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Anyone Can Rough It
A Blog For Caravaners Campervaners and Motorhomers


15 Common Mistakes New Caravan Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Owning a caravan opens the door to flexibility, comfort, and freedom on the road — but for new owners especially, there are many easy-to-make errors that can lead to damage, extra costs, or poor touring experiences. This guide highlights the most common pitfalls — and, where relevant, links to products from IDS Camping & Leisure that can help you avoid them. 1. Incorrect Loading and Weight Distribution Overloading or uneven loading can affect stability, towing safety and brak

IDS Camping & Leisure
Dec 31, 20254 min read


Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Touring Caravan in the UK
Choosing a touring caravan in the UK can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you are a first-time buyer or upgrading your current caravan, making the right choice ensures enjoyable and stress-free travels. This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting a touring caravan that fits your lifestyle, budget, and travel plans. A modern touring caravan set up at a UK countryside campsite Understand Your Touring Needs Before exploring models a

IDS Camping & Leisure
Dec 15, 20253 min read


The Ultimate Caravan Winterisation Guide (2025 Edition)
Proper winterisation is essential for protecting your caravan from damp, frost damage, corrosion, and premature component failure. Whether your leisure vehicle will be stored on a driveway, CL site, or in a storage facility, the steps below outline a comprehensive, technician-level process to ensure it remains in optimal condition throughout the colder months. Why Winterisation Matters Cold temperatures, moisture, and lack of ventilation create the conditions for: Burst water

IDS Camping & Leisure
Dec 7, 20253 min read


How to Pack Away a Wet Caravan Awning Efficiently
We’ve all been there. The holiday ends, the sky opens up, and you’re left facing one of the most frustrating parts of caravanning—putting away a soaking wet awning. It’s messy, it’s awkward, and if not handled right, it can lead to mildew, staining, and a heap of hassle later on.

IDS Camping & Leisure
Jul 27, 20253 min read


DIY Caravan Fridge Fan Extractor: Keep Cool on the Road
Warm weather is great for touring—but not so great for your caravan fridge. If your fridge struggles to stay cold, especially in hot conditions, the issue may not be the fridge itself, but the airflow behind it.

IDS Camping & Leisure
Jun 17, 20252 min read


How to Change AL-KO Side Friction Pads on Your Caravan Stabiliser
Towing a caravan safely is all about control and confidence — and AL-KO stabilisers play a huge part in that

IDS Camping & Leisure
Jun 7, 20252 min read


How to Prepare Your Caravan for Stormy Weather
Caravanning is all about chasing freedom — but sometimes, the weather has other plans. Whether you’re pitched on a breezy coastal clifftop or caught in a surprise downpour in the countryside, wind and storm prep is essential for staying safe and protecting your pride and joy

IDS Camping & Leisure
Apr 20, 20253 min read


⚖️ Save Weight, Travel Light: Smart Ways to Reduce Caravan Load
One of the most important parts of safe and enjoyable caravanning is managing your weight. Every extra kilo can affect your fuel economy, towing stability, and overall handling—not to mention risking a fine if you’re over your legal limit!

IDS Camping & Leisure
Apr 20, 20253 min read


How to Remove Scratches from Caravan and Motorhome Windows
Scratches on caravan and motorhome windows are all too common. Whether it’s from tree branches on a tight pitch

IDS Camping & Leisure
Apr 10, 20252 min read


How to Check for Damp in Your Caravan or Motorhome
Damp is one of the most common and costly issues for caravan and motorhome owners. If left undetected,

IDS Camping & Leisure
Apr 8, 20252 min read


How to Repair a Delaminated Caravan/Motorhome Window
Over time, caravan windows can suffer from wear and tear, and one of the most common issues is delamination

IDS Camping & Leisure
Apr 6, 20252 min read


How to Load and Weigh Your Car and Caravan for Safe Towing
Towing a caravan safely is about more than just hitching up and hitting the road. Overloading or incorrectly distributing weight can affect

IDS Camping & Leisure
Apr 1, 20253 min read


The Ultimate Guide to Caravan Awnings: Choosing the Right One
Adding an awning to your caravan can transform your outdoor space, giving you extra shelter, storage, and even living space

IDS Camping & Leisure
Mar 30, 20253 min read


The Ultimate Guide to Caravan Movers: Best Sellers and Budget Options
Which Caravan mover suits your needs?

IDS Camping & Leisure
Mar 14, 20252 min read


Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Thetford 12V Pump in Your C200 Toilet Cassette
However, over time, the 12V flush pump may wear out or fail, requiring replacement

IDS Camping & Leisure
Mar 5, 20252 min read


Understanding the 13-Pin Trailer Socket: Wiring Colours and Functions Explained
Understanding the 13-Pin Trailer Socket: Wiring Colours and Functions Explained

IDS Camping & Leisure
Feb 19, 20251 min read


How to Check Al-Ko Friction Pads for Your Caravan's Stabiliser Hitch
Checking your Al-Ko friction pads is important for maintaining the stability and safety of your caravan’s stabiliser hitch. Here’s how you c

IDS Camping & Leisure
Feb 15, 20251 min read


How to Safely Clean and Sterilize Your Caravan or Motorhome Water Tank?
How to Safely Clean and Sterilize Your Caravan or Motorhome Water Tank?

IDS Camping & Leisure
Feb 13, 20252 min read


Exploring the Key Differences: Thetford Aqua Kem Blue vs. Aqua Kem Green
Exploring the Key Differences: Thetford Aqua Kem Blue vs. Aqua Kem Green

IDS Camping & Leisure
Feb 12, 20251 min read


7 Tips for Safely Removing a Peg While Camping to Avoid Back Injuries
Camping is a fantastic way to connect with nature, but packing up can sometimes be a challenge—especially when it comes to removing stubbo

IDS Camping & Leisure
Feb 4, 20252 min read
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