across the country you can expect a lengthy drive before you reach your destination and if you’re travelling with kids it can be hard to keep them comfortable and entertained. Some caravan essentials to keep on hand are things like board games, books, mobile devices and toys to ensure both you and your children are able to keep yourselves busy until you reach your campsite. 

For more tips on travelling with kids, check out our dedicated blog.

8. Emergency First Aid Kit

No matter where you’re headed it’s always important to ensure you’ve got a first aid kit on your caravan trip checklist. From painkillers for headaches to plasters for scrapes and falls or bandages for more serious injuries, you’ll want to pack a kit with everything you could need for any emergency, however big or small. 

If you or your family have any special requirements or prescription medication make sure you have an extra supply in your kit too should your journey be prolonged for any reason. 

9. Plugs, Adapters and Extension Cords

The majority of caravans only have a limited number of outlets and when you’re heading off on a camping trip there can be a lot of things that need power. From mobile phones to cooking equipment, you’ll need access to electricity both inside and outside of your caravan once you’re on site. Extension cords allow you to use the power from your mobile home in your awning or tent outside whilst extra adapters and chargers will allow you to utilise any electricity available at your campsite. 

10. Cleaning Supplies

We know the last thing you want to be doing on holiday is cleaning, but the small space inside a caravan paired with no access to central plumbing means things get dirty quicker. With no plumbing, you’ll need to regularly empty and clean the waste tank with a special mobile home toilet cleaner. You should also ensure you’ve got antibacterial wipes and cleansers on easy access to wipe down your surface tops after meals.

More intense cleaning can be left for when you return, but if you’re off on adventures and your kids and furry friends come back into the van with mess and muddy shoes it’s always good to have the basics on hand like a mop, broom and some detergent. 

11. BBQ and Campfire Utensils

What’s a camping trip without a BBQ? You might have a stove or oven in your caravan but for that real authentic camping feel you need a BBQ or camping grill to cook up some tasty treats. Nothing beats enjoying a meal outdoors cooked on your own campfire and a portable BBQ grill is an easy way to make a range of foods from burgers to kebabs.

This equipment is easy to transport and is lightweight so it won’t feel like you’re hauling your dad’s garden grill across your campsite. A portable grill is also designed to use minimal fuel so not only is it more fuel-efficient, but it’s also more environmentally conscious than gas-powered camping stoves. 

12. GPS or Navigation System 

With a caravan, you’ll be able to travel to some of the best campsites in the UK, but getting there isn’t as easy as it seems. It’s easy to find yourself lost down the many rural winding roads in Britain so one of the caravan essentials to keep you on route is a GPS. A navigation system or app is an easy way to get safe, hands-free directions when you’re driving and can reroute you in real time. A GPS will help you reach your destination in the fastest time and avoid things like heavy traffic or road closures you’d otherwise encounter with a standard map.  

13. Outdoor Lighting

If you’re camping outside your van in a tent or campervan awning you won’t have access to the lighting inside your mobile home. This means you’ll need to bring portable lighting options like electric lanterns, LED string lights or battery-powered torches. Go for rechargeable or wind-up lights to keep you powered throughout the night. You can also invest in battery-operated lights instead but make sure to pack spare batteries and dispose of them safely! 

14. Safety Gear and Locks

If you’re staying overnight at a campsite it’s important to keep both your caravan and your valuables safe and secure. It’s a good idea to bring or install motion sensor lights on your van exterior to deter wildlife from entering or to alert you to any movement. Locks for your doors, awnings and tents are also important to deter any would-be thieves and keep your belongings safe and secure in adverse weather conditions. If you’re looking for safe and affordable overnight parking, we have a blog on the best tips and tricks. 

15. Tent and Accessories

If you’re going on a rural retreat and you don’t have a caravan awning or you need to head further out from your van to reach your destination then you’ll need a tent. Make sure your tent is big enough to fit your required number of people as well as your accessories and bags. You’ll also need to bring all the camping essentials like sleeping bags, floor mats and warm clothes to keep you cosy, safe and comfortable at night. 

If you’re looking to enjoy the same level of comfort your van brings, you could invest in a luxury bell tent, which offers a spacious interior with plenty of room for all your comforts. 

16. Fire Alarm and Extinguisher

Every home should have a fire alarm and this is no exception for a mobile home or caravan. If you’re going to be cooking or using electronics on your trip then one of your caravan essentials needs to be a fire alarm. You should also install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your van for maximum safety and always have a fire extinguisher on hand in the unlikely event that a fire breaks out. 

Remember that your caravan is both a vehicle and a mobile home, so it’s important to consider things like engine overheating.

17. Portapotty 

Most modern caravans have toilets fitted as part of their interior, but if you’re driving an old or historical vehicle then you might find yourself without one. If you’re on a camping trip you might also not have easy access to your van, which is why bringing along a portable toilet is a great idea. These devices are extremely lightweight and can be carried to and from any campsite with ease. You can even purchase disposable toilets made from cardboard that you can use on your trip and then safely throw away. 

18. Campervan Documents

Any important documents including your driver’s license, campervan finance/loan agreements and your insurance policy should be brought with you on all trips. It’s unlikely that you’ll be asked to provide any of this information but it’s essential that you have it on hand at all times. Should you find yourself in an accident or experience theft or damage to your vehicle, having these documents on easy access will make the process of reporting and claiming any damages much quicker. 

19. Tool Box and Spares

Getting from A to B on a road trip can be a lengthy process and you might run into some issues that need resolving along the way. If you’re handy with a wrench you’ll want to have a toolbox with you at all times so that you fix any minor issues or help other motorists should they break down. You’ll always want to ensure you’ve got a spare tyre or two for long journeys on country lanes. 

20. Vehicle Manual

Perhaps one of the most important caravan essentials to never go without on any camping trip is your vehicle manual. This little book tells you everything you need to know about your caravan, including the specifications and operating systems. Should you or a professional need to conduct repairs, this is an essential item to reference to make the process easier. If you’re a new caravan owner, this manual will also help you get to grips with your new vehicle much faster.  

Must-Have Caravan Finance from Auto Finance

When it comes to caravan essentials, the most important thing you need for your mobile home is an affordable loan, and that’s exactly what we offer here at Auto Finance. We scour the country to find you the best rates on your vehicle loan so you can finance your dream caravan without breaking the bank. 

Even if you’ve been refused a loan before, our experts are on hand to contact you for advice on the right finance options for you based on your credit score and vehicle requirements. To find out how much you could be expected to repay, try our calculator for vehicle finance today.