Caravanning can be a cost-effective way to take the whole family away this half term, but if you’ve only enjoyed the lifestyle in the summer months, the prospect of autumn can be a bit daunting.
Fear not, with some forward planning and a few adjustments, there’s no reason why you can’t make the most of your caravan as the weather gets colder and the nights draw in.
Pre-trip checks
Before setting off on your trip, make sure all your lights are working properly on both the towcar and your caravan so you can be seen on dark nights.
Check your tyres are in good condition and are fully inflated. It’s probably not necessary to fit winter tyres yet, but it’s important there’s good tread on your tyres and they’re not in need of replacing.
Be prepared
An autumn caravanning adventure is totally different to what you’d experience in the summer and as long as you embrace that, you’ll have a wonderful experience.
Pack the right clothes, focus on the beauty of the countryside at this time of year and have wet weather contingency plans and you’ll be prepared for anything.
Select the right site
Choosing where to pitch up in the autumn can have a big impact on the success of your half term holiday, as your criteria should be different from the summer months.
Select a site near a dark skies reserve to make the most of stargazing opportunities now the nights are longer, or a park with indoor communal areas to escape the caravan if it rains all week.
Accessories
Investing in a few additional accessories can make all the difference to your autumn caravanning trip. Here are a few to consider:
- Grip mats to help get your caravan or towcar out of the mud
- A big plastic box to throw everyone’s muddy kit into
- A head torch to light the way to the amenities block in the night
- Hot chocolate to warm everyone up and boost morale
- Cards and board games to keep the family entertained
- An awning to act as a porch and boot room
Post-trip maintenance
Unlike the summer months when it’s easier to get away with neglecting the caravan between trips, it’s important to fully clean and air out your leisure vehicle in autumn.
Making sure mud and moisture aren’t trapped inside is important to prevent damage and unpleasant smells from occurring.
Drain water systems to ensure no liquid freezes in the pipes and causes problems.
Charge the caravan’s battery every couple of weeks to prevent it from draining completely and becoming an issue you discover just before a trip.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Devon Janse van Rensburg
