Useful Checklists for Caravans

When you start caravanning there seems to be loads of things to do – though after a couple of trips most of it comes naturally. Join the Club to benefit from support and advice from experts and like-minded individuals.

In the meantime, however, here are some checklists to help you avoid missing out something vital.

Hitching up checklist

You can print out this checklist or the summarised guide at the bottom of the page to use when you next venture out 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. Don’t forget to check the tow vehicle fluids, check tyre pressures and wheel bolt/nuts torque on both car and caravan.

Remember its very easy to overload a caravan, if in doubt check its weight at a public weighbridge

1. Turn off the gas at the cylinder
2. Disconnect electric cable from the Electrical bollard first, then from the caravan
3. Empty the fresh- and waste-water containers and clean out any toilet cassette in an appropriate place
4. Stow all hoses and cables
5. Check the caravan’s windows, roof lights, internal doors and cupboards are closed, loads are safely secured and the external door is locked
6. Check the caravan handbrake is on and chock the wheels if you are on a slope.
7. Lower the jockey wheel and lock in place
8. Raise the corner steadies
9. Check the caravan’s noseweight on level ground as necessary
10. Adjust the hitch using jockey wheel so it is higher than the car’s towball
11. Remove the car’s towball cover
12. Align the car to the caravan hitch and reverse into position and hitch-up - an assistant would be helpful
13. Attach the breakaway cable or secondary coupling
14. Secure the hitch on the towball
15. Check the coupling is secure by looking at the safety indications, they will usually show green if OK.
16. Always use the jockey wheel to raise the car by about an inch to make sure the hitch is properly coupled
17. Stow the jockey wheel
18. Engage the stabiliser system if it’s fitted and connect the electrical plug(s), making sure the cables will not drag on the ground or pull as the car turns
19. Remove chocks and release the caravan handbrake
20. Fit towing mirrors and set-up with the help of an assistant
21. Check the road lights and indicators are working
22. Pull clear of the pitch and check the area for anything left behind.

Check out our video on caravan hitching for more tips.

Uncoupling and setting up

Once you’ve reached your destination you’ll need to unhitch.

Again, you can print this out to take with you on holiday or use the summarised guide at the bottom of the page

1. Release the stabiliser if you have one
2. Position your caravan on the pitch, using a ramp under the low wheel(s) on one side if it needs levelling, ideally pull forward on to ramps so the caravan braking system is fully engaged
3. Apply your caravan handbrake once level
4. Chock the caravan wheels if you are on a slope
5. Lower the jockey wheel and lock it in position
6. Disconnect the electrical plug(s)
7. Disconnect the breakaway cable or secondary coupling from the car
8. Disconnect the caravan hitch and use the jockey wheel to lift the caravan A frame away so its clear of the cars towball
9. Drive your towcar away
10. Replace the cover on your car’s towball
11. Adjust the level of your caravan front and rear with the jockey wheel
12. Lower the corner steadies so in firm contact with the ground.

You’re now ready to climb inside your caravan, but there are some final preparations you may want to make before you can really relax.

Depending on the complexity of your unit, they may include:

• Connecting the mains power cable to the caravan first and on to the hook-up point, checking the residual current device (RCD) is working correctly
• Turning on the fridge
• Collecting fresh water
• Positioning the grey waste water collector
• Adding toilet fluids
• Turning on the gas
• Turning on the water heater when you’re sure it’s full of water

Download and print this summarised safety checklist for caravan and trailer safety