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I have just returned from my first trip in my new caravan. When I headed off on Friday I was so excited! but that soon changed when after taking my time getting everything set up, and was just adjusting one of the awning poles, when it came crashing down on my new van causing a series of small dents down the side. I didn't want to own up to the OH but he soon noticed. I spent the rest of the weekend wondering if this is something that can be fixed or will it be the first of many (not necessarily caused by me) so it's not worth worrying about. Other that this I had a great weekend and can't wait to go away again.

Sharon

Sharon  glad you enjoyed it...sorry to hear about your small dents Its like buying a newcar and getting your first stone chip...really annoying then after a few weeks you forget about it.

Iam sure someone with better knowledge will give you the answer you require...

but get back out and enjoys yourselves life is certainly too short to worry.

TommyG

Hi Sharon

Join the club!! We are on our third van and have managed to dent each and every one at some time or other. With our latest van, which we bought in October 2006 and only used it for 4 days, we erected our porch awning a couple of weeks ago, which the wind duly blew down damaging 2 poles and leaving many small dents in the side of the van, non of which have penetrated through the metal skin, thankfully.

It's annoying but not life threatening so we don't beat ourselves up about it and just enjoy the van as much as ever.

Mick 

 I have a few small dents on caravan and do get  about it. As they are caused by third parties playing ball near to my caravan. Sites that i have gone on and on now have signs on not to play ball or fly kites (and cycling) between caravans and tents (and have site rules written with it on and given in welcome brochure) but still nearly every weekend selfish people who think they are the only ones on holiday spoil other peoples enjoyment. 2 weekends ago a group of 20 year olds had to play every ball game concievable and even had a 70`s spacehopper and were throwing it 10/12 foot in the air, lucky it was not directly over my caravan but did hit another caravan. I had to report incident to Warden to safeguard neighbouring Caravan. On this mixed site  I am on at moment mainly it is campers in tents who have to kick a ball around or fly a kite even though we have a massive play field next to where pitches are, I suppose tents cannot be damaged with balls  or a sharp pointed stunt kite hitting them. I have seen a minority of caravanners do it aswell and think how would they like a ball thundered into the side of their caravan denting it.     

>  I suppose tents cannot be damaged with balls  or a sharp pointed stunt kite hitting them. <

Not true as far as I'm concerned. The sharp point of some kites can and will certainly penetrate the flysheet or canvas of tents. And balls can be nasty too, especially the leather ones. Maybe the tent can have it, but there may be equipment on the inside where the tent is hit and I also experienced balls on the camping stove while burning!! And at the glowing BBQ too!!, which near tents is even more dangerous!
I've seen this done by kids from tents as well as caravans and motorhomers.
As far as I have seen both tenters and caravanners complained in those cases (and myself too of course), and normally with succesful result.