There are so many newcomers to the caravanning world, especially since we opened up after Covid kept us closed down for two years.

Meet Jenny and Graeme Sidebottom, they are brand new to the caravanning lifestyle and about to embark on their first trip. But before they head off on their epic journey Macca has some great suggestions as to what to do before you go.

Great advice like taking a few short trips to get used to living in your van. It also helps you decided what you need to take and what you won’t need. Remember, there are shops everywhere so it’s important not to overpack in the beginning. If there’s something you feel you’ve left behind, you will always have the opportunity to purchase it.

So, let’s take off with the Sidebottom’s, and their adorable grandchildren.

 

What To Do Before You Go

Selecting the van you want is probably your biggest decision. There are so many on the market now and it often depends on your towing vehicle and your own capabilities. Don’t go oversized if you don’t have the skill. It will totally ruin your trip. Every caravan park will be your worst nightmare as you wonder how you’re going to back your van onto your next site. Thankfully there are often people in the park, especially park owners and managers who are more than willing to help you with this but I’ve been in a position where there wasn’t, we were novices and it was the fun-killer of our trip.

Graham and Jen have decided on the perfect van for their, a New Age Wayfinder. The beauty of this van is it’s a camper trailer so low profile, single axle but still with all of the facilities they require.

Macca has some truly great tips on how to find your perfect van as well as some advice on taking a towing course. These courses are invaluable and should be taken by all the drivers in the car, not just the main tower.

 

 

List of things to consider:

1 How many people will be in the caravan

2 What sort of touring do you want to do

3 Your budget

4 New or used

5 How long you intend to stay on the road

6 Facilities within the van

7 Towing Capacity

8 Storage when not in use

Macca’s Tip

If you’re a newcomer to towing, do a towing course. It will save a lot of arguments on the road.