Category: Caravan tips

Better weather is finally on the horizon in the UK, as we shake off winter storms and a warmer than average summer is forecast in the coming months.

As we enjoy the warmer temperatures and longer days, it’s now much more tempting to head off in the caravan for a quick weekend getaway. The UK is brimming with picturesque scenery for the whole family to enjoy, and it’s all accessible in your caravan. There are plenty of caravanning hotspots dotted all over the country, with a range of activities depending on the type of holiday you’re looking for. From seaside trips to nature trails, the UK’s compact yet varied landscape offers something for everyone.

If you’re considering a caravan holiday in the UK this summer, there are plenty of ways to keep your family – and your belongings – safe.

Drive Safely

Transporting a caravan comes with more risks and considerations than a car on its own. Make sure you check everything in the week before you set off on your road trip, so you leave yourself with plenty of time to prepare if anything does need looking at.

Check Your Tow Car & Tyres

Check the tyres on both your tow car and the caravan.
You’ll also need to check your tow car is suitable to tow your caravan. Enter your car and caravan model into TowCheck to ensure your combination is both safe and legal before hitting the road. Your car will have a maximum towing weight that should be adhered to for a safe trip, so don’t overload your caravan beyond this.

Secure Items while Driving

Your caravan must be safely loaded before setting off. The heaviest items need to be placed on the floor right over the axle of the caravan. Any movable items must be secured down to avoid any shifting of weight or dangerous movements while you’re on the road. Loading up safely avoids any issues with stability and handling as you drive, which could be disastrous.

Stick to Towing Speed Limits

Towing speed limits are there for a reason. A 60mph limit applies on dual carriageways and motorways.

Get Plenty of Fuel

It’s much easier to fill your tow car before the caravan is attached. Make sure you fill with plenty to get to your destination, so you don’t have to struggle around awkward service stations with your caravan on the back – or risk running out.

Avoid Snaking

Caravan snaking is where your caravan veers off from the tow car, resulting in a side-to-side motion. Snaking is best prevented by loading your caravan correctly from the beginning. The weight should be distributed evenly between the front and back of the caravan, with the heaviest load in the middle. You should check the caravan noseweight is correct, and make sure all tyres are good to go before driving. If the caravan does start snaking while driving, fight the urge to brake or steer into the movements. Instead keep the steering wheel directly ahead of you and ease off the accelerator. The caravan should eventually stop snaking.

Fire Safety in Your Caravan

Fire safety is a key concern when caravanning. With such a small, packed areas full of cooking equipment and flammables, caravan fires are not uncommon. Follow these caravan fire safety tips to avoid any mishaps on your journey.

Check Alarms, Extinguishers & Electronics

Make sure all fire equipment and alarms are in full working order before you set off. Pack additional batteries just in case. Ensure everyone present for the trip understands what to do in the event of an emergency, and how to operate an extinguisher safely. Ideally you should have a certified electrician test your electrical appliances on a regular basis. Don’t use anything with a frayed cable, and don’t leave anything switched on when not in use.

Keep Well Ventilated

You should have a carbon monoxide detector fitted in your caravan, but you should keep it well ventilated anyway. Keep any vents clean and free from surrounding clutter. Any gas-related equipment you’ll be using or taking with you, such as bottled gas and cookers, need to be serviced before your trip.

ONLY Cook When Stationary

Cooking in a moving caravan is a recipe for disaster. Unpredictable movements and accidents on the road can happen, and cooking in these situations will only cause even more harm.

Keep Things Clear

Any build up of clutter both inside and outside of your caravan is a fire risk. Keep mess to a minimum, however hard this is to do with children present!

Leave a 6m Gap

Once you’ve reached your destination, you should park your caravan no less than 6 metres away from neighbouring caravans. This prevents any potential fires from spreading through campsites so easily.

Caravan Security Tips

One of the main concerns for those caravanning in the UK is security. While the UK is a relatively safe place for a caravan getaway, some sites can be targeted. Good common sense and these caravan security tips should help you avoid any issues.

Hide Your Valuables

Keep any valuables you’re travelling with safely stowed and locked out of sight. You may wish to leave curtains open if the caravan is empty for extended periods of time, to show potential thieves there’s nothing to steal even if they did break in. Consider contents or trip insurance if you do plan on taking expensive things away with you.

Consider a Security System

If you have a security system in your home, why forgo one when it comes to your caravan? There are plenty of high-tech caravan security systems available today, from infrared monitors to apps you can control via your smartphone. Activate your security alarm every time the caravan is left empty or unattended.

Use Wheel Locks

To prevent your caravan from being stolen, be sure to use wheel locks whenever you stop. However brief your stay in a certain spot might seem, wheel locks negate the risk of leaving your caravan unattended for any period of time. Wheel locks are a way to visually deter thieves from targeting your caravan, and many now work even if your wheels are tampered with.

Park in a Safe Space

Some areas are safer to stay in than others. While you can’t always predict where is safest to park, avoid areas with high burglary rates. You can check areas ahead of time by entering your destination’s postcode on the Crime Statistics website.

Ensure Caravan Windows are Secure

Caravans often sustain damage to their windows, which are usually made from acrylic plastics. Damaged windows are an easy target for thieves, and any weakened or scratched windows are easier to break. Keeping your caravan windows clean and even covered while transporting can help avoid scratches that can lead to more costly damage. Don’t forget to check those easy to miss areas, such as your roof lights!

Check All Locks are Working

None of the security tips above work if one of the locks on your caravan is broken! Check everything works properly before you set off, from hitch locks to wheel locks.

At Cloudy2Clear, our caravan window and lock repair services can help ensure your caravan remains secure at all times. With years of experience keeping homes and caravans secure with effective window and lock repairs, we’re experts in maintaining caravan security. We can also repair any cloudy static caravan windows, replacing only the faulty panes for cost effective results.

For more information about how we can keep your caravan secure, get in touch with our team on 0800 61 21 119. You can also make an enquiry via our online contact form.

Is there anything more quintessentially British than a caravan? Those iconic holiday parks allow us to take a well-deserved break and take in some of the nation’s most picturesque spots.

It’s estimated that there are currently over one million leisure caravans in the UK today, with 365,000 of them classed as static. But it’s not as simple as packing a bag and heading to your nearest caravan site, you need to plan out your getaway to get the most out of your break.

If you’re new to caravanning, there’s no need to worry. We’ve compiled our top tips for staying in a static caravan so you can make the most of your holiday.
 

Static caravan tips for beginners

1. Choose the right location

With over 2500 static caravan parks to choose from in the UK, you’re spoilt for choice when planning your holiday.

And though it may be tempting to choose a location based on convenience or the views, it’s important to make sure you’ve done your research before settling on a park.

Does your location have a kids club to keep the little ones entertained? Is it dog-friendly? Is it accessible for those with disabilities or the elderly? These are all things to take into consideration to make sure you’re not hit with any nasty surprises when you arrive.

2. Plan your journey

Once you’ve settled on your dream destination, do your research to make sure you know how to reach it. Sat navs have made travelling to new locations effortless, but it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with your route before setting off.

Find out if any areas suffer from heavy build-ups of traffic or are in the process of roadworks. It’s also a good idea to carry a hard copy of your route for emergencies, just in case your battery dies or your sat nav is being temperamental.

3. Limit your packing to essentials

As I’m sure you know, it can be very easy to overpack when going on holiday. A couple of outfits can quickly lead to a boot full of suitcases. Unlike hotels, however, caravanning doesn’t offer an abundance of extra space to store your bags.

Think carefully about what you need for your holiday. If you can do without it, don’t pack it.

4. Think of the weather

Have you thought about how you’ll be spending your time while at your caravan?

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, make sure to check the weather! British weather can change at the drop of a hat, so waterproof clothing and wellies are a must if you’re going on a lot of walks.

If you’re lucky enough to be spending your holiday in the sun, don’t forget to protect yourself with suntan lotion and UV resistant sunglasses.

Packing tips

 
1. Use a soft-sided bag – They’re not only less bulky than a suitcase, but they’re much easier to store in your caravan once you arrive.

2. Roll your clothes – You may be used to folding your clothes at home, but rolling them before packing them in a bag saves tons of space.

3. Use the space – Rather than just chucking everything into bags, place them strategically to make the most of every inch of space. Don’t forget the side pockets!

4. Use ziplock bags – If you’re only away for a few days, opt for ziplock bags instead of bulky makeup and wash bags. This way you can save space and stick to the essentials.

5. Cling-film open bottles – No one wants to be faced with dreaded shampoo leaks all over their clothes. Remove the caps of your open bottles and wrap with cling film before replacing them to prevent any spillages.

6. Pack a bin bag – Bin bags are great for storing dirty clothes and used towels. This way you can keep wet and muddy clothes separate from your clean ones and makes it easier to know what to wash when you get home.

7. Don’t over-pack – Plan out your days so you know how much to take with you. Do you really need a fresh outfit for each day? Fight the temptation to pack your whole wardrobe and instead reuse the clothes that you can.

8. Make a list – By writing down everything that you need for your trip, you can properly plan out what you’ll need and stick to it. It also means you won’t forget to pack anything essential.

Static caravan essentials checklist

If you’ve never been caravaning before, you might not know what you’ll need to take with you on your holiday. To make sure you don’t forget something you’ll need when you get there, we’ve created a checklist of essentials for your static caravan holiday:

– Crockery and glassware
– Cutlery and utensils
– Washing up liquid
– Bin bags
– Groceries
– Bedding (if needed)
– Towels
– Medicine/first aid kit
– Toiletries
– Toilet roll
– Clothing
– Swimwear (if needed)
– Suncream
– Sunglasses
– Wellies/walking boots
– Insect repellent
– Disposable BBQ
– Deck chairs
– Indoor and outdoor games
– A torch

Safety tips

The last thing you want when you’re on holiday is for someone to have an accident, especially when it could have been avoided. We’ve compiled a list of caravan holiday tips to ensure you stay safe while you’re relaxing:

1. Buy a torch – Most static caravan sites are far from the light pollution of big cities, which means you might struggle to adapt to the darkness. Make sure you’ve got a torch handy for whenever you’re walking around outside when the sun’s down.

2. Fire safety – You should always have a minimum of one smoke alarm and a fire extinguisher in your caravan at all times. A fire blanket is another good piece of safety equipment to invest in, in case of a kitchen fire.

3. Gas canisters – Most static caravans are heated by propane gas cylinders. Always make sure that your gas connection is secure and that any canisters are fixed in a safe and secure position. It’s also advised that you get a professional to perform a gas fire and boiler check annually.

4. Keep your doors and windows secure – It’s crucial that you keep your doors and windows locked for your own security. Make sure all locks, handles and hinges are in good working order and aren’t stiff or jammed.

If your static caravan has seen better days, our expert engineers can help with caravan window repairs. We can repair failed double glazing of any shape and size, and can even perform lock, handle and hinge repairs. Get in touch with your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today.

Whether you’re in a picturesque village or set up by the sea, a static caravan is your home away from home. 

As such, you should treat your caravan with as much respect as your actual home. By taking the time to properly maintain your static caravan, you can ensure years of fantastic holidays without any troublesome of expensive problems to deal with.

To help you keep your static caravan in tip-top condition, we’ve outlined some of our best tips to keep your pride and joy looking and running as good as new.

1. Clean the gutters

Keeping your drains in working order on your caravan is crucial, especially with our temperamental weather. If your gutters are blocked, water can become trapped and lie on top of the roof of the caravan – leading to some serious problems in the future.

Clean your gutters as regularly as you would at home, especially if you’ve experienced poor weather or are located under trees. This way any rainwater can drain away freely, preventing water build-up or any issues with damp.

2. Sweep the roof

Much like your gutters, leaving debris unchecked on top of your roof can lead to problems that can be easily avoided.

A simple sweep of the roof is all it takes to prevent any damage to the caravan’s roof materials. Just make sure you stay safe when sweeping by using an extending brush and making sure there’s someone else nearby to help out.

3. Clean the outside of your caravan

Caravan exteriors are made of sturdy materials to withstand the elements. However, animal waste and tree sap can still cause damage if left unchecked.

Regularly clean the outside of your caravan with a solution of warm water and detergent. Car cleaning products work well, too.

If your caravan features a decked area, it’s also a good idea to treat it with a strong wood stain to keep it looking healthy and protected from mother nature.

4. Keep vents clear

Static caravans have a number of vents and are used for a number of reasons, including ventilation and gas safety. It’s important that you make sure any roof vents remain closed when you’re not using your caravan, as water can enter the caravan leading to issues with damp.

As for wall and floor vents, these are fine to leave open as they help to keep the air circulated inside. Just make sure that any wall or floor vents are free from obstructions that could cause blockages to the airflow.

5. Look after the chassis

One of the most common issues for static caravans, and most expensive to repair, is a rusty chassis. This is a particular problem for caravans located near the sea where corrosion is more common. Regularly check your chassis and repaint it to help fight off rust.

If you are located near the sea, the paint will likely flake away. Instead, use a wax oil to keep your caravan’s chassis is good condition.

6. Repair your failed double glazing

Just like in your home, your caravan double glazing needs to be maintained. If your windows fail due to weathered seals or physical cracks, they will lose their energy efficiency and will become misty and obscured – not what you want when you’re on a scenic getaway.

Our expert engineers can repair faulty caravan double glazing at a fraction of the price of most window companies, so you can stay warm and enjoy the sights without breaking the bank.

7. Replace stiff or broken locks

Whether you’re in your caravan or not, you want to make sure your home away from home is safe and secure. If the locks on your windows and doors become stiff or broken, you’ll need to get them repaired or risk compromising your security.

Our engineers can easily repair locks by simply removing and replacing faulty mechanisms. We can even repair your hinges and handles too, so you can make sure everything is running smoothly on your holidays.

Get in touch with your local branch of Cloudy2Clear today to find out how much you could save on your static caravan repairs.