Guide to Taking Your Touring Caravan Abroad

Are you heading across the Channel to mainland Europe with your touring caravan this summer? It's a fantastic way to travel at your own pace and enjoy the freedom and flexibility caravan holidays can offer. However, before you hitch up and start your journey, whether it's on a ferry or the Eurotunnel, you'll need to make sure you're fully prepared for international caravan travel.

From essential documents and caravan insurance, to vehicle checks, this guide covers everything you need to know so your caravan trip abroad goes smoothly.

Getting Your Caravan Road Trip Ready

To get your caravan road trip ready, there are some vehicle checks you need to conduct for both your tow vehicle and your caravan.

Tow Vehicle Checks

Your tow vehicle must be in good condition to tow a caravan safely. Check the following:

Towing Capacity

The first thing to check is your car’s maximum towing weight. This information is in your owner’s manual. You then need to check that the maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of the caravan does not exceed it.

Tyres

Inspect all four tyres, looking out for cracks and bulges. You also need to check the tread depth – the legal minimum is 1.6mm – and the tyre pressure. Check the handbook for the correct towing pressure recommendations and inflate your tyres in accordance with this.

Brakes

Test the foot brake and the handbrake; they should feel firm and responsive. Also check that the brake fluid levels are above the minimum line. If they're not, have your brake fluid reservoir topped up.

Engine Fluids

As well as brake fluid, you need to confirm that there are sufficient amounts of oil, coolant, washer fluid and transmission fluid. If they are below the minimum line, top them up or replace them as needed. This is especially important before long-distance towing.

Tow Bar and Electrics

Make sure the tow bar is secure, rust-free and properly bolted. If you can see rust, you need to clean it. You should also test the 7-pin or 13-pin socket and make sure that the caravan lights are functioning correctly, which means the brake lights, indicators and reverse lights.

Touring Caravan Checks

Your caravan needs to be checked as thoroughly as your tow vehicle. Check the following:

Tyres

Inspect the tyres for signs of ageing, even if the tread looks good. Regardless of wear, it is recommended that caravan tyres be replaced every 5 to 7 years. If you can’t remember the last time they were replaced, then maybe it’s time!

You should also check and adjust the tyre pressure so it matches the recommended PSI.

Brakes and Hitch Mechanism

Inspect and test the overrun brake system. You also need to make sure the breakaway cable is attached and is not frayed.

To prevent the hitch head squeaking and accelerating wear, you should grease it.

Light and Electrics

Connect your caravan to your tow vehicle and test:

• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Side/marker lights
• Reverse light if fitted

Water and Gas

Fill and test the water system, which includes the pumps, taps and hot water. You shouldn't drive with a full tank of water, though. They will need to empty, especially behind the axle. If you do need to carry water, make sure to keep it in a plastic container inside the car.

Check that the gas bottles are full and secure, and inspect the gas pipework for cracks or leaks by conducting the soap test.

Battery and Charging

Make sure to fully charge your leisure battery before your departure and check that the charger or solar panel works if you’re using it off-grid.

Secure the Interior

Lock all your cupboards, drawers, fridge doors and similar. Stow heavy items down low and secure them and remember to close roof lights, windows and skylights. Read our guide to towing a caravan here.

Secure all cupboard doors, drawers, the fridge and similar before you hit the road. Store heavy items low and fasten them firmly. Remember to close all roof lights, windows, and skylights. For more tips, read our complete caravan towing guide.

Tools and Spares to Carry

As you’re going abroad, having essential tools and spare parts to hand will mean you’re prepared if things go wrong. Before you leave, be sure to pack the following:

• Spare wheel
• Jack and wheel brace
• Warning triangle*
• Hi-vis vests*
• Torch
• Tyre inflator or compressor
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Basic tool kit
• Spare bulb and fuses
• Headlight converters*
• First aid kit*

*compulsory in some countries

At the Border

Documents Needed for Towing a Caravan Abroad

Crossing the border with a caravan involves more paperwork than flying so to avoid delays, make sure to carry these important documents, some are mandatory, some are recommended:

Valid passport for all passengers

Must be valid for at least six months after the first day of travel.

Driving licence

You'll need a full, valid driving licence. You’ll need to check if an international driving permit (IDP) is required and if you want to tow a caravan over 750kg, your licence must show you can drive category BE.

Vehicle Logbook

Your vehicle logbook or V5C is issued by the DVLA to the registered keeper of the vehicle; it contains important information about your car. You should bring the original logbook.

MOT and Vehicle Tax

Both your MOT and vehicle tax must be up to date.

Visa

Whether you need one or not depends on the country you are travelling to. Rules are changing for British citizens, and you can find out more information in our guide to the ETIAS visa.

Insurance

Motor insurance is mandatory but you’ll need to check your existing cover protects you abroad. European breakdown cover is also strongly recommended, as is caravan insurance and travel insurance.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

An EHIC or GHIC allows you to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries and a few others at a reduced cost.

Clean Air Sticker

If you’re going to France in particular, you’ll need a Crit’air sticker.

UK Identifier Sticker

You must display a UK identifier on the number plate with a Union Jack. As both the tow vehicle and anything being towed need this sticker, you’ll need two.

Border control might also ask for proof of return or onward travel as well as proof of sufficient funds.

Other Considerations When Crossing Borders

In addition to preparing those documents ready to show border control, it’s also a good idea to create an inventory of valuable or unique items in your caravan. This could save you time and streamline your journey, especially if you share this list with border authorities in advance.

EU Rules on Importing Food and Drink

Travelling from a non-EU country into the European Union means you’ll encounter some fairly strict rules about what you can and cannot bring with you. Prohibited items include:

• Meat and dairy products
• Most fruits, vegetables, and plants
• Any products containing these restricted ingredients

However, there are some allowances and exceptions:

• Fish and certain seafood
• Bananas, coconuts, dates and pineapples
• Baby food and essential medical items like powdered milk

Attempting to bring in these restricted items could lead to confiscation and in some cases, fines. Avoid this by checking current guidelines on official EU sites, the UK government website or consulting border control.

Advice for Taking Your Caravan on a Ferry

1. Book your space early as spots for caravans can be limited, particularly in peak seasons like summer.
2. Know your caravan measurements as you’ll need to provide accurate length, height and weight details when you’re booking.
3. Check ferry policies, as some have restrictions on gas containers and accessing caravans during the crossing.

Advice for Taking Your Caravan on the Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle)

1. Booking the Eurotunnel should be easier, you simply choose a slot based on your vehicle type and size, which includes caravans.
2. Stay in your vehicle during the journey
3. From Folkestone to Calais, the crossing takes about 35 minutes

Know Local Driving Laws

Every country has its own road rules so before you arrive you should research things like speed limits, particularly for towing vehicles, and road signs for your destination country.

You’ll also need to check if towing mirrors are a requirement; in many EU nations, they are.

Other important things to check are fuel types and their availability, as well as toll roads and some countries in Europe charge based on the weight, axles or route of vehicles.

Arriving at the Campsite or Caravan Pitch

Some sites will have designated parking bays that are away from the actual pitch in an effort to reduce wear on the ground and keep the area quieter. This requires some forward planning in terms of where you unload and store items.

To further maintain quiet, lots of campsites enforce movement restrictions during nighttime hours. This means that during this time, typically something like 11 pm to 8 am, you may not be able to enter or exit the site by your vehicle. Plan your arrivals and departures accordingly.

Whilst many sites are becoming increasingly digital, some are still catching up so carrying some cash is a good idea, especially if you’re heading to a smaller, rural site.

Caravan Insurance

At Eversure, our touring caravan insurance offers international coverage for peace of mind. A policy includes protection against theft, accidental damage and severe weather (such as fires, storms and floods). With optional worldwide cover too, you’ll be protected at home and across borders.

Final Thoughts

Taking your touring caravan abroad, although it does require some preparation, is probably easier than you think and opens a whole host of opportunities for new exploring countries. With the right insurance too, you can take your touring caravan abroad worry free.