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.
