Hi l#kerrsept, just remember your on holiday make sure your van is level before you put awning up, if you have any kids then they can help you by holding the poles why you connect all the middle poles. then why you are pegging the awning down send the kids to fetch the water this is our we do it.
im sure there is some camping rule that says you have to have a arguement while setting up we always do! but the more times you set up the easier it gets so dont worry someone might even come over to you & help you
cheers eddy & co
------------- WHY DOES SHE TELL ME EVERYTHING IS MY FAULT?
Yes, we're sitting here wishing the van was on our favourite site rather than on the drive I take dogs in for boarding and wrongly assumed that the Easter weather would be awful so booked 2 consecutive lots of dogs in the 2 weeks either side of this weekend. Won't make same mistake next year - that's going to ensure bad weather is'nt it!
Best advice I can give for your first trip is just go with the flow. If something goes wrong, what the heck, you've learned something. If you have trouble setting up, there's nearly always some kind camper willing to help or give advice.
Don't forget the corkscrew and bottle opener for when you're all set up! To forget them is to guarantee a row!
Don't get stressed out, enjoy the whole experience, once the legs are down, hooked up and awning erected, stretch out and enjoy a cuppa or sommat stronger, camping whether its under canvas or in a tin tent is the best stress buster going, You can keep those delayed flights, no leg room and dodgy paella's camping is the 'Garlic bread' Enjoy it
Quote: Originally posted by l#kerrsept on 07/4/2007
Hi
Anyone else out there wishing they could be away now rather than looking longingly at a caravan sat on a drive?!
Our first trip is on Thursday (will be gutted if the weather changes) any tips from those that know better about keeping the stress levels down?
We have practiced the awning erection and are still speaking but other than that are new to everything.
Looking forward to that first beer....
Take a spirit level with you to level the van, I carry several pieces of wood ranging from skirting board up to 3x4 & 2x4 about 15 inches in length. I also carry a small trolley jack. When we arrive on pitch I level the van front to rear first, I then check side to side, if it's low one side, I jack it up & slip a bit of wood under the low tyre. Job done. The jack may come in handy on the road too but we can always hope you won't need it.
When you're on the road, never be intimidated into going faster than you feel comfortable by the following traffic. Just take your time. They have the option of staying there or overtaking you if they have to. You just make sure you get there safe.
Caravanning is great, you'll find just about anyone will help you if you're having problems. You'll know when you've cracked it because you'll be helping others.
HI,The main thing to remember is have a great time and all the little hiccups that may occur make it all the more fun.We have been away and the battery went flat and there was no EHU we had no candles until we could get to the shop the following day.We went away a fortnight ago and our pump failed hence no water unless we kept filling the kettle from the water station a pain but we got through it and we always laugh when recalling our little getaways.I Dont think we would enjoy it as much if we did,nt have something to tell our friends.I take everythink i can think of spare this spare that but its the things i dont take is the problem. Just enjoy the experience and good luck.
To sit in a warm caravan, eating a nice tea whilst looking at spectacular scenary is the dogs gonads. Take your time towing, make sure everything is packed but my biggest piece of advice would be enjoy the experience without stress. Looking back on the hassle at airports, checking-in, no leg room, sh1te airplane food, long transfers to resorts, give me my caravan holiday EVERY TIME
My OH tends to go to the loo while I put the awning up and look after the kids. I'm sure she waits round the corner until I've done everything then comes back faking surprise at how quick I was and sends me out shopping.
Enjoy the experience is the main thing. Take your time dont worry that you think people are watching they may be, so what all caravanners have had a first time. Make sure you have everything make a list if neccessary, once you have sited your van make sure everything is disconnected before pulling away and parking the car up. Make sure the van is level the fridge may not work properly if it is not, just enjoy caravanning is a great pastime that will give you and your family years of pleasure.
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: First trip advice
just remember your on holiday make sure your van is level before you put awning up, if you have any kids then they can help you by holding the poles why you connect all the middle poles. then why you are pegging the awning down send the kids to fetch the water this is our we do it.
WHY DOES SHE TELL ME EVERYTHING IS MY FAULT? 
I take dogs in for boarding and wrongly assumed that the Easter weather would be awful so booked 2 consecutive lots of dogs in 
the 2 weeks either side of this weekend. Won't make same mistake next year - that's going to ensure bad weather is'nt it!
