We've just bought our first (new to us) caravan (Coachman Amara 530/4) and it's sitting on our drive waiting for my husband to get a power cable long enough to hook it up to the mains so we can work everything out before putting it into storage till our maiden voyage during February half term. I've been avidly reading things on here (and all over the net) and apart from continually confusing myself with all the terminology around weights etc (will I ever get my around it?) I have a few utterly daft questions that I could really do with finding the answers to (bear with me)
1. We inherited a aquaroll and old style grey waste container - do I need to sterilise these before putting it in storage? Is it 'normal' to use second hand ones? Do I need to buy new ones?
2. I'm already panicking about packing the caravan for our first trip. I get the general principle of putting heavy things over the axle and low down etc - our caravan has a fixed bed and the awning (15 foot porch awning I think) is currently stowed under the fixed bed away towards the axle. Is it Ok to stay there while we're in transit?
3. I keep seeing the advice to secure things which will be left on the floor whilst in transit - but how? Do things move around much? How / where for example would you put outdoor tables / chairs?
4. Do I need to buy bags for the Wastemaster / aquaroll?
5. Do I need to use special cleaning fluids or can I use 'normal' kitchen / bathroom cleaning products? What do I need to get to clean the outside and windows?
6. Do I need a vent cover for my fridge before it goes into storage?
7. Does the fact that we'll be towing with a Vivaro van have any bearing on how tricky / easy it will be to tow / how we load the caravan etc?
If you're still with me then thank you. I'm sure I will have lots more questions in time (apologies in advance)
Can't answer all your questions but this is my feelings.
I sterilise our aquaroll at the beginning of each season, I use puriclean, allow is to stand for a bit, then run it through the van taps, so everything gets a good clean, before rinsing through with fresh water.
If away in very cold weather you may want to wrap your water barrel up, to stop if freezing.
I use bathroom and kitchen wipes to clean just easier to carry and store.we carry our awning in the middle off the caravan over the axle. our table and chairs go in the boot of the car, just so they don't get in the way during set up. we just use water and elbow grease to clean our windows, make sure you use a soft cloth so you don't scratch them, and our van has been superguard treated so a sponge and water gets it clean easily.
Hope this helps a bit. Most of all enjoy
Hi PP
1. By all means steralise both before storage. FYI, although we have a new aquaroll, we only ever use bottled water to cook and drink, just in case.
water from the AR, we use for washing and washing up.
2. Its all about the weight.....I always ere on the side of caution and pack the awning over the axle.
3. The chairs I bungee secure together and place over said awning.
4. In my view no, I always wash down the out side of the aquaroll and grey water to make sure all creepy crawlies are gone before storing them on the front floor prior to travel.
5. Use cleaners specifically for caravans. Inside and out.....google it, as some cleaner chemical compounds can damage plastic surfaces.
we have recently used Greased Lightning to clean and wax the outside of the van......gave a great finish and we hope it makes it easier to get the black streaks off.
6. I posted that question recently..........on balance, my view is not to bother.
7. Easier than a car.......just load all heavy items in the van........I assume you are familar with the 85% rule.....caravan weight versus tow vehicle weight......if you are not.......just mention your van/van weights on your next post and you will receive guidance from other members.
Just sterilize the containers then run it through the system so the pipes are clean too, Coachman tend to have a high nose weight so you will need to check this, you should have no problem fitting your kit in a van, but I used to stand chairs tables etc on their sides against the front seats and secure in place with a bungee or luggage strap never had a problem. place the awning as close as possible over the axle, bags for the containers work well I put aquaroll inside shower but place it on a used towel protection,pack cupboards out to miminise movement in transit and you should be fine its worked for me for 25yrs
The only daft question is the one that you don't ask. i.e. We were all novices and needing to find stuff out.
But your at the best place, the tips and hints in here are second to none
------------- Who needs travel agents,we have our static
Hi and welcome ,one thing i would point out is to ensure all water is removed/drained from the van system before you put it into storage,frozen water can cause a lot of damage,there is a drain position on most heaters, also a smearing of Vaseline on the toilet opening/closing mechanism is a good idea..leave it open when storing ,make sure the toilet is empty too and the flushing water, leave all the taps open
I use big blue IKEA bags for aqua roll/grey waste. Puraclean as mentioned before. Fenwick's caravan cleaner outside, plastic window cleaner and ordinary toilet/kitchen wipes inside the van. Bleach or toilet cleaner will damage the loo seals and probably the plastic too.
Lots of good replies .
We never use water from the aqua roll for drinking or cooking only washing hands etc and dishes .
I always carry very heavy items in our car . Chairs I have always stood between seats they are not heavy and won't go anywhere. We have always used our table that is stored in caravan for the awning . Or if using a picnic table store in the car .
I have a collapsible box that I put all ornaments or loose items in . Like tea pot ( I know who uses a tea pot me ) also the water pump . Table lamp etc . This stands on the floor near the stove. We don't cover fridge vent . What ever cleaning item you use just rinse them well .
Also always use cheap value toilet paper .
And ask on here for anything else . Plus people on sites are very helpful especially older generation who have been going for years .
Good luck have fun . Our first trip will be Easter now . X
Our aquaroll & wastemaster was secondhand. As above. I use Puriclean for the aquaroll and Elsan Tank Fresh for the wastemaster, I pour it down the plugholes, smells lovely. Our table slots into its own dedicated place. Everything else, including chairs, are laid down on the floor between the front benches with the awning over the axle. Nothing moves when in transit.
First of all welcome
All good advice given above
Best answer I can give is relax its a holiday when you are in your caravan
Don't be afraid to ask your neighbour on site, they will be pleased to help so don't struggle on your own
Also when you are on site talk to your neighbours all campers/caravanners like a chat most times, and you may learn something about the local area, cheapest fuel, places to visit etc and in turn you can give information back
Too many times the first thing neighbours on site say to each other is " so you're off then" this has to stop be the one of the people to start the process
Above all enjoy
Correctly loading the van with respect to weight is the most important thing you can do for easier and safer towing. I would suggest that you get yourself some old bathroom scales and pop it under the jockey wheel, then wind up all the steady legs and see how much weight you have at the front. I generally aim for around 70 kg which is fine for most outfits.
I usually set the scales on a couple of short planks of wood if the ground is uneven and also lay a plank of wood across the scales to spread the load from the jockey wheel.
The purists will say this is not the exact noseweight but it is near enough to decide where to place your awning, gas bottles, beer barrel etc during transit.
I repeat, this is the most important thing you can do. So many people don't bother, and they'll be the ones you see wagging along or overturned at the bottom of a hill.
We've only had ours for a year after having a !otorhome for 11 years and there seems so much to learn but it soon seems second nature. We use a noseweight guage for each trip. Our noseweight needs to be around 85 so worth checking what yours should be. The noseweight can change quite a lot just by carrying more food, more clothes, etc and where they're placed so we feel happier checking each time as it's very easy. We've seen far too many vans snaking and swaying, probably due to incorrect loading and driving too fast.
Take your time to learn and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
------------- Jean
Sometimes a little rain must fall before you reach a rainbow.
The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work.
Welcome aboard! Lots of good advice already but please ask for more.
We don't check nose weight all the time but if you load the van the same once you have got it right you will be close.
I always check tyre pressures and wheel bolt torque before a long trip.Lights checked each time we hook up.
If you don't have them get a wheel clamp and hitchlock.
Certain people prefer not to buy caravans!
Insurers may insist they Re fitted.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
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Topic: Complete novice - daft questions alert
me ) also the water pump . Table lamp etc . This stands on the floor near the stove. We don't cover fridge vent . What ever cleaning item you use just rinse them well . 
