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I had a lovely time at Scone. It was great to meet Brenda and we got on well.

Let me take you on a journey (comedy of errors) obviously I was nervous given this is my first solo trip so anyway. I went and got the van from storage and set out for Scone. Once I got on the straights I stopped at a layby. Let Cora out for a wee and went into the van to switch things over to 12V. First distaster. I had stood in dog sh*t and trod it all thru the carpets. . Then went to fill the fridge with the stuff I had in the car.  fridge is covered in mould. So I know what my first two jobs where when I get to the site. Journey up was great but I missed the turning into the site. No prob I'm thinking I'll just keep driving untill I find somewhere to turn. So that's what I did. Now I've never reversed before so after trying to do a 100 point turn  and now getting into a flap. I gave myself a good talking to and decided the best way out of it was to unhitch use the mover to turn the van. No prob Bob's your uncle. No fecking chance. The jockey wheel wouldn't work and then it fell apart..  So after a few choice words I called the site and the manager came and rescued me  and I followed him to the site. Got booked in and he said he would come over and double check the jockey wheel . The  handle sheared clean off. So they unhitched the van using a jack then goes and gets his wee tractor puts the van in the plot and jacks up the front. I head off to that little big horn place to get a now jockey wheel. The camp site staff put it on. Fantastic.So I start setting up. Was on a super service pitch so it couldn't be easier . The new van has an on board tank,. So picture this. Cath fills the water hog. Goes in the van. pump on, tap on. no water ?. Come out the van and all the water is emptying out the onboard tank !!. In the van pump off, move some valves about, fill hog, in the van pump on , tap on, no water !! out the van   water still emptying out the bottom of the van, in the van pump off, taps off, fill hog, Now I done this  6 times and then I totally gave up. I was about ready to collapse with exahustion, Decided to forget about the water I would just fill the kettle from the tap. So settle down for a cuppa with Brenda. A great night was had.  We managed to sit out till about 9ish it waas a lovely evening.

Packed up to come home checking and double checking everything was ship shape. Got down the road about 200 yrds  and stopped. Walked round the van and checked everything was ok. No probs says Cath and off I go. Then a couple of miles further on and the hitch is making a terrible noise and the van is pushing the car. Very very bumpy so stopped at the first layby and guess what.
Bet you can't. The NEW jockey wheel has loosened and has been trailing on the road. It's is a sorry state. So lift it up double and triple check it's tight and get home. Unhitch the van get it on the drive. It had to travel a fair distance to where it goes.No prob safe and sound van put to bed for the night.No fecking chance the 's not finished yet. Started winding down the corner steadies and what happens. The jockey wheel slips and the front of the van is now on the deck. Hope your all having a really good laugh. I reckon if I can survive all that then next trip should be a doddle.You couldn'tt make a story like that up.!!

Dont anyone every mention the words Jockey wheel to me ever ever

Pi

Jockey wheel

As I said on the other thread thanks for a great trip. hopr you get everything fixed.

 wooops!! at least you survived, and sounds like you both had a lovely weekend.

I dind't laugh...honest...yep I have my fingers crossed

 you had some time of it there hon, take it you read the manual to find the drain cock/valve for the tank as it wouldnt be the 1st time that happened to me

as for the wee wheel at the front, there is no way it should slip unless there was grease or oil on it, give it a spray with brake cleaner then tighten up

glad you had an alright weekend though, you will always have probs during the shakedown of a new van. I know I have had my fair share this year, from breakaway cables being snagged, air locks in the gas and  argos tellies

Yes I've got all the manuals. They were safely lying at home on the spare room bed !!!!!!

Baptism by fire.

Recon I'm up for anything now. My OH laughing his head off on the phone went down a treat

I'm laughing now but to be honest. I did flap a wee bit but I took it in my stride. You live and learn  and OMG did I learn.

Bring it on !!!!

cath, dont forget I'm still very much a novice at this tintenting lark as well

glad you can laugh about it, when it all goes pete tong there isnt much you can do

but leaving the manuals at home that is like leaving the corkscrew at home