Exploring amazing places in a touring caravan

When we got a touring caravan it was a life game changer!!! I am going to do a blog about some of the sites we have visited, handy tips when using your touring caravan, all about storage, insurance, Internet and security. This is my favourite pastime for anyone who is retired. You can explore on a very small budget you do not need a touring caravan. Read On….

Introduction

For anyone who loves to visit quiet out of the way places or bustling market towns and busy cities, then touring is for you. We got given our first caravan in early 2001, we have not looked back since. We love going to seaside towns and forested areas. I will be jotting down some adventures in my touring blogs which may inspire you to take up touring. There are many links in this page which will take you to expert sites offering comprehensive information on many important topics. Do as much reading on all your options for touring as well as what is best for you.

Caravan, Camper Van, Trailer Tent or just Tent?

Caravans can be wonderful if you like staying in one place and exploring the surrounding areas.
Camper Vans are great for moving from one place to another and doing a bit of wild camping or boon docking as they say in America.
Trailer tents can be a mixed idea, some are self erecting others are huge tents based around the trailer base. Well known brands are Conway, Triango and Dandy and Suncamp.
Tents are very modern these days. Many are air tents or inflatable tents which are a breeze to erect. Brands to look out for are Kampa, Leisure wize, and Berghaus.

Personally we have done a lot of camping in tents and it is not bad if you are prepared. The choice of tent is crucial when you are older as you feel the cold and sometime the sheer weight of carrying a large tent can be too much to handle.

The Pros and the Cons

This is a very old argument which has been around for many years. My answer is whatever suits your style the best, there is no right or wrong answer.

Touring Caravan Pro's	Con's
Cheaper to buy	Storage
No M.O.T in the UK	Large tow vehicle
Awning can extend space	Need a towing license
Leave on site - explore	Can't easily wild camp

Motor Home Pro's	Con's
Stop Anywhere	Expensive
Can Wild camp	Need M.O.T in UK
Maneuver Easier	Extra License if heavy
On board water/waste tanks	Limited space

Catastrophe’s Can Happen, What to do?

One of our first trips out in a new third hand caravan resulted in the wheel sheering off the axle. Luckily it stayed in the wheel housing and did not overtake us on the road or cause an accident. Flat tyres, car troubles, braking problems etc are all part of the adventure and are really few and far between. In the 23 years we have owned and towed we have had one caravan incident, the above mentioned and two car breakdowns.

Our car broken down with a broken rear spring. AA fixed it at the roadside – Thanks AA

Check all tyres on the caravan regularly. Include the spare tyre in your checks. If your touring caravan is in storage for a long time, try move it a bit so the tyres do not get a flat spot from standing.
Make sure the tyres are in date. The tyres have a date on them. Caravan tyres are not the same as car tyres.
Once you have hitched the touring caravan to the vehicle, take time to check all the lights and indicators work.
Attach good side mirrors to you car as this helps enormously when passing other vehicles.
Before setting off check the roof vents are closed and all the windows and flaps around the touring caravan are properly shut.
Ensure you have a safe brake cable attached to your tow bar and that the light cables are not going to drag on the ground and that there is still enough cable for when you have to turn.
The jockey wheel should be safe in it’s housing and tight so it won’t fall down when you drive.
The hand brake and motor movers should both be dis-engaged before setting off.

Most important of all, make sure you have a breakdown service which will tow your caravan if your car breaks down or visa versa.

I have no idea what you need to do for a motor home but I am sure you would also have some safety checks to carry out as well as insurance and breakdown cover. Caravans do not have to be insured by law, Motor homes and camper vans do.

Trailer tents should be treated the same as a touring caravan where possible as you will be towing it.

Are touring caravans difficult to tow?

Match the weight of your car to a suitable weight caravan and you should have no problem towing. The caravan club has a lot of good articles on this.
Most modern caravans have built is sway/swerve prevention in the tow bar. Older vans use a bull dog bar attached to the car and van to prevent bad snaking.
Keep to the speed limit when towing slow down if you feel the touring caravan start snaking.
Purchase good towing mirrors to extend the car mirrors, this makes passing and lane changing a lot easier.
Stay as far right in a passing lane when passing a bus or lorry as the side draft can suck you towards them. This also goes for staying left of your lane if you see one coming to pass you.
Be considerate to all you are stuck behind you and can’t pass, occasionally pull off in a layby and let the traffic pass through.

Scared to tow through places unknown?

Do your checks so you have piece of mind.
Always set off with a full tank of fuel.
A good Sat Nav will be very useful.
Give turning a wider space than just with your vehicle.
Think Baby Steps… One step at a time… One turn at a time… One round about at a time… and in no time you will be there.

Take a look at some of the places we have been with our caravan, most sites take any kind of touring vehicle and lots welcome tents.