There’s nothing quite like heading off on your first caravan trip. The fridge is packed, the van is spotless, and the excitement is hard to contain. But once you’re on the road, even the most organised travellers discover a few surprises they didn’t plan for.
At Find My Van, we’ve worked with hundreds of first-time caravanners. As a caravan broker, we’ve heard all the stories, the laughs, and the lessons that come from those early adventures. The good news is that most rookie mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to expect.
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Packing for a House, Not a Caravan
It’s something every new traveller does at least once. You pack for every possible situation until the van feels heavier, cluttered, and a bit overwhelming.
Think small and smart. If it doesn’t serve more than one purpose or fit easily in a storage tub, it probably doesn’t need to come. A few essentials, like a good power lead and simple storage options, will keep your space organised and easy to live in. And if you forget something, there’s always a shop along the way.
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Skipping the Practice Run
Backing, levelling, and setting up for the first time can be a challenge, but it gets easier with practice. Try a mini set-up at home before your first trip. You’ll figure out what connects, where and how everything works without an audience watching at the caravan park.
A levelling tool is worth having. It keeps your van steady, your table level, and your coffee exactly where you left it.
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Forgetting the Basics of Water and Power
This one catches a lot of first-timers off guard. You arrive ready to relax, only to find your hose doesn’t fit the tap or your battery has already run flat.
A drinking-grade water hose is one of those must-have items that makes life easier. Keep an eye on your power use too, especially if you’re planning a few nights off-grid. With a little care, you’ll have both water and power running smoothly.
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Ignoring Weight and Balance
Weight is one of the biggest lessons for beginners. When a van is too heavy or not balanced properly, it affects how safely you can tow. Always check your limits, spread your load evenly, and make sure your vehicle is suited to the job.
If you’re not sure where to start, the Caravan Weights Made Easy online course from Check Weight is a great place to learn before your first long trip.
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Rushing the Journey
This one’s all about mindset. New caravanners often try to see too much too soon. The best memories come when you slow down. Leave space in your plans for detours, lazy mornings, and unexpected stops.
Caravanning isn’t about ticking places off a list. It’s about finding a rhythm where the journey becomes just as meaningful as the destination.
The Caravan Broker’s Perspective
Every first trip teaches you something new. The key is to stay calm, stay curious, and let the road do its work.
At Find My Van, we’ve watched first-time travellers become confident caravanners faster than they ever expected. With a bit of patience and a few lessons learned along the way, you’ll get there too.
Our founder, Vicky, still remembers her first long trip across Australia. Like many new caravanners, she didn’t realise just how many stretches of road had no mobile reception at all. Travelling across the Nullarbor and along several major highways connecting the states, she found herself completely cut off from phone and internet, something that can catch even experienced travellers off guard.
“It was confronting at first,” she admits. “You rely so much on having your phone for directions, contact, and reassurance. When you lose signal for hours, it really drives home how vast and remote Australia can be. But it also teaches you how to prepare and stay calm.”
Vicky now shares her own list of must-do preparations for those travelling through remote areas:
- Carry a reliable 2-way radio so you can communicate with other travellers or reach out for help if needed.
- Download your GPS maps before you leave so you’re never completely reliant on mobile data.
- Book caravan parks ahead of time when you know you’ll be covering long stretches of highway. Reception often drops out well before you arrive.
- Let someone know your route and check-in points, particularly when travelling through the Nullarbor or rural parts of South Australia, Western Australia, or the Northern Territory.
Preparation builds confidence. Once you’ve taken those few extra steps, you’ll feel far more relaxed and ready to enjoy the journey.
Whether you’re buying your first van, upgrading, or just looking for a bit of help before you set off, our team is here to guide you. As Australia’s trusted caravan broker, we make the process simple, safe, and enjoyable.
Every experienced caravanner started right where you are now — excited, a little unsure, and completely ready for adventure.
