John Sootheran keeps a level head as he explores the most effective ways to get your caravan completely flat on its pitch
CARAVANS STAND on their wheels and jockey wheel, with four wind-down legs to keep them steady. As such, so long as your touring pitch is reasonably flat, or at least not on a steep incline, you will be able to adjust your van to make it completely flat. This will allow the drainage system and the fridge to work properly, and you won’t be climbing into bed, only to discover your feet rather disconcertingly higher than your head!
Levelling a caravan is a basic skill, but many people seem to be confused by the procedure. Here, I’ll explain how you go about it, in a simple step-by-step way.
WHAT IS LEVELLING?
It’s fairly obvious that you want the floor of your caravan (and therefore the bed, settees, tables and shower) to be level, or as close as possible to it.
The handbasin, sink and shower drains, and the waste pipe system, are designed to function properly when the caravan floor is flat. Any significant tilting can prevent proper drainage, and you could end up with water pooling in the shower tray, the basin and the sink.
WARNING!
Steadies are not for levelling
Caravan corner steadies are not designed to take the stresses and strains involved in levelling a caravan. They are meant to be lowered to the ground to prevent an already level tourer from rocking or wobbling as you move around inside.
Although it can be tempting to make fine levelling adjustments by giving the corner-steady screw a couple of extra turns, the twisting forces can cause panel joins to part, sealant to split, composite floor layers to separate, or, worst-case, the floor to crack. Avoid at all costs.
WHAT DO I NEED TO ACHIEVE WHEN LEVELLING MY VAN?
Caravans have to be level in two planes: laterally, from side to side, and longitudinally, along the length of the van. Get this right and everything will function perfectly.
KIT REQUIRED
Spirit level – traditional
or an app-based version
Levelling ramps
Chocks
Blocks
Spirit level
First, you’ll need a spirit level – either a traditional one with a real bubble, or an app-based version that is stored on your digital device.
If you’re levelling the van alone, a digital option can minimise the legwork involved, because they emit a beeping sound which tel
