We're new to caravanning and are considering trying rallies with no toilets etc. Does anyone have any tips on rallying? Any extra equipment that is useful? One of my issues is we have 2 children and a wet room style shower room, how do people make the wet room useable after a shower? Wipe it all down with a towel?
------------- From tents to trailer tents to a tin tent to an air tent to trailer tent and back to tin tent!
I have 2 gas bottles so always have a full one particularly for winter rallying when using the gas fire. A fully charged battery is fine for a weekend but we bought a 60 watt solar panel so we could do longer rallies. we don't bother with a television when rallying as there is generally always something going on in the evenings.
You will probably find it is one of your better decisions. we started rallying about 3 years ago and now go regularly. You will meet a lot of friendly caravanners and your children will love it.
We started doing this this year and are looking forward to our 2nd year.
We also have a wet room style bathroom. As above, sponge and a quick wipe usually does the trick, but levelling is the real key.
A fully charged 100A battery sees us through a bank holiday weekend no problems, even using the TV.
Tips
1. Most rally fields (at least the ones we've used) you will dump your grey waste into a nearby hedge so careful siting of your van and a long waste hose (3m should do) will mean you can empty straight to the hedge so you won't need to use a waste water collector.
2. Most rally sites will also be on a field which will probably be softer and not as level as a normal camping pitch, so chocks, and extra levelling boards and blocks come in handy to help spread your vans weight and level up.
3. As mentioned previously 2 gas bottles (1 full)
4. A lightweight awning porch awning is usually better than a full awning.
5. Change all possible lighting to LED to save the battery, especially if the children like a night light.
6. Solar garden lights are often used to mark guy lines as there will be no lighting on site
7. Torches (as above)
8. Wellies or waterproof shoes, as after rain, or even a cool night the ground will probably be damp and grass may be a bit longer than your normal campsite
9. During the rally, take to others about the next one you are planning on going to for any site related tips.
Hope this helps, and that you enjoy the more social side of camping.
A 4x4 tow vehicle or grip mats to go under the cars driven wheels will stop you getting stuck on a rally field . Alternatively make friends quickly with someone that owns a 4x4 .its a good idea to carry a sturdy tow rope
'BadBoyBushy' just about sums it up regarding rallying and wholly agree but having years of experience of not only attending rallies but also running them as stewards or marshals I have found that the biggest concern is trying to keep your leisure battery charged especially if you are away on a holiday rally for several days. There have been occasions whereby I have had to offer assistance with my generator to help those in need so the first and foremost objective is to keep your leisure battery fully charged before setting out and have some form of energy back up such as a solar panel or generator. Remember that if you are rallying during the spring and autumn season there are less daylight hours so if you intend using a solar panel then at least buy one that will be effective to re-charge your leisure battery. I have found that people who have electric flush toilets are more likely to encounter battery problems than those with a manual flush mainly because of the extra 12 volt power consumed to flush the toilet as well as the 12 volt water pump. Ideally an 80 watt solar panel should be sufficient although some will say that they have never had a problem, but when you have run several rallies you find out first hand exactly what the main problem usually is. If you encounter any other sort of problems there are other that will offer advice or a helping hand if need be. Much of my caravanning knowledge has come either come from reading books or rallying so joining in with social events on the rally field is not only fun but can be quite educational as well and your experiences can then be passed on to others in the future.
Only suggestion apart from the other good points, get yourself a Safefill refillable gas cylinder 15ltrs/8.6kg of gas for about £13.00 from you local garage auto gas pump. They are safe, when at 80% full they stop filling with other safety features built in. You can always keep it topped up and go off with a full cylinder and enjoy your rally. I also carry another 110amp battery, just in case.
I've had a really good look and was v surprised to find temp holiday sites as well as rallies on full facs sites. There are several rallies on sites we were thinking of going to anyway, so even better - cheaper and more sociable! Think the plan is to go to a good site first and give the van's shower a go, see how we get on. Motor-mover was put on today, already getting itchy feet......
------------- From tents to trailer tents to a tin tent to an air tent to trailer tent and back to tin tent!
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: Logistics of rallying
and hope you enjoy your first rally meet.
