I am new to this forum and have just ordered a new TT. Boy am I excited!
I have ordered the Sunncamp 400SE and from the little I have seen so far in here my choice seems to have been a good one!
I do have a few questions for anyone kind enough to advise or even criticise though....
I am a widowed single parent of two youngish sons (11 and 8) anyone think it is too ambitious for us to erect our TT ?
I have bought a Portapotti - never had one of these before - was I stupid buying one ? Any advice on what liquids/etc I need to buy for it ?
We intend to go camping with our dog - a very large Bernese mountain dog. Anyone got ANY advice to offer about where to tether him at night ?
Power hook-ups - Are these really useful or just a way to make camping less fun ? What do you use yours for ?
and FINALLY.... Anyone go through any training on how to tow TTs ? I never towed anything before and just KNOW I am going to screw up badly without some training!
good to be here - be gentle with me folks!!
Mark
------------- ALWAYS Go out on a limb, that's where the best fruit is!
the sunncamps are a decent trailer tent , you and your boys should manage ok , the portapotti will come in handy mainly at night for the boys,leccy hookups are great we use kettle, toaster, small oven, rice cooker,lights, table top fridge,hairdryer. mark towing a trailer gets easyier every time you use your unit.
You will have great fun with your TT. I could get ours up by myself, so with two young helpers you will have no problems at all. It is the pegging out of the awning which will take the most time.
Portapottis are somethat useful. We restricted ours to emergencies (night time etc) and no number 2's. You might find that after a while you can't be bothered to take it with you. You need 2 chemicals -one for the flush (just a detergent) and one for the tank. You can get them from any camping or caravan place.
Towing -find a deserted car park and practice reversing, although if you get stuck they are pretty easy to unhook and push around. Try not to take turns too tight, as the tt will catch on your socket(s) on the tow bar.
When driving you will have no problems (although expect a bit of paranoia about it falling off!). You just need ot remember that you have some weight behind which is pushing the car each time you stop, so plan ahead (brake earlier etc). And you obviously need to allow for bigger gaps when pulling out etc.
Hook-ups -expensive but really useful. For a kettle, heater in the winter, lights and tv if you want. But be careful not to overload them as you will trip the fuse on it and also possibly the site fuses.
Hiya, I'm new too, we just got back from our very first weekend away in our new tt. The lot of us loved it.
We took a porta potti and it was invaluable for last thing at night and through the night. We've got two boys (6 & 3)and they stood up to go the first time and we ended up with a wet groundsheet, so unless aim is good, I would suggest sitting.
We had an electric hook-up and really appreciated it for light, fridge and kettle although next weekend we haven't got one so we'll be able to compare better when we get back from that one.
You are going to really enjoy yourselves when you get started, one weekend away and we're hooked already.
Your boys are old enough to hhelp and old enough for each to have a job. They will be a big assistance in putting up the tt.
Porta potti is a must have unlesss you are right by the facilities, especially at night. The boys may be asleep and you will want to go but worry about leaving them. Put your mind at rest and get the pot. Chemicals are easy to get from any caravan or camping place.
EHU (or electric hook up). Tipping down with rain, small tv, playstation. Kettle, electric grill.
Above all have fun. You will soon suss out what YOU need to have a great camping experience.
Hi and welcome, everyone's really friendly on here, you will find an answer for everything. Porta pottie great - we try and restrict to night time, definitely no "lumpies". Hook up brilliant too - kettle, toaster, hairdrier, slow cooker, heater.
Im no expert but think you will manage very well with 2 big boy helpers, mine is only 4 so easily distracted and lets go of things. would an undrbed tent be a good kennel for your hound? he would be cozy and out of the way unless of course he hogs one of the main beds and makes you sleep down there :)
Welcome to the site Mark....From what Ive seen of them(on sites etc) your choice of TT seems to be a good one...Please try and have a trial run at errecting it before you go on a trip(if this is practical for you)As even with instructions it can be a bit confusing the 1st time..and some sort of colour coding on your awning poles will prove invalubale in subsiquent errections(as you will know what pole goes where etc)Porta Potties....I wouldnt be without one(or some other toilet arrangement)...but ..like others restrict use to nighttime visits....
The dog can be teathered during the day by using a corkscrew type thingy bought from any pet shop etc...as hes so big..I'd go for the biggest one I could find...for the night...I sometimes use a dog cage(our springer spaniel has been used to it from being a pup)But we find she is quite happy in her own dog bed...but teathered to one of the TT legs(to stop her wandering)
Hook ups can be a real boon in camping especially in a TT or large tent...We use ours for lighting...Fridge etc...But DO buy a recognised brand with all safety features built in..and dont be tempted by cobbled together homemade ones etc....And take note of the sites ampage rating and use your hook up accordingly...
Towing..........Ive never been to recognised training classes for towing..and have managed to tow without too many upsets(so far)Before you set off...ensure that all lights etc are working(get one of the lads to stand at the rear of the unit and tell you if all is in order) Observe speed limits..allow more space for braking etc..and you wont go far wrong....Everyone is nervous when they 1st set off towing(rightly so) but at some time in your journey you will forget you have it on!!! Reversing is not my strong point...But most TTs are light enough to unhitch and turn if you find yourself in a tight situation...
The 2 lads are at an age where they should be willing to help you set up(specific jobs for them should help maintain an intrest in this) But if you experience difficulty...There are always plenty of people on site(in my experience) willing to lend a hand....
Once again...Welcome to UKCS...and I trust you enjoy your new TT on future trips...
Jelboy.
------------- Campers of the storm,Into this world are born
Hi Mark. Welcome. I'm not going to give you any more advice, you've had enough of that from everyone else. I've been TT'ing for about 3 years now and only when I've bought a TT that needs a little TLC have I discovered the great benefits of this site! I've never met a friendlier lot! One day I'll have to meet up with you all.
Good luck - I hope you enjoy yourselves as much as I do (and unfortunately my husband does not!).
just have fun we took our 5 children on holiday every year for the last 10 in our TT we had loads of fun and so did the kids! i am new here but everybody is really nice have lots of happy holidays
another newbie here, I have etched the numbers on the poles as the stickers will comes off.To erect the TT 400SE it takes totally around 3 hours. Have fun
Try using different coloured insulating tape for marking your poles. We used to use red down one side, yellow downt the centre and blue along the other side, it does not fall off either.
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: A new boy in town!
