Hi, I’m Liz from Caravan Guard insurance.
In this video we go through how to pitch up your caravan after you’ve checked in at
your chosen campsite.
Once you’ve decided if you want to stay near the play area, the toilet block, the waste and
water facilities or tucked away in a quiet corner, there are a few steps to take to get
your tourer up and running and secure on site.
Most campsites have either a grassed or gravelled hardstanding pitch and will offer
a range of options from budget pitches without electricity, to those with space for awnings,
to fully serviced pitches with water and grey waste disposal.
So, let’s begin by pitching up the caravan
The first task when arriving at your pitch is to park the caravan on to the pitch.
Taking notes about how to pitch the caravan o meet the campsite's requirements and making
sure you’re aware of any hazards such as overhanging branches, hedges, low walls,
rocks, or posts on the pitch.
Either reverse the caravan onto the pitch by using the tow car or, if like this campsite,
the pitch is tight you can push the caravan in by hand.
However, for perfect placement, you’re best using a motor mover if you have one.
For some expert reversing tips look at our video “How to reverse a caravan”.
Once you’ve parked your caravan on the pitch and disconnected the car, the very first task
is to make sure the caravan is level.
Start by levelling from left to right then front to back.
We have a video that goes into levelling in more detail and shows different products for
achieving a perfectly level caravan.
This is linked in the description below.
Once your caravan is level, apply the handbrake and add any security items.
Start with the wheel clamp or axle wheel lock.
This might mean you need to move the caravan slightly backward or forwards to align the lock receiver with the wheel.
Then, add the hitch lock and any other devices you have specified on your caravan insurance policy.
Once your caravan is secure, disengage the motor mover if you've used it and lower the corner steadies.
The caravan is now safe to enter.
Now the caravan is secure and sited, we can start connecting the services around the outside
of the caravan.
We’ll start with the two power sources, which are electric and gas.
Start by uncoiling the electric hook up cable and connect the cable to the caravan
If your electric hook up socket is within a locker like this one, then place the
cable into the notch at the edge of the locker door. However, on this caravan the
hook up point is outside. In both cases, tuck the cable close to the caravan
and any hedges to avoid causing a tripping hazard.
If you have too much cable, neatly lay it behind the caravan or somewhere out
of the way so it can't be tripped over.
Make sure the cable is not tightly coiled at any point, as this could cause an electrical fire
Take the cable to the hook up post labelled for your pitch and plug it in.
Don’t plug into the post first as you don’t want to be carrying a live cable back to your
caravan
Back at the caravan, switch on the gas by opening the valve on the top of the bottle.
Don’t forget that gas bottles have a reversed thread
and also make sure the value on the regulator is open too.
With the power sources connected it’s now time to fill the water supply.
Take your fresh water container to the service point and also take a watering can for use
later on.
Fill both with as much water as you can.
Back at the caravan, submerge the pump into the water barrel and bob the pump up and down
to remove any air from the pump, then plug it into the caravan.
Next, connect the waste pipes to the caravan grey water outlets and insert into
the waste water container.
A top tip is to point the waste container slightly downhill to
make removal easier when it’s time to empty it.
The next task is setting up the chemical toilet.
If you have one, fill the flush tank with water from the watering can and add any flush
additives that you like.
Remove the toilet cassette from its housing and add the toilet chemicals as per the instructions.
We have a video all about caravan toilets and there’s a link to this is in the video
description below.
The outside of the caravan is now set up, and with all the services connected it’s
almost ready to use.
The next job is to head inside, switch on the services and unpack.
Before anything is switched on it’s a good idea to check that all the water taps are closed
Check the shower, the washroom and the kitchen
and don’t forget to close the yellow drain down valve that will be located next to your hot
water tank.
Open the kitchen tap to the hot water position then switch on the caravan at the master
switch or mains power, and switch on the water pump.
The open tap in the kitchen will allow the air that is in the hot water tank to be pushed out
Once water is flowing from the tap in the kitchen, select cold water and allow any air
to be released.
Do the same for the washroom sink and shower
and don’t panic if you see a sudden spurt of water from a tap – this is quite normal.
With the air now bled from the system you can safely switch on the hot water and, if
needed, the heating too.
Switch the fridge onto mains hook up, but if you want it to cool quickly, select
gas as the fuel source and run for a few hours until cold then select electric.
The last job is to unpack your possesions and set up things like your TV, any ornaments,
lamps, and not forgetting the all-important kettle.
Make sure the cooker can light,
the toilet can flush,
and that water is running through the taps.
In fact, it’s now a good time to make a nice cup of tea!
And then if you have one, you can now add an awning or canopy to the caravan and set up any outside
furniture including a BBQ, chairs or sun loungers.
So, there you go.
We hope you’ve found this video useful and that you have
a great time holidaying in your caravan.
For more caravanning hints and tips why not head on over to the Caravan Guard website.
You’ll also find details about our caravan insurance there too.
Thanks for watching and have fun!