Our first caravan

[Smokey1]

Hello every one, After many years of camping under canvas, my wife & I have purchased our first caravan. Its a 2005, 4 berth, Lunar Lexon, CS. My 2 children are looking forward to our first few days away which for my wife & I it will be quite a learning curve. I have many a question to ask but I guess those of you who have been caravaning for many years will still remember what it was like first time out & recall that you learn by experience. One thing I would like to know is............, while storing a caravan during the winter months & while not in use for some time, is it a good idea to use a de-humidifier inside the caravan or leave a window open slightly etc. I do how ever have a good quality, breathable cover which is shaped to cover the whole caravan. The last thing we want is to have damp or mil due. I look forward to your replies. Regards, Keith, ..............

 

[Parksy]

Hi Keith, Welcome to the Practical Caravan forum and congratulations on buying your first caravan.
This forum is a great place to ask all the questions that you want so don't be shy

Opinion is divided regarding de-humidifiers, silica bags etc with some insisting that they are worthwhile. When you consider how many small holes for pipes and cables there are, as well as gas drop vents in the floor area, fridge vents, gas fire flue vents etc you might begin to realiise that a dehumidifier will seemingly show gallons of liquid in the receiver tank because it is trying to dry out the entire atmosphere from outside the caravan and not inside a sealed room, the same applies to silica bags which are always wet because of the ambient atmosphere of the world, not just inside the caravan.
It's a good idea to leave a couple of the windows on night latch, move the upholstery away from the walls and windows, and air the caravan on dry days ( if we ever get any

) every few weeks.
Enjoy the forum

 

[Mel]

hi keith. welcome to the forum and to caravanning. In the winter we put the heating on in the van every so often as well as open windows on dry sunny days (which we seem to get more of in the winter than in this so-called summer) You can also caravan very comfortably in the winter. Year round use is a good way to keep must and mildew at bay. You may find that you never have a long enough spell to make the cover worth putting on.
mel

 

[Gagakev]

Hi Keith, welcome to the forum best one to be on, good choice

You will get all the answer's you want from the knowledgeable folk on here.
Enjoy your new found freeedom

 

[Smokey1]

Hello Parksy,

Thanks for your advice regarding the humidifier. I must say I hadn't realised how many vents etc were in a caravan !!!

Lucky for me I store the caravan where I work next to my workshop so I can keep an eye on it.

My Question now is........ now that I have found out how many vents etc there are, my work location is in the country where there are allot of field mice ! I think you can work out what I'm thinking. Could this be a problem ?

On a good note........ I'm looking forward to picking up the caravan for the first time in August, with a friend of mine who has also bought one. I like a challenge & after measuring the overall length of the caravan ( 24 foot ) & my car ( 17 foot ) I think for the first time it will be something to get used to !! " Any handy tips ??"

Regards

Smokey ( Keith ) &

 

[Parksy]

Fieldmice can be a problem and mothballs are said to keep them at bay. My caravan is stored on a farm and I keep the corner steadies raised and place a few mothballs contained in old socks or the ends of Herselfs old tights around the wheels, jockey wheel and inside the gas locker. These destroy the scent trails left by mouse urine that other mice follow.
The best place to ask for advice is on the General message board where your questions will be seen by more forum members.
Don't be shy, they are all friendly and helpful and the only daft question is the one that you should have asked - but didn't

 

[Smokey1]

Hello Mel

Thank you for your advice regarding maintaining my caravan during the winter.

I must admit being a tent camper for many years I never even thought of taking a winter break. I guess using the caravan during the winter isn't such a bad idea. "Mmmm, got me thinking now".

I think we will get used to using it first as I haven't even picked it up yet. ( Aug 11th )

We have however booked to go away for a week to get used to it before we venture next year to Germany & the South of France.

Also getting used to driving a vehicle with the overall length of just over 40 foot will take a little getting used to too !!

Anyway thanks again,

Regards,

Keith ( Smokey ) &

 

[Sproket]

Hello Smokey
Welcome to the forum

.
" Any handy tips ??"
A good pair of towing mirrors.
Good tyres blown up to correct pressure.
Find out how everything works before your first adventure.

I see you like your hat

 

[Smokey1]

Hello again, I can see that I have much to learn. ( even how to use this forum properly as I think I sent you the same message twice #-o ) I will ask the same question on the General Message board as you suggest but I will make a note of the moth ball idea. "Thanks". Keith, ........... <) cowboy

 

[Smokey1]

Hi Ya Gagakev,

Thank you for your welcome message.

I have lots to learn & so far with friendly people like yourself I have had a few questions answered already.

It will take me a bit of time getting used to this forum as there are many different segments to it.

Anyway thanks again,

Keith ( Smokey) &lt) cowboy

 

[Smokey1]

Hi Sproket,

"Hay I like your Cagen Band", Nice touch.

Thank you for the tips you sent on towing.

Its nice to see that there are so many people out there who are willing to help.

Many thanks buddy,

Regards,

Smokey.

 

[kopite]

Hi smokey and welcome to the forum
There`s a good bunch on here even if they are misfits but they mean well.ha ha
Only in my 3rd year now but have loved every adventure from the mistakes to the pouring rain
hope you have many happy times

 

[Smokey1]

Hi Kopite, Thank you for you welcome note. I'm sure we will enjoy the the adventures to come just like the ones that you have already had. We're so looking forward to picking up our caravan in Aug, so we can get the hang of it. To get used to it we have booked a short brake away in the familiar surroundings of Devon where we have camped many times. After that who knows, we would like to meet up with people we know who want to camp in the Black Forest in Germany !! Anyway, "Happy Holidays". All the best, Keith, ............

 

[Beachball]

Hi Keith welcome to the practical caravan forum any questions you will get and answer .............