First-Night Setup Guide (Lomond Campers)

Goal: arrive, get level, get services connected, and settle in—safely.

Quick-Start (2-minute overview)

1. Park & position with the site EHU bollard on the driver’s side.
2. Level the van (ramps under front wheels first) for a comfy sleep and a happy fridge.
3. Hook up power: bollard OFF → plug into van → plug into bollard → bollard ON → switch your charger on (EC155 in rear wardrobe on most builds).
4. Add fresh water and prime the taps.
5. Open gas at the cylinder/tank, light the hob first to purge air, then use other appliances.
6. Roof/bed if fitted: ignition OFF, clear fabric, lift evenly.
7. Night checks: a crack of ventilation, gentle heat, CO alarm working, don’t block fixed vents.

1) Before You Set Off (Home Checklist)

Essentials to check

• Gas: cylinder/tank has fuel; valve closed for travel.
  Why: prevents leaks while driving.
• Fresh water: partly filled (about 10 L is plenty to start).
  Why: avoids running the pump dry but doesn’t add too much weight/fuel use.
• Toilet cassette: empty.
  Why: nicer journey and less to do on arrival.
• Batteries: leisure battery >70% if possible.
  Why: you’ve got power if EHU is busy or down.
• Kit packed: EHU cable (orange 230 V), levelling ramps & chocks, food-grade water hose (or container + funnel).
• Safety kit: tested CO alarm, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, torch/headlamp.
• Documents: insurance, breakdown cover details.

2) On Arrival: Positioning & Levelling

Positioning

• Park so the EHU bollard is on the driver’s side (most sockets are there on our vans).
  Why: shorter, neater cable run and less trip risk.

Levelling (do this before anything else)

1. Place ramps under the front wheels first.
2. Drive up slowly; stop when level.
3. Handbrake on, engine off, then chock.
4. For side-to-side tweaks, move the ramps as needed.
5. Use a bubble level or levelling app.
   Why: a level van sleeps better, doors slide properly, and the fridge cools correctly.

3) Electrical Hook-Up (EHU) — Safe Sequence

Site limits: UK bollards are commonly 10 A or 16 A (roughly 2.3–3.7 kW). A kettle + heater + microwave together may trip the supply. Stagger big appliances.

1. At the bollard, make sure the breaker is OFF.
   Why: prevents arcing when you connect.
2. Plug the EHU cable into the van first.
   Why: your van inlet is safely recessed; reduces exposed live risk later.
3. Plug into the bollard.
4. Switch the bollard breaker ON.
5. Inside the van, turn the charger ON (with our standard EC155, switch is in the rear wardrobe).
   Why: charges your leisure battery and powers 12 V systems cleanly.

If it trips:

• Turn off high-draw items (kettle/heater/microwave).
• Reset the bollard breaker, then your van’s RCD/MCBs if fitted.
• Reintroduce appliances one at a time.

4) Fresh Water & Waste (Grey)

Fresh water: fill & prime

1. Fill the tank using a food-grade hose or container + funnel.
   Why: food-grade avoids taste/odour and bacterial growth.
2. Switch the pump ON.
3. Open each tap (hot then cold) until water flows smoothly without spluttering.
   Why: this purges air so your pump runs quietly and the water system is steady.

Grey water (sink/shower waste)

• If the site requires it, place a waste container under the grey outlet, or ensure your onboard tank valve is shut until you reach the disposal point.
  Why: some pitches don’t allow grey to spill; it keeps the pitch clean.

5) Gas & Appliances

Turn gas on

• Open the cylinder/tank valve (and ensure your 30 mbar regulator is on).
  Why: correct pressure ensures safe, efficient appliance operation.

Purge air & get going

1. Light the hob first and let it burn steadily for a moment.
   Why: it’s the quickest way to purge air from the lines.
2. Then use your fridge (on gas, if needed) and heater as required.

Good practice: Any modifications or fault-finding on gas systems should be done by a competent LPG engineer. Safety first.

6) Pop-Top / Roof Bed (if fitted)

Before lifting

• Ignition OFF.
• Ensure doors, blinds, and fabric are clear so nothing snags.

Lift

• Unlatch evenly and push straight up with smooth, even pressure.
• For bed boards, lift/slide as per your model (we’ll have shown you at handover—ask us anytime for a refresher).

Lowering (later)

• Check the canvas is folding inward and not pinched in the scissor mechanisms.
• Latch both sides fully.

Why: Even, careful movement protects hinges, fabric, and seals—and avoids water ingress.

7) Fridge & Heating (quick notes)

• Fridge likes a level van. Give it time to cool after you arrive.
• Choose the right energy source (12 V while driving if fitted, 230 V on EHU, gas off-grid).
• Heating: start low and let it stabilise; boost in small steps.
  Why: avoids tripping supply and prevents short cycling.

8) Night-Time Checklist

• Ventilation: crack a roof vent or window slightly.
  Why: reduces condensation and keeps air fresh.
• Heating: set to around 16–18 °C.
  Why: comfortable without wasting energy.
• CO alarm: test button; make sure it’s active.
• Never block fixed vents.
  Why: they’re there for safe combustion and air quality.
• Cables tidy, doors locked, blinds set.

9) Morning Departure (quick reset)

1. Charger OFF (if you prefer), then bollard breaker OFF.
2. Unplug bollard, then unplug at the van; stow the cable cleanly.
3. Close gas valve for travel.
4. Empty grey (and toilet cassette) at the site facility.
5. Lower pop-top carefully; secure latches.
6. Remove chocks, reverse off ramps slowly, stow them.
7. Final walk-round check (locker doors, steps, skylights).

10) Common Issues & Quick Fixes

• No power on EHU:
  • Check bollard breaker is ON.
  • Check your van’s RCD/MCBs; reset if tripped.
  • Reduce high-draw items (kettle/heater/microwave together can exceed site amps).
• Pump runs but no water:
  • Ensure you filled the tank.
  • Prime taps (open hot then cold until smooth flow).
  • Check for any isolation valves left closed after winterising.
• Gas appliance won’t light:
  • Confirm gas valve open.
  • Light hob first to purge air, then try again.
  • Wind can affect external flues—try a wind-sheltered orientation.
• Fridge warm:
  • Confirm the van is level.
  • Give it time after switching energy source.
  • Avoid frequent door opening when first cooling.

11) Good Habits (why they matter)

• Level first: comfort + fridge efficiency.
• Correct EHU sequence: reduces arcing and nuisance trips.
• Hob purge first: quickest way to get gas flowing safely to all appliances.
• Ventilation at night: prevents condensation and keeps the air healthy.
• Close gas for travel: best-practice safety in motion.

12) Need Help?

If anything feels unclear at a site, don’t struggle—we’re happy to help.

• Email: info@lomondcampers.co.uk
• Book an appointment: lomondcampers.co.uk