Caravanning offers more than freedom. As the ideas in this column show, part of the fun is in creative problem solving. Why not send us your suggestions?

Putting up the awning is easier if you colour-code each joint in the frame, to show what poles attach where. Electrician's tape (available in multi-coloured packs) is ideal. Erect the frame without the canvas the first time out, and mark both sides of each 'loose' joint - sprung joints won't need marking - with one or two colours, so each is marked differently. The same colour can be used on joints where any of several identical poles can be used. Four tape colours can give up to 14 separate colour codes, which should be ample.
Terry and Kathy

Awning straps are wonderful things when the wind is blowing. They'll hold your awning steady and stop things flapping about. But if attached straight, they can vibrate and make a lot of noise as the straps slap against each other in the wind. The solution? Simply twist the straps a couple of times between the top of the awning and the ground peg.
Bob and Lyn

Give an awning the professional look with a Hercules tensioner. Otherwise, one of you must tension the frame while the other locks it in place. You'll have to stand on the caravan step at the same time to reach higher poles.
Joe and Elaine

When backing your outfit onto a pitch, try to reverse to the right. This means that you will not be reversing blind. You'll see where the van is going and make necessary adjustments. If you reverse to the left, you will have to rely far more on your mirrors and won't see the rear offside. We found this to our cost once, when Nigel didn't have any assistance and hit the caravan's rear offside corner on a wall - ouch!
Nigel and Kay

There can be a lot to remember when setting up the caravan, and when packing everything away at the end of your stay. To save time and avoid mistakes - often with expensive consequences - Roy has a checklist list printed on both sides of credit-sized piece of paper, which he has had laminated."
Roy and Laura

Take a few minutes longer when setting up to get the van level both fore and aft, and from side to side. You can't get a good night's sleep if you're rolling to one side or if your feet are higher than your head. Also, sinks drain properly when level. You don't need any fancy equipment, just a spirit level and a pair of levelling ramps. Put the spirit level in the view of the person operating the jockey wheel. The ramps can be a proprietary brand or home made.
Joe and Elaine

Reversing accurately is not easy, but on a sloping pitch it can be really daunting. That's why we start a little uphill of where we want to finish, and place sturdy plastic chocks a few inches behind each wheel on the downhill side. The van can be dropped back a bit at a time, with confidence. If you need to turn it to the left or right, one chock can be placed hard against the wheel, and the other a few inches back. When the brake is gently released, the van will turn itself.
Terry and Kathy

* Disconnect all cables and the like from towcar
* Caravan brake on
* Lower steadies after levelling the van
* Hook up electric supply
* Connect water hose; fill water roller
* Connect waste hose to drain/waste roller
* If available, connect TV aerial
* Turn gas bottle on
* Switch fridge to mains electric (or gas)
* If needed, connect awning
* Kettle on!

If you are less able - or lazy - then use a rechargeable cordless drill to wind the corner steadies. Caravan accessory shops sell a suitable attachment for a fiver. Modern steadies take an age to wind due to low gearing, so we set the torque on our drill to a middle setting. This ensures that the steadies are wound to the same pressure on the ground, and they are not over-tightened which may damage them.
Nigel and Kay

We leave the van's toilet ready to use before setting off, with fresh fluid in the cassette and plenty of water. But don't fill the cistern. In winter, add standard anti-freeze to the cistern. Make sure you have the concentrate - not the ready-to-use type - and dilute according to instructions.
Paul and Hilary

Get into a routine when setting up, and share the jobs to cut the time you need. Nigel sorts the caravan out, while Kay goes off in search of the water. Get the children involved if you have them; they'll love it.
Nigel and Kay

* Awning down
* Check all lights on van
* Gas off
* Towing mirrors attached
* Secure fridge, switch to 12V
* Move car from pitch then stop
* Check windows/rooflights secure
* Check pitch clear
* Disconnect electric hook-upA * Disconnect water hose
* Disconnect waste hose
* Disconnect TV aerialA * Check all loose items in van.
* Raise steadies
* Connect to car + all cables
* Caravan brake off

Our Enthusiast Team are readers who have been hand-picked for their experience and passion for caravanning.

Adrian and Celia Reynolds from Yateley, Hants Baptist pastor and full-time mum 2000 Elddis Crown 505 and 2001 Ford Galaxy 1.9TDi

Bob and Lyn Phillips from Illogan, Cornwall Taxi driver and supermarket sales assistant 1991 Sprite Alpine 400C and 2.9-litre diesel Ssangyong Korando

Joe and Elaine Ormerod from Blackburn, Lancs Retired electronics engineer and accountant Bërstner Ventana 520TL and Discovery GS Auto

Terry and Kathy O'Connell from Great Witley, Worcs Rocket scientist and homecare nurse 1989 Lunar Clubman and 1997 Daihatsu Fourtrak 2.8 DL-SE

Bill and Shirley Billing from Ely, Cambridgeshire Retired aviation consultant and customer relations manager 2003 Bërstner Ventana 455TS and 2002 Citroën C5

Nigel and Kay Hutson from Mansfield, Notts Collision investigator and nurse 2004 Abbey GTS Vogue 416 and 2004 Rover 75 Tourer 2.0-litre diesel

Roy Mann and Laura Truby from Kirton, Notts Retired retailer and retail manager 1996 Buccaneer Elan 15 and 2005 Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre CDi

Paul and Hilary Harris from Alderholt, Dorset Retired funeral director and NHS service development manager Bailey Pageant Vendée and Citroën C5 CDi estate

Gary and Tessa Challenger from Teignmouth, Devon Primary school teacher and design technology technician 1991 Elddis Wisp 400/4 and 1998 Rover 420 SLi