Pitching up at a site of your choosing and exploring a new destination is one of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a van. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that mistakes can occur when you’re on-site, no matter which of the best caravan sites you’ve chosen to stay at. It doesn’t always matter how experienced you are either – errors can happen, whether you’re embarking on your first tour or are a seasoned caravanner – as I, the editor of Practical Caravan, can vouch for.
That’s something that has prompted me and the expert team at Practical Caravan, including Deputy editor Paul Critcher, Reviews editor Peter Baber, Staff writer Jo Davies, and contributors Andy Jenkinson, John Sootheran, Nigel Hutson and Nigel Donnelly, to share the mistakes you’ll want to avoid next time you’re pitched up at a campsite…
1. Not checking when the site gates are open
Been there, done that! I once had to make a swift dash across northern France to catch an early ferry, after not checking that the locked campsite gates would be open for my planned exit at 6am. Luckily I made it (just), but it’s made me super-aware of site timings ever since, to avoid the same thing happening again…
2. Driving off with hook-up attached
This is another one I can raise my hand to – when I was new to caravanning, I once drove away with the electric hook-up lead still attached. Fortunately, the only result was a cracked hook-up plug, but I’ve been very careful not to repeat this – a checklist of tasks to be completed before you drive away (including unplugging said lead) is a great idea.
3. Pitching too far from the washblock
This one from Staff writer Jo is well worth remembering. Not weighing up which pitch is best for you (if you’re given a choice) can mean you miss out on making your stay even more comfortable. In my opinion, it’s better to be a little too close to the washblock, than too far away. I recently stayed on a pitch that was closest to the facilities and the ease of a quick shower was great. It also made emptying our cassette and waste-water container easier, and we had no washing-up hanging around.
Top tip: Check out the site map online before you stay and try requesting a pitch depending on your needs.
4. Using your steadies incorrectly
Your caravan steadies are there to help you level your tourer, right? Actually, they’re only there to act as their name suggests: steady the van when you’re pitched up, to help prevent excess movement or chassis damage. Self-levelling steadies are available, but you’ll usually need to have them fitted retrospectively.
5. Not taking your awning down on a windy day
The weather can be unpredictable whenever you tour, whether you’re embarking on a winter caravanning trip or choosing to set off in the summer. On a particularly blustery tour to Trewethett Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, in Tintagel, north Cornwall, one year, I witnessed numerous caravanners dismiss the site owners’ warnings about the danger of strong winds, only to find their awning damaged the following morning. Don’t risk it: at the first hint of wild winds, take down the awning and stow it in your car.
6. Assuming that you can use a groundsheet
You may still think that every tent needs a groundsheet, but awnings are a very different matter, Reviews editor Peter Baber warns. He says: “Many caravan park owners assume that you will be staying for a while, and if you leave a groundsheet down for a week or so, it can easily kill off any grass growing underneath. This is why they often ban the use of groundsheets, and why many of the caravan awning manufacturers now usually supply their products without them. So always remember to check if it’s allowed before pegging one down.”
7. Not checking the Wi-Fi code
We all know the importance of having good internet in a caravan, as this from Peter will highlight. If, like him, you have teenage children who, on arrival, demand to know the site’s Wi-Fi code before you have even applied the handbrake, remember to ask for it at reception. It’s easy to forget, as they usually don’t tell you about it straight off. And in my experience, by the time you remember, reception has closed, and the tiny notice with the code on is there, behind the desk, just out of sight from where you are desperately banging on the door.
8. Assuming sat nav knows best
Satellite navigation is, of course, often incredibly useful, but Peter advises still using your own eyes, particularly if you are not using one of the best caravan sat navs and are instead using that has not been modified for towing. I was once following the directions for a caravan park near Longleat, which I eventually decided were actually taking me to the lion enclosure! On another occasion, sat nav cheerfully led me down a single-track road to a 6ft-high tunnel. Reversing back from that was a joy, let me tell you.
9. Not saying hi to your site neighbours
Being sociable when you’re picked up can make a huge difference to your overall enjoyment, says Jo. She explains: “The great thing about using sites is that everyone is there for the same reason! If you’re pitched up somewhere for a while, you’re missing out if you don’t give your site neighbours a quick “hello”. You could be getting great recommendations for local attractions, enjoying a really interesting chat, or even being invited to a barbecue! It’s also helpful to be on friendly terms if you need to ask them politely to turn their music down at 1am…”
10. Forgetting your levelling ramps
Used van contributor Andrew Jenkinson says: “I always carry wheel levelling chocks; they are ideal for uneven pitches. But they are easily left behind. Hitched up and off you go – distractions can make a fool of you and, yes, we drove away leaving them there. Luckily the site owner kept them for my return – and I only did it the once!”
If you’re in need of one, a pair of the best caravan levelling ramps could set you on your way.
11. Running out of cleaning supplies
Whether it’s a caravan vacuum cleaner for getting rid of dirt and crumbs, or a cloth to wipe up stains, having a good supply of cleaning products will be a big part of enjoying your living area.
Jo says: “Living in a relatively small space is fine when it comes to tidying, because it takes no time at all to clear up, even when the van is at its messiest. However, on a recent tour I found, to my horror, we hadn’t restocked the cleaning cupboard. I stared despairingly at the crumbs and coffee rings, wishing I could find just one forgotten cloth at the back of the drawer. No such luck. From now on, I’ll be making a list as I go, ensuring that I can replenish my arsenal of cleaning materials at the end of each tour.”
Don’t forget, if you need help with freshening up your tourer, check out our guide to cleaning a caravan.
12. Unhooking the electric caravan-end first
Always remove your mains hook-up lead from the bollard before you remove it from the van. Otherwise, you risk trailing a live cable across potentially wet grass – not a combination to aspire to!
13. Keeping your hook-up lead wound up
You often see this on site, but it’s not recommended – once your hook-up lead is plugged into your caravan and the bollard, make sure that it’s uncoiled or loosely wound. Leave it coiled and it’ll generate heat, potentially even resulting in fire.
14. Playing music or a TV too loud
We’ve all been on sites with a noisy neighbour – it’s not pleasant. Always bear in mind how much noise you are making, especially in an awning – fabric isn’t soundproof! Keep noise to a minimum, particularly during the evenings and at night-time.
15. Walking over someone else’s pitch
Deputy editor Paul Critcher has a word of warning when it comes to campsite etiquette: “If an English person’s home is their castle, then a caravanner’s home is their pitch, and nobody wants you (or anyone else for that matter) tripping over guy ropes, stomping through neatly laid out equipment and picnic blankets, or just generally being in their space. Just think privacy, security and courtesy… and don’t walk over my pitch!”
16. Not packing for the weather
Jo explains: “I’m a firm believer in ‘pack for the weather you want, not the weather you have’. This has resulted in embarking on many trips with a plethora of shorts and sandals, only to spend the week shivering in my one fleece. These days, I use weather apps, cross-referencing BBC Weather with the Met Office, and assume that it’s going to rain at some point. There is nothing worse than being underprepared for what you want to do, so I’d always recommend packing 20% more warmer clothes than you expect to need.”
Okay, we know you could turn to one of the best caravan heaters, but ensuring you have the right clothing can make a real difference too.
17. Forgetting the handbrake and breakaway cable
Tech expert Nigel Hutson has an important warning for van owners before they start their journey – “ensure your handbrake is released and the breakaway cable isn’t snagged. I once destroyed a set of caravan brakes when the breakaway cable had been tucked out of the way and not put back, so gently pulled the brakes on each time we cornered – neither the tow car nor I noticed until the smell…”
18. Leaving a dog to bark in your van
Touring with a dog can be highly enjoyable, with many sites catering to the needs of our four-legged friends. However, you need to be considerate of your fellow guests. Jo says: “Although a noisy pooch is usually just frustrated, it can be a headache to others on site and against site rules. If you’re leaving your dog in the van, don’t leave them unwalked or without water topped up. You can always rely on a few of their favourite toys or chews, too. Never leave them on a hot day, either.”
19. Not winding up your steadies
Another mistake you’ll want to avoid involves your steadies. Nigel explains: “Leaving a corner steady down is probably one of the most common errors. You hitch the caravan to the car and set off, to be met immediately by a scraping sound or an extra bump as you go over something, followed by that scraping… Thankfully, you tend to get an early warning.”
20. Missing out on a barbecue
Paul says: “Is it a proper holiday without a barbecue? Some campers can be upset by the smells and smoke, so be considerate and cook your meal at a good distance or in a proper barbecue spot – these are increasingly seen in the UK. You gotta have a barbecue! Banger, anyone?” Check out our best caravan barbecue guide if you’re in need of one.
21. Bashing your bumper when unhitching
Consulting editor John Sootheran advises taking care when you’re unhitching. He says: “If you have reversed onto a pitch, pull forward a few inches before unhitching. This allows the compressed hitch-head spring to release. If you don’t pull forward, and then unhitch the van, there’s a good chance the hitched head will fire forward at speed and ding the back
of your tow car.”
22. Paying high WI-FI charges at the campsite
John has a tip for those who don’t want to encounter high WiFi charges: “When you’re camping, good Wi-Fi is as essential as bacon and Yorkshire teabags! This being the case, you should plan your Wi-Fi access, especially when heading abroad. One year, it cost me £24 in campsite Wi-Fi, just to watch Andy Murray lose a Wimbledon final. The Wi-Fi was only available in three-hour slots; the match lasted three hours and 24 minutes. I was dischuffed. Hire a dongle before you leave the UK to avoid these costs.”
23. Forgetting to close your rooflight
Nigel advises: “Always check your windows and rooflights are secured. How many times do you see a caravan trundling along with the rooflight wide open? Ones with gas-struts are often the culprits. I once collected our caravan from service, and at a glance, everything looked closed. Several miles later, I was being flashed by drivers pointing skywards. You’ve guessed it, the front rooflight had opened.”
24. Overflowing the toilet cassette
This one from John could help you avoid some unpleasant aromas. He says: “Letting my kids ignore the toilet cassette red light when they were small was a huge mistake! There are so many nooks and crannies in the cassette locker, and after sponging out the – well – spillage, I had to clean every inch with wet wipes, twice. We were in France and it was only 36°C. Très malodorant!”
25. Not choosing a site to suit your needs
We’ve all been there – at a campsite that’s more of a ‘family friendly caravan park’ (read, lots of kids running around) than we wanted, or with less to do in the area than expected. Always read the site reviews before booking to check that you’ll get what you want!
26. Don’t keep going to the same places
Deciding where to go can be a tricky choice, and it can sometimes be tempting to return to the tried and trusted locations that you know will deliver, says Nigel Donnelly.
However, this can have a potential downside, as he explains: “You’ve got a few favourite sites, and before you know it, you are heading to the same ones each time you hit the road. Mix in your favourites with the odd new destination. If you’ve got an area you like, next time you are there, pop into the reception of a couple of other local sites to grab
a leaflet and perhaps have a look around. You might just find a new favourite.”
27. Forgetting to clear out food from the fridge
One former PC tester remembered that they’d forgotten to remove a wheel of blue cheese from one of our caravan’s fridges, a whole month after their trip – cue lots of apologies and frantic scrubbing! But it’s easily done: always be sure to remove all your fridge’s contents at the end of your tour, or you risk a stinky surprise the next time you go away…
If you’re going to be towing a caravan for the first time in 2025, take a look at the 6 things I wish I’d known when I first started towing, as David Motton shares his tips.
Lead image: Getty Images
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