Hey all. So my partner and I have just bought a folding camper(pennine pathfinder) and are looking to get into camping round cornwall most weekends. Our first foray is going to be Hendra, outside Newquay(we have 4 kids between us) and to say we are excited is an understatement. We going next week from Friday to Sunday. What piece of advice do you wish you were told when you were first starting out, that we should be looking to do on our first (and subsequent) trips? My biggest fear is that i will be single after 20 mins of putting up camper, as my missus and I are both always right I do have concerns about putting up awning and stuff as been told can be a nightmare, but people we bought it off said everyone super friendly on sites, and will more than likely offer a hand/knowledge. Regardless, we are looking forward to the adventure.
Just realised I didnt point out neither of us has done anything like this before(Sara has done some tent camping in the past), so we are as ignorant to what to expect as we could wish to be. But bring it on, as long as kids have an adventure, then all good in the world!
Yes you will be single after the first 20minutes, but all will be forgotten within a minute of finishing setting up.
Don't forget the bottle opener!
Have a practise run at home if you have time
Take plenty of layers
If you do have a problem, us campers in general are a friendly bunch and are willing to help, even if only to provide a hot drink in the driving rain or cold one in the scortching sun
Make a list of what you would take next time whilst you are away and can remember
Plenty of layer
Warm bedding
plenty of layers
Beer, wine & food
Enjoy
------------- Nick
2017
April - New Forest(9)
May - Dorset (9)
August - Camping Le Pin Parasol, Vendee (18)
October - East Mersea (8)
and five nights in the one man tent!
You'll soon get into a routine. When we had the crusader (similar to pathfinder), we both used to set up the cabin, then I would go inside and build it up whilst he got the water, electricity, waste, toilet sorted. Then we'd both build the awning...we found it easiest to zip the canvas on, throw it onto the cabin, then build the frame - build the front bit first on the ground, so the middle leg, two outside legs, connected with the roof sections, then attach the middle leg to the camper then attach the two outside legs. You can then put the bracing struts in, pull the canvas over and then fit the front canopy bits. I would then unpack inside whilst he pegged out.
Have a beer on hand, or a cup of tea and take your time, no-one is timing you, there is no rush. Also make sure your waterproofs are to hand just in case it's raining when you get there...nothing worse than getting soaked looking for your waterproofs in the bottom of the boot.
Most of all have fun...if you make any mistakes, try to laugh about it...you will no doubt have a row but most people do.
Nice to know we will have made up after its set up :) we only got camper on saturday, and set it up on Sunday. Hopefully there wont be a swear box near-by when we set up. So layers and warm bedding are a must.I get really hot at night and sleep with little on generally(too much info???sorry:)) so looking forward to the sanctuary of a cool nights sleep...why do i feel this statement is going to bite me on the bum later haha.
Its been confirmed that Saras brother in law will be helping us with the awning on day we set up, which means i can change message title to just excited :)
Quote: Originally posted by veema on 24/6/2014
You'll soon get into a routine. When we had the crusader (similar to pathfinder), we both used to set up the cabin, then I would go inside and build it up whilst he got the water, electricity, waste, toilet sorted. Then we'd both build the awning...we found it easiest to zip the canvas on, throw it onto the cabin, then build the frame - build the front bit first on the ground, so the middle leg, two outside legs, connected with the roof sections, then attach the middle leg to the camper then attach the two outside legs. You can then put the bracing struts in, pull the canvas over and then fit the front canopy bits. I would then unpack inside whilst he pegged out.
Have a beer on hand, or a cup of tea and take your time, no-one is timing you, there is no rush. Also make sure your waterproofs are to hand just in case it's raining when you get there...nothing worse than getting soaked looking for your waterproofs in the bottom of the boot.
Most of all have fun...if you make any mistakes, try to laugh about it...you will no doubt have a row but most people do.
didnt even think about waterproofs. crikey this is going to be memorable :) thanks for awning advice. complete gobbledygook to me just now, but im gonna take print off of it and when doing it im sure it will make sense. thanks
- If you have a water heater on yours make sure you close the drain valve before filling it
- Colour code the awning poles before you go to simplify it and as above definitely zip on canvas first and then throw on top of main cabin
- Zip in all panels before you peg out awning and remove them again before you pack away to make awning lighter for lifting
- Stick fridge on gas for an hour when you get there to cool down quicker
- Level camper side to side before you unhook it and then end to end using jockey wheel. only then lower the corner steadies (they are not jacks, only steadies!)
- If doing lots of weekends look at getting a converted porch awning in due course. Lots of posts on here about it - it could save your marriage ;)
- Unhitch your breakaway cable first before anything else so you don't leave it attached when you drive car forward...
Quote: Originally posted by ashy55 on 24/6/2014
Maybe not using the awning for weekend camping? You can get to he wine quicker?
Think with there being 4 children the awning would be a necessity...but suppose it depends on how much stuff you've got...we always put our awning up, takes about an hour, but I think it makes all the difference.
You'll enjoy Hendra, it's a lovely site considering it's quite commercial.
Bill
------------- 11 Hendra
12 La Croix du Vieux Pont
13 lCdP+The Quiet Site
14 Park Cliffe Cote D'Argent
15 Park Cliffe Le Pearl
16 Eskdale
17 Skelwith Fold
18 Skelwith Fold
19 Skelwith Fold
20 Skelwith Fold
Make sure you get a good lawyer to sort out who's going to be stuck err... granted custody of the kids.
Best tip is to set it up at home a couple of times when there is no pressure.
Next, have a lunch break just before you arrive on site so you've got all afternoon to set up. Nothing worse than arriving tired and hungry, with 4 hungry kids, then try and set up before you can eat.
Probably not so bad for you though as you live in Cornwall.
Thanks for all advice guys. We put it down tonight, and all seemed to go well(doctor says black eye I received should heal soon :)) Like has been put, were in Cornwall (truro) so thought a nice local trip would be best way, and we take kids hendra swimmimg so kinda know it. Brother In law working till 5 on the Friday so will make start on awning our own. Plan on sending kids swimming while we set up, as not sure they should see mummy or daddy having a breakdown.
You guys have all offered great advice. Awesome site. Thanks.
We bought a Pennine Sterling earlier this year and have just had our second (fantastic) trip in it.
We have done a lot of tent camping so that helped but I have to say the first trip was quite stressful, not helped by pouring rain! The second was a lot easier.
My tips:
Make sure you switch on the gas and get everything you need out of the gas locker before you fold out the beds.
Make sure you know where the switches are for electric, gas and water are remember you need to turn the switch just inside the door to caravan.
The fridge is completely silent and takes a while to cool down so dont worry if it seems like it isnt working.
If there is any chance of rain take lots of spare clothes for the kids and wellies if they are younger and will wear them.
Make sure you have a heater or some warm clothes, even in summer.
Roughly plan out meals and take food with you. Nothing worse than having to shop for food while you are away.
My kids are older but we still have a box of travel games, playing cards, dominoes and drawing stuff in the camper which comes out every time we go away - they would never bother with any of this at home!
If you have younger kids dont try and bother with too much of a routine, just go with the flow. Trying to get them to bed at normal times is pointless. Oh and expect them to wake up early - the sun shines straight through canvas!
We have not put our awning up yet. We already have a utility tent which doubles as a toilet tent and is great for extra storage on weekend trips. If the weather is fine you can sit outside anyway.
Most important of all - take your time setting up, there is no rush, try and see it as part of the whole camping thing and really try not to get stressed.
We have a folding plastic stool which I find invaluable for putting the awning up. We are of the school where we unfold the cabin, zip the roof panel one and then throw over the cabin. Once that's done we build the full frame, pull the roof onto it and zip in the side panels. It's a doddle when the weather's good, it's like any other awning when it's not.
We also bought an electric cool box and freeze meals to take. It's sits in the door opening when travelling, ( not plugged in), then stands in the awning next to the door where it can be plugged in. It's good for four days food.
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: scared and excited
I do have concerns about putting up awning and stuff as been told can be a nightmare, but people we bought it off said everyone super friendly on sites, and will more than likely offer a hand/knowledge. Regardless, we are looking forward to the adventure
