The Ultimate Caravan Essentials Checklist For Every Traveller

When you’re off on a caravanning adventure, it’s tempting to cram as much as possible into every available space, as often you’ll have a lot of “must takes”. But you need to consider your vehicle’s load-carrying capacity and the fact that it will be heavier to tow and will burn up fuel more quickly. Having critical gear on hand can ensure you’re safe and prepared and can sort out problems along the way. It can be the difference between making happy memories and holiday horror stories — it’s a fine balance! Here is our ultimate caravan essentials checklist that will help you relax and explore the wonders of our vast country confidently and comfortably.

Things to consider

Everyone’s idea of “caravan must haves” is different, so choose items that allow you to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of your experience. Other factors also come into play, and some to consider include:

• Whether you'll be close to civilisation or in the middle of nowhere (so you will need to be self-sufficient).
• How long you'll be away from civilisation (the longer it is, the more essentials you might need).
• How much space you have in your caravan (research space-saving hacks if you haven’t already).
• How often you'll be going caravanning (for a few days or for weeks at a time)?
• How long you want items to last (will you want to use these essentials for years to come)?

Caravan safety essentials

Camping is not without risks, so to ensure you and your loved ones are safe, here are some things to add to your caravan checklist:

• First-aid kit: so if there is an accident or injury, it can be tended to quickly.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Communications devices: that allow you to call for assistance if there is no phone reception. This includes if you break down or need roadside assistance, or there is an injury or accident, and you need an ambulance, the police or fire brigade. Options include a satellite phone (coverage wherever you are in Australia), a UHF radio (long-range radio communication and vehicle-to-vehicle communication), and an EPIRB (a beacon that sends a radio signal to Marine Rescue and is only for life-threatening emergency use).

Car & towing essentials

Things can go wrong, and when you're on the road, you need to be prepared, especially in a remote area. Here are some must-haves to put on your caravan packing list.

Repair essentials:

• A jack that’s weighted to lift your car and caravan: so you can take off a flat tyre and put on a spare tyre.
• Spare tyres: 1 to 2 tyres for each vehicle (depending on how long/remote the trip is).
• A tyre repair kit: to repair punctures (especially if you're only taking one spare tyre).
• Tyre pressure gauge: to ensure your tyres always have the right air pressure.
• Spare oil: engine oil, gearbox transmission oil, extra brake fluid, and radiator coolant.
• Duct tape: for electrical wire and general repairs.
• A toolkit: so you have the basic repair tools.
• Manuals: for your car and caravan so you can follow the repair instructions.
• Jumper leads: so if your battery dies, you can charge it from another vehicle's battery.
• Spare parts: to replace broken belts and hoses if needed.
• Gloves: to protect your hands while you're doing repairs or a recovery.
• An air compressor or manual pump: to quickly inflate tyres, airbeds and water toys.

Driving essentials:

• GPS device and maps: GPS isn’t 100 per cent reliable on the road, so take maps and a compass.
• Jerry cans: fill with fuel in case you hit empty and are kilometres from a service station.
• Spare keys: in case you lose your first set (it happens!)
• Cards: licence, medical cards, insurance, and roadside assistance memberships.
• Music: or the drive (CDs and offline playlists for when there's no phone reception).
• Adapters: that plug into your cigarette lighter (to charge phones, iPads, etc.).
• Car organisers: that slip on the back of the front seats (for drinks, snacks, toys, and light rubbish).

Towing essentials:

• Towing mirrors: that sit beside your 4WD mirror and give you extra visibility.
• Tow bars and accessories: so you can tow a caravan or trailer behind your vehicle.
• Chocks or wheel clamps: to stop your caravan’s wheels moving (and for security).

Recovery essentials (if your vehicle gets bogged):

• Wheel ramps: to get good tyre traction when you're on uneven ground.
• A shovel: to dig out the sand/mud from around the tyres (and dig a camp toilet).
• Self-recovery gear: a winch and tree trunk protector (to minimise tree damage).
• Snatch-recovery gear: so one vehicle can be used to pull another vehicle free.

Caravan camp essentials

When putting together a caravan starter pack, think about taking: 

• Extra water: a large 5 to 60L water container to supplement your caravan’s in-built supply.
• Power sources: for phones, lights, and any other equipment you want to use.
• Table and chairs: foldable designs work well as they take up less space.
• Outdoor shelter: if you don’t already have an awning or annex on your van. 
• Power leads: to power campsite lights and other equipment.
• Toilet paper: plus a shovel if there aren't any campsite toilets.
• Baby wipes and sanitiser: to minimise germs and as a good backup to a shower! 
• Sunscreen, insect repellant and mozzie coils: to avoid bites, burns and sleepless nights.
• Cleaning essentials: washing up liquid, a bucket, brush and tea towels. 
• A broom, dustpan, brush, and cleaning cloths: to keep your van/campsite clean.
• Clothes washing powder/liquid, laundry bag, clothes line and pegs.
• A hose to clean sports equipment and the car, fill buckets and wash feet. 
• Sports equipment: for swimming, surfing, biking, paddling, fishing, etc. (with the appropriate racks).

Caravan cooking essentials

It’s recommended you have a meal plan (and prep meals you can store safely) before you leave home so you know what equipment you’ll need to prepare them. Caravan essentials for cooking include: 

Cookware

• Utensils: egg flip, long tongs, wooden spoon, ladle etc. 
• Pots and pans: various sizes, depending on your needs. 
• Can opener and a lighter/matches: to open tins, start a fire, light the BBQ/stove.
• Paper towels: for cleaning and to use as napkins.

Crockery & cutlery

•  To save space, take one set of everything for each person and wash up after each meal. 
• Collapsible crockery and cookware can flatten to save space.
• Durable materials like melamine and plastic are virtually unbreakable. 
• Plant-based, biodegradable crockery is relatively sturdy and good for the environment. 
• Insulated water bottles for hydration during hotter months, and warm drinks when it’s cold.

Stove

Most caravans have a stove, but if you want to cook outside, consider a separate portable stove you can cook on outside. 

BBQ

A small, portable camping BBQ is great for cooking outside in hot weather. Some have grills, cooking plates, and lids so you can use them like an oven. 

Gas bottles

Gas bottles power many caravan stoves, BBQs, and portable stoves, so make sure you have enough available for cooking between refills. Often, these can be fitted to your vehicle using gas bottle holders that can be locked. Ensure your gas bottles, fittings, and hoses are in date and good condition, and also store them in an upright position, and transport them using gas bottle straps.

Food

No caravan adventure is complete without delicious meals on the road, and of course, your choices depend on how you’re travelling, where you’re travelling to, storage space, and your meal preferences. However, here are some suggestions: 

• Non-perishable pantry staples: 
• Canned goods (soups, beans, vegetables, tuna, etc.). 
• Pasta, rice, and grains. 
• Dried fruits and nuts, energy bars, popcorn, rice cakes, and chips. 
• Crackers and biscuits.
• Cereal and muesli bars. 
• Instant noodles or pre-packaged meals. 
• Condiments (tomato sauce, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.). 
• Cooking oil and spices

Refrigerated items (if your caravan has a fridge): 

•  Fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Cheese. 
• Meat.
• Yoghurt or yoghurt drinks.
• Dip.
• Butter or spreads. 
• Eggs. 

Drinks: 

• Bottled water (if required). 
• Soft drinks. 
• Tea bags or instant coffee

Power & lighting essentials

In terms of caravan essentials, here are some powerful ones (literally) that can up the comfort factor.

Lighting

Lighting options include area lights like lanterns, strip lights, and LED lights, which can be powered from your generator or rechargeable battery packs. There are also personal lights like torches and headlamps for when you want light as you move around. 

Power

If you’re staying at a powered campsite, you should be sorted, however, if not, you may need:  

• A generator. 
• Solar panels: that convert sunlight into a source of power.
• A battery: a second battery to power devices so you don’t flatten your car battery.
• Power inverters: so you can plug different things into your car/caravan battery.
• Power packs: or portable power, to charge and power multiple devices at once.

Personal essentials

To keep everyone happy and comfortable, it's a good idea to take:

• Some entertainment for everyone (iPads, DVDs, board games, books, puzzles, cards, magazines etc).
• Towels: two for each person if possible (one for showering and one for beach swimming). 
• Umbrella/raincoats: so you're prepared for rain, and it doesn't ruin your day or trip.
• Summer clothing: sunscreen, hats, swimwear, rashies, sunglasses, light and breathable clothing, and appropriate footwear, etc.
• Winter clothing: insulative and layered clothing, beanies, socks, jackets, gloves, and appropriate footwear, etc.
• Bedding: cooler bedding (like sheets) in winter and extra blankets and thermal sleeping bags for winter.

For more tips on how to prep and pack for your next caravanning adventure, contact our expert team.