Most suppliers of caravan covers can assist in looking for the appropriate cover if you tell them your caravan’s specific model. Also, do not forget to provide additional information to the sales person, such as your caravan’s additional features. This is to know the exact dimension of your caravan, which can be affected by propane tanks, luggage racks and bike racks. You have the option to buy one that can cover these additional features; you can also remove them when it’s time to cover your caravan.

Polypropylene fabric is the most common material most caravan covers are made of. This fabric allows a better air circulation while preventing moisture. You will have less problems with the dreaded damp using breathable materials. Various models are equipped with a strap system. To make sure that the cover properly fits, see to it that there are ways of securing the straps in your caravan’s undercarriage.

Take your time to look for the caravan cover that is appropriate for your caravan. As with most things you normally get what you pay for. Look for a caravan cover made from quality materials so that they will last longer.  A caravan cover will make your caravan last longer and thus makes you and your family enjoy caravanning for a long time.

As always if you own a caravan you should ensure you have appropriate caravan insurance.

Resealing a window is just one of them. It is quite common on caravans that are older to find the window rubbers will need replacing to avoid the risk of water coming into the caravan. When this happens it is a good idea to replace them. This job will need a selection of tools which include a decent selection of screwdrivers and chisels, a good pair of pliers, a  hammer, a drill, a sealant gun (with some sealant), a Stanley scraper with its plastic blade, a good quality staple gun and a pair of vice grips.

To start with, open the window and on the inside of the caravan, mark with a pencil either ends of each of the plastic window fittings, this is done to make it easy to put them back in the right place later. While using the pencil also make a note of how this hinge is fitted so it goes back the correct way.

Using a screwdriver undo the two window props on the caravan leaving them hanging loose. Next prop the window open with a piece of wood so it is out of the way while the job is being done. Keep careful note of the way the fittings are attached, remove them and keep them safe in a cup or some other receptacle. Locate the top of the seal and look for the join in the top of the white plastic. Pull it out until the other end is visible and make a mark, be careful not to mark the rubber seal, always mark it on the interior of the caravan wall (just a small mark is necessary), and also take note which way up the seal goes.

The next job is to pull out the trim all the way around, and put it in a safe place. If possible pull back the lip of the seal that is in contact with the caravan and if no sealant sticks to the fingers it is probably a good idea to replace the sealant. Go around the staples with a screwdriver and lever them up just a little bit. Next grab a pair of pointed pliers and pull the staples out. Go to the middle, bottom of the window seal and look for the join, when found, pull one end up, and take a good look at how it fits. Carefully peel it back all the way around, and make sure it is put in a safe place.   Go all the way around the window carefully with a chisel scraping away any sealant that is left then use white spirit to clean what remains.

New seals come with mastic already on one side. Measure against the old seal and allow about an extra 25mm, use either scissors or a Stanley knife to cut the seal. Spread the seal and fit to the window frame making sure that the seal is pushed into the corners well. Once it is fitted around the window frame it is time to trim the seal. Next, using the staple gun, staple around the window seal making sure the corners are not stapled. Any staples that are sticking up will require a small tap with a hammer. Now it is time to refit the capping and the notes made earlier as to where it goes will come in handy. Slide one side into the channel and then using a screwdriver prize back the other side so the capping will sit down into the channel. Replace the fittings and the job is completed.

Your perfect environment, however, may well include other forms of entertainment such as music, TV and radio.  Just because you choose to go on holiday with your caravan does not mean that you have to leave these luxuries behind.  In fact, if you are the kind of person who needs the crispest sound quality and the highest definition of picture, you may well be able to kit out your caravan to suit your needs.

Even if you have already got a television set up in your caravan, you might have to reconsider its set up as the UK approaches the date of complete switchover to Digital Signal (after which analogue receivers will no longer function.)

If you want to ensure that you don’t miss that episode of ‘Strictly’ while you’re away, there are a number of options available to you.  Firstly, you’ll need to get yourself a receiver.  The primary options are to fit an aerial or install a satellite dish.  Either option has both free and subscription services available through them – so you’ll be able to choose a package that suits your needs.  Many specialist caravan engineers will be able to install kit in a secure and functional manner.  Bear in mind, however, that you might well need to adjust the direction of your dish or aerial on location, according to the origin of the signal.

If using sky, or if you’ve got an old-model television, you’ll then need a digibox to translate the digital signal into information that is readable by your TV.  An alternative option recently available is to use a laptop connector for your incoming digital signal.  Using a laptop, you’ll be able to record TV directly for later viewing – ideal if you fancy making the most of the sun rather than cooping up indoors for your favourite show.

Finally, you’ll need the screen itself!  Recent advances in digital technology provide some ideal solutions for caravans.  Not only can you purchase extremely thin screens which take up minimal space, but viewing angles are wide, and images appear clear in even the brightest of conditions.  Consider installing a mounted unit to save space.  You can even install screens which fold down/out from ceilings and walls for perfect positioning.

Once you’ve sorted your viewing, you might want to consider how to maximising your listening pleasure.  Few caravan layouts easily suit surround sound installation, although yours might.  A fantastic alternative is ‘virtual surround sound’ provided by a central system.  You’ll certainly notice the difference with one of these systems when setting that crucial holiday mood.

Of course, while kitting out your caravan with expensive electrical equipment could really enhance your holiday, it also becomes an attractive prospect for thieves.  Keep a close eye on your entertainment equipment, and if possible tuck everything out of sight while you are out.  In addition to taking extra security precautions, make sure you have taken out Caravan Insurance to cover your prized possessions.

Central to this culinary luxury is your fridge.  Modern caravans usually come with a fridge as standard, and there may even be a variety of options and sizes for you to choose from.  Even if your caravan doesn’t have a fridge, they are cheap to buy and easy to install.

With this fridge, you’ll be able to keep crisp veg, safely stored meat and even chilled drinks to enjoy during your holiday.

As with all life’s little luxuries, though, keeping your fridge operational and well require a bit of thought.  This effort should, however, be rewarded in the longevity of the fridge and temperature of its contents.

A common fault which users run into – and one that can be difficult to diagnose or solve – is tipping the fridge on an angle.  When you park up your caravan, if you inadvertently position the caravan on an angle, the fridge could begin to work at a lower than standard capacity, or stop working altogether.  It is important to keep the fridge flat when parked up.

Remember that all fridges take some time to cool down.  If you are transferring food from your fridge at home, make sure the caravan fridge has been turned on for at least 12hours prior to moving the food, otherwise the temperature could fall below a safe or pleasant level.

If you’re pushed for time, don’t panic – there’s a simple solution!  To aid your fridge in the cooling process, pack it with items from your freezer as you leave.  This way, the frozen items will help cool the fridge and then defrost themselves by the time you arrive.  A perfect idea for stocking up the fridge for a BBQ on arrival.

Overloading your fridge can result in the entire contents of your fridge failing to reach a good temperature.  Whilst it might be tempting to fill every available space with cans of beer, it might be better to stagger your use of the fridge so that its contents fills properly.  Remember, however, that items such as meat, cooked rice and dairy products can cause health risks if left out in a hot caravan for too long.  Another alternative is to use a coolbag or coolbox, some of which even plug into the mains directly to keep all the drinks and snacks cool during the day.

Once your holiday’s over, don’t forget to turn off the fridge.  Leaving the door wide open will allow air to circulate though and prevent any build ups of mould.

If you take good care of your caravan fridge, you should be living a life of luxury in no time.  Who knows?: You might even feel a spark of generosity and offer your tent-dwelling neighbours a cool glass of white wine.

To make sure that you have an ultimately chilled and luxurious holiday, set your mind at rest by taking out Caravan Insurance before you go.

First up, a tiny toy 1973 Kovap Retro caravan with opening doors and interior décor, available through Caravanstyle.com (http://www.caravanstyle.com/shop_caravan.html). This is a charming little toy that would look just as good as a unique desk toy as in a child’s room. This is also sourced from my new favourite website. Despite the name, not all of their products are caravan themed – they mainly sell retro home ware. Well worth a look, if only for their beautiful blog – http://blog.caravanstyle.com/

Another lovely little find is this caravan birdhouse, available from Firebox.com – http://www.firebox.com/product/1571/Caravan-Birdhouse?via=cat&aff=512&awc=550_1272992624_7001e78de9e44fa9213882380e22ae9a. This is a charmingly rustic little birdhouse, which will help you preserve the local wildlife, introduce your kids to ornithology and remind everyone of your favourite hobby, all at the same time! Perhaps for older children, you could explain migration patterns, and how birds migrating is basically just like humans caravanning… or perhaps that’s stretching the metaphor too far. Firebox also stock various camping and caravanning accessories elsewhere on their website.

A caravan birdhouse in a tree

Finally, to encourage good saving habits and plant the concept of saving up for the holidays, there’s this caravan money box – http://www.sendaclock.co.uk/allclocks/children~s-money-boxes-1/classic-caravan-money-box/r48415*d*7c.html . This is a lovely little decorative money box that adults might enjoy using as well, as the caravanning pub fund!

Remember – one big advantage of toy caravans is that you don’t need caravan insurance for them!