Caravan Proving Run Tips: Beginner Caravan Setup Camp; Checklist
New to caravan-camping, or even new to this van? Here’s tips you need from a caravan trip checklist when planning a proving run.
So you’ve picked up the van and towing vehicle, sorted out the towbar and wiring, given your vehicles a thorough going over and checked the weights. Now, it’s time to trial your caravan-camping setup. Part holiday, part appraisal and part education, a proving run is many things. Here’s how to plan one that leaves room for fun and can serve as your practical caravan camping guide.
Beginner Caravan Setup Made Easy
Although you and your van are likely capable, simplifying your maiden voyage softens the learning curve with a new setup. If you’re new to caravanning, choosing a camp that’s easy to get to lets you get comfortable with how it tows as you’ve loaded it, which you’ll refine over time.
Setups, even easy ones, take more time when they’re new to you; so a nearby campsite will leave you with more daylight hours to get it done and unwind.
If you can, wait for good weather and choose somewhere sheltered, so you can skip the annexe if you want.
Access to a well-stocked camp kitchen will save you if you forget to fill up the gas bottle or leave your kettle at home.
Caravan Proving Run Tips
If you’re keen to check out your van’s off-grid systems but aren’t sure how to use them, why not test them out on a powered site? This lets you track your water and power consumption over a few days, without worry – as it may differ to your previous setup.
Being near a hardware store and supermarket lets you buy your way out of many situations. Camp somewhere popular, or tag along with mates, so you can call on help.
For the first few trips, camp within mobile range, in case you run into a fault that takes a while to surface or want cell phone access to manufacturer training videos online.
Proving Run Campsite Checklist
- Close to home
- With power & sullage
- Access via sealed/well maintained roads
- Mobile phone coverage
- Supermarket & hardware store nearby
- Decent campsite kitchen
- Nearby pub
Caravan Troubleshooting for Beginners
Sometimes, with a new-to-you setup, things go awry on the proving run. It can be hard to tell if something isn’t operating correctly or simply functions differently to how you expect.
Thankfully, caravan troubleshooting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming – many issues are quick fixes once you know where to look.
Things commonly mistaken as faults include fridges that just need a day to chill, worrisome water from condensation or water access woes related to the water pump settings.
While faults can occur, beginner hiccups due to unfamiliarity are very common. That’s why when troubleshooting, professionals rule out the simplest things first.
Dealer Support for New Caravans
If you purchased your van or camper trailer through a dealer and encountered an issue, it’s a great idea to reach out to them, just for the record, if nothing else.
The good dealers will point you to resources or even help you troubleshoot issues – covering off things missed or forgotten during an intense handover.
Be sure to jot down the conversation and who you were speaking to or file email correspondences, in case you are dealing with a fault that needs fixing and take photos for your records. Dealers are your liaison for warranty matters and consumer guarantees.
Caravan Camping Furniture Setup
Camp chairs sure are comfy but they’re not designed for dining at tables so we team ours with stable tables like these Smash stability tables. Then set an adjustable fold-up trestle table to the perfect cheese platter height. Or, you can get portable outdoor dining sets like these.
First-Night Caravan Dinner Ideas
We love a campfire in mild weather but unless you grew up camping or are a master at cooking over coals, relying on one for dinner can wait till you’re setup savvy.
Freezing your first night’s meal can save you from fussing – or easier still, book yourself into the local pub.
Caravan Camping Essentials Checklist
Before you head off, check these caravan camping essentials to make sure you’ve got the basics covered:
- Towing mirrors
- 15A power cords
- Chocs and levelling ramps
- Sullage hoses for grey waste water
- Freshwater hoses
- All the instructions
Think of this list as a quick caravan packing checklist to get you started without forgetting the basics.
Camping Comforts for Caravanners
- Camp lighting and torches
- First-aid kit
- A ‘Comforts Kit’ with sunscreen, aloe vera, antihistamines, common pain relief, Stingose and mosquito repellent suitable for your destination
- Camping mat. We use perforated foam tiles
- A few pairs of shoes and lots of socks
- Cosy blankets
- Wind-proof jackets
- Portable fan
These extras will make caravan camping comfort a priority and help you settle in more quickly.
Caravan Awning Entertainment Ideas
Here are some simple caravan awning ideas to make downtime at camp more enjoyable:
- Puzzles – 300 pieces suit casual puzzlers of all ages
- Games like Telestrations, Pictionary, Yahtzee or UNO
- Projector for movie nights
- Cheese platter for happy hour fun
- Bluetooth speaker
Wrapping Up Your Proving Run
At the end of the day, packing, hitching up, towing, setting up and familiarising yourself with a new-to-you camp is a lot to take in. So keep it easy to begin with, surround yourself with help and have lots of fun. You’ll be hitting the tracks in no time.
