The Ultimate Caravan Pitch Checklist

Introduction

There's a particular kind of stress that hits about ten minutes after you've arrived on a pitch. The awning's half up, someone needs the toilet, and you can't find the waste pipe adaptor. Sound familiar?

The good news is that a well-stocked, well-organised kit means it never has to happen again. Whether you're a weekend caravanner, a full-season motorhomer or somewhere in between, this ultimate pitch checklist covers every category you need — and the products that'll make each one genuinely easy.

Bookmark this page, run through it before every trip, and your future self will thank you.

1. Grey Water & Waste Management

Let's start with the thing nobody enjoys talking about but everyone needs sorted: grey water.

Getting your waste pipe connected and flowing correctly is the single task that makes or breaks a serviced pitch. A leaking joint, a pipe that keeps popping off the drain, or a system that slopes the wrong way can turn your first hour on site into a very unpleasant one.

What you need:

Flexi Waste Pipes (4-pack or 8-pack) The Colapz Flexi Waste Pipe system replaces traditional rigid, cumbersome waste pipes with a flexible, extendable alternative that actually makes sense. Each pipe extends to 1 metre and locks together to reach whatever distance your pitch requires. They collapse flat when you're done, fit into the included carry bag alongside a cleaning brush with a 1m pull-through chain, and take up almost no space in the locker.

The 4-pack covers most standard pitches. If you regularly tour longer or more remote pitches, the 8-pack gives you the reach you need.

Flexi Waste Pipe Single Adaptor Compatible with waste outlets from 19mm to 50mm diameter — smooth or threaded — making it suitable for the vast majority of caravans and motorhomes, including Elddis models. This is the piece that connects your pipe system directly to your van's waste outlet. Don't leave without it.

Flexi Waste Pipe Double Adaptor If you have two waste outlets — grey water and black water — the double adaptor lets you connect both waste streams into a single pipe run. Particularly useful on motorhomes with separate kitchen and bathroom outlets.

Flexi Waste Pipe Rock Pegs (10-pack) This is the detail that most people skip — and then regret. The metal rock pegs push into the ground at intervals along your pipe run, holding the system at the correct angle to ensure water flows freely toward the drain rather than pooling mid-pipe. On uneven or sloped pitches, they're essential. On flat pitches, they're still very useful for keeping everything tidy and in position.

✅ Pitch checklist — waste:

Flexi waste pipes (enough to reach the drain from your outlet)
Single adaptor (sized for your van's outlet)
Double adaptor (if you have two outlets)
Rock pegs to hold the pipe at the correct angle
Carry bag to keep everything together
Cleaning brush for end-of-stay hygiene

2. Fresh Water Supply

Once waste is sorted, fresh water is next. Whether you're on a serviced pitch with a nearby tap or a non-serviced pitch where you need to carry water from a central point, having the right containers makes a significant difference.

40L Aquamate Water Carrier For those who like to stay fully stocked, the Aquamate is the serious end of the fresh water range. At 40 litres — double the capacity of the standard carrier — it's ideal for extended touring, larger motorhomes, or families who simply don't want to keep topping up. The built-in trolley with wheels and pull handle means moving a full container around the site requires almost no effort, even on grass. When you're packing up, it collapses flat so it won't swallow your locker. If you've ever cut a trip short because you ran low on water, the Aquamate is the upgrade that solves that problem once and for all.

8L 2-in-1 Collapsible Bucket & Water Carrier This is one of those products that keeps revealing new uses. The 8L 2-in-1 is a collapsible bucket and water dispenser in one — with a wide-opening 6cm cap that's compatible with Truma and Whale water pumps and the Colapz portable shower. It includes a built-in tap for easy dispensing, and it collapses flat when empty so it takes up virtually no storage space. BPA-free and made from food-grade recyclable plastic, it's safe for drinking water. The complimentary storage bag keeps it neat in transit.

Use it as a top-up container, a hand-wash station beside the van, a dog water bowl in a pinch, or connect it to your portable shower for a hot rinse after a muddy walk.

20L Collapsible Water Carrier For longer stays or sites where the tap is a walk away, the 20L carrier is the sensible upgrade. It holds a full 20 litres, collapses down when empty, includes a built-in tap, level indicator and secure locking lid (Patent Pending) that prevents leaks in transit. Pair it with the Colapz Trolley (sold separately) and you'll never struggle with a heavy aquaroll again.

✅ Pitch checklist — fresh water:

40L Aquamate Water Carrier
8L 2-in-1 bucket/carrier for daily top-ups and multi-use
20L water carrier for longer stays or remote pitches
Fill-up hose or extension if your tap connection needs it

3. Shower & Privacy

If you're on a non-serviced pitch, at a festival site, wild camping or simply find campsite shower blocks less than appealing, a portable shower setup transforms the experience.

USB Rechargeable Portable Shower The Colapz portable camping shower is a submersible pump shower that draws water from any container — including the 8L 2-in-1 or 20L carrier — and delivers a proper shower pressure. It's USB rechargeable, simple to set up and use, and packs away quickly. No plumbing, no fuss. Use it inside a shower tent, outdoors after the beach, or to rinse muddy boots and muddy dogs alike.

Ensuite Shower & Toilet Tent The shower tent is what turns a portable shower into an actual shower. Pop-up design, quick to erect, enough space to shower comfortably, change in, or use as a private toilet cubicle. It's the piece that makes off-pitch washing genuinely civilised rather than a compromise.

✅ Pitch checklist — shower:

USB rechargeable shower pump
Shower tent for privacy
Water container to draw from (8L 2-in-1 or 20L carrier)

5. The Master Pre-Trip Checklist

Run through this before every trip and you'll arrive ready to set up in minutes rather than hours:

Waste management

Water

40L Aquamate with trolley (for extended touring or larger motorhomes)
8L 2-in-1 bucket/water carrier
20L water carrier (for longer trips)
Fill-up hose

Shower

USB shower pump — charged
Shower tent
Towels, shower products

Final Thought

The caravanners and motorhomers who seem to set up effortlessly aren't doing anything magical — they've just got the right kit, packed in the right order, every single time. Build your system once and it pays dividends on every trip after.

The Colapz range is designed specifically to solve the practical problems of pitch life: compact when stored, robust in use, and easy to clean. Browse the full range at colapz.co.uk and build the system that works for you.

Got a tip we've missed? Drop us a message at hello@colapz.com — we're always happy to hear from fellow tourers.