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Hi all

Will be taking our caravan out very soon for the first time this year after spending the last few months in storage.

We are new to caravanning and looking forward to getting back on the road. 

Can all you experienced caravanners advise what checks we should carry out and what would you advise we pay special attention to before we set off.

Its a brand new caravan so I'm hoping theres no damp and once aired through should be ok.

Any advice, hints or tips would be much appreciated.

Hi there,

Can't say as i qualify as an 'experienced caravanner', but maybe as you have yet to use the caravan and if it's at all possible, hook-up the power and gas etc and quickly try out the appliances, all should work fine seeing as it is a new van but still worth a check. Check the tyre pressures, pack the caravan evenly and securely and if possible check the nose-weight before hitching the van up to the car.

Pack an electric fan heater too just incase anything should happen to your caravan heater. (again unlikely, but better to be prepared for all predicaments). - Also, if you switch the fridge on while you are towing by the time you arrive at your destination it should be cool enough for your food.

That's about all i can think of off hand...but no doubt others will have more suggestions also.

All the best.

Hi Andrewsgirl

I am to off for the first time this year in my new van tomorrow, we are off to somerset for the weekend hope our van is ok as its also a new one and i hope i can get to grips with all the new gadgets,

My husband also THINKS he will do a spot of fishing BUT i dont think so i have a few jobs planned for him lol.

Hi Debbie

Thanks for your reply, have a great weekend and a safe journey, hope its the first of many memorable holidays in your new van.

Hope your Hubby manages to some fishing! Go on...let him go for a few hours, you never know when you may need the favour returned!!!!  several hours shopping maybe......

Happy Holidays!!

Ooh, i'm so Jealous. We were planning on taking the van out this weekend.

But yesterday we had snow and today we have freezing fog, with more snow forecast especially where we were headed to.

Its lika a 'Sods Law', everytime we say, "shall we get away in the caravan this weekend", something happens to stop us.

Its only at times like these that i envy friends with statics who can just hop in the car and go.