So - we have bought our new caravan and are really excited about picking it up on 1st April (quite appropriate - April Fools day for a pair of novices!)
As soon as we get it, we're heading off for our first caravan holiday.
Neither of us has ever towed a caravan before, let alone try to get one pitched and habitable on a campsite!
We know nothing about setting the whole kit up - from reversing into a pitch to putting the legs down (if that's what you call them), levelling the thing out and, well...water, electric and whatever else we might need to do when we arrive or before we leave.
We'll have a basic motor mover and aqua roll "thingies" - but need your general tips on what we need to do to make sure we don't look totally GREEN when we arrive and depart :0).
Don't worry about it just enjoy the experience. If you are stuck about how to do anything when you get to site either the Wardens will help or caravanners on neighbouring pitches will.
Generally caravanners are a helpful lot and willing to share advice / helpful tips. The only way to learn is just to do it.
Everyone makes a cock up of something when they first start its part of the fun.
Go for it! You will find out what you forgot to pack but unless you are planning your first trip in the Kalahari desert there are likely to be shops close by to buy whatever it is you may have forgotten.
Enjoy your new hobby you will soon become proficient at setting up it only takes a few repetitions and you'll have it down to a fine art!
Part of the "Teach Yourself" books is one called "Make the Most of Your Caravan" ISBN 978-1-444-10115-7
It costs £10.99 and I think you can find it on Amazon.
It not only covers all the basics, but it will stand you in good stead for years to come.
It covers everything you will ever need to know about caravanning in the UK and abroad.
We have been camping/caravanning for well over 50 years and I am still learning new tricks from this book.
Oh, and don't forget to take it with you when you are away in the van!!!!
Dont want to look stupid.. It happens im sure we have all done something silly. My common mistake was pulling away from the van with the cable still attached.
Dont rush... If you start to rush then your more likely to forget stuff.
Do a checklist. I always pullin approx 1 mile or so down the road from hitching just to give everything a final check. Another common thing i forget is the breakaway cable. I forget to attach it.
The steadies are just that. use ramps/blocks to level it then lower the steadies just enough to firmly plant onto the ground but not lifting the van.
Lots of tutorials on YouTube. Just Google caravan guide or tutorial. Also loads of videos on the caravan channel website.
Setting up is all part of the fun. Enjoy
Dont be afraid of asking about anything you aren't sure of,we were all the same when we started, one thing I do insist on even after many years caravanning is not to let anybody help me to couple up to the car,its to easy to think the other person as put the cable on or engaged the stabiliser
after 11 years we are still learning, other caravaners have given us great tips over the years to make life easier. People are always willing to help, at least that's been my experience onsite and I now try to help others. YouTube is agreat place to look for tips such as hitching up and setting up. Enjoy the experience
------------- When the blue sky breaks it feels like the worlds gonna change
It will all come together provided you have the pieces of the puzzle - Electric connection lead, fresh water container, pump, waste water container, gas bottle, gas regulator, levelling ramps or short planks of wood, battery,
spirit level (may be built in to van).
The one thing in my view that will make you look stupid is trying to level the van using the corner legs/steadies. They are just to steady the caravan.
If the ground slopes sideways tow the van on to blocks/ramps to level the sides then level front to back using the jockey wheel. Then you can lower the legs.
We've only been caravanning for 18mths, rookie mistakes we made were:
- Not having a spanner to tighten the gas connection, borrowed one off a warden after I'd checked with a passing caravanner that the connection shouldn't make a hissing sound!
- not having anything smaller than an aqua roll to fill the toilet flush tank, borrowed a jug from a neighbour
- pulling off with the skylight still open, pointed out by fellow caravanner
- leaving skylight open wide whilst in storage and yes, it did rain heavily, though nothing some towels and a good airing didn't sort
- forgetting to leave all doors open over winter and then learning how to clean off mould (I used antibacterial spray and then sprayed and left to dry a mix of water an tea tree oil, did the trick)
- not having an adapter to convert our 13pin on new-to-us car to grey and black plugs.
- not knowing where to find / how to change battery fuse (very helpful retired engineer on the rally sorted us out and charged our battery from his car as there was a power cut)
------------- From tents to trailer tents to a tin tent to an air tent to trailer tent and back to tin tent!
Most important thing is to ask your neighbour for help. Most of us are a friendly bunch and more than willing to help. On our first trip the guy next door helped me set everything up from levelling to getting water etc on and showed me how to and which order works bed from his years of experience.
It was very much appreciated and we enjoyed a beer together afterwards whilst the kids played on their scooters
We burnt our clutch out on our first trip doing an Austin Powers inspired turning and reversing manoeuvre. At least you've got a motor mover.
We now push onto pitch and are often helped, whether we need it or not. People tend to be very kind and willing to offer help.
Don't worry about looking stupid, you won't. We have all done something daft that we wished we hadn't, it's all part of the learning process. We've all been there, just take your time & you will be fine.
As already mentioned we are a friendly lot if you're not sure of something plus there are loads of videos on YouTube to look at & of course loads of tips on this forum too.
The main thing is enjoy the experience, it does get easier.
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
When picking your caravan up, the dealer "should" give you a thorough handover explaining everything. Take a pen and notepaper and make notes, ask if unsure. We are relatively "green" to Caravanning and have others have said, when on site people are all too willing to help.
As for towing, just take everything nice and steady, this is the start of your holiday, just learn to enjoy it. Hope all goes well , I'm sure it will, the best thing that we have done.
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 - Don`t want to look stupid!
