From choosing your first caravan to setting up on site — our honest, practical guide for families.
Getting Started
Is Caravanning Right for Your Family?
Caravanning is not for everyone, but for families who value flexibility, the outdoors, and a genuine home-from-home experience, it is hard to beat. The key questions to ask before you start: How often will you tour? Do you want to stay on serviced sites or explore more remote locations? Do you have a suitable tow vehicle? And what is your budget — not just for the caravan, but for the ongoing costs of insurance, Club membership, and site fees?
Choosing Your First Caravan
For families, the most important considerations are berths (how many people need to sleep in it), layout (fixed beds vs. made-up beds, separate washroom vs. end bathroom), and width (standard vs. 8ft wide). We chose the Coachman Acadia 830 for its 8ft-wide bodyshell, fixed bunk beds for the children, and full end washroom — and we have never regretted it.
Joining the Club
We strongly recommend joining the Caravan and Motorhome Club before your first trip. The site network, the Great Savings Guide, and the technical helpline are all invaluable for new caravanners. Membership starts at £69 per year on Direct Debit.
Towing Guide
Matching Your Car to Your Caravan
The 85% rule is the starting point: your caravan’s Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) should not exceed 85% of your car’s kerbweight. For new or inexperienced towers, staying under 85% gives a significant safety margin. The VW Amarok comfortably handles the Acadia 830 within this guideline.
Before You Set Off
- Check tyre pressures on both car and caravan
- Check all lights — indicators, brake lights, reversing lights
- Check the hitch is properly engaged and the breakaway cable is attached
- Check the jockey wheel is fully raised and secured
- Check all windows, roof lights, and the door are closed and locked
- Check nothing is loose inside the caravan that could move in transit
On the Road
Drive smoothly and anticipate braking distances — a loaded caravan significantly increases stopping distance. Keep to 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways (the legal limit for caravan outfits in the UK). If you feel the caravan beginning to snake, do not brake sharply — ease off the accelerator gently and hold the steering wheel straight.
Setting Up on Site
Arriving on Site
Check in at the reception and ask for your pitch allocation. Drive to the pitch slowly — other caravanners are always nearby. Position the caravan so the door faces away from the prevailing wind where possible.
Levelling
Use a spirit level or the Lock n Level system to check the caravan is level side-to-side and front-to-back. An unlevel caravan affects the fridge, the heating system, and your sleep. The Lock n Level ramp system makes this quick and accurate.
Connecting Services
Connect the electric hook-up (EHU) cable — always connect at the caravan end first, then the post. Connect the water hose to the aquaroll or water point. If you have a waste master, position it below the waste outlet.
Setting Up the Awning
For the Thule Omnistor, extend the awning to the desired depth and secure the legs. Attach the Isabella Buddy sides to the awning rail and peg them out. For the full Isabella Commodore, allow 45–60 minutes for a first-time pitch — it becomes much faster with practice.
Maintenance
Annual Service
Have your caravan professionally serviced every year. The service should include a damp check, gas system check, brake check, and habitation check. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has a network of approved workshops.
Damp Checks
Damp is the enemy of any caravan. Check the corners and around windows and roof lights regularly with a damp meter. Address any ingress immediately — left untreated, damp causes structural damage that is expensive to repair.
Winter Storage
If you are storing the caravan over winter, drain the water system completely, remove all food and soft furnishings, leave cupboard doors open to allow air circulation, and cover the caravan with a breathable cover. Disconnect the battery and store it on a trickle charger.