Everyday Use Tips: Levelling Your Mars Caravan and Daily Safety Checks

Once your Mars caravan is set up at camp, a few simple habits will keep it comfortable, stable and safe for everyday use. This article covers basic levelling, stabiliser leg use and daily safety checks you can do in just a few minutes.

1. Why Levelling Matters

A properly level caravan is more than just a comfort issue:

• Comfort: Beds feel more natural, doors don’t swing, and walking inside is easier.
• Appliances: Some fridges and appliances perform better when the van is relatively level.
• Drainage: Sinks and showers drain as intended.

Perfect workshop-level precision isn’t required for camping, but “comfortably level” is a good goal.

2. Basic Levelling – Side-to-Side

Side-to-side levelling should be done before the van is fully unhitched.

1. Find a roughly flat spot on your site.
2. Place a small spirit level on a bench or floor inside (across the width of the van), or use a level mounted on the drawbar.
3. If one side is low, position levelling ramps or blocks in front of or behind the wheels on that side.
4. Gently roll the van onto the ramp/blocks until the bubble or indicator shows near-level.
5. Apply the handbrake and place wheel chocks on the appropriate side(s).

Tip: Mark on your ramps which way to drive up and store them where they’re easy to grab when you arrive at camp.

3. Basic Levelling – Front-to-Back

Once side-to-side levelling is done and the van is secured:

• Use the jockey wheel to adjust front height.
• Place a spirit level inside lengthways (front to back) or use a level on the drawbar.
• Wind the jockey wheel up or down until the van is at a comfortable level front-to-back.

You don’t need to obsess over millimetres; aim for a position that feels comfortable when walking and lying down.

4. Using Stabiliser Legs Correctly

Stabiliser legs are there to steady the van, not to lift it.

• After levelling and chocking, wind down each stabiliser leg until it firmly contacts the ground.
• If the ground is soft or uneven, place sturdy pads or blocks under each foot.
• Stop winding once the movement is taken out of the van; do not use the legs to jack or lift the caravan.

Important: Lifting the caravan with stabiliser legs can cause damage to the chassis, flooring, or the legs themselves.

5. Daily Outside Safety Checks

Each day while you’re using the van, a quick walk-around helps catch small issues early.

5.1 Check Chocks and Stabilisers

• Confirm wheel chocks are still in the correct position and haven’t shifted.
• Make sure stabiliser legs are still firmly on the ground and not sinking excessively in soft soil.
• If needed, adjust pads or blocks and re-level slightly.

5.2 Look for Leaks or Damage

• Walk around the van and look underneath for:
  • Water drips or puddles (fresh or grey water)
  • Any signs of oil or unusual fluid
• Check hoses for kinks, leaks or strain at connection points.

5.3 Awning and Steps

• Make sure steps are stable and clear of obstacles.
• If the awning is out, ensure:
  • Arms and legs are secure.
  • Tie-downs are tight if it’s windy.
  • Water runs off and isn’t pooling on the fabric.

6. Daily Inside Safety Checks

6.1 Power and Battery

• Glance at your battery monitor in the morning and evening.
• If you’re on solar or off-grid, confirm the battery is recovering during the day.

6.2 Gas and Appliances

• Check that gas appliances are functioning normally: steady flames, no unusual smells.
• When not cooking or using gas, consider turning gas bottles OFF at the cylinder for extra safety.

6.3 Doors, Latches and Storage

• Confirm cupboards and drawers stay latched during normal use. If something keeps opening, adjust the latch or avoid heavy items there.
• Keep walkways clear of trip hazards, especially near the door and steps.

7. Simple “Pre-Drive” Check Even on Short Moves

Even if you’re just moving to another site or topping up water, develop a quick mini-routine:

• Inside:
  • Secure loose items.
  • Close windows and roof hatches.
• Outside:
  • Raise stabiliser legs fully.
  • Remove chocks.
  • Retract step and awning.
• Hitch correctly with safety chains and plugs connected before moving.

Even a short, slow move around a park can cause damage if the van is not properly prepared.

8. Common Everyday Mistakes to Avoid

• Using stabiliser legs as jacks to lift the van.
• Leaving the step out while driving away from the site.
• Travelling with the awning partly extended or not locked.
• Forgetting to turn off gas bottles before towing.
• Running the fridge hard on 12V from the caravan battery alone without enough charging.

Summary

Everyday use of your Mars caravan becomes second nature when you follow a few consistent habits: level first, stabilise properly, do quick daily checks and avoid rushing when moving the van.

By looking after the basics of levelling, stabilisers and simple safety checks, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable, stable and safe experience on every trip.