Top tips for faster caravan set-up and maintenance
Technical advice
Essential caravan tips: set-up, solar and safety FAQs
What’s the best way to clean a caravan roof without damaging it?
I tend to use a dedicated caravan cleaner, such as Thetford Caravan Shampoo, Fenwicks Caravan Cleaner, or similar, and a long-handled, soft-bristled brush. I wet the roof with a hose, apply the cleaner as directed, and agitate with the brush. I may need to do this more than once if the roof is particularly green.
Once clean, I rinse the roof thoroughly and wash the caravan's front, back, and sides. As for reaching the roof, a ladder with pipe lagging fitted where it touches the awning rail works well (but follow working-at-height guidelines). This allows me to reach the centre of the roof with the brush.
Do you have any advice on avoiding condensation when staying in the caravan?
Condensation is a common issue, especially when the temperature drops, but it can be managed.
Keeping windows slightly open can help, but this isn’t always possible. Karcher’s Window Vac has been recommended several times, but I tend to stick to a good-quality microfibre cloth. I wet it under the tap, wring it out, and dry the windows. With care, any marks can be removed simultaneously, leaving crystal-clear windows.
Is it worth investing in a solar panel for off-grid trips?
Absolutely – if you enjoy campsites that don’t offer 230V, a solar panel can be a wise investment. It keeps your leisure battery charged and helps to power essentials like lighting, water pumps and fridge ignition.
There are two main types to consider: Fixed (roof-mounted) panels, or portable (free-standing) panels. Depending on power consumption, anything 100W or larger can dramatically extend battery life.
What’s the trick to hitching up solo without a spotter?
A reversing camera is the ideal aid for solo hitching, but if your car doesn’t have one, there are other options. Retrofitting a reversing camera is possible, with many connecting to your phone via Bluetooth. Following the phone theme, if you have two phones, holding one in place with a suction mount and FaceTiming both phones is a handy way to see what’s going on.
Or you could go ‘old school’ and reverse your car so that the caravan is central to the car, and periodically stop to physically check how far the hitch is from the towball. A motor mover is a great option as it allows you to bring the caravan to the car!
How do I know if my towcar is suitable for my caravan?
We have a handy tool that will allow you to check if your car can safely tow your caravan or see if a new car or caravan is suitable for your existing caravan or car. And Towmatch is free.
Do I need towing mirrors even if I can see behind me?
The towing mirror law is dictated by rearward visibility, stating that you must have a clear view 20 metres behind and four metres to either side of the caravan. Standard car mirrors rarely provide that full field of vision when towing a modern caravan.
Good-quality towing mirrors –such as those from Milenco or EMUK – are easy to fit and remove and offer a greater field of view. Even if I’m towing my narrow, 1960s caravan, I tend to fit towing mirrors regardless, as they give me increased rearward vision (especially when manoeuvring) and avoid potential roadside conversations with the authorities.
Try using Towmatch!
Towmatch, a completely free service from Out & About Live, enables you to take your first steps to owning your dream caravan. Towing a caravan is a stress-free experience once you've used Towmatch to find which models your car is suited to tow.
Use Towmatch today to start your caravan journey, then explore the latest caravan news, reviews and inspiration on Out & About Live!
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