Caravan holiday checklist

Whether it’s a forgotten sock or you’re missing something more important like levelling ramps, a hitch lock or wheel chocks, forgetting your caravan equipment or personal belongings is a frustrating start to a caravan break. When your equipment, accessories and belongings are in order, you’ll be ready to do what you’re there for: relax, unwind and explore. 

That’s why this checklist is here to give you a straightforward action plan. The list includes all the essential caravan equipment you’ll need to travel and pitch your caravan, as well everything else you should pack so that you’re not missing any other basic bits and pieces.

What equipment do you need when caravanning?

Caravan equipment and accessories are key to any caravan break. You’ll need them to tow your caravan and when you’re pitching a caravan too.

Towing equipment

• Towing mirrors

• Caravan stabilisers

• Noseweight gauge

• Breakaway cable

• Spare tyre and pump

• Number plate

• Caravan cover

• Hitch cover

• Navigation system or satnav

• Safety gear such as high-vis jackets

• Travel insurance and breakdown cover details

• Driving sunglasses

• Spare key

• Vehicle manual

Pitching equipment

• Wheel jacks and/or levelling ramps

• Tool kit, including a spanner and hammer

• Spirit level

• Corner steady winder

• Corner steady pads

• Wheel chocks

Connections

• Waste water container

• Fresh water container

• Waste and water system with a water pump

• A cable for electric hook-up for caravans

• Leisure battery and battery charger

• Gas cylinders, regulators and hose

Electronic devices

• Power strip, adaptors and extension cords

• 12V USB adaptors

• Fans or heaters

• Caravan fridge

• Spare light bulbs

• Lamps and lighting

• TV

• Portable dishwasher

• Handheld vacuum cleaner

• Hobs and oven

• Toaster

• Kettle

Safety accessories

• Fire extinguishers and fire blankets

• Fire alarm

• Carbon monoxide alarm

• Hitch lock

• Alarm system

• Tracker device

• Oil and coolant

• Warning triangle

• Anti-frost cover and spray

• Ice scraper

• Wheel lock

Other caravan accessories

Other caravan accessories will help keep you comfortable throughout your stay.

• Caravan awnings and accessories such as a groundsheet

• Caravan toilets

• Mats and carpets

• Curtains

• Caravan step

• Door mat

What should you pack?

Once you have your caravan accessories in order, it’s time to move on to the basics of everyday life. What you should pack for a caravan trip includes a lot of the things that are on our camping checklist. However, it’s also likely you’ll need extra stuff, such as bedding, cooking equipment and more extensive outdoor furniture.

Personal items

• Credit or debit cards

• ID and passport

• Spare car keys

• House keys

• Medication

• Booking confirmations

• Smartphone 

• Travel insurance documents

• Chargers

Kitchen

• Cleaning products

• Dustpan and brush

• Food supplies

• Crockery and cutlery

• Cooking equipment including frying pan, saucepan and baking trays

• Kitchen roll

• Ice trays

• Oven gloves

• Bin, bin bags and recycling bin

• Mop

Outdoors

• Water hose

• Outdoor seating

• Barbecue and coal

• Firewood, firepit and matches

• Tool kit

• Torches and/or lanterns

• Portable washing line or airer

• Dog gear if you take your caravan holidays with a dog
  

Bathroom and hygiene

• Freshwater tank cleaner

• Toilet chemicals

• Toilet paper

• Towels

• Bath mat

• Toiletries and makeup

• Hand sanitiser

• First aid kit

Bedroom

• Bedding

• Pillows

• Clock or watch

• Coat hangers

Entertainment

• Outdoor activities equipment, such as beach gear or bicycles

• Board games

• Playing cards

• Camera

• Books

• Music speaker or headphones

Once you’re packed and ready to go, you’ll be free to get your caravan safely on the road and head to your new destination, enjoy the fresh scenery and unwind without worrying things like missing first-aid kits or electric hook-up cables.

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