Eek first trip in the new (old 2004) van looms. First caravanning trip ever!
I'm going with my cousin who has a van and can help me work out how to work stuff. Got loads of manuals which should help.
Engineer advised not to use the gas yet until it's been checked but I do need to run all the water and just everything looks intact as there was a spillage incident I don't really know the details of.
Anyway, what do I need to remember? What obvious things am I going to forget.
Bedding, chemical loo liquid, don't have the special paper yet, cutlery and crockery (oh pants will need to empty the trailer tent), food of some description, torch, tools, wheel wrench, foot pump, steady iron, towing mirrors, clothes, the children...
We're only going for one night and it's about three miles from my house so we should survive! Wonder if I should take the tent pitch bag in case it all goes swimmingly and I decide to frolic with the awning.
First point and this may be important. Did the caravan engineer say there was a "spillage" in relation to a gas appliance? I am a registered gas installer and spillage refers to the escape of flue gas through a boiler casing or flue connection. If that's the case leave the gas appliance alone until you can get it thoroughly checked especially if you are planning on sleeping in the same space as the appliance. The cooker for example, not so bad as you will feel uncomfortable and open a window. But if you are asleep and carbon monoxide leaks into the van you may not wake up. If your caravan is 2004 it should have a truma water Heater with an electric element so no need to use the gas if you have a EHU. Same goes for the heater that should run on electric as well as gas. I never use these on gas as it's a waste of bottled gas if you have an EHU.
My first night in the van was only 15 miles from home. We stopped at a CC site and the warden helped me set up, level the van, sort out the chemical toilet everything. I took some food for an evening meal and utensils to cook it and eat off. Then some items for breakfast.
Also a kettle, coffee, tea etc.
I fast learned not to cook in the van late as it makes it very warm.
If you have kids don't expect them to sleep much they will be too excited. Take a TV and DVD player to keep them entertained if the weather is poor.
I also learned to make the bed up with the cushions upside down with the rolled edges and buttons facing down. It's too lumpy otherwise.
I guess you also need to take some bedding for everyone.
Best of luck and let us know where you went and how you got on.
------------- First van bailey ranger 550/6
Now the proud owner of a coachman amara
Do not be afraid it's only meant to be fun, our first trip ever was a little longer that yours is going to be.
We left Norfolk about ten one saturday morning with our newly aquired van a very old one at that with glass windows and gas lighting and no electrics whatso ever and our first stop for the night was Jedbourgh some 303 miles from home ( We don't mess about!)
By the third night we were on the sea front at John o groats (See I said we don't mess about) We had a great time as I'm sure you will and returned ten days later two very happy bunnies.
Baileyjake, thank you. No, the previous owner made some sort of error draining down the water heater and water was spilled on the floor. Switch the wrong way or something. It's a Truma electric one. We'll just be leaving the gas unconnected on this trip anyway.
We're seasoned campers so should survive but also it's me and a baby and 4yo so I know not to be too ambitious about getting stuff done. Oh and the caravan cost a lot more than any tent ever did. Best be careful with it!
In fairness the most traumatic part will be maneuvering the van out of its space in the barn. Roll on motor mover installation!
Quote: Originally posted by sadkate on 24/2/2016
Love the pics and stories!
We're seasoned campers so should survive but also it's me and a baby and 4yo so I know not to be too ambitious about getting stuff done. Oh and the caravan cost a lot more than any tent ever did. Best be careful with it!
In fairness the most traumatic part will be maneuvering the van out of its space in the barn. Roll on motor mover installation!
just you, a 4 year old and a baby?
you had better add brandy or Valium to the list.
please don't be too precious about your caravan. 4 year olds just dont understand how fragile caravans are. i am glad my first caravan was not in mint condition and with the damage my bambinos accidentally inflicted on it i still got a reasonable trade in price. it was all mostly repairable. ripped toilet roll holder off the door, pulled toilet door hinges out of their screw holes that kind of thing.
my 4 year old was only 3.5 last summer. he has a tendency to roll out of his bottom bunk with a thud and ensuing confusion. i made a cot side out of stainless tube, aluminium plate ans a plastic pipe clip that spanned between the bunk ladder and the cupboard side not sure what kind of layout you have but i recommend putting a cushion on the floor for your 4yo to roll on to. my new van wont have the cot side so i will have to do the same with a cushion.
------------- First van bailey ranger 550/6
Now the proud owner of a coachman amara
my 4 year old was only 3.5 last summer. he has a tendency to roll out of his bottom bunk with a thud and ensuing confusion. i made a cot side out of stainless tube, aluminium plate ans a plastic pipe clip that spanned between the bunk ladder and the cupboard side not sure what kind of layout you have but i recommend putting a cushion on the floor for your 4yo to roll on to. my new van wont have the cot side so i will have to do the same with a cushion.
yea and in years to come it turns into grandkids lol
the joy of caravaning !!!!
exciting Kate, enjoy! We are for our first small trip of 2016 this weekend - just one night on a National Trust site about 35 miles away. We're like children; so excited. It's been October since we used the caravan and only our second time using it so we're still 'fangled'. (We don't include the times we sit in it in the driveway, drink wine and talk about where we're gonna go when we retire lol!)
------------- Sometimes You're the windscreen; sometimes the fly
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 Imminent!
