Congratulations on purchasing your new caravan. Now it’s time to put it to a road test, pack it up and go for a camping trip. Nervous? Good. Use it as fuel. Excited? You should be.
Your hard work and manifesting have paid off, and here you are, ready to disembark for your maiden voyage in your new camper. But how did you get here? Let’s review how best to plan, pack and enjoy your new camper.
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Whether you’re a seasoned caravanning veteran or a first-timer, we hope you’ll find this guide handy and helpful as you navigate this brave new world. Here is everything you need to know about planning a camping trip.
Step 1: Begin close to home
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” as they say. And that’s true of caravanning too. You can’t go anywhere until you decide where you’re going. So, maybe you can make a few small overnight trips to somewhere closer to the home you’ve never been before to test things out before embarking on anything longer.
Gradually, you’ll want to increase the distances and length of time until you’re comfortable towing your caravan behind you for as long as you want. This will also allow you to iron out any kinks with the caravan or your tow set-up.
Step 2: Condense your packing list
Once you’ve decided where you’re going and for how long, you’re going to want to do everything you can to shed the weight in your caravan because there are legal limits on how much weight you can tow behind you, for your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.
This means that on top of the caravan’s weight, you’re going to want to ensure that whatever you pack inside it will not add an extreme amount of weight. Follow handy guides like this one to decide what to bring and what to leave at home.
Step 3: Get your caravan and car inspected.
One of the most important things you don’t want to overlook as a newbie is your caravan’s inspection and subsequent insurance. An inspection by a mechanic is a legal requirement. Even if the person you’ve bought it from tells you that it’s inspected, it is well worth getting it looked at by a professional mechanic, preferably one with a specialty in caravans.
They’ll check your caravan from end to end and let you know if there’s anything wrong. This will save you a massive headache on the road, barring any major problems. You should be able to hit the road in peace.
Step 4: Prepare for emergencies.
It’s always worthwhile preparing for emergencies on the road. This means packing an emergency first aid kit, a tire patching repair kit, flares (so you can mark any accident scene if you have to pull off the road), a radio, and many more items so that you can hit the road safely, knowing that you’re prepared should the worst happen.
Step 5: Make sure your bed is comfortable
If you’re going to be sleeping in your campervan for more than one or two nights, you’ll want the most comfortable bed you can have, with the money you’ve allocated for bedding.
A good night’s sleep is critical to vehicular operation and everyone’s safety. Make sure that the bed you’re buying new is comfortable and will fit everyone who sleeps on it. Make sure that you can fit it in the space and that your measurements are correct. Make sure that it is secured in its place properly. Give yourself a comfortable night’s sleep when out on the road.
Step 6: Execute without let or hindrance.
Be prepared, but ultimately be excitingly embracing the new reality of the freedom that you now have to travel. You no longer have to pay for accommodation wherever you go with your bed behind you.
You can bring perishable food items and save money by not having to buy as much food on the road. Caravans give you an unbridled sense of freedom and independence, embrace that freedom, and execute your planned journey.
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