Getting Ready for Your First Trip of the Year: What to Check Before You Go
There’s always something different about the first trip of the year.
The caravan hasn’t moved in months. The motorhome’s been parked up through winter. The campervan hasn’t seen a campsite since autumn. And then suddenly, the days start getting lighter, Easter is on the horizon, and you find yourself thinking: “We should probably get it ready.”
That first outing sets the tone for the whole season. A little preparation now means you can focus on enjoying the trip, not fixing problems on your first night away.
Here’s what’s worth checking before you head back out on the road.
Start With the Basics: Tyres, Brakes and Road Safety
If your vehicle has been standing over winter, tyres are the first place to begin.
Tyres can lose pressure gradually over time, even if they look fine at a glance. Before travelling, check:
- Tyre pressure (including the spare)
- Tread depth
- Sidewalls for cracks or signs of ageing
- Any flat spots from being stationary
For caravan owners, correct tyre pressure makes a noticeable difference to towing stability and comfort. It’s one of the simplest checks and one of the most important.
If you tow, also take a few minutes to check:
- Tow hitch condition
- Breakaway cable
- Road lights and indicators
- Electrical connections
These small checks give you confidence before you even set off.
Batteries and Electrics: Avoid a Frustrating Start
Winter is rarely kind to batteries. Even well-maintained leisure batteries can lose charge if unused for months.
Before your first trip:
- Check leisure battery levels
- Test interior lights and control panels
- Plug into mains at home (if possible) to confirm hook-up works
- Check the vehicle battery on motorhomes and campervans
If the battery struggles to hold charge, it’s better to know now than discover it on your first evening.
This is also a good time to test:
- Fridge on electric and gas
- USB ports and charging points
- Water pump operation
A quick test now saves unnecessary stress later.
Recommission the Water System Properly
If your water system was drained down for winter, as it should have been, it needs recommissioning before use.
Refill the system and:
- Run each tap (hot and cold)
- Check for smooth water flow
- Listen for unusual pump noises
- Inspect underneath for leaks
Let the system flush through fully before drinking from it.
Spring trips often involve cooler mornings and warmer afternoons, so knowing your system is leak-free gives real peace of mind.
Check for Damp and Winter Wear
After months of colder weather, condensation and temperature changes can take their toll.
Walk around the inside and outside of your vehicle and look at:
- Window seals
- Rooflights
- Locker doors
- Corners and cupboard interiors
- Soft furnishings
You’re not necessarily expecting problems, but spotting small issues early prevents them becoming bigger ones later in the season.
If something feels off, it’s worth speaking to a dealer or service centre before peak season bookings fill up.
Gas, Heating and Ventilation
Even if you’re planning a spring trip, evenings in March and April can still be cold.
Test your:
- Hob
- Grill and oven
- Heating system
- Gas bottle levels
Make sure gas bottles are secure and not nearing empty. Many first trips of the year involve rediscovering how cosy a caravan or motorhome can feel, but only if the heating works properly.
Don’t Forget the Touring Essentials
After winter storage, it’s surprisingly easy to forget what you took out.
Before you leave, check you’ve reloaded:
- Hook-up cable
- Levelling ramps
- Wheel chocks
- Water and waste containers
- Toilet chemicals
- Hose connectors
It’s worth keeping a simple checklist for the start of each season. Once you’ve done this first trip, everything becomes easier again.
Check Your Paperwork and Cover
Early season is also the ideal time to confirm:
- Insurance is active and up to date
- Breakdown cover includes towing (if relevant)
- MOT and servicing dates are valid
- Habitation checks are current
It takes minutes to check and removes uncertainty for the months ahead.
Plan the First Trip to Be Simple
The first trip of the year doesn’t need to be ambitious. In fact, it’s often better if it isn’t.
A short weekend away works perfectly for:
- Relearning your setup
- Getting comfortable towing again
- Adjusting packing habits
- Testing systems in real conditions
Many experienced tourers treat the first outing as a gentle reset, not a major adventure.
Choose somewhere within easy reach. Keep expectations relaxed. Let it be about getting back into the rhythm of travelling.
Why This First Trip Matters
There’s something symbolic about that first journey of the year. It marks the shift from winter storage to open roads, from “we should plan something” to actually being away.
Once you’ve done it, everything feels easier:
- Booking future trips
- Planning Easter breaks
- Thinking ahead to summer
Preparation doesn’t take long, but it transforms that first trip from stressful to enjoyable.
And once you’re parked up, kettle on, and settled in for the evening, you’ll be reminded why getting ready properly was worth it.
