Caravan Pitch Set-Up and Pack-Down Checklist

Who this is for

Pitch up and leave without the forgotten step. One list for arriving, one for leaving, and a place at the top for who did each stage and when.

Caravanners and motorhomers of any experience, families sharing the jobs between them, and new owners still building the routine.

What this helps you track

• Levelling, steadies and chocks done before anything is connected
• Hook-up, water, waste and gas set up in order
• Windows, roof lights, aerial and steps secured before moving
• Hitch, breakaway cable and road lights checked before you pull away
• Who did each stage and at what time

How to use it

1. Write the site, the pitch and your arrival and departure dates at the top.
2. On arrival, work down the set-up list and tick each step as it is done.
3. Before leaving, work down the pack-down list; the order puts the inside jobs first and the hitch and lights last.
4. Write who did each stage and the time in the header, which helps when the jobs are shared.
5. Add anything specific to your van in the notes, or in the browser version, which saves in your own browser.
6. Follow your van's handbook for how each item works; the list is a reminder, not instructions.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The online version keeps what you enter in your own browser and builds the completed PDF on your device.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

Does the order of the list matter?

It follows a sensible sequence: level and steady the van before connecting services, and on departure disconnect services before raising the steadies. If your handbook sets out a different order, follow that.

Can I use it for a motorhome?

Most of it applies. Ignore the hitch and breakaway lines and use the notes for motorhome items such as levelling ramps or a cab blind. The motorhome drive-away checklist covers the leaving routine in more detail.

Why record who did each stage?

When two people share the jobs, each can assume the other checked something. A name and a time against each stage settles it.

Can I keep a copy in the van?

Yes. Print one and keep it in a clear sleeve, ticking with a dry-wipe pen, or fill in the browser version on your phone.