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 braking.

How to avoid:

• Store heavy items low and close to axle.

• Use proper storage boxes and secure loose gear — e.g. heavy cookware, water containers. help keep weight low and organised. 

• Always check the van’s and tow-car’s weight limits before departure.

2. Not Checking Your Towing Limits & Licence Status

Many new owners assume their car can tow a caravan — but UK licence & weight limits matter.

How to avoid:

• Verify your vehicle’s towing capacity and the caravan’s Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM).

• Ensure correct nose weight, and avoid overload.

• When in doubt, get a professional advice or refer to your caravan manual.

3. Leaving Water in Pipes / Systems in Winter / Off-Use Periods

Water left in the system can freeze and cause burst pipes, damaged taps or water pumps.

How to avoid:

• Always drain down completely after last use or before winter storage.

• Use inline drain-valves / frost-protection fittings.  

• For added safety, consider carrying a small air-pump or blow-through system for pipes.

4. Forgetting to Empty, Clean, or Maintain the Toilet / Waste Cassette System

Neglecting the onboard toilet system can lead to smells, leaks, or hygiene issues.

How to avoid:

• Empty and rinse the cassette thoroughly after use.

• Use proper toilet chemical)srather than household cleaning agents.

• Regularly ventilate storage to avoid lingering odours or mildew.

5. Incorrect or Unsafe Hitching & Towing Setup

Poor hitching is a frequent cause of instability and accidents.

How to avoid:

• Always follow a hitching checklist: stabiliser hitch fully locked, breakaway cable attached, jockey wheel raised, electrics & lights verified. Using proper accessories (stabiliser hitch, coupling components) from IDS helps ensure safe setups. 

• Double-check before pulling away.

6. Neglecting Caravan Tyres — Age, Pressure & Storage Issues

Tyres are often replaced based on tread — but age, UV exposure and long storage can degrade them dangerously.

How to avoid:

• Replace caravan tyres every 5-7 years even if tread looks fine (age-related cracking can be invisible).

• Check tyre pressures before every trip. If storing long-term, use tyre-saver pads or move the van occasionally.

• Cover caravan or keep in shaded/covered storage to reduce UV exposure and rubber degradation.

7. Skipping Proper Winterisation or Moisture Control When Not in Use

Caravans left untreated over winter risk damp, mildew, and structural damage.

How to avoid:

• Fully winterise: drain water systems, disconnect batteries, ventilate, clean and seal properly (as in our winterisation guide).

• Use moisture traps or desiccants when storing the van. 

• Inspect seals, tyres, and check for dampness before spring use.

8. Using Domestic Cleaning Products Instead of Caravan-Safe Cleaners

Harsh cleaning chemicals can damage seals, plastics, and fabrics.

How to avoid:

• Use cleaning products intended for caravans or motorhomes (gentle detergents, seal-safe cleaners). IDS offers caravan-safe cleaning & maintenance products. 

• Wipe down surfaces, leave doors/vents open to air out damp smells.

9. Poor Battery Maintenance or Ignorance of Power Needs

Failing to maintain battery health leads to power failures, fridge issues, or damaged electrics.

How to avoid:

• Use a reputable leisure battery checkout this post on “Top 10 Leisure Batteries” — good reference before buying. 

• Charge the battery monthly during storage; for long-term storage, remove and store in dry environment.

• Use a smart charger — many available via IDS store.

10. Skimping on Security – Hitch Locks, Wheel Locks, Proper Covers

A caravan is a significant investment — theft or weather damage is a real risk.

How to avoid:

• Use hitch locks and wheel locks when parked or storing. IDS stocks a variety of security accessories and covers under “Essentials.” 

• Always store valuables and important documents off-site or securely locked.

11. Under-equipping Kitchen & Living Essentials When Buying or Preparing

Many new owners underestimate what’s needed for comfortable living — leading to inconvenient trips.

How to avoid:

• Use quality cookers, dinner sets, and cookware designed for caravanning: glass, melamine or lightweight sets — available via IDS “Camping Tableware & Dinner Sets.” 

• Always carry basic cleaning items, non-slip mats and storage boxes to avoid mess and movement while towing.

12. Skipping Towing Safety Gear: Tow Mirrors, Stabiliser Hitch, Dog Leashes etc.

Towing a caravan puts extra demand on visibility, braking and stability — missing gear can end badly.

How to avoid:

• Use proper extension towing mirrors (legal requirement in UK for caravans wider than the car).

• Use stabiliser hitch and safety chains / breakaway cables — many available at IDS under “Awnings & Accessories” or “Essentials.” 

• Double-check load distribution and nose-weight before every journey.

13. Forgetting to Secure Loose Items Inside Before Travelling

Loose items (pots, chairs, soft furnishings) can shift during transit — damaging interiors or causing injury.

How to avoid:

• Use storage boxes, organizers, and cupboard locks (IDS sells organisers under “Camping Storage”). 

• Secure lightweight items (chairs, tables) properly before drawing away.

• Distribute weight evenly and low if possible.

14. Overlooking Maintenance of Chassis, Brakes, Hitches & Joints

Mechanical components underneath and around the caravan degrade with time; lack of attention leads to expensive issues.

How to avoid:

• At least once a year (especially before spring), inspect chassis, wheel bearings, stabiliser hitch, and brake system.

• Clean, grease and treat metal parts for corrosion. Use protective sprays / lubricants from IDS store. 

15. Rushing Setup and Pack-Down

When in a hurry, it’s easy to forget checks — leading to mistakes that cause damage or accidents.

How to avoid:

• Use a pre-departure checklist (for hitching, lights, brakes, gas, valves, water systems, door locks, tyre pressure).

• Use a storage/pack-down checklist after return (empty all tanks, clean, ventilate, secure, ready for storage).

• Taking time now saves time, money and stress later.

Summary: Be Prepared — and Invest in Quality Accessories

Avoiding these common mistakes doesn’t require years of experience, just a little knowledge and preparation. Investing in the right accessories — such as secure storage, proper batteries, caravan-safe cleaning equipment, hitch stabilisers, and reliable cooking/dining sets — can make caravan ownership easier, safer, and more enjoyable from week one.

Check out the Caravan Essentials, Cooking & Dinner Sets, Storage & Security sections on IDS Camping & Leisure to get started.