Advice on preparing your van for a camping holiday from the IAM

The weather here in the UK has been phenomenal lately and many schools are nearly letting out for summer. Do you have a summer holiday booked or will you take advantage of this great weather and enjoy a staycation?  For me, it’s time to dust off the tent and get the van ready for a camping trip. If you are planning a family camping adventure this summer, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has published their weekly tips/advice post on preparing your vehicle for your camping holiday.

Road safety charity the IAM’s motoring tips are provided by Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger, who says: “Camping in the great outdoors can be great fun, but travelling to your campsite with a car full of uncomfortable passengers complaining about the oversized camping stove they have on their laps can put a dampener on things. Don’t take any unnecessary luggage as, as well as causing discomfort to your passengers, the extra weight will increase your fuel consumption. And what you do need to carry should be stored safely in the boot as not to obscure your view. Happy camping.”

Here are the top tips from IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger:

• You should do a thorough check of your vehicle before you set off on what could be a lengthy journey to your campsite. Include tyres, windows, mirrors, lights and engine fluids.


• Make sure that your washer fluid is topped up and your wipers are in good working condition – you’ll need these when your vehicle inevitably gets covered in mud. You should also carry some wipes to keep your mirrors clean.


• Be sure to check your tyre pressures, and consider that you will be carrying extra weight in your vehicle – tyres on a full and heavy car usually need higher pressures.


• You’re likely to be carrying a lot, and should pack as much of this into the boot as possible to keep items secure and out of the way. Make sure anything packed into the vehicle does not obstruct you view.


• Do not place loose objects on the parcel shelf as they may obstruct your view and are likely to move about and cause a distraction. In the case of sharp turning or emergency braking, loose objects can cause more damage than you might think

If you would like to read more of the IAM’s helpful tips and motoring advice, please click here to be directed to their website.

Camping can be loads of fun, especially if you have enough room to pack all of the family, outdoor toys, essentials, and accessories. If you have been thinking about upgrading to a tow friendly vehicle such as a new pick-up truck or a van with ample space for passengers and summer gear, take a moment to view our website, as we have fantastic offers on a wide range of vehicles.  Fingers crossed for this stunning summer weather to continue and to echo Mr. Rodger, happy camping!