One night stop overs

I go for the absolute minimum. I have found it pretty easy to find a flat enough spot, especially if you pull up early. I have airbags so levelling side to side is a simple as a touch of a button. I also often drop the suspension onto the bump stops to save messing with the stabilisers and to get a level front to back. For the less sophisticated suspension, a couple of plastic ramps and a couple of bits of scrap pine board should do the job.

Iza

Hi Lee .
Always level the van 90% of the time you can pick a level site so not a hugh effort .
I always unhitch only because I cant open the back door of the patrol with the van on and thats where the beer is only move the car a foot then stabizliser down job done.
Awning out is a personal choice related to wind ,shade required and time you stop and put away before bed.

Hi Lee,

If it is just a one night stop on the way I do not unhitch anything.
If the area or the company is a little unsettling then I most definitely do not unhitch, in fact I may move on instead. Goes with out saying doesn't it.

Generally, for convenience sake and security I very rarely unhitch under those one night circumstances. Just in case. Unless the ground is very uneven I may not level the van either, just for one night.

You say "Taking out the 12 pin plug is a must"

Why is that, does your frig work through the 12 pin plug ??

I never run my frig on 12 volts in the van so it is not connected through the 12 pin plug and I therefore can leave the plug connected to the car.

While traveling we just leave the van fridge door closed (obviously) and put the gas back on when we stop for lunch. Turn it off again before moving off.

I must say that I have only ever been in a situation where I felt a bit insecure on a one night stop on one occasion. I high tailed it out of there before settling down for the night. This is the best policy for most travelers, go by your gut instincts.

Cheers, Bruce.

Hi Lee, pick as level a spot as possible. Use a proper 60 cm builders level..those little
dot things arent accurate. Level across by using chocks/timber under the low van wheel.
You can use your jockey wheel to level longways or use blocks to raise /lower the car wheels as required.
If conditions permit excavate holes as required.
We never unhitch for an overnight bush camp & don't bother winding legs down or removing wiring plugs, chains or WDH.
Take a selection of wood pieces to fit under wheels..about 30mm thick or you can buy
plastic chock sets..we use both. cheers...oldbaz.

It's not a silly question Lee, we do mostly 1 night stop overs & I always unhitch to remove the weight from the back of the tug.

I don't move the tug, or remove the chains, Anderson, or 7 pin plug, but I absolutely always get the weight off the car overnight. This helps slow down rear suspension sag on the car.

I do the same with my work trailer when at home too. It gets unhitched every night.

We only get things out that we need for dinner & breakfast (plus clean clothes & toiletries if a shower is available). The rest stays packed away.

Good luck with it! :=)

Kevin.

Hello ..... I was just reading all the above comments and a couple of things sprung to mind. Great theories and logic too mind you.
P.S....I don't own a van and an overnighter for me is rolling out the swag.

1. In case of a fire...would it not be better to have your assets separated to minimise the loss?

2. What consideration is given to your vehicle getting stolen while you're asleep in the attached van? It happened only last year around here in Adelaide somewhere. One hell of a joy ride!

Just a thought.
Fab.