How to level a caravan

Levelling a caravan is an important job to complete when you arrive on site. An unlevel caravan can be an uncomfortable place to stay.
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Our Levelling block is :
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[@virtualcolditz]

Thank you; really good video. A little tip for the spirit level usage: you can check if the level is true by rotating it end to end and seeing if the bubble goes to the same place as it did when it was the other way round. Doesn't matter if it's level or not, so long as the bubble isn't banging right up against the end of the tube. Say the bubble is right under the left mark on the spirit level. Rotate the level 180 degrees and the bubble should now be under the new left mark (was formerly the right mark). In other words, the bubble should be the same distance from the centre point as it was when the level was the other way round. Once you have checked this, continue with the caravan levelling operation.

[@bethwilliams6976]

Legend! I have owned a motorhome for a short while, but we realised a caravan was best for us. Having never towed or used a caravan I came across your videos. You explained things fantastically, I have written out a check list from your videos. Your Son has the same eye rolling as my Son does 😆 🤣. You have made me feel more comfortable and confident about making sure things are correct. BRING ON THE HOLIDAY! 🥳

[@stephensmith1065]

Been caravanning now for quite a few years and I'm still learning from your videos. Well done sir, keep up the good work.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Stephen, thats very kind of you. Take care Dan

[@petercartledge5088]

Very informative thank you. We now use an inflatable pad for side to side. You drive onto it on the downhill side, make sure it’s positioned correctly then inflate it. We use an electric tyre pump for this. Front to back is as you suggest. I have also found that an app on my phone works well, it bleeps in a certain way when it’s not level and the bleep changes when it’s level. Otherwise our fridge door will tell us quits accurately too. If you open the fridge door and it stays where it is, we’re level!! We also find that an electric drill works on the steadies for us. We use one with a sensor like a clutch. When it reaches the desired torque it disconnects from the drive. That way you don’t over torque the corner steadies. Hope this helps.

[@172wills]

Brilliant video, thank you. Needed to watch this as I'm new to caravaning!

[@iwccinc]

Thank you from a newbie. I though the corner steadies are for levelling. Will organise things before my big trip.

[@jimkennedy8912]

Thankyou, we are also new to the world of caravanning and are eternally grateful for your excellent mentorship.

[@Slash1066]

I'm totally new to this, planning on getting a caravan this year and this was a great tutorial on levelling up, thank you!

[@stehume]

Very helpful video, just the problem of lining up for the alko wheel lock watched many of your videos now and your son just reminds me of our grandson who's around the same age, its like yeah whatever, just get on with it lol. hope you're well

[@dentydent6423]

Thanks for that Dan,first trip in our caravan tomorrow and I’ll be a lot more confident now

[@MrStarb777]

Very helpful, especially the bit about the steadies - have seen so many people 'jacking up' their van with the steadies (they are called steadies for a reason) and distorting the frame. Here's a helpful tip too, your 'cuppa' comment prompted me. If you don't have, or have forgotten your spirit level, get a glass of water and if you have a glass that has some decorated rings around it, that's even better and use the water level to just below the brim or the decorated 'rings' as your level. When the water is level in the glass, so is the 'van, noting that whatever cabinet you place it on, as per comments in the video, must also be level in the van. Cheers

[@dsslimone]

Just going to pick up our new caravan, never vanned before. This was to the point and helpful. Thanks.

[@lorrainefox296]

Brilliant and informative, as always a pleasure to watch Mr T. he makes tasks look simple and explains his reasons for doing what he does !!!

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Lorraine. Take care Dan

[@janread2181]

Thanks you so much for a really simple but thorough explanation of what to do. New to caravanning and stayed on my first 'gentle slope' site last weekend and should have watched this beforehand!

[@tomsmith6741]

Thinking about moving from tenting to 'tin-tenting' and I'm finding your channel very helpful and informative! Cheers mate keep up the good work

[@Bunce1949]

Excellent video as always Dan. I had one of those 3 step plastic levelling units from a well known manufacturer, but couldn't get on with it. The van always seemed to move down a notch even after pulling it up the ramp and applying the handbrake. As you suggested I bought a piece of decking for £5, cut it in to three different lengths, screwing it together, and adding an end stop, so the wheel doesn't drop off the top. It works great, never had any problem, because each section is level once the wheel is on to it, and therefore won't go anywhere. Simple, cheap, robust and easy to use. I still need the tea at the end of the excercise though!

[@philipjackson5012]

Excellent - After 35 years I find I have been levelling our caravan incorrectly, I have previously always reversed onto the ramp! The tip about the motor mover being close to the ramp is also a very useful tip. - Many Thanks

[@ronaldyardley8965]

Am I missing something here?.. also after 35 years iv always reversed the caravan up the levelling ramp with hand brake holding it firmly in place with choks just to be extra safe..

[@phoebelala]

Hi, I’ve been caravanning a few years and wanted to say that your videos are most helpful. I’ve watched most, if not all of them and find them all very informative and well delivered. Well done to you folks.

[@willandboy]

Blimey, thanks Dan. You’ve made a video covering one of the basics without talking down to us. On our first trip of the year in a couple of days, so looking forward to levelling properly (not how I spent all last year doing it!).

[@dbeatson1970]

We have just started caravaning this year and i don't think without your advice and videos it would have been as easy. thanks for all the information and tips.

[@TheBrookmeister]

Thanks for going to trouble of sharing your knowledge, your videos have given us newbies a real helping hand in getting things right instead of making loads of mistakes

[@quinnage6322]

About to pick up our new caravan and your videos are simply awesome! Thank you

[@sarahtaylor8512]

Just getting into touring and your videos are the best, thank you so much.

[@amandamcgeehan5714]

Thank you for your knowledge; before watching your videos, I had little to no clue! (New to caravanning April this year!) I am now competent when we rock up to any site with EHU, and get busy setting up ready to have a lovely break away. Just the motor mover to have installed, and life becomes very much easier 😊.

[@Holmseyd]

I have been caravanning for over 40yrs and have always done side to side with the legs. I have now just bought a levelling ramp after watching your video. Also checked the floor on my caravan, thankfully no damage. I didn't realise the front legs don't fit onto the chassis. Thanks for the tip.

[@angelaallen871]

Thank you, we are new to caravanning, and will be picking our caravan up next weekend, I’m confident with the notes I have taken that we will be successful.😊

[@jimmoore6116]

Hi Dan, Started late at this game, in my late 50s but have found you and your family plus Andrew Dittons Video's absolutely marvellous and inspiring on how to cope and set up plus places to go. Booked into my first show at NEC in October and really looking forward to it. Then off to do some winter caravaning which Mr Ditton has got me hooked on and this year will be doing something simple and on hook up but hope to advance next year and go to that wonderful Outer Herbradies that Andrew has been showing off. Anyway thanks again for all your hard work and I can assure you its really great stuff and has been helping me out big style. Take care and all the very best and I'm sure I speak for lots of fan's when I say please keep up your great work, we all look forwards to it so very much.

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Jim, Thats fantastic to hear, and good luck on your winter adventures. I love camping in the winter time, its a great time to be out & about. take care Dan

[@davedrury5092]

Thanks ,Were in process of buying our first caravan and I have no idea !! So KZbin is your friend.Learning so much from your videos. thank you

[@glendobbs5732]

Well done, a great video, I am happy with levelling now👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@The1953Chris]

Thanks Dan really helpful. We have just started and all the beginners stuff is very helpful. We have made a few silly mistakes but I suppose it is the best way to learn. Last week we set everything up but had no gas or electric to the cooker. All the other appliances were working well. I scratched my head for quite a while then for some reason pushed the glass panel on the cooker very slightly and that was all that was needed the gas and electricity came on.

[@markfegan7858]

Thank you we are new to Caravanning and all your videos are spot on!!

[@kerryburlison7590]

Great video's/tutorials. Also new to touring so thanks for all the great tips and advice, feel well prepared for our maiden voyage!

[@grahamclews1571]

These videos are invaluable for beginners. Thanks guys!

[@philg6613]

Brilliantly explained, thanks Dan. Dead right about the power drill. I did buy that attachment but today quickly realised it is only good for doing the majority of the work but then using the handle for the last few inches/centimetres otherwise there's a danger of going too far and as you say, damaging the floor. Much easier to judge by hand. I also find the various cabinets vary and give different spirit level readings. But important to have the 'van level for the fridge to work efficiently and the gas to flow to the appliances. Quite apart from falling out of bed in the night if too much tilt!

[@rebeccajaneacquah]

Hi, I have to say that this video has really helped me. My family and I have been caravanning for nearly 5yrs now and from watching this video I have found out that we have been levelling our caravan wrong. Thanks for the very helpful info once again. The Acquah family x

[@TheTrudgians]

Glad to be of help Rebecca. Take care Dan

[@tonydeane7285]

As a novice caravanner these tips and tricks are very helpful, thanks.

[@TheTrudgians]

Really glad they are helping you Tony. Take care Dan

[@klausmcclean3369]

Thanks for this. We are picking up our first caravan next weekend and we are using your videos as a fast way of learning all of the basics. Really appreciate your help !

[@TheTrudgians]

excellent, really glad to hear they are helping you. Take care Dan

[@brianmeiklejohn5427]

Hi guys .it's 2019 and I hv my very first Caravan in NZ (New Zealand ) I hv looked nd looked to try and find a video on helpful hints for first time caravanning. May I commend you on your "basic , to the point " videos and explanations. Thankyou , from the other side of the World . So very helpful .Cheers Brian

[@ianhopper6939]

Excellent instructions and so easy wish I had seen this years ago it would have saved me so many sore backs, cheers

[@bernym4047]

Re pulling the caravan onto a ramp. We don't have a motor mover and using your car can over stress the clutch so I use a small hand winch attached to the car towbar and the caravan jockey wheel. It allows me to pull the van up the ramp very precisely. Thanks for your videos. Very helpful.

[@alanbelcher3310]

Hi, over here in New Zealand. Have been watching your very informative videos. This one about leveling is great. I have just purchased an unsold 2021 Sprite Alpine 2.

[@lindahawkins6797]

Thank you for this video. We are also new to caravaning and this has totally helped us, especially hubby and I have been trying to use the corner steadies to level the caravan.

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Linda, Really glad this video has helped you guys. Take care Dan

[@alangreaves7762]

Thank you for making this video ,as a new caravaner I found it very helpful.

[@woolychewbakker5277]

Thanks for a very clear explanation of what at first appears to be an almost impossible task.

[@robocopleith]

Another great video. Just a my thoughts on the jockey wheel handle for those with small kids. My son played with the jockey wheel handle and round the jockey wheel up, while the steadies were down and bent the steady arms. As the the whole front weight of the caravan was on the steadies. I now tie the handle with some rope to the jockey clamp handle, so it can't be moved. Saves fixing or replacing the steadies or pushing them thru the floor.

[@adamkettley863]

Brilliant video again helped me so much as a caravanning newbie!!

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Adam, Im glad this has helped. Im adding a few more videos on basic topics this year, so stay tuned. Take care Dan

[@stevetracey557]

as a newby this was a brilliant tutorial many thanks I will keep my eye out for more nuggets of wisdom

[@T101cyberdynesystems]

Good advice as always! It's nice to actually see it put into practice rather than purely read about the method, thanks for sharing

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, I'm glad its helps. Take care Dan

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Always loved your videos. Cheers 👍 Here comes the summer 😀

[@clanmac66]

Thank you, very informative. We are just about to buy our 1st caravan and I always thought the legs were how you levelled the caravan.

[@Cleggaz]

Thank you very much Mr Trudgian. Helped me out a right treat.

[@stevethomas4707]

Hi , we are fairly new to caravaning been doing it about 6 months and your videos are really helpful to us many thanks

[@TheTrudgians]

Really glad to hear this Steve, thank you for commenting and really glad our videos have helped you along. Take care Dan

[@jasevtr1000]

Thanks that was a really great informative video! Thanks for putting it out there for us newbies!

[@claireallsop5200]

Thanks for clearly explaining to us newbies, your help is gratefully appreciated! What we would we do without the internet.

[@markchurchill6579]

Great video mate. We are total newbies and find your videos really helpful. Keep up the good work

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Mark, Glad they have been of help to you. Take care Dan

[@lorellekirk9386]

Thank You, simple,straight forward information, easy to understand, I think I will be able to level my old Caravan too 👍👏

[@mandymitchell7257]

Thanks, as newbies to caravanning this was very useful information simply presented.

[@seanhampson5400]

Very helpful thank you as I’m very excited I’ve just bought my first caravan. Really enjoying your videos - very informative

[@hubbamarsh70]

I’m just starting out and your videos are brilliant thank you for the advice

[@nathanwebb2886]

thanks I am brand new to caravaning and your videos really help

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Nathan, thats very kind, and I'm glad our content has been useful ! Take care Dan

[@helenahughes5340]

Nathan Webb thank you Ken and I helena find it very helpfull

[@danielhomolka9459]

Good video, thanks. Regarding the mover being in the way: why not put the ramp on the other side of the wheel and drive the caravan up backwards?

[@denismckeown5985]

Good job. Great tips and easy to follow.

[@stevechurchman1824]

Very comprehensive as usual. Sometimes we have a problem getting the front low enough and have to resort to moving the jockey wheel in its holder. Even then we have been on pitches that I have given up on.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Steve, yep we have also given up on a site too. The van was level, but the space between the step & van was just too far. So we packed up and moved to another pitch. Take care Dan

[@stevechurchman1824]

The Trudgians We stopped at a small campsite in France. Couldn't level it on one pitch. Tried a second pitch and spent ages trying to get it level. Finally did, plugged in the electric to find no earth. At this point we left the site.

[@TheTrudgians]

blimey. that sounds like a sitcom in the making there Steve... Hope the 2nd site was better Speak soon Dan

[@MrStarb777]

Had this once too, ended up putting the 'van up on ramps to get enough height. Problem with that is the awning was a bit high at the back-end!

[@russellmansfied6812]

Very informative. Well explained and easy to take in. Simple clear information, thank you

[@gartho42]

Great idea with the cup of tea cheers 👍🏻

[@4thecorerecordings]

Thank you for this, New to caravanning and your videos are excellent.

[@TheTrudgians]

Excellent, thank you - i hope your new caravan is providing you some fund and adventures!

[@susansmiles2242]

You were such a help when we started caravanning we new nothing.

[@richardeasy5832]

Excellent advice Dan. Have seen caravans perched soley on steadies on one side too many times and cringed at what that is doing to the chassis. TBH I've always reversed onto the ramp but always used the mover, but what you are suggesting is good practice particularly for beginners. Another great video.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Rich, I know exactly what you mean about the cringe factor. makes me shudder... Take care Dan

[@shooter100300a]

Brilliant video, thank you for your advice, I'll be putting it into practice this weekend.. 👍

[@benweldon72]

Thanks for this - knew it was wrong to put the corners down first.... husband will now have to listen!

[@TheTrudgians]

haha, Glad to be of service. Take care, Dan

[@MrStarb777]

I heard of a chap who did this (put the steadies down first) and then used his motor-mover and ended up pushing a steady up into the van floor - nasty!

[@joaquimsesifredo6863]

@@MrStarb777 j

[@seanrota3359]

Excellent video, basic and to the point....from New Zealand

[@alanthomas6076]

As all before have posted this is excellent advice thank you from a beginner

[@henkvanmourik4387]

Hi Dan,, Thank you for your advice it was very helpful.

[@rogjones2522]

New to caravaning your videos are really helpful

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you. Glad they are helping. Take care Dan

[@lynnsergant]

That made perfect sense even to a novice like me. Thank you

[@chuzzwade288]

Very informative, thank you. We have just purchased our first caravan, I have made notes and found this video very useful :o)

[@agurain9]

Thanks from Spain¡

[@gnarlyboot477]

Hi Dan, glad to see you posting videos regularly again. We’ve always enjoyed your content. Revisited this video as we’ve just purchased our first Alko wheel lock. We’ve been using a Nemisis Ultra up till now, but insurance company is stipulating an Alko….. So now to my question, are you still using the lock and level system, any advice after owning one, do you still think they are a good system? Ever thought of doing an update on some of your earlier content?

[@petegreenfield8366]

Cheers Dan. Really useful guide.

[@trevorevans7101]

Excellent demonstration. Thanks

[@sjd.photography1328]

Pretty good advice, I would have thought you would show how you did all the corner steadies, as you know as soon as you start lifting one corner IE front it throw out the level of the caravan both front and back as well as side to side, and that means your van is not level as you tighten down the corner steadies, you will still need to make adjustment to each corner steady.

[@lensmanonline]

Great Tips Dan, I have found that after time our van settles a bit and we need to rechecked levels and re adjust. Regards Jon

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Jon, I do find this is also the case especially after walking through the van a few times. Thanks for popping by. Dan

[@tofty21]

Some great tips. Thank you.

[@jjpraises4Him2]

Hi Dan, good advice, what I do is to recheck after a day or two, mite find the water in shower or sink not drain all, cheers Cobus.

[@MrSbpool]

Thank you. Very reassuring video. I think I will be OK on my first trip next week ☺️

[@waynecooper2772]

Very good information and easy to understand

[@AJ-sc3tt]

Great video - I am new and found this very useful. Cheers

[@andyscott9754]

A very usefuseful tutorial i never realised the front steadies were not connected to the chassis

[@RailAdventUK]

Another super video. Thanks, Michael

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Michael.

[@JayDubster]

Thanks for this video Dan, excellent, easy to follow and understand guide, saved to brain-ache for future :) Very new to this stuff & worried about winding the steadys too far down, think I geddit now :)

[@canvasideas]

Thank you for the useful information 🙌 Russ

[@theitchywitch]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@thecraftywitch510]

Great information and great presentation 👍 ty!

[@inverblue1988]

Great video for a touring first timer like me. Really like your ramps, could you tell me what make they are please?

[@johnredmond4630]

Brilliant!…thank you 👍🏻

[@TheTrudgians]

youre welcome

[@sharynkaye257]

Thankyou so much loved the levelling of a caravan woohooooo

[@kos492]

Very informative video, cheers from australia

[@alexharley5521]

Thanks very much, has helped this novice a great deal.

[@michellewood9646]

Thank you an awesome video just what I needed in simple terms for a newby

[@andrieskroese8532]

Perfect advice, thanks