Features

A beginners guide to caravanning: Try before you buy and rent a caravan

Renting a caravan is a great way to familiarise yourself with the hobby

by Holly Tribe

If you’re thinking about taking up caravanning for the first time, initial research into the activity may seem a bit daunting. There’s a whole array of caravan jargon to decipher along with the challenge of mastering electrical systems, water pumps, awnings, and then there’s the alleged ‘dark art’ of towing.

But all of this can be demystified quite easily if you have a couple of days and a few quid to spare. Renting a caravan can provide a brilliant insight into the lifestyle; helping to throw a bit of light on some of the perceived challenges of towing and taking care of a caravan.

What do you need to hire a caravan?

Insurance – You must have comprehensive car insurance in order to tow a rental caravan – don’t forget to bring your policy along with you on collection.

Driving licence – You must have an up to date driving licence covering categories B&E if you wish to tow a rental caravan. If you passed your driving test after 2007 check with the DVLA to find out what vehicles your driving license is valid for. Many operators won’t rent to persons under the age of 25.

Towcar matching – You need to make sure your towcar is suitable and a safe match for the weight of the caravan – the hiring company should be able to advice on this.

Extras – Check with the operator what is included in the hire price. Some companies will charge extra for delivery, and non-essential equipment hire such as extra gas canisters cooking utensils.

Choosing the right layout – During the research stage, it’s a good idea to consider who will be using the caravan and if you intend to host any guests/ grandchildren etc – this will have a huge bearing on the layout that you ultimately go for.

Don’t be afraid to ask – Robert Farrow, sales manager at Blackmore Vale Leisure, explained a lot of his customers don’t have any experience with caravans when they ring up to enquire about rentals, in fact the most common questions he gets asked are ‘is there a toilet’ and ‘can I have a shower on board?’, so don’t be afraid, no question is too insignificant.

Where can I hire a caravan?

There are several companies that offer caravan rental services across the country, with helpful staff who will take you through the basics – from setting up to advice on a suitable towcar match.

Blackmore Vale Leisure in Dorset runs a ‘try before you buy’ scheme and offers renters three options: caravan delivery to a destination of the customers choosing; self tow; or a stay at their on-site caravan park where caravanners are welcome to rent a rig. Staff will set up the water and electricity and there are handy go-to guides with diagrams explaining the heating, water and entertainment systems once you’ve been left to your own devices. Prices start from £216 per week for a five berth caravan.

Acorn Caravans in Berkshire has a range of caravans available for rent and their friendly staff will sit down with customers and talk through the ins and outs of the caravan. They also supply a helpful towing DVD for customers to watch before they set off – which goes through hitching a caravan to the towcar and what to look out for on the road. Prices start from £160 for a long weekend.

Tap into the caravanning community

If you have any questions about the wider aspects of caravanning there are numerous online communities with thousands of caravanners willing to answer questions about their favourite pastime.