Well the fact you arent in your van ma already be a bonus as any faults wont be yours and you can practice in it. Some poor sod will get your loaned van as a 'display model' unaware that it has been out already.
Katie, how disappointing not to be picking up your own van!! I would've been devastated to be told that at a days notice. There are some stories about dealers aren't there?
Although we live in Glossop we got our Adria from Mansfield area and were very pleased with the dealer.We also went straight to site for 4 nights, C&CC site at Teversal and we still talk about that first trip. Its only 18 months ago and everything went well, even the awning! Hope you don't have to wait too long to get your van. There'snothing like it!
Are we alone in NOT arguing when putting up the awning?
Hubby knows I am quite particular about how it's put up, so he lets me get on with laying out the poles (he gets on with other set-up jobs), then we thread the canvas and erect the frame together. He then goes away and lets me get on with pegging (I know this sounds like I do most of the work, but it usually takes me at least 3 days to get the pegging to my liking, so it's far easier to let me do it to start with - I'm fussy about getting corners in line with poles and panels as straight as possible!! I can be sitting, relaxing with a cuppa, but if I see a pole that isn't straight, or a peg out of line, I HAVE to move it or it really annoys me ..... we all have our little quirks!). I put the small awning up by myself - it's quicker!!
Our first time towing was 3876f2080b years ago and restricted to a short ride around the block just to get the feel of it. It took quite a time and I didn't get above ten mph the whole trip. Told my BH that we should forget it and sell the van because it would take us weeks just to get to holiday destination 50 miles away. Changed my mind when I realised I had the caravan brake on all the time. Duh - but I still do it and many more daft things but now I'm an "experienced caravanner" I know that I'm not alone. Join the gang and enjoy.
Scampi - so glad to know I'm not the only 1 who's fussy about the awning - we went away at the weekend, & the porch awning was 'saggy' to say the least. Mentioned this to hubby who said he noticed once he'd finished - personally I'd have unpegged it & started again, but hey ho - I was feeding the baby so couldn't really argue!! - note to self - when away in June make sure baby is with grandparents (all will be there) so I can supervise awning erection!! can't cope with it being saggy for a whole week (Hehehe!!)
------------- Bringing up baby to be a seasoned caravanner - we bought one to holiday cheaply - working well so far - & caravanners are lovely - helped us on our virgin voyage & our awning!!!
We picked our first van up from Hatfield and drove it straight down to Dorset for three nights. Newbie towers hitting the M25 at rush hour on a Friday was a bit hair raising to say the least.
Before you go locate the nearest caravan accessory shop so you can pick up any little things you may have forgotten (eg waste water pipes!!!) The site we stayed on had an accessory shop on site so it got a bit of trade that weekend.
nothing can go wrong as long you have the car,the kids (if any) the caravan on the back, and a few bottles of wine ,you have a perfect holiday,don`t worry about a thing you have a great time it will turn out great for you.
------------- fourwinds 28 march to 1 april,cambridgeshire
waldegraves holiday park-10 aug to 17 aug (essex)
searles 17 aug to 24 aug(hunstanton)
it is scary but you'll argue stress cock things up and then LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!
MUM'S TIP
put a little card in front window with arrival and departure reminders
eg
legs up
windows and roof shut
gas off
indicator check
etc. etc.
do have vino at the ready on arrival.
reminder:
corkscrew, tin opener, matches, cloth, teatowel, fairy, bedding, pillows, clothes!!, books, throw?, knife fork etc, cups and glasses(stored low) oo yes DO NOT put heavies in top lockers fall out and scratch tops. roll in towel and stick em on the front floor or over wheels.wrap towels round all to rest assured.
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: HELP!!!!
