How to Stabilise Your Caravan for a Safe and Comfortable Stay
When setting up your caravan at a campsite, ensuring it’s level and stable is crucial for both comfort and safety. A properly stabilised caravan prevents unnecessary movement and ensures that doors, windows, and appliances function correctly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to stabilise your caravan effectively, using simple tools and techniques.
Why Caravan Stability Matters
A wobbly or uneven caravan can cause discomfort when walking inside and even damage internal components over time. Whether you’re setting up at a sloped site or on level ground, knowing how to stabilise your caravan correctly will enhance your camping experience.
Step 1: Level Your Caravan from Front to Back
Before stabilising your caravan, the first step is to ensure it’s level. Start by using a spirit level, which you should always keep handy in your tow vehicle.
- Check the ground slope – Some sites, like the one at Normanville Jetty Holiday Park, may have an incline. Identify if your caravan is leaning forward or backward.
- Adjust the jockey wheel – Place the spirit level on the A-frame and wind the jockey wheel up or down until the caravan is level.
- Check the side levels – For better accuracy, place a second spirit level inside the caravan, such as under a window, to confirm the front-to-back balance.
Step 2: Level Your Caravan from Side to Side
If your caravan is tilting from left to right (east to west), you’ll need to lift one side using level ramps.
- Position the level ramp – Place the ramp next to the wheel that needs lifting.
- Drive onto the ramp – Slowly reverse or drive forward onto the ramp, stopping when your caravan reaches a level position.
- Secure the wheels – Use wheel chocks to ensure the caravan remains in place.
Using how to stabilise your caravan techniques like these prevents strain on the stabilising legs, which are not designed for lifting.
Step 3: Deploy the Stabilising Legs
With your caravan now level, it’s time to drop the stabilising legs.
- Locate your stabilising leg winder – This tool is usually stored in your front boot.
- Lower the legs – Gently extend the stabilising legs, ensuring they make firm contact with the ground. Remember, these legs are for stabilising, not lifting.
- Use wooden blocks if needed – If the ground is uneven, placing wooden blocks under the legs can provide additional support.
Tip: Some stabilising legs can be set at an angle for better stability, especially on sloped terrain.
Step 4: Final Checks and Adjustments
Once all stabilising legs are deployed:
- Check for movement – Walk inside the caravan to ensure there’s no significant wobbling.
- Reconfirm levelness – Use your spirit level one last time to verify the setup.
- Secure the handbrake and chocks – Always engage the handbrake and place wheel chocks for added security.
By following these steps on how to stabilise your caravan, you’ll create a safer and more enjoyable camping experience.
Additional Tips for Caravan Stability
- Carry spare wooden blocks in your caravan to help with uneven terrain.
- Regularly check your stabilising legs for wear and tear.
- Use heavy-duty wheel chocks for added security.
Wherever your adventures take you, knowing how to stabilise your caravan will ensure a smooth and worry-free trip. Have any extra tips? Share them in the comments below and stay Adventure Ready!