How to reverse a caravan

Reversing a caravan for the first time can be a daunting experience, especially when it’s in a public place with an audience.

To relieve some of the stress, we’ve created an easy step by step guide for you to follow next time you need to manoeuvre the van.

Like any new task, practice makes perfect, so don’t be surprised if it takes you a few goes to master the technique.

Reversing a caravan

• Whenever possible, start with the car and caravan in a straight line.
• When backing a trailer, steering wheel movements are reversed – to move the trailer to the right, turn the steering wheel to the left.
• Appoint someone as your guide when reversing and agree on any hand signals to be used.
• Get that person to stand where you can clearly see them and they can see where the caravan needs to go.
• Ensure everyone is at a safe distance from car and caravan.

Unhitching the caravan

• Manoeuvre the van into position. If the site’s not level, you may need to run a wheel/set of wheels up onto a packer to level up the van.
• Fit the jockey wheel and ensure the knobs/ridges on the casing are positioned on either side of the clamp.
• Pull the hand brake on.
• Unhitch safety chains, electrical connections and any load distribution hitches.
• Pull up the coupling locking lever while winding down the jockey wheel.
• Remove the car when the coupling is clear of the tow bar.
• Level the caravan by means of the jockey wheel.
• Wind down the corner stabilisers.
• Fold down the step.
• Connect electricity, sullage and water.

Learn more about RACQ Caravan Insurance today.