Because No One Enjoys Arguing Over Levelling Blocks in the Rain
You've made it to the site. You've survived the narrow lanes, avoided flattening a cyclist, and now you just want a cuppa. But first - pitching up. The quicker you get sorted, the sooner you're sitting in a folding chair pretending that cloud isn't getting closer.
Setting up your caravan doesn't need to be a faff. With a bit of prep, a touch of rhythm, and ideally no audience, you can have everything in place in under 30 minutes. Maybe even with time to open a packet of hobnobs.
What to Do First: Park Like You Mean It
Where and how you stop sets the tone. Get it right, and the rest flows.
- Check the pitch surface - Gravel? Grass? Sloped like a ski jump? Choose your spot accordingly.
- Position the van before unhitching - Sounds obvious, but once it's off, it's a pain to shift again.
- Face the right way - Think about where the sun's going. Do you want morning light through the window, or to avoid squinting into it all afternoon?
Levelling Up (Without a Spirit Level Meltdown)
This is where things either click or crumble. Don't overthink it. Near enough is often good enough.
- Use ramps or blocks under the wheels if it's not flat - get the side-to-side sorted first.
- Then tweak the front-to-back using the jockey wheel - no need for laser precision.
- Don't forget to chock the wheels before unhitching - especially on a slope unless you fancy a heart-stopping roll.
Secure and Hook Up (Electricity First, Kettle Second)
Right. Van's in place. Time to plug in and get things humming.
- Handbrake on, legs down - Stability first. Nobody likes a rocking van unless it's windy.
- Connect to mains electric - Blue hook-up cables only fit one way, so no excuses here.
- Sort your waste and water - Roll out your fresh water container, set your waste hog in place. Not glamorous, but a top priority.
Inside Touches to Feel at Home Fast
With the outside sorted, don't waste time faffing inside.
- Open the windows or roof vents - Let the caravan breathe a bit. Travel can leave things musty.
- Switch the fridge over to electric - If it's still on 12V, you'll drain the battery quicker than expected.
- Check the gas - Don't just assume the kettle will boil. Make sure the valve is open and lines are bled.
Things to Avoid if You Want to Stay Married
Packing up is a team sport. Pitching up? That's where relationships are tested.
- Don't argue over left vs right - Just agree one person guides, one drives. No shouting. No hand signals that could start a bar fight.
- Don't forget to check for overhead branches - Unless you want to explain your broken aerial to the insurance company.
- Don't leave the motor mover on - It'll flatten your leisure battery before you even start cooking.
Caravan Insurance - That Little Bit of Backup
If you clip a post, drop a leg into a rabbit hole, or misjudge a slope, it's nice to know you're covered. Good caravan insurance should include on-site damage, accidental scrapes, and theft protection. Worth a quick double check before each trip.
You're Parked. You're Level. The Kettle's On.
That's it. You're in. No sweat (well, not much), no shouting, no tears. Next time, you'll probably do it even quicker. But for now, kick back and admire your perfectly pitched palace on wheels. Just ignore the couple next door still wrangling with their awning poles.