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?

I've simplified levelling my caravan by using two small scissors jacks (around £15 each from Halfords). I slide them under the jacking points that are adjacent to the axle, and which are quite accessible on most vans. and easily level the van.
In addition, when I stay on site for longer periods of time, there is a benefit that the full weight is taken off the van's suspension and tyres. I always do this when the van will not be used for some time.
John Pattison

Strong winds can damage your awning. A tie-down strap, though, can minimise frame movement and thereby prevent chafing of the canvas. It isn't expensive, and I always carry one with me.
Keith Brookbanks, Merseyside

When you are staying on site for more than a couple of days, it's always a good idea to go around and tighten up your steadies. They will have probably have loosened after the first few days.
Shirley Kent, Middlesex

When you're hitching up your outfit without anyone else's help, use the base of your rear wiper as a guide to ensure that the towball and hitch gear are lined up as you reverse the towcar. The wiper base is almost always located in the middle of the rear window.
Jack O'Brien, Lincolnshire

I love the idea of sliding wire racks in my caravan, but I find the gaps tend to be too large and objects easily fall through. I have solved this problem by lining the drawers with a tea towel or a hessian bag.
Alison Rye, Peterborough

If your plates are too large for the van's fitted plate racks, or you simply do not use them, they can easily be unscrewed and removed. This will give you more space to stack your plates instead.
Peter Johnson, Middlesex

I disagree with the tip on using Steradent for cleaning Aquarolls. It leaves a medicinal taste, so I use Milton tablets instead. These are also good for cleaning stains from melamine cups. It costs less than the proprietary powder, too.
Carol West

To stop the toilet roll unravelling in transit, slip an elastic band over the paper. When you arrive on site, just slip the band to the side of the holder.
Maureen Parry,
Mold, Flintshire

I recently watched people arguing over the best way to fit an exterior 240V socket. I took the easy way: I drilled a hole through the floor inside the left-hand bed locker, passed a cable through and sealed the hole top and bottom. I connected the cable to a domestic waterproof socket, and fitted it over the hole, under the van. I connected a three-pin plug to the other end; I simply plug this into a convenient socket whenever we need power outside. It was so successful that I did the same with a TV aerial socket, so we can watch indoors or out.
Jim Moore, Guildford

My bugbear is tightening the wing nuts that lock Isabella awning poles. It cannot be done without serious thumb and forefinger action.
I avoid this by using quick-release bike-saddle bolts instead. Most cycle shops can supply these bolts. You need to find the shortest, and smallest diameter bolts available. Also make sure you can adjust the tension so that a proper lock is achieved.
Just remove the standard bolt and wingnut and fit the saddle bolt. (You may have to ease the hole with a small file). I've used this method successfully during the past season, and for three-months at a permanant site.
Clifford Dulake

WANTED: TOURING TIPS
Do you have a great idea for getting the most out of your van? Send it to Stacie Pardoe, Practical Caravan, Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9BE or to stacie.pardoe@haymarket.com.