I have seen so many tents, TT's etc etc full of all sorts of gadgets like an Aladdins cave. I am sure that each one of those items is useful in its own way at some point. And yes I have thought to myself gosh that's smart looking better than keeping whatever in a hold all or pushed under the trailer. But do we really need all this stuff? Why not cut down to the basics spend a weekend really close to home and decide between yourselves what you can do without or must have. It's obviously an issue that bothers you and I totally agree if its hard work it puts you off.
That's why we have sold most of our tents & bought a FC, got sick of the time it was taking, certainly didn't feel like a holiday after 3 hours ,now its up, awning, chairs & table, dogs bedding & pub, result.
We pack all we can in the unit before we travel. Kitchen stuff stays in the FC anyway, we have separate stuff for house and FC. The only thing we really have to pack the night before is the clothes and pillows- the rest is in there prior to travel.
We've had many tents,caravans,folders and trailer tents. The quickest set up time was without doubt achieved with an Esterel folder - steadies down - roof up in two lifts - sides in place two lifts - position galley cupboard, its up in not much longer its taken for you to read how.
------------- If if it aren't totally broken its probably best left alone.
Thanks for all your comments. I think that if we was to visit sites in the New Forest using just the basic TT set up and only the most needed gear for weekends and then do a Brittany summer holiday it may get our enthusiasm back. We seem to have got stuck in a rut of going back to so same place year after year and feel we need to use all our gear.
Has anyone done a trip to Brittany and can you recommend any sites or have any tips in doing a holiday there
That's the best idea take the absolute basics, then write down the things you actually really do need. I'm doing that at the moment just the basic stuff, my wife packs all the stuff the night before and I load it all and get the camper ready. She puts all the essential bits in a plastic box, then just our clothes and bedding and that's about it really.
------------- Up there for thinking, down there for dancing. 😎
Take the basics .we go to sites with washing machines so can cut down on clothes. Time it takes me to relax from work the holiday is nearly over .usually work late weak before we go make sure grass cut pack car bikes on, camper on, up early to travel so miss traffic. I think I'm doing it wrong. When I'm 70 I can start taking it easy. Only 30 year to go.
I know it's possible to survive without all this stuff, but I think the reason we get a tt or fc is we wanted more space, and comfort. So if you don't take storage you end up tripping over bags, toys, and you can't find the toothbrushes etc! I suppose it comes from being a Mum, and constantly tidying up after the kids (5 & 2)! Love 'em. It does get quicker, with practise. We're planning a trip to Brittany too. Never taken the tt on a ferry, only camped in a ridge tent in France on a terrible municipal site! Can recommend Le Guilvinec, Yelloh Village Camping la Plage, but we stayed there about 6 years ago in a static, and returned the following year. They used to have touring pitches. Would be interested to hear where you end up, and how you get on GMC. Love the New Forest as well!!
You hit the nail on the head we are exactly the same as you.
Maybe I am just getting bored of where we go Hampshire, Dorset Devon and Cornwall and need to travel to ventures new thanks for the recommendations
We have loads of stuff, it probably takes us a good 2 hours to get it all up, set up and sorted out...and we do that whether a weekend or our longer holidays...we like to be comfortable and we have stuff to make it so.
The critical path isn't far wrongfor us...we both know what we are doing and when...both of us put up the main cabin, then I go inside and put everything together in there, whilst hubby gets everything ready to put the awning up...I help build the frame and get it attached and then he does all the pegging out and setting up in the awning (table, chairs, wardrobe etc), then it's just curtains up and done...and whilst all that's doing I generally have a pre - made lasagne that is warming in the oven, so its ready with a nice glass of wine when we've finished. It's taken us a good few trips to become so regimental about it, but it's the only thing that stops the arguments...well, that and a bottle of beer of course!
Try France...we've been every year for the past 5 years and love it...but we generally do the Vendee area.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: To much stuff
thanks for the recommendations
