Why We Started Caravanning

Both Grant and I grew up caravanning with our families in the 80s and 90s. When we had Bodhi and River, the pull back to it was always there. We started with camping, fell in love with being outdoors again, and in 2022 we took the leap — a Coachman Acadia 830 and a first trip to Sherwood Pines that reminded us exactly why we loved it as children.

This guide is everything we wish someone had told us before we started.

Choosing Your First Caravan

The most important question is: how many berths do you need? For a family of four, a four or five-berth caravan gives you the space to be comfortable without the caravan becoming too heavy to tow.

Fixed beds are worth paying extra for if you have children. Making up beds every night gets old very quickly. Our Coachman Acadia 830 has fixed bunk beds at the rear and a convertible front lounge — the perfect layout for a family.

Twin-axle caravans are more stable on the road than single-axle models, but they are harder to manoeuvre on site. For a first caravan, a single-axle model is often easier to manage.

What to Pack

The golden rule is: pack less than you think you need. A caravan has limited storage and every kilogram counts towards your payload.

Essentials: bedding, towels, kitchen basics, a first aid kit, and your Club membership card. Everything else can be bought or borrowed.

For neurodivergent families: pack the sensory essentials first — noise-cancelling headphones, familiar snacks, weighted blankets, and any comfort items your children need. These are non-negotiable.

Arriving on Site

Call ahead if you are arriving after 8pm — many sites have a night warden and a late arrivals area.

When you are shown to your pitch, take a moment to look at it before you commit. Check the slope, the access for your awning, and whether there are any obstacles.

Set up in this order: level the caravan, connect the electric hook-up, connect the water, then put the kettle on. Everything else can wait.