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Caravanning Now - Basic advice for new caravanners'

by John White, Kevin Clayton and Richard Cole.

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The things to do when you get to your first site:

1. Reversing[John White]
   This can be very difficult at first but it soon becomes second nature. I am not going to give you a load of instructions here it would take to long, so try to site the van where you can drive in unhitch and then drive off with out maneuvering. If you really can't do that for what ever reason, I suggest you apply the handbrake on the van, unhitch, borrow some hefty friends and manhandle it.
   Both of the major caravan clubs run courses where you can learn how to reverse safely.
   
2. Manhandling[John White]
   Never manhandle the van on your own except on the flattest of sites. The van is heavy and can roll down hill very quickly.
   Try to have a person responsible for the brake. This person doesn't push or pull the van at all, their only responsibility is the hand brake on the van.
   When moving the van, if anyone shouts brake or stop then the brake man pulls the brake on and every thing stops.
   It is very important NEVER to push the van anywhere apart from the handle or the corners of the van. If you push in the center of the van it may flex and you will have a busted window or bent panels.
   
3. Don't be too adventurous[Kevin Clayton]
   Go somewhere near to home the first time out, so that you can go home for that essential luxury you've forgotten. (I learnt to do without the TV remote the second time out.).
   
4. Don't be frightened of the van, towing, pitching, putting the awning up etc. [Kevin Clayton]
   Take your time and try it. I've seen experienced caravanners' take more tries than me to reverse the van onto the pitch, so try it, it is easier than pushing,
   If people laugh, then laugh with them as it's all part of the fun. If you can't manage it, then get out and push.
   The same with everything, try it and make up your own mind. Got in a mess putting up the awning, then take it down and try again, and relax in the fact that many have done so before and will do after you. Just do everything at your own pace and let others do the worrying about what your doing.
   For information on how to get the rights size awning, see the FAQ page on measuring your caravan for an awning.
   
5. Once Sited [John White & Richard Cole]
   Once you have the van where you want it and your happy that it is level side to side, apply the hand brake and unhitch from the car (remember to remove the breakaway cable from the car and to unplug the lights etc) then adjust the jockey wheel to get the van level fore and aft.
   Then drop the jacks down until they touch the ground and the van doesn't rock when you walk in it. Once sited you should leave the hand brake off (you may need to chock the wheels) this will prevent the handbrake from seizing up, especially if you intend leaving it sited for some time. Also see the FAQ on how to pitch.