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Thanks for the replies, comments and advice.

Peoples opinions seem to differ when it comes to using low wattage or standard kettles etc. Have had a look on ebay for caravan kettles and toasters and there seems to be quite a few but im old fashoned and like to look at things before i buy them.......does anybody know of a caravan accessory shop in Co Durham apart from Discover? or is that resonably priced?

I dont think we will spend the night outside in the van (it would be too close to a comfy bed!) but we will certainly make our first trip close to home and make sure we practise loads while its on the drive!

Does anybody have any ideas about making the side bed into a safe cot/single bed for a 14 month old?......im planning on removing the top bunk, buying a proper mattress and trying to fix some sort of guard to keep our baby safe. At the moment she is still in her cot bed so it needs to be something more than just a rail iyswim

Once again, thanks for the suggestions, every single one of them is helpful and I will write them all down later so i can make a start on ticking items off

If you use low voltage, it will mean you can use several  items simultanous, otherwise you will have to turn the heater off if you want the tv, the kettle plus the toaster for instance,  if you use too many non low voltage electrical items, it will trip your electric and it will go off, then you have to go out to where you have your cable hooked up to the electric, and push a button in, problem is if it raining and dark, it's not so good, plus you might trip others caravan users on the same circuit.

Basics you will need.

Fresh water container and pump to get it into your caravan

Waste container to collect everything that comes out.

EHU (Electric Hook Up) cable if you intend to use anything requiring 240v otherwise a battery and run on 12v.

Gas bottle..to run cooker, fridge (if not using 240v) and heating (if not got 240v)

Then its the usual plates/cups/ bedding etc etc.

Good advice is to practice close to home just incase....

As for making the side bed safe, we had an old wooden cot that I cut the side out of and modified then wedged between the bed and table. Not sure of the layout of your van but I would suggest something simmilar if possible or get a travel cot.

Essential equipment.

As above, practice close to home.

We just brought a low watt kettle the other day, timed it at home ( bored ) and it tooks 6 minutes to boil     

A spirit level and some planks of wood or levelling ramps -not all pitches are perfectly flat! Wheel chock a good idea when using ramps(big block of wood will do!) Chaepo spirit level from DIY shop will do. We open the van door and put it on the floor.

Some blocks of wood are useful to put under the corner steadies if on sloping or soggy pitch!

If the pitch is sloping it it is easier to get the van level side to side first, then use the jockey wheel to do front to rear. We tend to check while the car is still hitched.

Check to see if the van has a spare wheel -if not do ask for one. It will probably be on a cradle underneath behind the axle. A jack, scissor or bottle type.

The car one will not fit unless it is a bottle type (which 4 x 4s tend to have).Oh and a spanner to fit the wheel bolts, corner steady brace normally fits.

You will probably find most caravanners will help if you are not sure what to do first time out.

Quote: Originally posted by sparkly-pink on 06/4/2009

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Does anybody have any ideas about making the side bed into a safe cot/single bed for a 14 month old?......im planning on removing the top bunk, buying a proper mattress and trying to fix some sort of guard to keep our baby safe. At the moment she is still in her cot bed so it needs to be something more than just a rail iyswim

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Hiya We started caravnning  with our little one 2 years ago, at first ouir daughter slept in a larger moses basket from Babies R us, then after she was 1 whe bought a Vango Baby sleebing bag that could be attached by straps under the mattress to stop them falling off, we also used this

 http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5232-2978-1/1?AID=9479574&PID=1428744&mpre=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BabyDan-Soft-Fold-Down-Bedguard-in-Navy-Brand-New_W0QQitemZ280328526822QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Baby_NurseryBedding_RL?hash=item280328526822&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 

which we still do today and she is just over 2 now, Its very compact and folds down when not in use, It was recommended by fellow caravaners, Other than that we could find no other solution other than a travel cot: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5232-2978-1/1?AID=9479574&PID=1428744&mpre=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LITTLELIFE-ARC-2-TRAVEL-COT-BABY-BED-CAMPING-NEW-2009_W0QQitemZ220367302867QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Baby_Nursery_Furniture_ET?hash=item220367302867&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 which was no good for us.

All the best and have fun.

Azz