The complete caravanning guide for beginners

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The anatomy of a caravan can be far from obvious (photo courtesy of Erwin Hymer Group)

A caravan jargon buster - what is that part called? (photo courtesy of Warners)

Staying safe and being prepared on your first caravan trip (photo courtesy of Bailey of Bristol))

Used or new - which caravan is right for you? (photo courtesy of Adria)

Caravanning for beginners

Welcome to the world of caravanning! If you’ve just bought your first caravan or are considering buying one, we’ve got all you need to start you off on your adventure.

Words by Caravan Editor, Clare Kelly

Page contents

About 'Buying Your First Caravan' special edition
Introduction to caravanning
Getting started – first time caravanning
Accessories and awnings for caravan beginners
Caravan beginner: becoming an expert
Caravan magazine
Special edition: Buying Your First Caravan

About 'Buying Your First Caravan' - special edition

Caravan Editor, Clare Kelly, introduces the 2022 edition of Buying Your First Caravan.

Introduction to caravanning

Caravanning is a flexible way to holiday – you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, have your own private facilities, all your home comforts and a different view every day! Once you’ve purchased your caravan, you’ll find that caravanning is a cost-effective way to have a holiday. Campsites represent good value for money and if you decide to join one of the Clubs, you can take advantage of some great members-only offers.

Buying Your First Caravan, the 2022 special edition is available now. Including everything you need to know about buying your first caravan, with essential guides, top tips and buying advice. Available in both digital and print. Find out more about either the digital edition here or the Print edition here.

New to caravanning:Essential advice

(Photo courtesy of Bailey of Bristol)

Driving on the open road towing a caravan is an increasingly popular choice. It's a fun and easy way to to have a great holiday. Here is our advice for making your trip fun, safe and enjoyable.

Essential advice

Beginner's guide:Anatomy of a caravan

(Photo courtesy of Erwin Hymer Group)

For a caravan beginner, the workings of a caravan may not be obvious. In our beginners’ guide to the anatomy of a caravan, we’ll take a closer look at the exterior and interior of a caravan.

Caravan anatomy

Getting started:Caravan jargon buster

(Photo courtesy of Warners Group)

With so much complicated lingo involved with caravans, it might feel as if you need to be something of a caravanning expert to know all the different terminology and what it all means.

Jargon buster

Buying Your First Caravan 2022

Looking for more great caravan buying information? You need the brand-new guide to Buying Your First Caravan, it’s packed with everything you need to help you with choosing, buying, owning and enjoying your very first caravan.

Digital edition
Download it now from Pocketmags for just £7.99

Print edition
Or order a printed edition for just £9.99 + P&P

Getting started – first-time caravanning

Starting out can be a little daunting but we’ve all been there! What goes there? What is this for? How does this work? There’s lots of questions! We know that once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll be enjoying caravanning adventures for years to come. We’ve been enjoying caravanning holidays for years and we’ll be sharing all the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way.

Beginner's guide:Hitching and towing a caravan

(Photo courtesy of Lee Davey)

If you’re new to caravanning, the process of getting hitched up and towing for the first time can be daunting.

Hitching and towing

Getting started:Setting up a caravan on a pitch

(Photo courtesy of Camping and Caravanning Club)

Want to know more about setting up on a campsite? Follow our step-by-step guide to setting up your caravan on a campsite pitch.

Setting up a caravan

Getting started:Caravanning with kids in tow

(Photo courtesy of Nathan Pittam)

Planning a short break with the kids? Caravan magazine reader, Nathan Pittam, suggests an ideal solution.

Caravanning with kids

Buying your first caravan:Buying new v used caravans

(Photo courtesy of Adria)

Should you buy a new caravan, or would a used model be better? We weigh up the advantages of each.

Buying new v used

Accessories and awnings for caravan beginners

Once you’ve got a new hobby, the next bit is buying all you need to enjoy it. When it comes to caravanning, there’s a few bits of kit you really need and plenty of other things that you might like. Essential kit including things like a hook-up cable (to keep you powered up) and a caravan step so you can get into your new palace. Optional extras might be things such as fairy lights and outdoor furniture which help create that festival atmosphere. Awnings are a big investment but can give you a whole new room in which to store things, provide extra space for guests or even the dog!

Getting started:Essential caravan accessories

(Photo courtesy of Warners Group)

Follow our guide to the essential equipment that you can’t leave home without and offer advice on accessories that will enhance your caravanning lifestyle.

Essential accessories

Beginner's guide:Caravan awnings

(Photo courtesy of Outdoor Revolution)

Awnings are one of the simplest, quickest and most effective ways of adding extra space to your caravan. Or caravan awnings guide explains everything you need to know.

Caravan awnings

Caravan beginner: becoming an expert

When you first start out, you’ll likely be thinking you’ll never learn it all – but you’d be wrong! Once you know what you’re doing, it will become second nature and you’ll be that person that everyone asks for help on the campsite. It’s worth remembering though that when it comes to caravanning, you’ll always be learning – we all are. The main thing is to have fun!

Caravan toilets: the ultimate guide

(Photo courtesy of Bailey of Bristol)

It’s perhaps the least glamorous aspect of caravanning but the toilet in your caravan is worth its weight in metaphorical gold.

Caravan toilets

A guide to caravan tyres and wheels

(Photo courtesy of Jim Blackstock)

There’s more to caravan wheels and tyres than an occasional pressure check. Jim Blackstock offers some expert insights.

Caravan tyres

Caravan servicing and habitation checks

(Photo courtesy of Jim Blackstock)

Regular servicing is vital to keep your caravan in good condition. Jim Blackstock finds out what is involved.

Servicing & habitation

Caravan air-conditioning explained

(Photo courtesy of Lee Davey)

Technical expert, Lee Davey, provides advice on caravan air-conditioning systems and the right one for your caravan.

Caravan air-con

Keeping your caravan secure

(Photo courtesy of Jim Blackstock)

Jim Blackstock looks at a range of different caravan security methods for both beginners and experienced caravanners.

Caravan security

Buying Your First Caravan 2022

Digital edition
Download it now from Pocketmags for just £7.99

Print edition
Or order a printed edition for just £9.99 + P&P

Expert Caravan advice to your door!

Caravan magazine has been inspiring caravanners for more than 80 years! We have grown to become a leading authority on caravans, the caravan industry, caravan lifestyle, campsites and caravan travel destinations. We know what our readers want – and that's to make the most of their caravans and their holidays!

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