Hello everyone. We are due to pick up our first caravan on Saturday morning. We are so excited, that we intend to go away with minimal supplies on Saturday night(near Morcambe). Thought this would be a good idea so not to build up the "fear" of towing in our heads. All well and good, but we also intend taking our daughter who is nearly four. Grandparent and friends all seem to think we are crazy and it will be far too cold and miserable for us all. Since we are used to camping under canvas from late March to early October, we're all quite hardy and I think we will be fine. What does everyone think - will it be too cold? The van is a little 2001 elddis but we will also be taking a little fan heater too. Thank you. Lisa
The inside of a caravan is quite a small area to heat so youll be fine. weve quite happily done subzero and snow ;) Think our van is rated to -15 to give you an idea.
what you mean by minimal supplies? if i wasnt working id be away in the van but i know my van is in good working order eg electrics n gas are working you say your taking a fan heater if the electric in your van dont work its just an ornament i know this would be worst case but it happerns i hope it doesnt. i know that feeling though all excited your first trip out we did the same thing but had friends in another van to help on our first trip picked her up on friday tea next moring six hour drive to newquay loved it hope you have a great time
When you collect your van, ensure the dealer/seller shows you how everything works - heating, water, lighting etc...so you know how to set everything up.
There is no reason why you shouldn't go away at this time of year.
My little caravan has no heating, no double glazing and very thin wall insulation (unlike modern vans) and I have been fine and cosy in sub-zero blizzards. I just take a hot water bottle and an extra fleece blanket.
we are going away to York for the weekend tomorrow in our new van...cant wait....packed plenty of cider and chocolate so i will be well happy!!
------------- Oct 2013- south lytchett manor dorset
Feb 2014- Lady Heyes
April 2014- Jasmine Park
May 2014 - Jasmine Park Again....
July 2014 - Gwithian
Oct 2014 - Beverley Park
Good to know other people are getting away. The dealer is doing a full handover and even offered to come out with us for a little while to give us some towing tips. My idea of minimal supplies would mean not taking all the kitchen supplies etc and getting a takeaway! Our camping supplies got a little out of hand so I'm looking to caravanning as a simpler way to camp....ask me in another six months I might say different. In reply to twintens, I was thinking about taking our tent hook up, so if the worst happens I can hook up with that. If all else fails we aren't that far from the Midland hotel. Either way - its going to be an adventure!
you will be fine.we have caravanned in minus 8 weather in the past.top tips if its freezing take your pump in at night (£50 new).have bottled water av.extra blackets are never missed on very cold nights.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Go for it! You will be fine. I know my 2 kids are far more robust and feel the cold far less than me and my hubbie. With the heating and a few extra layers if needed you will have a great time.
Don't think our "maiden" voyage will be until Easter now due to work commitments. We get our first van in 2 weeks and I am sooooooooooooooo excited!!! (and slightly daunted but ho hum! we will learn!)
Go for it. We spent a night in our new van on hand over in Feb last year. We did not take the kids but this was just so we could concentrate on the handover. I had taken thermals etc but did not need them. Kids would have been fine, we were very snug. Enjoy.
We had snow on our first trip with the van last year at easter. Don't worry the heating will keep you warm. Take some fleece blankets and warm clothes and enjoy yourselves.
When we're tent camping I swear by my heat holder socks. Thanks for all your kind words of advice and support. Just have to hope our old springer spaniel doesn't need the loo to often in the night! :-))
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: Too cold to camp? Thoughts?
