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 . We got a full awning with the caravan when we bought it (all 2nd hand - or more like about 6th hand+ - it's an old van !) but probably won't use it. They do seem to be liable to cause damage to the channel area of the caravan where they attach on if it's windy, & like you we think if we go to that hassle we'd as soon just go tenting really.

Although our carvan is small it's big enough to make a cuppa / meal & sit down in comfort without feeling claustrophobic if the weather is bad. If weather's better then with a quick to erect sunporch we'll be able to sit out more enjoyably too. Haven't seen one of those Dorema Solanas `in the flesh' yet, but they do look & sound good don't they ? I reckon it's what we'll go for issym.

Another  thing which swayed us to a caravan as opposed to a motorhome BTW is space - we can have the dogs & lots of gear in the back of the Landy, & also if the dogs/we are a bit mucky saves the mess going in to where you're sleeping etc.

Not knocking them now all you motorhome owners ! There are - as others have said disadvantages / advantages with every set-up. Night all.

Yes Gypsydoll, thats me lol, and my rescueing antics were back in the days when i had a beefy 4x4 and was younger and fitter!

I am a bit rusty lol after 10 yrs away from caravanning, but the car we have now is not powerful enough to reverse any distance/uphill/tooing and frowing without some risk to the clutch, which soon smells of burning if we try pushing our luck. In all fairness we bought the car before the caravan, and at the time were not planning to return to caravanning and in hindsight could have done with another 4x4, plus due to me having some disabilites occuring since we last owned a caravan, I want to get the easiest way possible to manouver without any manual handling whatsoever, even when hubbys driving, as he tends to do more of the towing since hes retired, but still cannot get the full grasp of reversing.

Julia

Ha- my hero (ine) !  I intend getting OH to coach me at hitching up & towing when the weather / time permits. At least we have our own land with a big yard to practice in ! There some very awkward corners due to stupid placement of buildings by previous owners - it will let me practice at the difficult bits too though ....  

Sisters are doin' it for themselves !