Handover Process

Setting Up the Caravan

For the fridge to operate correctly and wastewater to drain, the caravan must be level
Place the spirit level on the floor just inside the door. The spirit level is usually kept in the cutlery drawer
Ignore the front-to-back level for now and check the side-to-side level while the caravan is still hitched to your car. If the bubble crosses either black line, you’ll need to use levelling ramps
Place the ramps in front of the wheels on the low side. Drive forward until the bubble is centred
Place chocks behind the wheels on both sides
Put the car in neutral so the caravan can roll back against the chocks, removing pressure on the tow ball. Once done, put the car back into park and apply the handbrake
Pull the caravan handbrake up firmly

Unplug the caravan’s electrical lead from the car and detach the breakaway clip from the car
Undo the red clamp for the jockey wheel. Ensure a rib on the jockey wheel’s pole is positioned securely in the clamp to prevent slipping. Tighten the clamp
Remove the R-clip and lift the hitch handle to the open position. Replace the R-clip so it doesn’t get lost
Wind the jockey wheel down until it touches the ground and then lifts the caravan off the tow ball
Unhook both safety chains from the car. Move the car and then fit the hitch lock to the caravan’s hitch
Use the jockey wheel to adjust the caravan’s front-to-back level, so the bubble is centred
Lower the corner steady legs to stabilise the caravan. These legs are not for re-levelling

Attach the water hose to the tap and caravan, then the power lead to the supply pole and caravan
Run some water through the tap on the draw-bar (if fitted) to bleed out any air from the hose
Connect the wastewater hose, ensuring it isn’t coiled or running uphill as this stops the water flowing
Turn the gas bottle on

For pop-tops, open the awning just enough so the door doesn’t strike the awning roll.
Release the roof latches on each corner and, with the door open for airflow, lift the roof using the lifting arms. Use the toggle clips to hold in place.
For Expanda caravans, release the toggles on the front and rear beds, lift the bed lids, and swing down the bases. Inside, insert the support bars.

Turn on the power inside the caravan (not needed for Expandas)
Turn on the instant hot water system if fitted
Check that the fridge is running
If free camping, switch the hot water to gas and turn on the water pump. Turn the pump and hot water off at night to reduce noise

Close all windows, open all blinds and fly screens, and ensure cupboards and drawers are latched. Secure the shower door with its travel latch (if it has one)
Turn off the caravan’s internal power (not applicable for some older caravans)
Retract the awning
For Expanda caravans, fold mattresses in half and remove the support bar. From the outside, fold the bed base up, ensuring the canvas edges are tucked in, and fold the Expanda lid down. Secure the toggles
For pop-tops, lower the roof carefully, checking that fabric folds inward. Secure for 4 external roof latches
Secure the awning clamps, attach the velcro strap (if provided) and make sure the black knobs are finger tight

Turn the gas bottle off
Disconnect, rinse, and roll away the wastewater hose
Turn off the water tap, release pressure via the tap on the drawbar and disconnect the hose
Roll it into its bag
Remove and roll up the power lead

Wind up and fold away the corner steady legs
Reverse the car until the towball is beneath the caravan hitch. Open the hitch handle, lower the caravan onto the towball, and lock the hitch handle. Replace the R-clip
Attach the safety chains, crossing them, and connect the breakaway clip and electrical plug
Release the caravan handbrake
Remove the jockey wheel, placing it in the storage locker, and reattach the clamp to avoid losing it

Test the caravan’s lights: indicators, brake lights, and running lights
If using ElecBrakes – turn head lights on and use ElecBrakes app to check connection (blue tick)
Remove the chocks and ramps, and store them
Attach towing mirrors
Make sure the roof hatches and windows are fully closed
Check all access doors and the main door are locked