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ok, i will start you off and im sure others will add to the thread in time.

before you leave a site or home, and after taking any awning down if used.

1. Gas cylinder turned off

2. toilet emptied

3. water drained off, (including hot water tank in some models of caravan) and pump removed and stowed, usually in the kitchen sink to contain any drips.

4.Ehu unplugged (always from the mains first) and cable put away

5. hitch lock and wheel clamp removed

6.corner steadies wound up

7.motor mover engaged if fitted

8.hitch caravan upto car (meathod may vary slightly depending on hitch type)

9.release handbrake on caravan

10.disengage motor mover if fitted

11. walk around caravan, and make sure all windows are securely closed, including any roof lights, and all outer doors are locked. pull forward a couple of mtrs and check the pitch to make sure nothing has been left behind. 

12. make sure the jockey wheel is firmly secured and tightened in the up position.

13. adjust mirrors accordingly or fit towing mirrors if required, 9 some narrow bodied caravans such as the Lunar Arriva may not require extra towing mirrors when towed by a wide mirrored tow car where good vision is possible down both sides of the caravan.

14. just remembered, make sure the fridge door catch is in the 'locked' position to avoid any spillages.

15. check all lights and indicators on the caravan are connected properly to the tow car and are clean and working

Julia

just to add to the above double check windows and roof vents are closed before you move

mike

Don't forget to attach the breakaway cable before you set off.  And you need to check your tyres & pressures on a regular basis.

There is a lot to take in but so far (on our 3rd season) there have been very few things we haven't found out either by reading or asking questions on here.

Main thing to do is enjoy it!

All of the above plus.........

Check that the Torque on the wheel nuts is correct

Check the nose weight and move stuff around inside until it is at the right level...well a bit below really as stuff can move around as you travel.

Check tyre pressure and add air if required. (Always carry a decent pump)

Put wrench back in front locker...OK who forgot?

Blinds up when travelling

Drain hot water tank

Empty loo

Put the waste drain hoses into the front locker.....Ok who forgot?

Phil

Forgot to mention to weight what you put into the van to make sure you are not exceeding the MTPLM or the 85% rule.

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by floggitt on 06/3/2011when you get home empty the fridge!

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Oh, and dont forget to have your caravan serviced regularly, at least once a year, and check for damp at the same time, also for tyre damage after every journey.

You will also need to know how to drain off your caravan and how to put it to bed for the winter, a good knowledge of where your fuses are and how the systems work for you particular model of caravan, although any seller whos worth their salt should be happy to give you a full demonstration of these on handover of the van.

Julia

You will find this very useful :

Caravanners's Handbook

Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 06/3/2011

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All of the above plus.........

Check that the Torque on the wheel nuts is correct

Check the nose weight and move stuff around inside until it is at the right level...well a bit below really as stuff can move around as you travel.

Check tyre pressure and add air if required. (Always carry a decent pump)

Put wrench back in front locker...OK who forgot?

Blinds up when travelling

Drain hot water tank

Empty loo

Put the waste drain hoses into the front locker.....Ok who forgot?

Phil

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Why put the blinds up? and what abotu curtains?

(sorry probably a silly question - but had to ask!)

Why put the blinds up? and what abotu curtains?

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cos the reflective side of the blinds do blind drivers if sunny and headlights i believe.

Just to add on checking before you move,

make sure of heavy stuff ie. tin stuff is removed from high up cubboards, so many folk when they arrive end up with dents in there work tops.

Make sure the van door is locked.

make sure the cables arent going the rub on the road as mentioned,check lights etc.