Setting up your camper trailer for the 1st time can be a little daunting, but once you have done it a couple of times you’ll find it’s not too difficult.

All makes and models of camper trailers are slightly different but there are some basic things to remember to make the job a little easier.

• Pick a camping spot as close to level as you can find.
• Use the jockey wheel to stabilise and level the trailer.
• Use the stabiliser legs to also help level and stabilise the trailer. Your camper should come with these, but if you don’t have them they are easy to buy separately.
• Unclip the tonneau cover and store it away.
• It is a great idea to put down a ground sheet next to keep the bottom of your tent clean and dry and assist in the pack up of the tent.
• Unpack the tent and pull out the floor to near final position.
• If your camper requires pegging it is a good idea to do this by starting from the edge closest to the trailer and move out.
• Tension the walls with wall polls or arms or both depending on your camper’s design. Don’t over stretch you want the walls firm but not tight as that can pull the stitching causing the tent to become un-waterproof or even rip the stitching or tent itself.
• Now is the time to add your annex if you have one. These usually attach differently depending on the design of the camper either with velcro or zippers, some are even permanently built onto the tent.
• A good tip if you are putting up an annex is to lay out the tent polls and pegs in the general position. And to start from the centre poll 1st.