21 Pitch your van properly

Basins, sinks and showers might not drain properly in a badly levelled caravan, so start by checking how flat the van is side-to-side, using a spirit level or a leveller app on your phone. Put the spirit level on a flat surface (worktop, table or the floor) to see which side you need to raise for a level stance.

We like the free Bubble Level HD app, as you hear a ‘ping’ when the van is sitting flat – this also means you can level on your own with the front window open.

If your pitch slopes significantly, place chocks behind the caravan wheels before unhitching. Towsure (towsure.com) plastic wheel chocks cost just £4.95 a pair.

If one side is too low, position a levelling ramp in front of that wheel and pull the van forward very slowly (or use the motor mover) – don’t reverse up the ramp, as this disengages the brake mechanism.

As the wheel rises on the ramp, check the spirit level and when it’s dead level, apply the handbrake, and chock it if possible.

Milenco (milenco.com) makes excellent levelling wedges which come with their own chocks, so the van can’t roll back. The MGI Wedge set costs £19.95 at Towsure.

Unhitch the tow car and move it away, before levelling front-to-back.

Now, place your spirit level running front to back on a flat interior surface, noting whether the front needs to be lowered or raised. Head outside and wind the jockey wheel handle in the appropriate direction to adjust the front end of the caravan.

Check the spirit level regularly and once a flat stance is achieved, lower the corner steadies (remembering that they are not designed to take the weight of the caravan, but only to support it in position). Finally, fit your hitch and wheel locks.