First trip with a caravan: 12 things beginners overlook

1. Double-check the caravan hitch

Even if you're sure you've hitched up correctly, it's worth doing one more quick check before setting off. A few minutes of checking is far more pleasant than a problem a few kilometres from home.

• connection to the tow ball,
• safety breakaway cable,
• electrical connector,
• indicators and brake lights,
• jockey wheel.

2. Water and electricity: hose, fittings, cable and adapters

Many people assume the water connection will be the same at every campsite. It isn't. Campsites have different taps, connectors and distances to the water point, so it's easy to end up with a hose but not the right fitting.

The same applies to electricity. On arrival it often turns out there are several dozen metres between your pitch and the electrical box, and the adapter doesn't match your cable. So bring a water hose long enough, along with sealing fittings and adapters, plus an electrical cable long enough with the right adapters.

3. Check the water system at home first

Water system hygiene isn't only a beginner's issue. It's especially important if you've bought a used caravan that's been stationary for a while – microorganisms start multiplying in the tank and pipes.

Drain the old water from the tank and taps. This way you'll notice any unpleasant smell, build-up or other issues while still at home. The Water System product in the Caravaning Set is designed for disinfecting the fresh water system.

• Water System Cleaner

4. Interior: cupboards, levelling, gloves, gas and tools

Almost every caravan owner has a story from their early days about finding plates and fridge contents on the floor on arrival. The caravan moves around quite a bit while driving, so before setting off make sure all cupboards, drawers and the fridge door are properly closed.

A pitch can look level at first glance – until you put the caravan on it. Levelling ramps mean more comfortable sleep, easier cooking and fewer problems using your equipment.

• gloves for handling tanks and emptying the toilet cassette,
• a checked gas cylinder and tight connections,
• a screwdriver, pliers, spare fuses, insulating tape, cable ties and a basic set of keys.

5. Prepare the caravan for odours, water and textiles

On a longer trip, odours quickly build up inside – the result of cooking, moisture, pets and an enclosed space. That's exactly why the Caravaning Set is useful, combining five products for different parts of the caravan.

• Pure Air Spray for quickly neutralising odours indoors.
• Pure Air Gel for longer, continuous action.
• Fresh Tank for neutralising odours and caring for the grey water tank.
• Water System for disinfecting the fresh water system, especially after longer periods of standing.
• Pure Sleep for cleaning and freshening mattresses, cushions, curtains and other textiles.

• Iza Effect Caravaning Set

6. Do one lap around the caravan before setting off

Once everything is ready, don't hop straight into the car. Do one more lap around the caravan and check that the corner steadies are raised, windows and doors are closed, outer lockers are shut, the electrical cable is stowed, the jockey wheel is raised and all connections are properly fitted.

Don't choose too long a route for your first trip either. Driving with a caravan is different: acceleration is slower, braking distance is longer, and parking and reversing take a bit of practice. A shorter trip means less stress and more time to get used to it.

Key takeaways

• Check the hitch, lights and jockey wheel twice – even if you're sure everything's fine.
• Bring a water hose long enough with fittings and an electrical cable long enough with adapters.
• Drain and disinfect the water system at home, not just at the campsite.
• Odours, grey water and textiles are all part of preparation – the Caravaning Set covers all three.
• Keep the first trip short; routine comes after a few outings.