10 Must-Have Items Every Caravan Owner Should Keep On Board
If you’ve owned a caravan for any length of time, you’ll know it’s the little things you pack that can make or break a trip.
While you don’t need piles of equipment to enjoy a weekend away, having the right essentials on hand can save you time, hassle, and even money. Whether it’s something to keep you comfortable, help you stay organised, or protect your caravan itself, these must-have items are all about making life that bit easier.
Many of these are also brilliant gifts for birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Christmas—perfect for anyone who loves spending time in their caravan.
From clever space savers to simple security measures, here are 10 of the most useful and practical items every caravan owner should consider keeping on board.
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Out top 10 must have items to anyone who owns a caravan
1. Milenco Universal Telescopic Towing Mirrors
💰 Approx. £65
🔍 What is it?
Clip-on towing mirrors that give you the extra visibility you need when you’re towing your caravan.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate them
You’ll feel more confident as soon as you hit the road, knowing you can see exactly what’s happening behind you. For most caravan owners, they’re the very first item on the packing list.
✅ Why this is a must-have
They help you stay legal (a lot of people don’t realise extended mirrors are a legal requirement if your caravan is wider than your car).
They make overtaking and reversing far less stressful.
Quick to fit and adjust, even if you’ve never used them before.
Acana Advanced Safety Moisture Trap & Freshener
💰 Approx. £7.50
💧 What is it?
A moisture-absorbing box that quietly pulls dampness out of the air to keep your caravan fresh.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it
If you’ve ever opened up the caravan after a few months and been greeted by that damp smell, you’ll love this. It’s a small investment that can help protect your caravan long-term.
✅ Why this is a must-have
Stops mould and mildew building up in cupboards and soft furnishings.
Ideal for winter storage or long periods when the van isn’t being used.
Simple to set up and forget about.
Fiamma Level Up Kit
💰 Approx. £70
🟩 What is it?
A set of sturdy ramps to get your caravan perfectly level on uneven pitches.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it
No more rolling across the bed or fighting with the fridge door. Levelling ramps are one of those things you don’t realise you need until you try them—and then you’ll never want to be without them.
✅ Why this is a must-have
Makes sleeping, cooking, and using appliances much more comfortable.
Tough enough to handle the weight of larger caravans.
Easy to use—just drive on and adjust.
Outwell Collaps Washing Up Bowl
💰 Approx. £25
🫧 What is it?
A clever fold-flat bowl that pops up when you need it and disappears into a cupboard when you don’t.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it
When you’re tight on storage, anything that folds flat is worth its weight in gold. This bowl is a simple, no-fuss way to keep your kitchen area tidy.
✅ Why this is a must-have
Saves precious space in your kitchen area.
Strong enough for daily use.
Doubles as a container for carrying dishes or washing clothes.
Thule Hold Down Side Strap Kit
💰 Approx. £30
🌬️ What is it?
Heavy-duty straps to secure your awning in gusty weather.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it
It only takes one windy night to realise why so many caravan owners swear by these. They keep everything anchored securely so you can relax.
✅ Why this is a must-have
Stops your awning flapping or lifting in the wind.
Quick to fit and remove.
Suitable for most makes of awning.
Maypole Caravan Hitch Lock
💰 Approx. £55
🔒 What is it?
A solid lock that fits over your hitch to deter opportunistic thieves.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it
Peace of mind is priceless, and this lock offers exactly that when you leave your caravan unattended. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of heartache
✅ Why this is a must-have
Highly visible as a deterrent.
Solid steel design you can trust.
Easy to fit even if you’re new to caravanning.
Truma LevelCheck Gas Bottle Gauge
💰 Approx. £70
⛽ What is it?
A small handheld device that checks how much gas you have left in your bottle.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it
If you’ve ever had the gas run out mid-cook, you’ll know how useful this can be. One quick check and you’ll know exactly where you stand.
✅ Why this is a must-have
Takes the guesswork out of gas levels.
Works on most steel gas bottles.
Helps you avoid running out at the worst possible time.
Kampa Collapsible Waste Bin
💰 Approx. £20–£25
What is it?
A fold-flat bin that pops up into a sturdy circular waste container. Made from wipe-clean fabric with a rigid base and lid.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it:
This is the type of bin you can tuck under a seat or in a cupboard when you don’t need it, then pop it up when you arrive. It feels much more civilised than dangling a plastic bag off a cupboard handle.
✅ Why it’s perfect for caravans:
Collapses flat in seconds when you’re travelling
Has a lid to keep odours contained
Lightweight but holds a decent volume
Easy to clean
EazyGoods Folding Heavy Duty Double Caravan Step
💰 Approx. £55
🪜 What is it?
A sturdy double step that gives you a safer, more comfortable way to get in and out of your caravan. Unlike a single step, this one has two wide treads, making the climb much easier and steadier—especially if your caravan is higher off the ground.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it
This step is ideal if you don’t fancy a big awkward jump down each time you leave the caravan. The two steps make it feel more like climbing normal stairs, so it’s perfect for anyone with limited mobility or simply wanting more stability. It folds up neatly when you’re packing away, and the non-slip grip gives you peace of mind in all weather conditions.
✅ Why this is a must-have
Double step design is more comfortable and secure than a single step
Non-slip surfaces help prevent slips, even in wet weather
Folds flat for easy storage when you’re on the move
Heavy-duty construction feels solid and reliable underfoot
Dometic Tropicool TCX 35 Portable Coolbox
💰 Approx. £230
❄️ What is it?
A high-quality electric coolbox that keeps your food and drinks chilled (or warm) on the go. It runs on both 12V (your car or caravan plug) and 230V mains power, so you can use it just about anywhere.
💬 Why you’ll appreciate it
Whether you’re heading off-grid or just need more fridge space, this coolbox is a total game changer. It’s brilliant for extra groceries, chilled drinks, or even a weekend’s worth of barbecue bits. Because it plugs into your caravan or car, you never have to worry about warm milk or soggy salad. Plus, it’s surprisingly quiet—you won’t even notice it’s on.
✅ Why this is a must-have
35-litre capacity – big enough to hold food for a family weekend
Powered cooling or heating – chills down to 27°C below ambient or warms up to +65°C
Runs quietly and efficiently
Digital temperature control for easy adjustments
Final Thoughts
Having the right items on board isn’t about showing off—it’s about feeling prepared, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every moment.
From keeping things level to staying secure and organised, these must-haves help you get the very best from your caravan, wherever you go.
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