Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Newbie caravanner
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
08/8/2008 at 11:53am
 Location: South Gloucestershire
 Outfit: Sterling Excel 550 - Honda CR-V Mk4
View Ulti-Mates's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ulti-Mates Reply   Quote Ulti-Mates Quote  
Joined: 26/10/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4931

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi

Why not download a free pdf copy of "Getting Started" from the Caravan Club?  It has lots of useful basics outlined in it. (2mb download).

They have other practical advice on their website too, much of which is available to non-members.



08/8/2008 at 1:07pm
 Location: Somerset
 Outfit: Swift Escape 694
View macarw's Profile View Profile   Reply to macarw Reply   Quote macarw Quote  
Joined: 17/4/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   222
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 26
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 3  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 6
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 9
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 19
Site Nights 2018: 15

Don't know how old your kids are, but our youngest two (an active 2 year old and a baby) need to be kept contained so we use a windbreak to make a little 'garden' area and also have a stair gate on the van door to stop the 2 year old escaping from the van - handy when putting up awning and setting up !

Good luck, hope you enjoy it!



Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

08/8/2008 at 1:52pm
 Location: eaton bray beds
 Outfit: Discovery and Gobur 12 2T
View generalhawk's Profile View Profile   Reply to generalhawk Reply   Quote generalhawk Quote  
Joined: 02/4/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1239

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Well said Maid Marian - going "local" is the best and easiest way to experiment without getting caught out. I have owned a number of 2nd hand vans over the years and always do a trial run to a local site overnight before embarking on a "real" trip. Gives me the chance to check that I have everything and everything works ok. No matter how carefully you plan there will ALWAYS be something you havent got - but then thats part of the fun of caravanning - its surprising how ingenious you can be when the need arises. On little thing I would suggest, start an "odds and sods" box in your van. Over time you will find it filling with all kinds of screws, washers, grommets and all the other paraphernailia. You will be surprised how often you find the right bit (or something close to it) when the need arises

-------------
hawk

"Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone"

I have the body of a greek god - its in my freezer


08/8/2008 at 4:31pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: 2008 Avondale Dart + Nissan Terrano 11
View madandy's Profile View Profile   Reply to madandy Reply   Quote madandy Quote  
Joined: 04/5/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   105

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I dont think it really matters about being a newby! Firstly go to a site thats about an hour away and if you find you either dont have something you can either go to a caravan shop nearby then leave it in the van or if you have one but left it at home then ask your neighbour onsite, we had an experienced family of tenters by us last time out and they had forgotten their mallet ,plus its a good way of meeting people!!!!!


08/8/2008 at 5:18pm
 Location: West Cumbria
 Outfit: Ace Aristocrat caravan & Campervan
View blondieandi's Profile View Profile   Reply to blondieandi Reply   Quote blondieandi Quote  
Joined: 19/9/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   863

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Dont forget your steps!! I did once and it was a right pain getting in and out of the van. in the end up I bought a plastic one even though we had metal ones at home. I bought a travel kit for my caravan and campervan. They were around £15 each and have a low wattage kettle, iron and hairdryer in them. Brilliant for the sites and you always forget your own from home. They never trip the electric either. Scissors, electrical and Duck tape are always good for odd jobs as well!! Go away local and see what you could do with and then write a list and laminate it. My caravan and camper are ALWAYS packed with everything and we only ever need to put in food and clothes!! Happy vanning!!

-------------
Jan:Braids Gretna, Feb Stanwix Park Silloth & Braids Gretna,


Advertisement



08/8/2008 at 9:15pm
 Location: essex
 Outfit: bailey pageant magenta
View vkd21's Profile View Profile   Reply to vkd21 Reply   Quote vkd21 Quote  
Joined: 16/9/2007

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   134

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

hi mummy to four good luck with your van ,have fun don't worry.go to a site close to home for your first trip and then you can always drive home to get what you have forgot.

you will find in time you will sail through setting up and packing up.in between have fun.and if all else fails ask the wardens for help or the people in the next van..most are very willing to help.

i remember him himself helping a family put their awning up and the pair of them just couldn't get it to go right a few beers later their sitting their and  figure the problem the panels were the wrong way round .



08/8/2008 at 10:28pm
 Location: Hertfordshire
 Outfit: Swift elegance grand
View Gary404's Profile View Profile   Reply to Gary404 Reply   Quote Gary404 Quote  
Joined: 07/6/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   107

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi mummy to four,we have only been caravaning for 2 years but we still laugh at our first outing.The setting up of the van was quite easy but the awning  well that was a nightmare,lots of poles and a huge bit of canvas. But you will be amased at how helpfull other caravaners are. Two men in the caravans beside us come over and helped us put it up, even put tape around the poles so next time we would know what pole went to what.Go local and enjoy it.

Dont take any notice of the neg post, one day they will need help and lets hope they dont get it.

   



09/8/2008 at 12:04am
 Location: Wolverhampton
 Outfit: Pageant Limousin on order yipee!!!
View colin+susan's Profile View Profile   Reply to colin+susan Reply   Quote colin+susan Quote  
Joined: 02/8/2008

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

You will soon get the hang of things and its one of those hobbies that you never stop learning as you go along. I personally enjoy the fact that it just gets better all the time. I took it up a few years ago and then stopped after a terrible time with my ex, I thought I would never return to it, but since meeting Sue, we are itching to get back to it and have ordered a new van. Cant wait to back out there. You will love it too.

Colin



09/8/2008 at 11:27am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Mummyto4's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mummyto4 Reply   Quote Mummyto4 Quote  
Joined: 07/8/2008

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   4

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks so much everyone! We are just gathering together all the bits we need and are looking for a site to go to.



09/8/2008 at 3:31pm
 Location: sheffield
 Outfit: Avondale Dart 525 4 & Ford Galaxy
View bill + kay w's Profile View Profile   Reply to bill + kay w Reply   Quote bill + kay w Quote  
Joined: 26/6/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   341

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hiya mummyto4, we only got our van in july and only had our first trip in it last week. thourghly enjoyed it cant wait till next w/end. we only went to skegness but it was a good learning curve, we only forgot one or two minor things and they were'nt a problem but a couple of things you must take are towing mirrors, wheel brace and jack for your van(our car does'nt have a spare wheel) and a waste water container otherwise get out and have a great time. Bill

-------------
Bill n Kay

............................
when the going gets tough... get someone else to do it.....

I smile besause I have'nt a clue whats going on... appreciate everything in life especially your friends...



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

  Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














9782 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder