Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.
Being a caravan and motorhome journalist, I have the privilege of being able to take a huge variety of leisure vehicles across the UK, in all weather conditions and terrains. Whilst this sounds glamorous, it typically means picking one up from a dealership or manufacturer, taking it to a prearranged location – often arriving when it’s late and dark – staying for a night or two and bringing it back the following morning.
This gives me very little time to familiarise myself with the finer details of each leisure vehicle. We all know they have their own quirks and foibles. Additionally, I find myself driving prototypes, which often aren’t the same as consumer versions, and can have plenty of minor issues, as well as some bigger problems too.
So, what’s in my go-bag of tools to ensure I have everything I need to conduct some basic maintenance and experience both a comfy journey and a good night’s sleep? This list won’t include any essential safety items, such as towing mirrors and carbon monoxide alarms. That’s a separate matter – this is all about comfort.
1. Magnetic spirit level and wheel chocks
It may seem pedantic for a short trip, but your caravan needs to be level to function as intended. Bringing a spirit level and some wheel chocks is the perfect way to avoid ending up in the corner, suffering from a bad back and an awful night’s sleep.
Moreover, keeping everything level looks after the vehicle. It ensures waste water drains properly and fluid in the heating system is balanced correctly. So, this one isn’t purely about comfort, but also ensuring your caravan is being used exactly how it was made to be.
2. Mini toolkit
Ok, I’ll admit it – one of the tools I take is… All of them. But seriously, you just need the bare essentials. Get down any decent high street retailer and you’ll be able to get a 20lb, 50-piece set that includes spanners, ratchets, screwdrivers and pliers. With these, you’ll be able to do pretty much anything, from connecting gas and fixing leaks to repairing brackets and other basic maintenance tasks.
3. Electrical tools
When electrical issues arise, they can be difficult to solve, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the particular caravan or motorhome. Problems like figuring out if your hookup connection is working or which part of the vehicle isn’t receiving electricity are tricky to diagnose. As such, coming prepared with a voltmeter, electric screwdriver and a mixed bag of fuses could save you a lot of hassle.
Voltmeters cost around £10 to £15 and can speed the process up. Motorhome habitations, particularly A-Class or coach-built, can also be heavy on fuses, so it always pays to have a few spares.
4. Ratchet straps
These are incredibly versatile and can be used to secure things like luggage to prevent sliding, or hold cupboard doors shut that keep coming open. You can also use them to strap exterior items to your caravan or motorhome and they can even – if absolutely needed – become makeshift tow ropes.
5. Get out of jail free card
Some duct tape and assorted cable ties. No, this isn’t in case I get particularly upset with my travel partners, it’s for the little things you can’t necessarily fix, but could break and damage the leisure vehicle if not held securely before you travel onwards. These are only temporary solutions, but trust me – I’ve needed a few.
All of the items mentioned here can be purchased brand new for less than £50 altogether. They’ll fit inside a small duffle bag or rucksack, are easy to transport and are well worth having with you any time you head off in your leisure vehicle.
Photo credit: energepic.com / Pexels
