Hi everyone just like to say hi to all, have finally upgraded from a tent to a caravan, went away for one night to test everything and 3 hrs later the caravan and awning was setup with a little help from another caravanner as we could not get the water to pump through, must say lots of work for one night but still thoroughly enjoy it. Realised we are going to have to extend the drive gates as the caravan needs to be reversed in at an angle, and where we live other drivers are not very patient. must do better and quicker lol. Looking forward to lots of weekends away.
Good for you getting a van.We have setting up off to a tee it takes us 20mins for water and ehu hook up,we dont have an awning now but when we did about half to three quarters of an hour setting it up..she talks a lot to passers by.
Sounds like you are going to love it Sappyc! We have made the decision that it is now time to make the switch to a caravan after a 3 - 4 hour pack up time after our last 5 night camping trip. I love camping under canvas but think the tent will be used for short 1 or 2 night trips when minimal kit is required.
We are having a look at makes / models now with a view to purchasing later in the year. Thinks its going to be a learning curve all over again for us! Keep us posted how you are getting on.
We made the switch last year from a folding camper to a caravan, hated the setting up and taking down of the FC, specially in the rain. Not looked back!
We're getting the hang of the awning now, put it up the other week in no time and without rows! 3rd time we've used the full awning as we have a porch for weekends.
Last time it was up we colour coded all the poles with electrical tape to compliment the diagram. This time we laid out the poles on the ground roughly where they would go, then once the awning was attached it went up really easily. I used to dread it!
The awning was the worst bit for us as I am only 5ft , pulling the awning through the rails was a nightmare, I have read there is a spray you can get which makes it easier so will be getting some of that, hoping to go for the weekend to Devon this week just to try it out again lol.
We decided to change from tent to caravan this year and we found it so much better. Must admit we took a bit of time setting up as never seen or been shown how to do things but must admit most time was spent on the awning lol. Now we know sure it will fly up next time!
------------- even caravan owners need loving so please be patient when behind me! do forgive me for driving so close to the front of your car!!
Congratulations, you won't regret it. Like audicab26 we moved from FC, as were fed up with the faffing about. We've done the lot since our lads were little, small tent, frame and trailer tents too. They have always enjoyed the freedom that camping brings and the youngest is down in North Devon as we speak.
One of the main advantages that we found was that because it's only outside on the drive it can be loaded or unloaded at your leisure. Enjoy.
We changed from FC to caravan this year as well, fed up of wet pack ups. Best thing we could have done. Set up and pack away is so much easier, even with the awning. We don't argue at all... .. I stay inside and leave OH and daughter to do awning have beer/tea ready as appropriate.
Have to say i love my caravan, even hubby is starting to get used to towing, i have been away far more since i had it than i ever have before, and have 4 more trips planned this year
Have booked up for this weekend, so excited. Didn't manage to get anywhere in Devon so were just going up the road, still its away from the house. We have set ourselves a challenge setting up within an hour. I personnally haven't tried the towing yet but have been told by other half I have to have a go.
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: Upgraded from tent to caravan
have beer/tea ready as appropriate.
