Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
I am posting a helpful list of essentials to pack in your caravan for your caravan holiday, especially for touring caravans. This includes a free printable which you can right-click to save and then print at your leisure.
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Caravan Packing Essentials for touring caravans
Maybe you are considering buying a touring caravan, or you own a caravan and are getting ready to take it out for the first time this year. When we bought our caravan we also budgeted for all the many accessories that you will need for a happy touring breakaway. I knew that I wanted to keep as much as I could in the caravan so that I wasn’t forever packing and unpacking it.
One essential thing to remember is to pack as light as you can so try to buy ‘lighter’ versions of everything on our list. I’ve left a few spaces on the checklist for you to add anything that may be essential to you.
While it was fun buying everything we needed the costs soon mounted up. Please allow for this. You certainly don’t need ‘doubles’ of everything such as bedding etc. But for us, it’s easier to have everything in the caravan ready.
Shopping List for Your Caravan Holiday
What are the absolute essentials that you must buy and keep in your caravan?
Touring Caravan Essential Equipment
Toilet chemicals – We use Elsan Double Rinse Toilet Fluid, 400 ml and Elsan Chemical Toilet Bags – Blue. The smell isn’t too offensive
Large water container – Hitchman Aquaroll & Wastemaster Bundle are great. So easy to get from A to B.
Water pump – Most caravans come with a pump to link your caravan to your water container. You must check you have one – Whale Water Master 12V High Flow Pump and Plug – White
Large waste container – you also need to fashion some pipes together to go from your waste water outlet into the container. We bought our wastewater container with our Aquaroll. It has wheels and is easy to empty. (see above)
Gas Bottle – You will most likely need this for your cooker, hob, bbq and or heating.
Gas bottle regulator – You won’t have gas without one. Make sure you buy the right size for your bottle.
Fire Blanket and or extinguisher – Not only do they keep you safe but most insurance policies will require you to have them. Soft Case Fire Blanket (Kitemarked) and
Powder Fire Extinguisher – 2KG ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher FireShield PRO
Hitch lock and cover – You will benefit from a reduction in caravan insurance if you have a hitch lock. It’s a good idea to cover your hitch from the rain. Universal Caravan / Trailer XL Hitch Cover Heavy Duty Blue.
Spirit Level – Most sites aren’t level and the smaller your van the worse the slope may seem. You can pack levelling blocks however we always make do with what we can find on-site as if they have a major slope they will have bricks lying around. 2 Way Mini Caravan Levelling Aid Indicator
Mains lead and adapter – You will need to buy a 25M Caravan Site Extension Lead. If you want to plug into an electric socket in a house you will need to buy a Pro Elec 14282pl Caravan Mains Converter Lead
Towing Mirrors – It is rare that you will have a car wider than your caravan so towing mirrors to extend your visibility are essential – Pair of Rock Steady Towing Mirrors.
Large caravan battery – Vital if you are at a site without electricity or you want to run a motor mover
Spare tyre and pump – We love the pumps that you can plug into your car electrics however as it’s a long way around a caravan a Foot Pump is much better for use on caravans.
Corner steady pads and winder – Corner Steady Pads are great to stop heavy vans from sinking into the ground. We also have a drill with a Winder Adapter for winding the legs up and down
Outdoor table and chairs – Some caravans come with an outdoor table. We love Camping Chairs for the outdoors
First ait kit – Make sure this includes medicine and plasters –
First Aid Kit, Medical Pouch, Emergency Kit Bag, Suitable for Home, Work, Travel, Holidays, Cars and Camping
Steps – so you can get in and out of your caravan – Deluxe Double Step – Grey.
Instructions – because you never know when you might need them!
Bin – A lot of caravans come with one. We bought an extra one for our shower room
Less essential things you need for your caravan
Awning and accessories
Torch – if you have a mobile phone there are some great free torch apps
Doormat – Home is Where You Park It Caravan Mat
Mugs
Cutlery, Cooking Utensils, BBQ
Matches
Disposable or small gas BBQ’s
Bin liners
TV
Items that you can choose to have duplicates of like us, or remember to pack for each outing
Bedding – Duvets, duvet covers, pillowcases, pillows and blankets
Towels – Shower room, swimming pool, beach
Slip on shoes/slippers – great for nipping in and out especially if you have an awning
Washing up liquid, sponges, gloves
Disposable gloves – 100% essential for those that have to clean out the chemical loo
Soap – Shower room and kitchen area
Other toiletries – Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, sanitary products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrush
Clock
Mineral Water
Fly repellent and after bite
Indoor and outdoor games
Bucket and Spade
Sun cream
Waterproofs including wellies
Wipes – antibacterial and for kids
Kitchen roll and tissues
Kettle
Russell Hobbs Textures Plastic Kettle
Toaster – Status Seattle 2-Slice Toaster, 750 W – White
Coffee machine
Tool kit (screwdrivers, any gadget you may need)
Spare bulbs and fuses (we’ve never bothered as we have lots of lights and no fuses!)
Mini Hoover or dustpan and brush
Ice Trays
Chopping board
Pans
Music – we always have a collection of CDs at hand
Mini Electric Heater – just in case your other form of heating runs out or becomes temperamental.
Food bags or Tupperware
Stain Remover – we have a small spray can in case of any unwanted spills
Tin foil
Tin opener
Corkscrew/beer bottle opener
Oven glove
Cleaning cloths
Bucket
And don’t forget your
Clothes and Shoes – Hangers if you have a wardrobe
Chargers
Tablet
Mobile Phone
Chargers
Motor mover
Spare keys
Perishable goods – Tins, bread, milk, pop, juice, tea bags, coffee, fruit, BBQ food, chocolate, sauce, cooking oil, snacks, alcohol, butter, jam, cereal. sugar.
Pen and paper
This is in conjunction with the handy guest post on what to pack when camping as a family – The Family Camping Checklist | Ultimate Essentials Packing List
