Message Forums

Hi l#kerrsept,  just remember your on holiday make sure your van is level before you put awning up, if you have any kids then they can help you by holding the poles why you connect all the middle poles. then why you are pegging the awning down send the kids to fetch the water this is our we do it.

 im sure there is some camping rule that says you have to have a arguement while setting up we always do! but the more times you set up the easier it gets so dont worry someone might even come over to you & help you

 cheers eddy & co

Yes, we're sitting here wishing the van was on our favourite site rather than on the drive   I take dogs in for boarding and wrongly assumed that the Easter weather would be awful so booked 2 consecutive lots of dogs in  the 2 weeks either side of this weekend.  Won't make same mistake next year - that's going to ensure bad weather is'nt it!

Best advice I can give for your first trip is just go with the flow.  If something goes wrong, what the heck, you've learned something.  If you have trouble setting up, there's nearly always some kind camper willing to help or give advice.

Don't forget the corkscrew and bottle opener for when you're all set up!  To forget them is to guarantee a row!

Have a great first trip and ENJOY!!

Quote: Originally posted by l#kerrsept on 07/4/2007

---

Hi

Anyone else out there wishing they could be away now rather than looking longingly at a caravan sat on a drive?!

Our first trip is on Thursday (will be gutted if the weather changes) any tips from those that know better about   keeping the stress levels down?

We have practiced the awning erection and are still speaking but other than that are new to everything.

Looking forward to that first beer....

---

Take a spirit level with you to level the van, I carry several pieces of wood ranging from skirting board up to 3x4 & 2x4 about 15 inches in length. I also carry a small trolley jack. When we arrive on pitch I level the van front to rear first, I then check side to side, if it's low one side, I jack it up & slip a bit of wood under the low tyre. Job done. The jack may come in handy on the road too but we can always hope you won't need it.

When you're on the road, never be intimidated into going faster than you feel comfortable by the following traffic. Just take your time. They have the option of staying there or overtaking you if they have to. You just make sure you get there safe.

Caravanning is great, you'll find just about anyone will help you if you're having problems. You'll know when you've cracked it because you'll be helping others.

I hope you enjoy your trip & safe journey.

BB  

To sit in a warm caravan, eating a nice tea whilst looking at spectacular scenary is the dogs gonads. Take your time towing, make sure everything is packed but my biggest piece of advice would be enjoy the experience without stress. Looking back on the hassle at airports, checking-in, no leg room, sh1te airplane food, long transfers to resorts, give me my caravan holiday EVERY TIME

Lots of love Jeremy Clarkson