These caravan checklists help you pack, prepare and set off without forgetting a thing. Use them for your first trip, then come back before every trip after that.
Every tourer forgets something sooner or later. Usually, it’s small, like a tin opener or a hook-up adaptor. Sometimes, though, it’s a safety check that really matters.
So the checklists below are split into three groups. First, what to sort before you go. Then, extra lists for touring abroad. Finally, lists for the colder months.
New to touring? Read New to Caravanning first. Also, check what your licence allows on GOV.UK’s towing with a car page.
Everything to sort before your very first trip. It covers planning your arrival, practising reversing, UK weather and the things you’ll probably forget.
A full list for every trip. It runs from documents and towing gear to water, gas, bedding, safety kit and the awning.
The essential packing list. It includes the kitchen, clothes and weather gear, setup equipment, tech and the commonly forgotten items.
The checks to do each time you hitch up. For example, tyres, the hitch, lights, the breakaway cable, nose weight and brakes.
In a hurry? These are the essentials that come up again and again. However, the full lists cover far more, so use them when you have time.
Every tourer has a story about the one thing they left at home. Usually, it’s something small that’s hard to replace on site. So keep this short list handy, and tick it off as you pack.
Finally, keep a small notebook in the caravan. Whenever you forget something, write it down. Over time, that becomes your own personal checklist.
The extra kit and planning for Europe. It covers safety equipment, caravan preparation, campsites and route planning.
Every document to take abroad. That includes your passport, licence, V5C, insurance, breakdown cover and GHIC card.
For the official rules, see GOV.UK’s driving abroad guide. Then read the European Touring guides for each country.
It’s easier to break the work into stages. That way, nothing gets left until the last minute.
For more on loading, see loading your caravan safely and nose weight explained.
How to lay up your caravan for winter. Drain the water system, clean inside, protect against damp and look after the battery and tyres.
Prefer to keep touring? Then see what changes in the colder months, from water and heating to choosing the right site.
The service, habitation check and other jobs to do each year. Plus, a simple maintenance calendar.
If it’s your first trip, start with the first caravan trip checklist. After that, use the before leaving home list and the safety checks every time.
Usually, it’s the small things. Each checklist has a section on commonly forgotten items, so it’s worth a quick look before you go.
Yes. Touring abroad needs extra documents, safety kit and planning. So use the European touring checklist and the documents list as well.
Start a week or so before. Begin with the documents and any kit you need to buy. Then pack the caravan a day or two ahead, so you can check everything calmly.
Yes, it saves a lot of time. Many tourers leave the hook-up cable, ramps, hose and kitchen basics in the caravan all season. Even so, check the payload, as extra kit adds weight.
Level the caravan first, then connect the hook-up and water. See the levelling guide and hook-up guide for step-by-step help.
Mostly, yes. Packing, documents and travel lists apply to everyone. However, the towing and hitch checks are for caravans only.
Not sure what you need? Ask Ellie, or browse the free tools.
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