New caravans will come equipped from the manufacturer with a 240v hook up lead, the water pump/filter hose and a step. The water containers, gas bottles and onboard battery will not be supplied, this will come from the dealer.
This can also be the case for pre owned caravans as the previous owner will keep their accessories for use on a new caravan. If someone is giving up caravanning then a full package can be purchased which would include all the water containers ect.
Water & Waste Containers
There are two water containers that are needed to run the caravan. The water container is responsible for storing the water which is used for every day use of the water system, such as water to the taps and to the washroom.
Containers come in different shapes and sizes, a roll along type is favoured as the water does not have to be carried. The container sits outside the caravan next to the water pump inlet. The water pump is then plugged into the side of the caravan and the pump placed into the water container.
The waste container is placed by the waste outlets. A convoluted waste pipe is then plugged into the waste outlet and then placed into the waste container. This will store all the waste water from the kitchen sink and washroom. It is not used for toilet waste.
There are normally two waste outlets, one for the kitchen and one for the washroom. It can be a squeeze to get two pipes into a waste container so a "Y" connector can be used to get two pipes into one,then the single waste pipe fits into the container.
Battery
The battery will power all the 12v items that the caravan uses, with the exception of the 12v side of the fridge. It runs the 12v lights, water pump, toilet flush and space heater fan. 12v's are also needed to run the gas appliances such as the fridge and the water heater. Because all the systems in the caravan depend on each other it is important that they are all working correctly.
An 85AH battery would be ok for normal use, however if a motor mover is to be used or the caravan in situations without 240v power to charge the battery for more than four days, then a 110Ah battery is recommended, as it will last longer.
The battery will be located in the battery box, either on the offside or the near side of the caravan.
Gas Bottles
The gas bottle will be situated it the front locker compartment of the caravan. We always recommend a 6KG propane gas bottle as the fittings are more robust and Propane will not freeze in UK conditions.
The regulator is supplied fitted on new caravans but the connecting hose is not.
Propane gas bottles have a left hand thread, hours can be spent trying to attach the hose the wrong way!
So that's about it for the general running of your new caravan - with all the above items a caravan will function correctly.
You may be interested to know that those purchasing a caravan from us here at Atlantic Caravans have the opportunity to stay complementary for a night at our site - Pine Valley Park - just next door.
This is absolutely great for first-timers as it gives you a chance to stay in your new caravan with us nearby to hold your hand!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION & ADVICE CALL US ON 01579 321041