After our first trip out with our 1st ever caravan, I have decided we need to go on a course. This has come about because of a few things really.
Hubbie nearly burnt out clutch trying to reverse the van up a slight dip into our spot
Wasn't that keen on the slight wobble (probably very slight but un-nerving when new to this game) when coaches, lorry's and Transit vans pass at speed.
And we are both terrible at reversing and although we know the theory the van seems to end up nowhere near where we want it to be.
Anyway my question is, has anyone been on one of these courses and how did you find it, was it worth the money etc. There seems to be 2 courses a day and 1/2 course for complete beginners with loads of loading tips etc and the 1 day driving course. Is the driving course enough?
Any advise greatly received as could do with caravan being in space 1st time rather that 20th time and new cluthch if you know what I mean. Hubbie won't by a motor mover as he says too expensive but in my eyes a clutch is going to cost same money!!!
I went on the two day Caravan Club Course a couple of years ago. Although we have been caravanning for many years, I had not caravanned for about ten years and felt a refresher would do no harm.
In fact, I was very surprised (and a little shocked) at how much I didn't know.; and thoroughly enjoyed the clasroom sessions.
The practical instruction was excellent (if mildly embarressing at times) and a spin off benefit is the reduction in Insurance Premiums.
The course is run just up the road from you at Myerscough College (we lived in Southport at the time) and I can thoroughly recommend it.
However, I disagree with hubby about the mover.There are times when no matter how good your technique there is not enough room to reverse into a pitch or storage space. We have the Rhyno Mover and it's the best investment in an accessory I have ever made.
Enjoy your caravanning,
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I did the course last year. It gave me the confidence to take the kids away myself last year, and i've just booked to take them away next week [OH can then join us at the end of the week]
------------- My photos allow you to see what I saw at the time that I took it....No messing.
Excellent value for money! gave me a lot more confidence in reversing and had great fun as everyone else was in the same boat so you won't make a fool of yourself. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone new to caravanning.
Hello, I did the one day course which i found very good. Its targets the main area of peoples concerns,reversing. I am 100% more confident at doing it and don't worry now if i get it wrong as they taught me how to reposition and get it right.I did my course in Preston where they have 4 vans in use with 3/4 people to each unit. You get loads of time in the drivers seat also with others watching you also get used to people watching you ( just like when you pull up at your pitch )
Husband did the 1 day Caravan Club manouvering course last year, we had like you just bought our caravan, and had the first trip out which was very nerve racking, after the course he felt more confident, though reversing still needed some practice. The classroom information was also very informative, they show you DVD's of overturned caravans, and discuss how you can avoid the same.
Don't forget The Camping and Caravanning Club also do manoeuvring courses. The caravan one is excellent and covers everything in one day - so you only pay once!
I did the Caravan Club one-day course earlier this year.
Principally it covers reversing a) in a straight line b) into a nearside parking position/pitch c) into an offside parking position/pitch.
It was really good fun as well as valuable and gives you that peace of mind where if you are ever faced with meeting another caravan or large vehicle coming in/out of a site, or in a narrow road, you can at least reverse your van!
None of the practical work is on the road of course, but there is plenty of opportunity to discuss all loading, hitching and towing during the course of the day.