Touring Caravan

Caravan electrics and heating

The control panel on most caravans is by the door, and easy enough to read.

For 12-volt lighting system switch on the master lights switch.

The gauge will also give you information on battery condition. The mains charger will keep the onboard battery trickle charged.

Turn the hot water on only after you have filled up the water system, they run on gas or electrics.

If the heater is needed, don’t use the gas – the heater control allows you to adjust the settings and the flow of warm air is set by the control on the heater.

Cassette toilet

Next job is to make the cassette loo operational, so you need to do some more water filling.

Add water to the water holding tank, and fill up to near the brim.

Then add several cap full’s of the pink rinse to the flush.

Close the top and go in to the caravan’s washroom. Add a couple of cap full’s of the green fluid straight into the loo itself. Then do a few water flushes, the loo is now ready for use.

When the loo is getting full, a small light on the top comes on, close the loo up and take to the toilet emptying point.

Open the hatch door and take the loo out.

Then take away to the loo disposal point.

Hold upright, then take off the lid on the emptying spout put the lid on the ground, not near the disposal point (many lids have gone down there!)

Caravan finishing touches

Connect the gas and switch on the regulator.

On warm days the large roof vent can be opened, but always shut again if rain is forecast while you’re out! Also check that it’s closed before towing.

Windows can be left on the ventilation catch, but again always check they are shut before towing or leaving the van if away for a long time.

Check the fire alarm is working or has a battery in.

Now sit back and enjoy!

It’s an easy thing to do but don’t forget to fit whatever security devices your caravan insurer requires. Some, such as Caravanwise caravan insurance only require a hitch lock and a wheel clamp when the caravan is left unhitched and unattended. Other policies are much more stringent so read the small print. If you have received a caravan insurance discount because you have an alarm or tracker fitted, you must ensure that these are activated when you leave the caravan unattended.

Our thanks to Bailey Caravans for the loan of the Pageant Series 7 – also our thanks to the wardens of West Ayton Caravan Club site near Scarborough North Yorkshire. Tel-01723-862989   

Picture and words © Andrew Jenkinson 2009