Arrival Checklist: Setting Up Your Mars Caravan Safely

Arriving at a campsite with your Mars caravan is exciting, but it’s important to set up safely and in the right order. This arrival checklist walks you through each step so you can get level, stable and connected without stress.

Use this as your go-to guide every time you arrive at a new site.

1. Before You Pull Into the Site

• Drive slowly through the park or campsite and look for low branches, tight turns and soft ground.
• Check the site number and make sure it matches your booking.
• Have a spotter (if available) to help guide you into the site.

Tip: If possible, position the van so the fridge side is not directly in the hottest afternoon sun.

2. Positioning the Van on the Site

• Align the caravan so:
  • You have enough room to fully extend the awning (if using it).
  • The door and step have clear access.
  • You can easily reach power, waterwaste connection points if provided.
• Once in position, hold the vehicle on the brake and apply the park brake.

3. Secure the Caravan Before Unhitching

1. With the tow vehicle still connected, apply the caravan handbrake.
2. Place wheel chocks firmly against the caravan wheels (front and/or rear as appropriate).
3. Double-check the ground is firm. Avoid unhitching on steep slopes or very soft ground where possible.

Never rely on the jockey wheel alone to secure the van. Chocks and the handbrake are essential.

4. Unhitching From the Tow Vehicle

• Switch off the tow vehicle.
• Disconnect:
  • Electric plug (trailer plug)
  • Anderson plug (if fitted)
  • Safety breakaway cable (if fitted)
• Release the coupling latch following the instructions for your specific hitch.
• Wind the jockey wheel down until it takes the weight of the drawbar and the hitch separates from the tow ball.
• Carefully move the tow vehicle forward once clear.

Keep feet and hands clear of pinch points at all times while unhitching.

5. Levelling the Caravan (Side-to-Side and Front-to-Back)

5.1 Side-to-Side Levelling

• Before you fully unhitch, check if the van is leaning left or right.
• If needed, use:
  • Levelling ramps under one side’s wheels, or
  • Timber blocks designed for caravan use.
• Roll the van gently onto the ramp/blocks until the van looks level or a spirit level confirms it.

5.2 Front-to-Back Levelling

• Once unhitching is complete, adjust the jockey wheel to bring the van level front-to-back.
• Use a small spirit level inside on a bench or floor, or a built-in level if fitted.

Note: Always complete levelling and chocking before fully lowering stabiliser legs.

6. Lowering the Stabiliser Legs (Not for Levelling)

Stabiliser legs are designed to steady the caravan, not to lift or level it.

• Once the van is level and chocked, wind down each stabiliser leg until it makes firm contact with the ground.
• If the ground is soft or uneven, use sturdy pads or blocks under each foot.
• Do not over-wind to lift the caravan; just take out the bounce and wobble.

7. Connecting Power, Water and Waste

7.1 240V Power Connection

• Ensure the caravan’s main switches and RCDs are in the correct position as per your manual.
• Plug the caravan’s 240V lead into the site power outlet first.
• Then plug the other end into the caravan inlet and switch the outlet on.
• Check inside that:
  • Power points are working (test with a small appliance).
  • The battery charger is operating if fitted.

7.2 Water Connection

• If using mains water, connect your hose to the dedicated mains inlet and turn on gradually.
• If using tanks and pump, check the pump is on and run taps briefly to remove air.
• Inspect under the van and inside cupboards for any signs of leaks as water flows.

7.3 Waste / Grey Water

• Connect your grey water hose to the van outlet if using a park waste point.
• Ensure the hose runs downhill and is not kinked.
• If using a portable grey tank, set it up as per the manufacturer instructions.

8. Extending the Awning (If Fitted)

Always follow the specific awning manufacturer instructions for your model. General tips:

• Check there is plenty of clearance in front of the van.
• Release all locking levers and unwind or extend the awning slowly.
• Set the awning arms and legs either attached to the van or freestanding as designed.
• Adjust the fall/angle so water runs off one end in rain.
• In windy conditions, strongly consider not using the awning or use proper tie-downs and anchors.

9. Inside Setup Checks

• Open windows and roof hatches as needed for ventilation (weather permitting).
• Turn on the 12V system if not already on (master switch).
• Test:
  • Lights
  • Water pump
  • Fridge (set to the desired mode and temperature)
• Make sure heavy items are low and secure so nothing shifts if the van is bumped.

10. Final Safety Walk-Around

Before you relax, do one last slow walk around:

• Check all wheel chocks and stabiliser legs are in place and secure.
• Confirm gas bottles are OFF at the cylinder if you are not currently using gas.
• Look for any fluid leaks under the van.
• Check that steps are out and safe to use.

Summary

Setting up your Mars caravan safely at camp comes down to a simple sequence: position, secure, level, stabilise, connect services and double-check everything.

By following this arrival checklist each time you set up, you’ll reduce stress, avoid common mistakes and start every stay on the right foot.