BRAND NEW BEGINNER - NEEDS YOUR TOP TIPS!!!

[Tapestry]

Hi

Some good advice here already.

Food on day of arrival, keep it simple. We usually carry a picnic in a cool box in the boot of the car for when we arrive on site. On longer journeys we have a picnic on route then something like a salad for first meal on site, pasta dish if its cold. Both of which can travel in the fridge of the caravan with some ice packs, on long journeys we also run the fridge while towing. For weekends away we carry food for the weekend. On long journeys food for the first 24 - 48 hours. We use the internet to find store details for local supermarkets, including address and post code, opening times etc.

If you travel with kids, make sure they have things that can occupy them on car journeys, including snacks and drinks which can be given out. On long journeys we use an in car DVD player in addition to colouring books etc. On arrival, our kids have little jobs they help with eg getting the water etc.

Keep a good first aid kit readily available, you never know when you need it.

Hope this helps

Annette

 

[KenWashington]

Just waiting for the jokers to finish before offering my contribution!

Caravan Sitefinder has a whole section of info and advice for caravanners, including a checklist of essential and non-essential kit.

www.caravansitefinder.co.uk

The checklist is on this page:

www.caravansitefinder.co.uk/community/book/camping-tips/touring/touring-accessories

 

[pog]

Thanks Ken!

 

[mistermac]

Hi

I would say that a good mallet (preferably a small lump-hammer), plenty of 'rock pegs' and some knee-pads are life-savers when you're pitching up on hard-standing with the awning.

Someone's mentioned the tick-list....and the corkscrew.

I would make up a short tick list for packing away too - it's so easy to forget to pull the jockey wheel up, ensure the motor-mover's fully 'off', leave spanners/winders on the ground or not fully test your lights before pulling off etc.

Like others have said - don't rush anything. Pull over and let that stream of cars past when you can - they'll thank you for it. Don't try and get the awning up as soon as you arrive if you've had a long drive - get that beer out of the coolbox!

Have fun!

Mark

PS

If you're picking your van up from new - go over it with a fine tooth comb and make sure the seller is aware of every minor detail that's wrong. Take photos of those niggly little problems that will inevitably crop up because the dealer will need these for warranty purposes - and e-mailing them to the dealer is easier and quicker than driving the van down there!

 

[IanMc]

Don't forget to put the corner steadies down before you get in the van after you have unhitched from the car. Our first trip we did just that and the front end shot up when the wife got in the back of the van. You certainly learn by your mistakes. Best advice is if your not sure just ask somebody, most people we have met have been very helpful.

Regards

Ian

 

[mistermac]

Don't forget to put the corner steadies down before you get in the van after you have unhitched from the car. Our first trip we did just that and the front end shot up when the wife got in the back of the van. You certainly learn by your mistakes. Best advice is if your not sure just ask somebody, most people we have met have been very helpful.

Regards

Ian

Hey Ian -

Did you get to Keswick at Easter?

Mac

 

[Richard_374306006]

Hi BJ,

We are only in our second season and found that the best thing for us was a methodical approach to packing and setting up.

Don't rush and panic, just plan out the steps and go through them one by one - someone suggested a checklist, try having one for each stage, hitch up, set up etc.

On our first ever set up (in the dark) I forgot to undo the breakaway cable!

The other thing to consider is that as mentioned before (most)people on site will seldom watch you struggle and are normally quite happy to offer advice.

Enjoy.

 

[IanMc]

Hey Ian -

Did you get to Keswick at Easter?

Mac

Yes Mark we did. We had a great time, though a bit cold. Have you been there yet.

regards

Ian

 

[PaulHull]

Don't forget to remove the breakaway cable from your towbar - I firgot to do it the first time we took our van away and it scared the life out of me (they do go with quite a bang when they snap!).

Before we pack our van I try and visualise what I'm going to need first when I'm setting up. I like to get the van set up and level then put up the awning so make sure that it is not at the back of the van making you climb over everything that's in there.

Also make sure that a steady supply of cigarettes is available as if you are a smoker you will need them to avoid removing the wife's head.