Newbie saying hello

[robinhoodguy]

hi there

just bought our first caravan a 2005 bailey pageant provence. we havent managed to get away in it yet but hoping for the half term week in june. needs to sort out some new tyres and generally figure out how everything works but very happy with the purchase.

paul

 

[swpostie]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the forum!

If there's anything you need to know just ask - someone will definitely be able to help you!

 

[robinhoodguy]

hi thanks, i'm just about to buy the haynes manual of caravans and am ploughing through the handbook. also need find some instructions for my awning! it takes up half the caravan floor in bags and looks complicated :-0

 

[swpostie]

In my experience, a full awning is easier to put up than a porch awning (although it takes a bit longer) simply because it can only go one way.

It also helps enormously to colour code the poles. I bought a few rolls of different coloured insulation tape and labelled as follows:

green = upright
green/yellow = roof
blue = middle
one red = right
two red = left
one black = right front poles
two black = left front poles

The intermediate poles are labelled black, green and green/yellow accordingly.

However, initially using the full awning only once a year I would start by laying out the poles, looking at them and thinking to myself - what the hell was I thinking when I labelled these?!!

I've got used to it now though and it really speeds things up.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

It also helps enormously to colour code the poles. I bought a few rolls of different coloured insulation tape and labelled as follows:

green = upright
green/yellow = roof
blue = middle
one red = right
two red = left
one black = right front poles
two black = left front poles

The intermediate poles are labelled black, green and green/yellow accordingly.

However, initially using the full awning only once a year I would start by laying out the poles, looking at them and thinking to myself - what the hell was I thinking when I labelled these?!!

When I first had an awning I did colour code the poles similar to above, but I also had a sketch of the poles and therefore colour coded the sketch as well. Just remember to keep the sketch in the pole bag.

 

[Dustydog]

Welcome to the forum Paul.
I always carry heavy items like the awning in the car.
Enjoy your Provence

 

[Hutch]

Welcome, to the Forum, Paul, ah, the joys of "The Awning". I had thought of when out for the first time with it, about putting up a sign stating "This is the first time".
Enjoy.
Hutch.

 

[geordiegirl]

Welcome to the forum Paul, we have just had our first trip away and it was great, we also had to put the new awning up for the first time too, it wasn;t as bad as feared.

 

[Hutch]

But Geordiegirl, You had a really nice area to set up in. We are off to Chablis area in July, and will set up our awning with a big AV sign on it, as we noticed that The French that toured a little liked the 3/4 awning that we have.
Good luck on your next time out.

 

[LizziePope]

Hi Paul and welcome to the Practical Caravan forum!

 

[Raywood]

Welcome to the site. Not sure what model you have but if it is a series 6 or 7 you will find information on the Bailey website archive at the bottom of the home page. Even if yours is earlier it might still be useful.
If you know the make and model of the awning you might find something on the makers website but if not post details and you never know someone may have one.
Tyres van be a problem unless you know a depot with plenty of room to manouvre. We found the best option was e tyres who were competitive and come to you. We were very pleased with them and would use them again.
Finally if you have any questions post them and someone will know but if you get stuck on site then just ask as most caravanners are only too willing to help.

 

[mealsonwheels]

Warm welcome to the forum
If the awning is a Bradcot awning, you may have easy-alloy poles, where the end and centre poles are linked together in three's, in which case it will be much easier and quicker to put up.
It's good that you will be getting new tyres, which should always be changed when they reach 5 years, even if the tread looks good, as caravan tyres are subject to very much more stresses.

Many years of happy and safe caravanning!

 

[3Amp]

Welcome.

 

[Craigyoung]

Hi welcome & enjoy ! We are and still are loving it !!

Craig

 

[brian_c]

Welcome to the Forum Paul best wishes Brian

 

[robinhoodguy]

well we have now managed two little trips away in the caravan. bought new tyres and had them fitted and mended a faulty toilet flush (new pump) the awning hasnt made it fully out yet though we did have a look at it whilst at the storage yard to try and start getting a handle of it and i think its made a bit more sense.

the awning itself is a sunncamp encore platinum (awning and annex with inner tent.)

we are discussing heading up to ripon in the holidays for a long weekend with friends so that may be the first time its used in anger!

 

[Thingy]

Best advice I can give re awnings is have a look on youtube.co.uk

There are loads of videos about erecting awnings and you may even find one on your exact model. Dont fret over it though, its actually pretty straight forward. The biggy is learning the little tips that make things easier and dare I say it better. If you have any access to space, its worth a quick practice before doing it in anger. Aaprt from that, it will make sure the awning is in good nick and all the poles and bits are there.

Going off your forum name, Im guessing you are in the East Mids