Caravan Essentials Checklist

Checklist

Caravan Essentials Checklist

Caravans and motorhomes on a touring campsite
Image: Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite by David Dixon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

This caravan essentials checklist covers the practical equipment to prepare before a first touring trip. Start with items that keep the outfit safe, level, supplied with water and connected correctly. Comfort upgrades can follow once you know how you use the caravan.

Quick answer: prioritise towing safety, levelling, water, waste, electrical hook-up, fire safety and security. Check every item against the caravan handbook, tow vehicle limits and campsite requirements.

Before you tow

  • Caravan and tow vehicle documents, insurance details and breakdown information.
  • Correct towing mirrors with secure fittings.
  • Tyre pressure gauge and an accurate pressure specification for the caravan and tow vehicle.
  • Wheel-nut torque information and a suitable torque wrench if required by the manufacturer.
  • Breakaway cable, electrical connector and hitch components checked for condition and correct attachment.
  • Payload plan covering gas bottles, water, awning, battery, food and personal equipment; the payload and axle weight guide explains the main weight terms.

A checklist cannot confirm that a particular caravan is roadworthy. If you are buying a used tourer, work through the used caravan buying checklist and arrange a qualified inspection when needed.

Pitching and levelling equipment

  • Levelling ramps sized for the caravan tyres.
  • Wheel chocks and corner-steady pads.
  • Spirit level or a reliable levelling app.
  • Winding handle for the corner steadies.
  • Outdoor mat that complies with the campsite’s ground-cover rules.
  • Awning pegs and tools suited to the ground conditions.

Levelling improves comfort and can help appliances operate as intended. Our caravan levelling ramps guide explains what to compare before choosing a set.

Fresh water and waste

  • Clean fresh-water container or onboard tank filling equipment.
  • Food-grade hose with the connectors needed for your usual campsites.
  • Waste-water container or another suitable grey-water arrangement.
  • Disposable gloves and dedicated cleaning equipment.
  • Toilet consumables compatible with the toilet and local disposal facilities.
  • Separate storage for drinking-water equipment and waste-system equipment.

Keep hoses clean, drain equipment after use and never use a waste hose for fresh water. See the caravan, motorhome and RV water systems guide and the caravan water hose guide for more detail.

Electrical hook-up and power

  • Outdoor-rated electric hook-up cable in good condition.
  • Cable storage that avoids tight kinks and protects the connectors.
  • Low-wattage appliances selected with the campsite supply limit in mind.
  • Charged leisure battery and the correct charger for its battery chemistry.
  • Spare fuses of the specified ratings and replacement bulbs where appropriate.
  • USB charging leads, torches and a backup light.

Do not improvise mains connections or repair damaged electrical equipment unless you are competent to do so. For off-grid planning, use the caravan and motorhome solar power guide.

Gas, fire and ventilation safety

  • Working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, tested as directed by their manufacturers.
  • Suitable fire blanket and fire extinguisher where recommended.
  • Correct gas bottle, regulator and secure bottle restraint for the caravan system.
  • Clear ventilation openings and appliance flues.
  • Appliance manuals and shut-off instructions available inside the caravan.

Gas systems and appliances should be checked by an appropriately qualified professional. Never obstruct fixed ventilation, even in cold weather.

Security and emergency kit

  • Hitch lock and wheel clamp suitable for the caravan and insurer’s requirements.
  • Keys and spare keys stored separately.
  • First-aid kit and essential medication.
  • High-visibility vest, warning equipment and emergency contacts appropriate to the countries visited.
  • Basic toolkit, durable gloves, torch and spare batteries.
  • Photographs of the caravan, identifying marks and key documents stored securely.

The touring security locks guide covers useful points that also apply when comparing caravan security products.

Kitchen, sleeping and everyday comfort

  • Lightweight cookware, tableware and food-storage containers. View cookware and outdoor dining gear at Dexam.
  • Bedding that fits the caravan beds without blocking heaters or vents.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.
  • Cleaning cloths, caravan-safe cleaning products and rubbish bags.
  • Folding chairs, a compact table and an outdoor light used considerately.
  • Awning or windbreak only after checking pitch size and campsite rules.

For a wider equipment overview, visit the caravan and motorhome accessories guide and tents and camping setups guide.

First-trip departure check

  • Windows, rooflights, lockers and doors closed and secured.
  • Loose items stored low and prevented from moving.
  • Gas supply isolated for travel where required by the system and local rules.
  • Water load reduced if needed to stay within payload limits.
  • Jockey wheel raised and secured; steadies fully raised.
  • Hitch connection, breakaway cable, electrical plug and road lights checked.
  • Tyres visually inspected and pressures checked when appropriate.
  • Final walk around the caravan and pitch before departure.

Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your caravan, destination, season and travel style. A short local shakedown trip is a sensible way to discover what you genuinely need before buying more equipment.

Last updated: June 2026.