One of the advantages of owning a caravan is that it allows for improvised holidays. There is no need for anticipated hotel reservations or advance-purchase plane tickets. Caravan owners can pretty much get up and go; however, there are a few considerations that need to be taken into account prior to setting off on a caravan holiday.

1- Do not leave home without having adequate insurance. Appropriate caravan insurance guarantees your peace of mind, and should your vehicle become damaged, you would be entitled to emergency accommodation until your caravan is repaired. And if you are leaving for a caravan holiday in continental Europe, make sure that your insurance covers you and your vehicle while you are abroad.

2- Ensure that your caravan batteries are in full working condition. It would not be a bad idea to carry a spare battery with you, as it is better to be safe than sorry. Also, caravans are more likely to drain a battery than other vehicles, since they usually have TV’s, satellites, and other high-consumption items working simultaneously. In addition, if you have not used your caravan for a while, you must ensure that its battery has not become sulphated. Sulphation is a process whereby the battery’s plates become coated with crystals, making it impossible for the battery to hold a charge.

It is always wise to consult with your leisure battery specialists who can ensure that you get the best replacement battery for your caravan.

3- Check for damage. If your caravan has been in storage during the winter, water might have filtrated through the walls and roof. Look for signs of mold, woodworm, and vermins.

4- Plan your route and check for road disruptions and the weather forecast at your destination. Although your caravan offers protection from the elements, you certainly want to make the most of your holiday and not have it ruined by the weather!

However there are no limits to where you can go. Many companies allow the caravan or motorhome to be taken abroad as well, allowing you to drive down to the South of France or right down to Italy or beyond. Make sure that you are familiar with all the relevant motoring laws in the country you are visiting.

Another alternative is to consider corner steady locks as well. These lock down the rear corner steadies of touring caravans  thus preventing the front of the unit from being raised. As a result of this anti-lift device, it is not possible to hitch the caravan to another vehicle without the lock being removed.

Many insurance companies insist on a minimum level of caravan security in order to validate an insurance policy and you should check your policy wording to check on what is required.

Calor have decided to offer caravanners the ‘free loan’ of  an additional gas cylinder in return for a deposit. The deposit, less the cost of the gas, will be refunded on return of the cylinder.