Getting out and about in your caravan is a great way to enjoy nature and if there are ways we can help preserve it while using our leisure vehicles, then that’s even better.
The benefits of making your caravan as eco as possible extend to saving money and being more comfortable, so it’s a win-win situation.
With this in mind, the experts at Towergate Insurance have put together their three top tips for minimising your caravan’s impact on the environment.
Keep on top of maintenance
Maintaining your leisure vehicle well has a number of advantages for the environment, including:
Prolonged vehicle life
Keeping on top of small repairs helps to extend the life of your leisure vehicle and prevent the need to buy a new one.
The manufacturing process for new models involves metals, plastics, energy and water, so cutting down on the frequency of replacing your caravan can be very eco-friendly.
Of course, discarded caravans also need to be scrapped, which can mean waste going into landfill and hazardous materials like batteries and oil needing to be dealt with.
Fuel efficiency
Caravans don’t make it to their destinations on their own and the towing vehicle you choose can have a big impact on the environment too.
No matter what type of towcar you own, you can make the engine more fuel-efficient with regular care and frequent oil changes.
Maintaining the outside of your caravan by removing moss and any unnecessary weight can improve its aerodynamics and cut down on fuel consumption too.
Minimise fluid leaks
Checking for leaks and making necessary repairs immediately can prevent substances like oil, coolant and brake fluid from escaping into the environment.
Contaminated soil or water sources can damage local ecosystems and disrupt the balance of natural habitats.
All chemical toilet waste from caravans should also be disposed of properly to prevent spillage into the countryside.
Find alternative power sources
There are ways to reduce the amount of energy you use while caravanning, but it’s also worth considering where the power for your appliances is coming from.
Solar panels attached to your leisure vehicle’s roof are an effective way to power items like the kettle, fridge and toaster, as well as LED light bulbs and to charge phones.
Installing solar panels can mean an initial expense, but most arrays have a 30-year lifespan, making them a good investment.
Upgrade your windows
Single-paned plastic windows, which are often found in older caravans, can result in heat loss and drafts, as well as condensation.
Upgrade your windows to use less energy or put up heavy-duty curtains to prevent the warmth from escaping.
Make sure the seals around the windows are doing their job too, since replacing these can make a big difference as the autumn and winter months approach.
Gary Turner, head of caravan and equine insurance at Towergate, said: “These three helpful tips are great for caravanners who are trying to be more mindful of their impact on the environment.
“These maintenance tips and caravan additions or upgrades could also help the insurance industry, as a whole, to price future premiums.”
Photo credit: Unsplash/Mitchell Orr
