Reversing and parking your caravan at a caravan park can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to camping. But fear not! With a few handy tips and some practice, you'll be manoeuvring your caravan or camper trailer into any campsite with ease. Let’s break down the process step-by-step to make your next camping trip a breeze.
Before you even think about reversing, or even arriving at the park, booking the right campsite for your caravan or camper trailer size and type, is key. Think about the direction the site faces, which way your awning comes out, and the surface (slab or grass) of your campsite. Top tip: Have a look at the caravan park map when you book, to ensure your site is not on a tricky corner or a tree slap bang in the middle of your reverse path. Booking the right site right up front can make arriving at the park, especially a late arrival so much easier.
Survey the campsite
Take a moment to walk around your designated campsite to check for any obstacles. Look out for low-hanging branches, uneven ground, and tight corners that might complicate parking.
Angles are everything - plan your approach
Determine the best angle for approaching your parking spot. One of our customers, an experienced caravanner of 50 years, let us know his top tips for approach - thanks Warren!
"Generally, it’s easier to reverse into a spot from the driver’s side because you’ll have better visibility on a grass site. However, when parked the concrete slab will be on the left hand side of the caravan and attached car, so the driver needs to uses the left side mirrors to see where the left hand side of the van is in relation to the slab. Drivers who use to left side approach parks much quicker and more easily."
Use your mirrors and a spotter
Your mirrors are crucial when reversing a caravan. Adjust them so you can see the back of your caravan clearly. If you have a reversing camera, that’s a bonus! Use your side mirrors to monitor the sides of your caravan and any potential obstacles. If possible, have someone outside guiding you (a spotter). We suggest you agree in advance on clear hand signals or use a two-way radio to communicate, which can help avoid misunderstandings and keep things calm (our park managers might have a side hustle in marriage counselling but let's not go there).
Slow and steady win the race
- Once you start reversing, keep your movements slow and steady.
- Make gentle steering corrections to avoid oversteering, which can lead to jack-knifing.
- Continuously check your mirrors and rearview camera.
- Regularly glance between them to stay aware of your surroundings.
The push-pull method
You may have heard this one before, but don't knock how valuable this tip is. In a nutshell, PUSH is when you turn the steering wheel to the right to make the caravan move left while PULL is turning the steering wheel to the left to make the caravan move right. This might feel slightly counterintuitive, but with a bit of practice, it will become second nature.
Fine-tuning and final positioning
Once your caravan is roughly in the right spot, you may need to make a few final adjustments to get it perfectly positioned. To straighten up your can or trailer on the site, straighten your wheels and pull forward slightly to align the caravan. If the position isn't quite right, reverse again, making minor adjustments to get your caravan exactly where you want it. Patience is key – take your time to get it right.
Practice makes perfect
Reversing and parking a caravan or trailer is a skill that improves with practice. If you’re new to it, consider practising in an empty parking lot before heading to a caravan park. This can build your confidence and help you get a feel for how your caravan responds to steering inputs.
Towing courses
Book a towing course with an education provider like Olsen's Tours and Training who specialise in learn-to-tow courses and can improve your skills and confidence.
Reversing and parking your caravan at a caravan park in NSW doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. With proper preparation, the right techniques, and a bit of patience, you’ll soon be able to navigate into your campsite like a seasoned pro. So, take it slow, use your mirrors, communicate clearly with your spotter, and most importantly, enjoy your camping adventure.
Ready to book your caravanning adventure? Reflections have 37 amazing New South Wales locations, just perfect to bring the van and set up to relax.
Happy caravanning!
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