How to Level and Set Up Your Motorhome at Camp

Arriving at a campsite after a day on the road, the last thing you want is a complicated setup process. With practice and a consistent routine, setting up your motorhome becomes quick and almost automatic. Good setup habits ensure comfort, protect your equipment, and let you start enjoying your destination sooner.

This guide covers everything from choosing the right spot to the final touches that make your campsite feel like home. Whether you're at a manicured caravan park or a remote bush camp, these principles apply.

Choosing Your Site

Site selection sets the foundation for your entire stay. Take a few minutes to assess options before committing—moving a motorhome after setup is frustrating and avoidable.

Evaluating the Ground

Look for relatively level ground that will require minimal levelling work. Walk the potential site looking for hidden obstacles: rocks that might damage levelling jacks, tree roots that could cause issues, or soft patches that might bog your motorhome if conditions change. Check overhead for dead branches that could fall in wind—Australians call these "widow makers" for good reason.

Consider sun position, especially in extreme weather. In hot conditions, shade throughout the afternoon dramatically improves comfort. In cold weather, morning sun helps warm a chilly motorhome. Think about where the sun will be at different times and orient your motorhome accordingly.

Practical Considerations

At caravan parks, consider proximity to facilities. Being too close to amenities blocks means noise and foot traffic; too far means long walks. Sites near camp kitchens or playgrounds may be noisier. If you have specific needs (level site, shade, proximity to power), communicate these when booking.

For free camping, consider privacy and security. Visible from the road offers safety but less solitude. Think about wind direction—you don't want your awning on the windward side. Ensure you have adequate room to manoeuvre if you need to leave quickly.

The Levelling Process

Levelling your motorhome isn't just about comfort—it's essential for proper appliance function. Absorption refrigerators must be level to operate correctly; running them significantly off-level can cause permanent damage. Cooking on uneven surfaces is frustrating and potentially dangerous. Even sleeping is uncomfortable if you're constantly rolling one direction.

Checking Level

A spirit level (bubble level) is the essential tool here. Many motorhomers mount small levels permanently on the dashboard or inside the habitation area. Check both side-to-side and front-to-back level. Most fridges tolerate minor variation (a few degrees), but aim for as level as practical.

Some motorhomes include built-in level indicators; electronic levels that show both axes simultaneously are also available. Whatever method you use, develop a consistent approach so checking becomes automatic.

Methods for Levelling

Drive-on levelling ramps are the simplest solution for most situations. These plastic ramps come in various heights; driving one or more wheels onto a ramp corrects the angle. Measure how much correction you need before positioning ramps—this comes with experience. Have a spotter guide you onto ramps until you can judge the right position by feel.

Levelling blocks (stackable plastic or wooden pieces) work similarly but offer more precise height adjustment. Many travellers carry both ramps for larger corrections and blocks for fine-tuning.

Some motorhomes include levelling jacks—either manual screw types or hydraulic automatic systems. Automatic levelling is gloriously convenient but adds expense, weight, and maintenance requirements. Manual jacks work reliably but require more effort.

The Setup Routine

Developing a consistent setup routine prevents forgotten steps and makes the process efficient. Here's a logical sequence that works for most motorhomes.

Step 1: Position and Level

Pull into your site, assess the situation, and position your motorhome. Check level and make corrections using ramps or blocks. Only proceed with setup once you're satisfied with the position—repositioning later wastes time and effort.

Step 2: Secure the Vehicle

Apply the handbrake firmly. Many motorhomers chock at least one wheel for additional security, especially on any slope. If you have stabiliser legs or jacks, deploy them now. Stabilisers reduce rocking when moving around inside but shouldn't carry significant weight—they supplement rather than replace proper levelling.

Step 3: Connect Power (if applicable)

At powered sites, connect your power cable before switching on the site power. Check that the connection is secure and the power indicator shows live supply. Most modern motorhomes have automatic switching between 240V and 12V systems, but verify your fridge and other appliances are running on mains power if available.

Step 4: Connect Water (if applicable)

If connecting to town water, use a pressure regulator to protect your motorhome's plumbing from high-pressure mains supplies. Connect your food-grade hose, turn on the tap slowly, and check for leaks. Some travellers prefer filling their tanks and running on the internal pump even at powered sites, maintaining self-contained capability.

Step 5: Deploy Awning and External Setup

If weather permits, extend your awning. Check the forecast first—awnings can be damaged by strong wind, and many insurers don't cover wind damage to extended awnings. Set up outdoor furniture, mat, and any other external equipment. Orient your outdoor living area to catch evening shade or morning sun as preferred.

Step 6: Interior Setup

Switch on interior lights and appliances. Check that the fridge is operating on the appropriate power source. Open vents or windows for airflow. Unpack immediate necessities and settle in.

Pack-Up Routine

A good departure routine is equally important. Rushing leads to forgotten items, left-open compartments, and damage to awnings or cables.

Interior First

Secure all loose items inside. Close cupboards and drawers—they can fly open during driving. Check the fridge and freezer are properly closed. Walk through systematically, checking each area.

Disconnect Services

Switch off power at the site before disconnecting cables. Drain and coil hoses, ensuring they're properly stored. Don't leave hoses connected while driving—they can whip around and cause damage.

External Check

Retract awning carefully, checking for debris or damage. Raise stabiliser legs and secure. Retract any steps. Walk completely around your motorhome checking that all hatches, compartments, and entry doors are secured. Remove wheel chocks and levelling equipment.

Final Walk

Before driving away, walk your site one final time. Check for left-behind items, remove any rubbish, and ensure you're leaving the site as you found it—or better. Check mirrors and blind spots before pulling out.

Tips for Different Situations

Caravan Parks

Follow park rules about setup times and noise. Be considerate of neighbours—your setup might be routine, but it's happening next to someone trying to relax. Keep your site tidy; sprawling equipment into neighbouring sites or common areas causes friction.

Free Camping

Be completely self-contained. Set up to minimize environmental impact—don't clear vegetation or dig. Be prepared to move if conditions change or if the site proves unsuitable. Keep a lower profile than at caravan parks; you're a guest in public or private spaces.

Overnight Stops

For single-night stops, a minimal setup is appropriate. You might not extend the awning or deploy full stabilisers. Park level enough for comfortable sleep and fridge function, but don't elaborate beyond necessities.

Practice Makes Perfect

Setup and pack-up will feel cumbersome initially, but quickly become routine. After a few trips, you'll develop your own refinements and shortcuts. The key is consistency—following the same sequence means nothing gets missed, even when you're tired after a long drive.

Time yourself occasionally; you'll be surprised how quickly setup becomes. Many experienced motorhomers can go from arrival to relaxing with a drink in under fifteen minutes. You'll get there too.