Here are four steps to set up your touring caravan when you arrive at a site:
1. Position and Level the Caravan:
Leveling your touring caravan when you arrive at a site is important for several reasons:
1. Comfort: A level caravan provides a more comfortable living environment. Sleeping, sitting, and walking inside the caravan will be more pleasant when the floors are even.
2. Functionality of Appliances: Many caravan appliances, such as refrigerators, are designed to operate properly only when the caravan is level. If the caravan is not level, these appliances may not function correctly or efficiently, which can lead to spoiled food and other issues.
3. Water Drainage: Proper levelling ensures that water flows correctly through the caravan’s plumbing system. This is crucial for both the kitchen and bathroom to prevent blockages and ensure proper drainage.
4. Structural Integrity: Consistent levelling helps maintain the structural integrity of the caravan. Uneven pressure can cause unnecessary strain on the frame and suspension, potentially leading to damage over time.
5. Safety: A level caravan is more stable and less likely to move or tip, enhancing overall safety for occupants.
Ensuring your caravan is level enhances your overall experience and helps maintain the caravan’s condition and functionality.
Levelling your touring caravan involves a few key steps and the use of some basic equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Equipment Needed
- Spirit level: For checking the level of the caravan.
- Caravan levelling ramps or blocks: To raise the caravan wheels as needed.
- Wheel chocks: To secure the wheels once the caravan is level.
- Corner steadies (stabilising jacks): To stabilise the caravan once it is levelled.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose a Suitable Spot: Park your caravan on a level spot as much as possible. Avoid soft or uneven ground.
2. Check Side-to-Side Level:
- Place the spirit level on the floor inside the caravan across the width (side-to-side) or on the A-frame (tow hitch) if preferred.
- Determine which side needs to be raised.
3. Use Levelling Ramps or Blocks:
- Position the levelling ramps or blocks in front of or behind the wheels on the side that needs raising.
- Slowly drive or reverse the caravan onto the ramps or blocks until the caravan is level side-to-side.
4. Check Front-to-Back Level:
- Place the spirit level lengthwise on the floor inside the caravan.
- Adjust the jockey wheel (the front support wheel) to raise or lower the front of the caravan until it is level front-to-back.
5. Secure the Caravan:
- Once the caravan is level both side-to-side and front-to-back, place wheel chocks against the wheels to prevent any movement.
- Lower the corner steadies (stabilising jacks) to the ground to stabilise the caravan. Do not use them to lift the caravan; they are only for stabilisation.
6. Final Check:
- Perform a final check with the spirit level to ensure the caravan remains level in both directions.
Tips
- Practice: It might take a few tries to get the caravan perfectly level, especially on uneven ground.
- Use a Motor Mover: If available, a motor mover can make it easier to position the caravan accurately on the levelling ramps or blocks.
- Regular Maintenance: Check your levelling equipment regularly for wear and tear to ensure it functions correctly when needed.
By following these steps, you can ensure your touring caravan is level, enhancing comfort, safety, and the proper functioning of appliances.
Products to assist:
Caravan Corner Steady Drill Adaptor
2. Connect to Services:
Hook up to the electric supply using the appropriate cable.
Connecting your touring caravan to an electric hook-up (EHU) at a campsite is straightforward but requires attention to safety and proper procedures. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you do it correctly:
Equipment Needed
• Electric hook-up cable: A heavy-duty, weatherproof cable specifically designed for caravans, typically with CEE (blue) plugs.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Check the Power Requirements:
• Ensure that the EHU at the campsite matches your caravan’s electrical requirements (usually 230V, 16A in Europe).
• Confirm that the total power usage of your caravan appliances does not exceed the supply’s capacity.
2. Inspect the Equipment:
• Check your electric hook-up cable for any damage or wear. Do not use it if there are exposed wires or damaged connectors.
3. Turn Off Appliances:
• Before connecting to the power supply, make sure all electrical appliances and the main electrical switch inside the caravan are turned off.
4. Connect to the Hook-Up Point:
• Uncoil the electric hook-up cable fully to prevent overheating.
• Plug one end of the cable into the caravan’s inlet socket (usually located on the outside of the caravan).
• Plug the other end into the campsite’s electric hook-up point. Ensure the connection is secure.
5. Switch on the Power:
• Turn on the power supply at the campsite’s hook-up point if there is a switch. Some points are live as soon as you plug in.
6. Check for Power:
• Inside your caravan, check the main electrical distribution panel or control unit to ensure the power is being supplied correctly.
• Turn on one appliance at a time to check for proper operation and to avoid overloading the system.
Safety Tips
• Use a Surge Protector: It helps to protect your caravan’s electrical system from voltage spikes and surges.
• Avoid Overloading: Be mindful of your total power consumption to avoid tripping the campsite’s breaker.
• Weather Precautions: Ensure connections are kept dry and elevated off the ground if possible, to avoid water exposure.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically check your hook-up cable and connectors for any signs of wear or damage.
• Disconnecting Safely: When it’s time to leave, turn off all appliances and the main switch inside the caravan before unplugging the cable. Disconnect from the hook-up point first, then from the caravan.
Following these steps ensures a safe and efficient connection of your touring caravan to an electric hook-up, providing you with reliable power throughout your stay.
Products to assist:
Connect the water supply using an aqua roll or direct hose connection.
Connecting the water supply to your caravan ensures you have a steady flow of fresh water for drinking, cooking, and washing. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
Equipment Needed
- Food-grade water hose: For safe drinking water.
- Water inlet connector: Specific to your caravan (usually a snap-in or bayonet type).
- Water pump: If using an external water container like an Aquaroll.
- Aquaroll or similar portable water container: If not connecting directly to mains.
Step-by-Step Guide
Direct Connection to Mains Water Supply
1. Locate the Water Inlet:
- Find the water inlet point on your caravan, usually on the side.
2. Attach the Hose:
- Connect one end of the food-grade water hose to the water inlet of your caravan. Ensure it’s a secure fit.
3. Connect to the Water Tap:
- Attach the other end of the hose to the campsite’s water tap. Use a pressure regulator if recommended by your caravan manufacturer to protect the internal plumbing.
4. Turn On the Water:
- Slowly open the tap to allow water to flow into your caravan. Check for any leaks and secure connections as needed.
5. Check Inside the Caravan:
Turn on the taps inside your caravan to ensure water is flowing correctly and that there are no air locks in the system.
Products to assist:
Caravan Water Main Hook Up (Check suitable for your caravan)
Using an Aquaroll or Portable Water Container
1. Fill the Container:
- Place the Aquaroll or similar container near the water source. Fill it using the food-grade hose.
2. Attach the Pump:
- Submerge the water pump into the Aquaroll and connect the hose from the pump to your caravan’s water inlet.
3. Connect the Hose:
- Securely attach the hose to the water inlet on your caravan.
4. Power the Pump:
- Connect the pump to your caravan’s power supply. Most pumps will have a plug that fits into a designated socket near the water inlet.
5. Prime the System:
- Turn on the pump and open a tap inside the caravan to prime the system. This will remove any air and allow water to flow smoothly.
Products to assist:
Tips for Both Methods
- Avoid Kinks in the Hose**: Ensure the hose is laid out smoothly without bends to maintain water flow.
- Keep Connections Clean**: Always keep the ends of the hose and connectors clean to prevent contamination.
- Check for Leaks**: Regularly check all connections and the interior plumbing for any signs of leaks or damage.
By following these steps, you can ensure a steady and safe water supply to your caravan, enhancing your comfort and convenience while on your travels.
Attach the waste water container to the outlet.
Connecting wastewater to your caravan involves setting up a system to collect and dispose of the grey water generated from sinks, showers, and other sources within the caravan. Here’s how to do it:
Equipment Needed
- Wastewater hose: A flexible hose designed for wastewater.
- Wastewater container: Often called a "waste carrier" or "grey water container."
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Locate the Wastewater Outlet:
- Find the wastewater outlet on your caravan. It’s usually at a low point on the side or underneath the caravan.
2. Attach the Wastewater Hose:
- Connect one end of the wastewater hose to the caravan’s outlet. Ensure it fits securely to prevent leaks.
3. Position the Wastewater Container:
- Place the grey water container under the caravan near the outlet. Make sure it is positioned to collect all wastewater.
4. Secure the Connections:
- Attach the other end of the wastewater hose to the container. Ensure the connections are tight and secure to avoid any spills.
5. Monitor and Empty the Container:
- Regularly check the fill level of the container and empty it at designated waste disposal points when it’s full.
- Disconnect the hose and carefully transport the container to the disposal site.
Products to assist:
Connection from caravan to wastemaster
Tips for Direct Drainage (if available at the campsite)
1. Connect to Direct Drainage:
- If the campsite provides a direct drainage system, you can connect the other end of the wastewater hose directly to the drain.
- Use a drainage adapter if needed to ensure a proper fit.
2. Ensure Proper Hose Layout:
- Lay the hose in a way that allows gravity to assist in the flow of water. Avoid kinks or high points that could trap water.
3. Check for Leaks:
- Inspect all connections to ensure they are secure and leak-free.
Maintenance and Hygiene
- Clean the Hose and Container: Periodically clean the wastewater hose and container to prevent odours and buildup of residue.
- Use Wastewater Treatment: Consider using a treatment solution in your waste container to break down waste and reduce odours.
- Proper Disposal: Always dispose of wastewater at designated points on the campsite to comply with environmental regulations and campsite rules.
- Hose Storage: After use, clean and store the wastewater hose properly to prevent contamination and odors in your caravan.
By following these steps, you can ensure an efficient and hygienic system for collecting and disposing of wastewater from your caravan, contributing to a cleaner and more pleasant camping experience.
3. Set Up the Interior:
- Turn on the gas supply and test the appliances (e.g., stove, heater).
- Switch on the fridge and other electrical appliances.
- Arrange the interior as needed for comfort and convenience.
4. Extend the Awning (if applicable):
- Lay out the awning parts and assemble them according to the instructions.
- Attach the awning to the caravan and secure it with pegs and guy lines.
- Arrange the furniture and any additional items inside the awning.
These steps should help you efficiently set up your caravan and ensure a comfortable stay at your campsite.
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