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 - Advice Post Reply Post New Topic
11/5/2011 at 8:59pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View babsal's Profile View Profile   Reply to babsal Reply   Quote babsal Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2011

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

Hi all
Well I've been a lurker for a couple of weeks and thought it was time to come out.
We've just bought our very first van, I'm describing it as my mid life crisis. We've never camped or caravanned before so its all very new to us but was something we both quite fancy now.
We bought an oldish van which came with absolutely everything so having checked the checklists on here I'm pretty certain we have all we need, if we like it then we will prob upgrade to a newer van. Hubby is used to towing so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Was just wondering if anyone had done a checklist for when you first arrive at the site. I'm sure after a few trips it will all become second nature but just now feeling quite apprehensive about remembering stuff - don't want to wake up with our van rolling down a hill because we forgot to put the legs down!!!! We have an awning to put up too as this is where DD and her friend will be staying, we've had one practise of putting that up in the driveway.
Any advice or checklist would be much appreciated - got visions of us being the campsites evening entertainment trying to put up the awning and everything else that we "should" be doing - lol!!!
Thanks


11/5/2011 at 9:17pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View jeff juke's Profile View Profile   Reply to jeff juke Reply   Quote jeff juke Quote  
Joined: 09/8/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6854

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

1 unhitch van

2 apply hand brake

3 use spirt level to level van

4 put down steadies

5 get out step

6 fit mains cable

7 fetch water and attach waste barrels

8 attach water pump

9 turn on electrics

10 bleed hot/cold taps

11 boil kettle

12 have cuppa

13 get out awning

14 erect awning

15 find good lawyer

16 relax...

Ps..fill toilet with fluids needed..

-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


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

11/5/2011 at 9:24pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View LegsDownKettleOn's Profile View Profile   Reply to LegsDownKettleOn Reply   Quote LegsDownKettleOn Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2782

Site Reviews Total: 2
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

Put the blue in the loo and the water and pink in the flush tank if applicable...Preferably before starting on the beers!

To be honest, I always level by eye and never use a spirit level. As long as I don't roll out of bed, who cares how level it is, I am there to enjoy myself not worry about technicalities.

If you don't put the awning up (or get a nice easy porch awning) you won't need the lawyer either.

IYou will also need to connect the gas. Gas appliances can sometimes be difficult to light at first too, especially the fridge as it takes a long time for the air to bleed through the pipework.



11/5/2011 at 9:25pm
 Location: Shopshire
 Outfit: None Entered
View Jusy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jusy Reply   Quote Jusy Quote  
Joined: 18/5/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6915

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

Number 15 is a must
For us, if the toilet door doesnt swing, we are level.
And welcome to UKCS Babsal.

Post last edited on 11/05/2011 21:37:03

-------------
2013.
Time to say goodbye















11/5/2011 at 9:28pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View jeff juke's Profile View Profile   Reply to jeff juke Reply   Quote jeff juke Quote  
Joined: 09/8/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6854

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

I think 15 is a must for everybody Jusy.

-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


Advertisement



11/5/2011 at 9:37pm
 Location: Shopshire
 Outfit: None Entered
View Jusy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jusy Reply   Quote Jusy Quote  
Joined: 18/5/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6915

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

Lawyer and a first aid box

-------------
2013.
Time to say goodbye















11/5/2011 at 9:41pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Nissan 2.2 DCI & Sterling Europa 520
View Anniemacxx's Profile View Profile   Reply to Anniemacxx Reply   Quote Anniemacxx Quote  
Joined: 22/4/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1080

Site Reviews Total: 2
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 think 15 should be replaced with

15.  Remember to bring a sense of humour and apply at this point.  If this fails, go to 16.

16.  Find a good lawyer ..... 

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new van.  You'll get loads of help on here.  Just treat the first trip as a learning curve and you wont go far wrong.



11/5/2011 at 10:50pm
 Location: Chester
 Outfit: Gelert horizon
View stacieb925's Profile View Profile   Reply to stacieb925 Reply   Quote stacieb925 Quote  
Joined: 10/2/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   29

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

Just take your time and enjoy, and you will pick it up as you go along and don't forgot the booze. Enjoy!


11/5/2011 at 11:08pm
 Location: east sussex
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant 6 Hyundai Santa Fe
View plastic pig's Profile View Profile   Reply to plastic pig Reply   Quote plastic pig Quote  
Joined: 14/1/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   265

Site Reviews Total: 10
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

13a swear a lot

13b try to find the instructions

13c swear some more and blame everyone that some bits must have been lost and its not all here, who put it away last.

13d 'We should have just brought the portch awning this time'

Also if you have kids (as we do) parts 5, 7, 8 and 10 can probably be delegated.

 



-------------
'Plastic Pig' driver
(got a new plastic Hyundai - Santa Fe)
2011 -
? Mr PP has just gone and bought another business, holiday?...we should be so lucky!


12/5/2011 at 2:23am
 Location: Lanarkshire
 Outfit: Compass Lynx 340 2
View jhsw's Profile View Profile   Reply to jhsw Reply   Quote jhsw Quote  
Joined: 26/5/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1549

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

Hi badsal,Congratulations on your van,And Welcome to the forum. Here are two very usefull links, should find it of help.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=202

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=2

 Word to the wise,Speed on Motorways 60MPH Max,Not allowed in outside lane of motorway(unless inner lane blocked) 60MPH Max Dual carrage ways, 50MPH Max on all two way roads(even if speed of road is higher), so will need to factor extra time to your destination as you will be towing at lower than the national speed limit. Good luck with your trip. then as all above posts.



-------------
If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.



John


Advertisement



12/5/2011 at 5:02pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View babsal's Profile View Profile   Reply to babsal Reply   Quote babsal Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2011

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

Wow, thanks all for the fantastic replies - especially jeff juke for doing my newbies/idiots guide.
Sure i'll be along with a few more questions before we set off for our first outing - hopefully next weekend.
Thanks again
now what was the number of the lawyer........


12/5/2011 at 5:26pm
 Location: Nottinghamshire
 Outfit: Sprite Alpine 2 Caravan
View Aceselect's Profile View Profile   Reply to Aceselect Reply   Quote Aceselect Quote  
Joined: 19/9/2003

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   551
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 5  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 17
Site Nights 2018: 1

You will have a ball and as you say it will soon become second nature to you. We are still newbies but it is getting easier now we have a routine and roughly know which one of us does what.

-------------
David
Chillax, you're caravaning


12/5/2011 at 6:03pm
 Location: Sitingbourne
 Outfit: baily champaign
View old chap's Profile View Profile   Reply to old chap Reply   Quote old chap Quote  
Joined: 19/2/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1098

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

Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 11/5/2011
1 unhitch van

2 apply hand brake

3 use spirt level to level van

4 put down steadies

5 get out step

6 fit mains cable

7 fetch water and attach waste barrels

8 attach water pump

9 turn on electrics

10 bleed hot/cold taps

11 boil kettle

12 have cuppa

13 get out awning

14 erect awning

15 find good lawyer

16 relax...

Ps..fill toilet with fluids needed..
DO NOT USE STEADIES TO LEVEL THE VAN use a leveling ramp or some pieces of plank under the wheel.level the van before you unhitch as you can use the car to pull the van onto the ramp/planks



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

Prev       Next
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...














9641 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