Reversing - This is often difficult in the beginning however it soon becomes second nature. In the first place make an effort to site the caravan for you to drive in, unhitch and then drive away without manoeuvring. If you really can't do this for whatever reason, apply the handbrake on the van, unhitch, borrow some hefty friends and manhandle it. Practice reversing in an open area if you can, or maybe at the weekend on an empty industrial estate, until you become competent. Of course having a reversing aid will make the whole procedure easier. See the
reversing caravan system for an easy suction mounted camera to give you better visibility. Another aid you can purchase is a caravan mover. Go to our
caravan movers page to find a variety of caravan movers of different prices and capabilities, which will make the job of manoeuvring of your caravan just like child’s play!
Manhandling - Don't attempt to manhandle the van by yourself. Even on the flattest of sites this is a two man job. The van is heavy and can roll down hill very quickly. Try to get a person in charge of the brake. This individual doesn't push or pull the van at all, their only responsibility will be the hand brake on the van. When moving the van, if someone shouts brake or stop, then the brake man pulls the brake on and everything stops. See the AlKo Manoeuvring Handle our ref 149795 for a manoeuvring aid.
NEVER push or pull your caravan anywhere apart from by the handles or the corners of your van. If you push in the centre of your van it could flex and you'll end up with broken windows or dented panels.
You shouldn't be too adventurous on your first trip-go somewhere near to home the first time out, so that you can go home for that essential luxury you've forgotten. Staying near to home will also give you more time for that all important unhitching and setting up.
Don't be frightened of your caravan - Take your time and try it. Even experienced caravanners can take several tries to reverse their caravan onto the pitch, so if you can have a practice elsewhere perhaps, try it, it's easier than pushing. If people laugh, then laugh with them, it's all part of the fun and the learning process. If you can't manage it, then get out and push. Fellow caravanners are usually keen to help as an alternative to watch you struggle.
Relax - As with everything, check it out and make up your own mind. If you have made a mess of setting up the awning the first time (there are so many poles!), then remove it and try again, and relax knowing that many have done so before and will do so after you. Just do everything at your own pace and let others be worried about what you're doing.
Once Sited - After you have your caravan in the place you want it to be and you're happy that it is level side to side, apply the hand brake and unhitch from your car (remember to take off the breakaway cable from your car and also to unplug the lights etc) then adjust the jockey wheel to find the van level fore and aft. Then drop the jacks down until they touch the floor and the van doesn't rock when you walk inside it. Once sited you ought to leave the hand brake off (you may need to chock the wheels) this can stop the handbrake from seizing up. Any replacement breakaway cables, jockey wheels or towing lights can be found in the caravan accessories section.
