Key Facts: Accessories at a Glance
| Question |
The Reality |
| Do I need permission? |
Yes. For anything external (decking, storage sheds, skirting), check your pitch licence. |
| What is the #1 essential? |
Safe steps and a Carbon Monoxide alarm. |
| Can I build my own decking? |
Usually no. Parks require approved contractors to ensure safety and fire gaps. |
| Are hot tubs allowed? |
Policies vary by park. Always ask first. Note: Morben Isaf does not permit them. |
| What about pet gear? |
Gates are fine. Permanent dog runs or fences are usually banned. |
| When should I buy decking? |
Wait until you've lived in the caravan for a few weeks to see where the sun hits. |
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Quick Takeaways
- Function first: Spend on safety and warmth before cushions and art.
- Check the rules: Don't order a storage shed until you know the size limits.
- The Location Factor: Moisture control is vital in Mid Wales.
- Start small: You don't need everything on Day One.
What This Guide Covers
- The strict rules on what you can (and can't) install
- The "Day One" shopping list
- Specific advice for the Mid Wales climate
- Safety, security, and utility essentials
- Why hot tubs aren't always the answer
- A printable checklist for new owners
1. Turning a Caravan into a Home
You’ve got the keys.
The paperwork is signed.
Now comes the fun part: kitting it out.
It’s easy to go overboard. You see a rattan sofa set or a fancy BBQ and think "I need that."
But the difference between a holiday home you enjoy and one that frustrates you isn't the cushions.
It's the practical stuff.
Can you get in and out safely when it's raining?
Is the mattress comfortable enough for a week's stay?
Is the air damp?
The most common mistake new owners make?
Spending budget on aesthetics while ignoring the basics that make park life run smoothly.
This guide cuts through the catalogue clutter to tell you what you actually need for a static caravan in Mid Wales.
2. The Boring Bit: Park Rules
2.1 Why Rules Exist
Morben Isaf sits in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere.
We are surrounded by nature.
We have strict rules to keep it looking that way.
Before you buy a storage shed, a satellite dish, or a fence, check your Licence Agreement.
Common restrictions:
- Materials: We often require specific colours (greens, timber tones) to blend with the woodland.
- Fire Safety: You must maintain a gap (usually 5-6m) between units. You can't just build a deck to the boundary line.
- Contractors: You usually need to use park-approved installers who carry the right insurance.
Top Tip: Don't buy anything that screws into the exterior of your caravan until you've spoken to Ben or Sarah.
2.2 What Comes as Standard?
Every sale is different, but typically a new caravan includes:
- Basic metal steps
- One exterior light
- Furniture and beds
- A TV aerial point
What is usually missing?
A high-quality mattress, a dehumidifier, a secure key safe, and a good vacuum cleaner.
2.3 Questions to Ask Us
Before you start ordering from Amazon, ask us:
- What are the exact dimensions for a storage box or shed?
- Do I need a specific type of decking (e.g. composite)?
- Can I install a video doorbell? (Privacy rules apply).
- Is there a specific colour code for skirting?
2.4 Pets & Kids
Morben Isaf is very dog-friendly.
But we don't allow permanent dog runs or high fencing around pitches.
The Solution: A secure, lockable gate on your decking. It keeps the dog (and the grandkids) safe without altering the look of the park.
2.5 Parking & EVs
Most pitches have a designated parking spot. Please use it.
Warning: Never run an extension lead from your caravan window to charge an electric car.
The wiring isn't designed for it and it's a major fire risk. Ask us about proper charging facilities.
3. The Outdoor Essentials
3.1 Steps & Safety
The standard metal steps can be slippery when wet (and it does rain in Wales).
Upgrading to enclosed composite steps with a proper handrail is the single best safety upgrade you can make.
3.2 Decking: The Game Changer
In Mid Wales, a deck is your wildlife viewing platform.
- Composite: More expensive upfront, but rot-free and non-slip.
- Timber: Cheaper, but requires annual staining.
- Glass panels: Great for preserving the view of the hills.
Always get a quote from our approved suppliers. They know the fire regulations and the wind loadings for our location.
3.3 Skirting
This improves the look of your holiday home, but it also:
- Reduces heat loss through the floor.
- Stops wind getting under the chassis.
- Prevents badgers or foxes moving in underneath.
3.4 Storage
You need somewhere for the BBQ and the walking boots.
A low-profile storage box (Keter style) is usually permitted.
Large wooden storage sheds often aren't due to fire regulations. Check the size limits.
4. Indoor Comfort
4.1 The Mattress Upgrade
Caravan beds are sometimes slightly narrower than standard.
Measure before you buy.
A good quality memory foam topper can transform a basic caravan mattress into something you actually want to sleep on.
4.2 Moisture Control (Crucial in Mid Wales)
Valleys can be damp. Condensation is normal in caravans.
- Must Have: Crystal moisture traps (cheap and effective) in bedrooms and wardrobes.
- Better: A desiccant dehumidifier. Unlike compressor models, these work well in lower temperatures (perfect for winter visits).
4.3 Connectivity
We are in a rural valley. WiFi can be variable.
If you need Netflix or Zoom, consider a 4G/5G mobile router (MiFi).
Check which network has the best signal on your specific pitch before signing a contract.
5. Safety First
5.1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm
Don't assume there is one. Check immediately. If you have gas appliances, this is a life-saver.
5.2 Fire Safety
Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen. Keep a small dry powder extinguisher near the door. Hope you never use them.
5.3 Security
Morben Isaf is a secure park, but peace of mind helps.
Window vibration alarms are cheap and effective. If you want a camera, it must only point at your property, not your neighbour's deck.
6. Utilities
6.1 Gas
If you are on bottles (LPG), buy a gas spanner.
Better yet, ask if an automatic changeover valve is fitted—this switches to the backup bottle automatically so the heating doesn't die at 2am.
6.2 Power Protection
Caravan electrics are sensitive.
A surge protection extension lead for your TV and router is a cheap insurance policy against spikes.
7. Seasonal Shifts
7.1 Winter Ready
Thick curtains (thermal lined) make a huge difference in November. Draught excluders for the doors are simple but effective.
7.2 Summer Storage
Where does the patio furniture go in winter? If you don't have a storage shed or box, buy stacking chairs rather than bulky rattan sofas.
8. The "Hot Tub" Question
We get asked this a lot.
Morben Isaf Policy: We do not allow hot tubs. We prioritise peace, quiet, and dark skies. The noise of pumps and late-night chatter doesn't fit with our ethos.
However, premium outdoor lighting is allowed—think warm white solar festoons, not stadium floodlights.
9. Budgeting: Buy Now vs Later
Day One Essentials
- Non-slip steps
- CO Alarm
- Kettle & Toaster
- Mattress Topper
- Moisture Traps
Wait and See
- Decking: Live with the caravan for a season. See where the sun sits. Then build the deck to match.
- Outdoor Furniture: Don't buy a 6-seater table if you only ever eat inside.
10. The Shopping List Summary
Screenshot this for your first shopping trip:
Outdoor
- Composite steps
- Storage box/shed (check size)
- Doormat (heavy duty)
- Solar lights (warm white)
Indoor
- Memory foam topper
- Dehumidifier (Desiccant type)
- 4G/5G Router
- Thermal curtains
Safety
- CO Alarm
- Fire Blanket
- Flashlight (it gets properly dark here!)
11. Checklist: Before You Buy
☐
Park Rules: Checked restrictions on storage sheds/decking?
☐
Inventory: Checked what furniture is included?
☐
Safety: Budgeted for alarms and fire safety?
☐
Damp Control: Have you got moisture traps ready for arrival?
☐
Power: Do you know the amp limit of your pitch? (Don't overload it).
12. FAQs
Do I have to use your decking suppliers?
Yes, usually. We have a list of approved contractors who we know do a safe, high-quality job that meets fire regulations.
Can I have a storage shed?
Yes, but there are strict size and material limits (usually metal or heavy-duty plastic to reduce fire risk). Please ask for the specs.
What is the best heating for winter?
If your caravan has central heating, use it. If not, oil-filled radiators are safer and more efficient than fan heaters.
Is the park dark at night?
Yes! We are in a Dark Sky area. Bring a good torch. We keep light pollution to a minimum so you can see the stars.
13. Conclusion
A caravan feels like a unit.
A caravan with the right accessories feels like a home.
Start with the safety basics.
Sort the sleeping comfort.
Manage the moisture.
Then, once you've spent a few weekends watching the sun set over the Dyfi Valley, you'll know exactly what decking and furniture you need.
There's no rush.
You've got years to make it perfect.
Why Choose Morben Isaf?
We focus on the things that matter:
- Peace and Quiet: An owners-only park with no commercial noise.
- Natural Beauty: Immaculate grounds that respect the local wildlife.
- Transparency: Clear rules on what you can adding, helping you protect your investment.
- Support: A management team that is always on hand to advise.
We believe in long-term, peaceful ownership. If that sounds like you, come and take a look.
