The UK is one of the best destinations in the world for touring. As a result, it has a fantastic community for caravan owners, thousands of sites, and everything you could need from storage to insurance. If you’re new to caravanning though, it can seem daunting to get started. To help, we want to give you some of the top tips. Then, if you want to stay at one of the most beautiful caravan parks in Northallerton, you should have a look at Parklands.
The caravan and your vehicle
Firstly, you need to ensure you choose the right caravan and a suitable vehicle to tow it. Caravans come in all shapes and sizes, from narrow, compact tourers to extra wide models. Think carefully about what you need to give you enough space. In addition, make sure you can tow it safely.
In terms of your vehicle, you need to make sure it will be able to actually tow the caravan. There are rules here. Look at the manufacturer’s max noseweight (the total weight it can tow). You shouldn’t exceed this. Calculate the weight of your caravan, including the contents, and ensure it is acceptable. However, always remember that you want the towed load to be high enough to provide stability and reduce the chance of snaking, but lower than the weight of the vehicle.
If you have an automatic car, there are a few things to look at. Firstly, it can be easier on the driver and the vehicle, causing less wear and tear. However, you can lose acceleration and gearbox performance. Luckily, it can be easier to drive automatic vehicles in different settings. Think about that when you decide where to stop, including caravan parks in Northallerton.
The towbar
One thing you absolutely need to take care with is getting a suitable towbar. You can have a major accident if you choose one that isn’t right for your vehicle or the caravan itself. Always check that it meets the relevant standards and mounts properly to the car. Ideally, choose a towbar from the car’s manufacturer.
Towing
People new to caravanning are unlikely to have any towing experience. Luckily, it’s a skill you can develop quite quickly. Give it a go somewhere safe, preferably with guidance from someone with experience. Or, you can do a course. The Caravan and Motorhome Club offer them across the UK.
Taking care of your caravan
A quality caravan that gets the right upkeep and maintenance can last for decades, even if you use it frequently to visit caravan parks in Northallerton and other parts of the UK. There are a number of things you can do to get the most from yours.
Taking care of the tyres to prevent them from deteriorating is vital. Inflate them to the correct pressure and inspect frequently for signs of damage. If possible, when you aren’t using a caravan, remove the tyres and store them somewhere cool and dry at normal pressure.
An absolute must is to clean the caravan regularly. It will keep it fresh and prevent issues. Most importantly, make sure you check and maintain seals. This reduces the risk of leaks developing, especially around windows.
Security
Finally, be very careful when you think about security. Sadly, caravans can be an attractive target for thieves. Some break in and steal what they can, while others take the whole thing. Whether you keep a caravan at home or store it at a secure facility, there is a risk of theft. So, take precautions, including using things like wheelclamps, hitchlocks, and alarms. Investing in a tracker is really wise too.
Stay at one of the most impressive caravan parks in Northallerton
Hopefully the tips above help you to get started with caravanning. Most importantly, make sure you have a good vehicle, a suitable caravan, and all the equipment you need, including mirrors. Then, gain some experience towing and you’re ready to go.
When it’s time to start looking for caravan parks, think carefully about where you are going, where you want to stop, and what each park has to offer. Some are basic but really cheap. Others give you more but charge higher prices. Plan carefully and book the best ones for you.
Parklands is the top choice if you’re looking at caravan parks in Northallerton. This is the perfect base for people who want to see beautiful parts of Yorkshire, including the Dales and the Moors. We give visitors quality pitches and fantastic amenities for really impressive prices, 12 months of the year. You can learn more on our website or contact us for details.