Why Speed Matters

When you arrive on site with two tired children and a dog after a three-hour drive, the last thing you want is a two-hour setup process. Over three years of caravanning, we have refined our system to the point where we can be fully set up — levelled, connected, awning out, beds made — in under 30 minutes.

The secret is preparation before you leave home, not speed on site.

Before You Leave Home

Pack the caravan in reverse order of what you will need first. The kettle, mugs, and coffee go in last so they come out first.

Make the beds before you leave. Arriving to a made bed after a long drive is one of life’s small luxuries.

Check your water tank is full and your waste tank is empty.

The 30-Minute Setup Sequence

Minutes 1–5: Position and level the caravan. Use the Lock n Level system — it has transformed how quickly we get the van level.

Minutes 6–10: Connect the electric hook-up and check all appliances are working.

Minutes 11–15: Connect the water and check for leaks.

Minutes 16–25: Put out the Thule Omnistor awning and, if staying more than one night, attach the Isabella Buddy sides.

Minutes 26–30: Unload the car, let the kids and Max out, and put the kettle on.

Our Top Time-Saving Tips

The Lock n Level system is the single biggest time-saver we have found. Before we had it, levelling took 20 minutes of moving the van back and forth. Now it takes two minutes.

Keep a dedicated ‘arrival box’ in the car with everything you need in the first 30 minutes — kettle, mugs, coffee, dog lead, kids’ snacks, and the EHU cable.

Assign jobs. Grant levels and connects, Amie unpacks the kitchen and makes the beds. Bodhi and River are in charge of the dog and their own bags.