Hitching A Caravan

Stow the Step, Corner Steadies & Awning

You might be wondering what kind of person would drive off with their steps or awning deployed but you’d be amazed at what people forget to check when they’re in a rush. Take a moment to ensure that your caravan steps, levelling legs and awning are all safely stowed and secured before you leave camp – if not, you and your wallet will soon be made aware of the oversight.

Secure All Loose Items

Most caravan owners make sure to secure their crockery and glassware before they hit the road but trust us, there are a dozen different things that can come loose after a few hours of travel.

As well as double-checking that your drawers and cupboards are latched, you should also raise all of your window blinds, stow your TV and microwave tray, and put away any loose items such as cooking utensils and toiletries that would normally live on bench or countertops when you’re in camp.

Hitching Your Caravan

When it’s time to hitch up, back your vehicle up to the drawbar and park it safely, making sure the handbrake is on. Use the jockey wheel to adjust your caravan’s height and ask another adult to act as a spotter while you back up your vehicle and position the tow ball underneath the caravan coupling.

Do a walk around the caravan to ensure that there are no children or animals playing near or hiding under it, before lowering your caravan onto the tow bar with the jockey wheel. Engage any hitch locking pins and make sure the safety chains are securely fastened to the vehicle with rated D-shackles.

Connect the 12-pin plug, Anderson plug and any other electronics before disengaging and securely stowing the jockey wheel. Ensure that none of the chains or cables are dragging on the ground and double-check that your brake lights and indicators are working.