Here we list many of the things you’ll need to do when you head off with your caravan. You might even consider laminating your checklist if there’s a chance of rain…
When you leave home the first couple of points may already be covered, but you’ll need to remember them when you leave a campsite.
Step One
Turn off the gas at the cylinder. Empty the fresh- and waste-water containers and clean out any toilet cassette in an appropriate place.
Step Two
Check the caravan’s windows and roof lights are closed, internal doors and cupboards are closed, loads are safely secured and the external door is locked.
Step Three
Check the caravan handbrake is on and chock the wheels if you are on a slope. Lower the jockey wheel and lock in place.
Step Four
Raise the corner steadies. Check the caravan’s noseweight.
Step Five
Adjust the hitch height so it goes above the car’s towball. Remove the towball cover on the car’s towball.
Step Six
Reverse your car to the caravan. Secure the hitch on the towball.
Step Seven
Check the link by using the jockey wheel to raise the car by about an inch to make sure it is properly coupled. Stow the jockey wheel.
Step Eight
Connect the electrical plug(s) and the stabiliser system, if it’s fitted, making sure the cables will not drag or pull as the car turns.
Step Nine
Attach the breakaway cable or secondary coupling. Release the caravan handbrake and remove any chocks.
Step Ten
Check the road lights and indicators are working. Pull clear of the pitch and check the area for anything left behind.