Static Caravan Accessories Guide for New Holiday Home Owners

An essential guide for anyone buying a static caravan holiday home and deciding which accessories to invest in.

Key Facts: Static Caravan Accessories at a Glance

1. Getting Your Static Caravan Accessory-Ready

The keys are in your hand. The caravan is officially yours.

Now what?

Every new owner faces the same dilemma. What do you actually need — and what can wait?

It's tempting to dive straight in. New cushions. Matching crockery. That rattan furniture set you've been eyeing up.

But here's what experienced owners will tell you.

The accessories that matter most aren't the ones that look good in photos. They're the ones that make your caravan comfortable, safe, and easy to live in.

The right accessories matter for:

• Comfort: Usable space in all weathers.
• Safety: Protecting your family and your unit.
• Running costs: Reducing bills and maintenance.

The mistake most new owners make?

Prioritising aesthetics over practicality.

Cushions won't help when the windows are streaming with condensation. Wall art won't matter if you're slipping on icy steps in November.

Get the essentials right first. The rest can follow.

This guide shows you how.

2. Before You Buy: Park Rules & Restrictions

2.1 Why Park Rules Come First

Before you order anything, check your pitch licence.

Decking, skirting, sheds, and outdoor structures almost always need written park approval.

At Spring Lea and other Salop Caravan Sites, we're upfront about what's permitted – decking sizes, shed types, hot tub rules – so there are no surprises down the line.

Most parks restrict:

• Aesthetics: Size, height, materials, and colours (often environmental greens or timber).
• Contractors: You may need approved installers for insurance compliance.
• Safety: Mandatory fire gaps (usually 5–6m) and emergency access routes.
• Technology: Rules on satellite dishes, aerials, and cabling.

See our static caravan and lodge insurance guide for details on decking and cover.

2.2 What's Included With a New Static Caravan

Don't buy what you might already have.

Standard new sales typically include:

• Steps & handrail (often basic metal)
• One outdoor light
• Standard furniture package
• Basic TV aerial
• Heating/insulation (varies by model)
• Optional starter packs (check your invoice)

What's rarely included:

High-quality mattresses, reliable WiFi, moisture control products, and kitchen essentials. Don't assume — ask.

At Spring Lea, all pitches include piped gas and wired broadband as standard — so you won't need to budget for basic connectivity or gas bottle hassles.

2.3 Questions to Ask the Park Manager at Spring Lea

Screenshot this list and ask your sales contact:

• What exactly is included in the inventory?
• Can I choose my own decking supplier, or must I use the park's partner?
• What are the specific rules on skirting materials and colours?
• Do you allow sheds? If so, what are the max dimensions?
• Are smart cameras or extra security lights permitted?
• What are the rules on gates and fencing?
• Is EV charging available? (Plugging into the caravan is often banned.)

2.4 Pet-Related Accessories

Bringing a dog? Make sure your accessories are park-compliant.

Most parks welcome pets but often restrict dog runs, high fencing, and tie-out stakes fixed to decking or chassis.

Spring Lea has an enclosed dog walking area on-site, so your pet can run freely without needing elaborate fencing on your pitch.

Park-friendly alternatives:

• Secure, locking gates for decking.
• Indoor pet barriers.
• Non-slip washable runners for muddy paws.
• Weatherproof storage for boots and leads.

2.5 Children's Safety Considerations

Safety trumps style.

Choose non-slip steps and decking immediately. Veranda gates are essential for toddlers.

Note: Parks usually limit large, permanent play equipment on the pitch. Spring Lea has a children's play area on-site, so you won't need to install your own.

Worthwhile additions:

• Caravan-safe bed guards for bunks.
• Corner protectors for low furniture edges.

2.6 Parking & Vehicle Rules

Check how parking works on your pitch.

Some parks include a marked bay beside your caravan. Others use shared parking areas nearby.

If you often have two cars or regular visitors, ask how many vehicles are allowed and where guests should park.

Driving an EV?

Ask specifically about charging. Most caravans aren't designed to support vehicle charging from their own electrical supply. Many parks ban it outright.

You may need a dedicated park charging point or public charger instead.

3. Essential Static Caravan Accessories (Outdoor)

3.1 Steps & Handrails

Standard metal steps are often steep, narrow, and slippery when wet.

Upgrading to composite or resin steps with wider treads and sturdy handrails is one of the smartest safety investments you can make.

3.2 Decking or Veranda

The ultimate accessory for outdoor living and pet safety.

Your main options:

• Timber: Cheaper upfront, but needs annual maintenance.
• Composite: Higher cost, low maintenance, rot-free.
• Design: Straight or wrap-around (depending on your pitch).

Always check park rules first. You can't simply build what you want.

3.3 Skirting

Skirting fills the gap between the ground and your caravan.

It's not just cosmetic. It helps:

• Improve insulation
• Reduce draughts through the floor
• Stop animals nesting underneath

Note: Make sure skirting has ventilation to prevent damp building up under the chassis.

3.4 Outdoor Storage Solutions

Internal storage is limited in most caravans.

Outdoor storage is essential for cushions, BBQs, bikes, and garden furniture.

Metal or plastic sheds are popular choices. Check the maximum height rules — you don't want to block your neighbours' views.

4. Indoor Comfort & Practical Living

4.1 Mattress & Bedding Upgrades

Caravan mattresses are often thinner than what you're used to at home.

Consider upgrading straight away.

• Toppers: Quality memory foam makes a big difference.
• Sizing: Measure first — caravan "kings" are often narrower than standard.

4.2 Heating, Cooling & Humidity

Damp is the enemy. Even modern units can suffer from condensation.

• Must-buy: Crystal moisture traps for every room.
• Worth upgrading to: Desiccant dehumidifiers (better in low temperatures).

4.3 WiFi, TV & Aerials

Park WiFi can be unreliable.

At Spring Lea, all pitches include wired broadband as standard — a significant advantage for reliable streaming and remote working.

For additional flexibility, consider a 4G/5G mobile router as backup.

Make sure any TV mounts are designed for caravan walls, not brick.

5. Safety Accessories

5.1 Smoke & CO Alarms

Don't rely on whatever came with the unit. Test immediately.

Fit a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm near the boiler and gas fire.

Use long-life lithium battery units for peace of mind.

5.2 Fire Blanket & Extinguisher

Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen, near the cooker.

Mount a compact dry powder extinguisher near the main exit.

5.3 Security Accessories

Peace of mind matters.

Window vibration alarms are cheap and effective.

Smart cameras (Ring, Blink) are popular — but respect privacy rules. Never point cameras at neighbours or shared paths.

6. Utility & Energy Accessories

6.1 Gas Bottle Essentials

Running on bottled gas (LPG)? A gas spanner is essential.

Even better: install an automatic changeover valve (if your park allows it). It switches bottles automatically so heating doesn't cut out mid-stay.

Spring Lea advantage: All pitches include piped gas as standard, so you won't need to worry about gas bottle swaps or running out mid-visit.

6.2 Electrical Accessories

Caravan electrics can trip easily if overloaded.

A surge protector lead will protect your TV and router.

Top tip: Don't run multiple high-draw appliances (heaters, air fryers, kettles) at the same time.

7. Seasonal Accessories

7.1 Winter-Ready

Your accessory needs change with the seasons.

Useful winter additions:

• Thermal curtains to retain heat
• Draught excluders for doors
• Extra gas bottles — especially if leaving heating on frost-stat (not needed at Spring Lea with piped gas)

7.2 Summer Essentials

Space is tight. Choose stackable or foldable outdoor furniture.

Large rattan sofas look great in summer — but where will you store them in winter without a decent shed?

8. Optional Luxury Upgrades

8.1 Hot Tubs

Hot tubs are a genuine luxury — but they're not allowed on every park.

Many parks ban them due to noise concerns, power demands, and maintenance issues.

Before you buy, consider:

• Running costs (heating and chemicals)
• Ongoing maintenance
• Electrical requirements
• Considerate use — neighbours will appreciate it

8.2 Premium Outdoor Lighting

Solar lights save electricity and look great.

Choose "warm white" festoon lights for atmosphere. Avoid harsh floodlights — they annoy neighbours.

9. Budgeting: Buy Now vs Later

9.1 Buy Immediately (Day-One Essentials)

These should be in your car on moving-in day:

• Safe, non-slip steps and handrail
• CO & smoke alarms (test/upgrade)
• Fire blanket
• Mattress topper
• Moisture traps or dehumidifier
• Kettle, toaster, basic kitchen kit

9.2 Buy Once Settled

After your first season, consider the bigger upgrades:

• Decking and skirting (significant investment)
• Outdoor shed/storage
• Smart TV / 4G Router
• Patio furniture sets
• Hot tub (if permitted and practical)

10. Complete Static Caravan Accessories Shopping List (Quick Reference)

Use this as a quick reference when planning your purchases.

Outdoor & Structure

• Non-slip steps & handrails
• Decking / Veranda (check rules)
• Skirting (ventilated)
• Outdoor storage box / shed
• Patio furniture (stackable)
• Solar festoon lights

Indoor Comfort

• Mattress topper (memory foam)
• Moisture traps (crystals)
• Desiccant dehumidifier
• Thermal curtains
• 4G/5G Mobile Router (backup)
• Caravan-safe TV mount

Safety & Security

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm
• Smoke alarm (long-life battery)
• Fire blanket
• Dry powder fire extinguisher
• Window vibration alarms
• Decking gate (lockable)

Utility & Maintenance

• Gas spanner (if using bottled gas)
• Automatic gas changeover valve
• Surge protector extension lead
• Draught excluders
• Food-grade water hose

11. Checklist: Accessories Sanity-Check

• ☐ Park Rules: Checked pitch licence for decking, sheds, and storage.
• ☐ Inventory: I know what's included and what I need to bring.
• ☐ Safety First: Budgeted for CO alarms, fire safety, and steps.
• ☐ Moisture Control: Plan and products ready for damp and condensation.
• ☐ Power Limits: Amperage understood; won't overload with high-draw appliances.
• ☐ Phased Buying: Big-ticket items (decking, hot tubs) planned for later.
• ☐ Double Check: Major accessories confirmed with the park team.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Are accessories worth budgeting for upfront?
Absolutely. A modest budget for essentials (steps, safety kit, moisture control, mattress) makes your first season safer and far more comfortable.

What should I buy first?
Focus on safety and sleep. A mattress topper, CO alarm, sturdy steps, and moisture traps should be in your boot on day one.

Do I need permission for decking or sheds?
Yes — almost always. Parks have strict rules on materials, dimensions, and fire gaps. Never build anything without written approval.

What's the best way to deal with damp?
A desiccant dehumidifier works best in cooler temperatures. Crystal moisture traps in every room are a good budget alternative. Skirting also helps with insulation.

Best accessories for families with young children?
Lockable decking gates are essential. Blackout curtains help at bedtime. Caravan-safe bunk bed rails are popular too.

Where should I spend more — and where can I save?
Invest in decking and steps (safety and longevity). Save on kitchen gadgets — you rarely need a professional setup in a holiday home.

Can I have a hot tub at Spring Lea?
Yes — hot tubs are permitted on owner pitches, subject to park guidelines. This is rare among quality parks in Shropshire.

13. Conclusion: Make It Yours

A caravan becomes a holiday home when it works for you.

Not when it looks perfect in photos. Not when every cushion matches.

When you arrive after a long drive, unlock the door, and everything just works.

The steps are safe. The bed is comfortable. The heating fires up without a hitch.

That's when it feels like yours.

So start with the essentials. Get the practical stuff right. The luxuries — the decking, the hot tub, the outdoor furniture — can come later.

You've got time. You've got years of visits ahead.

Enjoy the process. And enjoy every stay.