Hi all
Well I've been a lurker for a couple of weeks and thought it was time to come out.
We've just bought our very first van, I'm describing it as my mid life crisis. We've never camped or caravanned before so its all very new to us but was something we both quite fancy now.
We bought an oldish van which came with absolutely everything so having checked the checklists on here I'm pretty certain we have all we need, if we like it then we will prob upgrade to a newer van. Hubby is used to towing so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Was just wondering if anyone had done a checklist for when you first arrive at the site. I'm sure after a few trips it will all become second nature but just now feeling quite apprehensive about remembering stuff - don't want to wake up with our van rolling down a hill because we forgot to put the legs down!!!! We have an awning to put up too as this is where DD and her friend will be staying, we've had one practise of putting that up in the driveway.
Any advice or checklist would be much appreciated - got visions of us being the campsites evening entertainment trying to put up the awning and everything else that we "should" be doing - lol!!!
Thanks
Put the blue in the loo and the water and pink in the flush tank if applicable...Preferably before starting on the beers!
To be honest, I always level by eye and never use a spirit level. As long as I don't roll out of bed, who cares how level it is, I am there to enjoy myself not worry about technicalities.
If you don't put the awning up (or get a nice easy porch awning) you won't need the lawyer either.
IYou will also need to connect the gas. Gas appliances can sometimes be difficult to light at first too, especially the fridge as it takes a long time for the air to bleed through the pipework.
15. Remember to bring a sense of humour and apply at this point. If this fails, go to 16.
16. Find a good lawyer .....
Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new van. You'll get loads of help on here. Just treat the first trip as a learning curve and you wont go far wrong.
13c swear some more and blame everyone that some bits must have been lost and its not all here, who put it away last.
13d 'We should have just brought the portch awning this time'
Also if you have kids (as we do) parts 5, 7, 8 and 10 can probably be delegated.
------------- 'Plastic Pig' driver
(got a new plastic Hyundai - Santa Fe)
2011 -
? Mr PP has just gone and bought another business, holiday?...we should be so lucky!
Word to the wise,Speed on Motorways 60MPH Max,Not allowed in outside lane of motorway(unless inner lane blocked) 60MPH Max Dual carrage ways, 50MPH Max on all two way roads(even if speed of road is higher), so will need to factor extra time to your destination as you will be towing at lower than the national speed limit. Good luck with your trip. then as all above posts.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
Wow, thanks all for the fantastic replies - especially jeff juke for doing my newbies/idiots guide.
Sure i'll be along with a few more questions before we set off for our first outing - hopefully next weekend.
Thanks again
now what was the number of the lawyer........
You will have a ball and as you say it will soon become second nature to you. We are still newbies but it is getting easier now we have a routine and roughly know which one of us does what.
Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 11/5/2011
1 unhitch van
2 apply hand brake
3 use spirt level to level van
4 put down steadies
5 get out step
6 fit mains cable
7 fetch water and attach waste barrels
8 attach water pump
9 turn on electrics
10 bleed hot/cold taps
11 boil kettle
12 have cuppa
13 get out awning
14 erect awning
15 find good lawyer
16 relax...
Ps..fill toilet with fluids needed..
DO NOT USE STEADIES TO LEVEL THE VAN use a leveling ramp or some pieces of plank under the wheel.level the van before you unhitch as you can use the car to pull the van onto the ramp/planks
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: Newbie - Advice
use a leveling ramp or some pieces of plank under the wheel.level the van before you unhitch as you can use the car to pull the van onto the ramp/planks
