Let’s face it – there’s a bit more to caravans than just being a larger version of a car. They’re a simple enough little home on wheels, but just like any home or any vehicle, a caravan needs a bit of maintenance every once in a while. And there’s nothing worse than having to cut your camping trip short just because something came up with your caravan.
Screwdriver set
Screwdrivers are so useful for so many things around the house, and they’re no exception in a caravan. Chances are, you already have some screwdrivers around if you’ve bought any other tool sets or camping furniture. That said, a standalone screwdriver set for your caravan could also come in handy for a general camping trip.
Adjustable spanner
Any car mechanic always seems to have an adjustable spanner in their hand, but spanners are just as essential in your caravan toolkit too. You might need to undo the reverse thread nut on your propane gas bottle, for example. You might worry that the spanner could spin when you use it on fixings. However, this is only common with an unbranded spanner. Watch out for a wobbly jaw when you’re choosing the spanner for your caravan tool kit – a trustworthy spanner won’t have this. Just one high-quality adjustable spanner will save you from having to cart around a bulky set in your caravan toolkit.
Solar power bank
Sure, your caravan is fully wired for electricity and has its own solar panel. But sometimes you’re spending time in the great outdoors, or you run out of those limited power sockets inside the caravan. So, why not have a little backup power in the form of a solar power bank? With a solar power bank, you can keep your phone topped up all day in the bright summer sun. This means you’re free to venture out as far as you want and always have access to your phone’s camera, torch, and other useful tools. Bonus points if you choose a power bank that also has a torch or lantern of its own, one with its own wires attached, or a power bank that you can wind up, in the rare event that there is no light.
Duct tape
We all get those rips in tents and tarpaulins when we’re camping. And, though you might be handy with a needle and thread, you don’t want to faff about with patches, different colours of thread, and needles and scissors. So, add a roll of duct tape to your caravan toolkit, and you’ll have a simple repair tool with many uses. If the paint peels off a table leg, slap some duct tape on it. Or if the hinge on a door breaks, slap some duct tape on that, too. Even if you get a hole in your waterproof coat, duct tape works well for that, too.
But you don’t just want any old duct tape – you want something that’s definitely going to work and hold up over time. A brand like 3M has good adhesive. Or, if you have the choice, gaffer tape is even stronger for those odd jobs and not-so-sticky situations.
Fire safety sticks
A caravan fire is a rare occurrence, but it’s not something you can take a chance on, either. It’s definitely better to be prepared. You’re probably familiar with dry-powder fire extinguishers – bright red canisters, commonly used as door stops. But even the smallest of these can be bulky, with a limited discharge window and a cleanup that’s sometimes worse than the fire!
Enter: the fire safety stick. It’s not a way to stream movies in your caravan; it’s a new chemical fire extinguisher, safe for wood, textiles, flammable liquids (butane, propane), electrical fires, and fat fires, and perfect for your caravan tool kit. You never know what could happen when you toast one too many marshmallows on your skewer!
Tyre sealant
Punctures happen, even in urban areas without a thorny stick in sight. And though a spare tyre is the best option, you may also need to travel light as a camper. So, why not pack a can of tyre sealant in your caravan tool kit? From aerosol to a combined compressor and sealant kit, tyre sealant is a decent solution to small, pin-hole-sized punctures from nails, screws, or thorns, until you can get to a tyre centre for more permanent repair – though do bear in mind the tyre centre may have a hard time getting the sealant off.
Now that you’re all set to get out there, find your local holiday park here!
