Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning

Topic: Maiden Voyage Complete!!!

MadMum1972

06/5/2013 at 8:31pm
Location: Hempstead Kent
Outfit: Vango Genesis Airbeam 500

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/5/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 393
Tent Reviews: 2

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 all

We have had our first trip this weekend in our new van and I can honestly say I LOVED IT!!!!

We didn't have too many teething problems either. I seem to have got the outfit right (Mondeo 2l diesel which worked out about 91% rather than 85%) but it towed like a dream. This was also my first time towing the caravan and I didn't do bad at all, even if I say so myself!

Everything just went so well and I realy can't wait to go again, on Friday. (That may be slightly different as I am taking the van by myself to the site, picking the children up later and then hubbie will join me after work. I must say I am slightly nervous of meeting someing down a country lane and having to reverse! I have been on a towing course recently but I know this will bring a state of panic to me!).

I have made a little list of bits to get and I will be taking the van to my local weighbridge next Friday as I am rather anal when it comes to weights etc! I also need a good noseweight gauge. Are there any best avoided please?

Well, I am shattered so off to bed now ready to recharge for next weekend! We had fab weather too, all the bluebells were out and the trees were in full blossom. Simply perfect!

Good night all..... Off to dream about my caravan now.

-------------
Center Parcs April 2015
Chestnut Meadows Bexhill August 2015
Once in lifetime trip to Florida Oct 2015!!!

Monty8

06/5/2013 at 8:50pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/3/2011

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 462
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	4
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:	8
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Well done. Glad it all went well for you.

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

poppy.dog

06/5/2013 at 8:55pm
Location: Rural Peterborough!
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 302 & Defender 110 CSW

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/6/2009

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 838
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	6

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 done you.

We are back from our first trip today too. Nothing bad to note. Few little niggles to sort, but loving it...

-------------
Yes, the car is bigger than the 'van.

JulieEllenPB

06/5/2013 at 8:59pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Outwell Virginia 5 and Eriba Puck L

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/2/2012

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 56
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	6

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 done too,

Off to collect our new (to us) Eriba tomorrow and will hopefully enjoy a good first session too.

You must feel really pleased with everything.

Julie

penguin73

06/5/2013 at 9:02pm
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: lunar quaser ultima & Merc E Class

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/7/2010

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 295

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

well done...glad you enjoyed....

-------------
Oct 2013- south lytchett manor dorset
Feb 2014- Lady Heyes
April 2014- Jasmine Park
May 2014 - Jasmine Park Again....
July 2014 - Gwithian
Oct 2014 - Beverley Park

and hopefully many more..esp Jasmine Park..

Julia Coops

06/5/2013 at 9:19pm
Location: Wiltshire
Outfit: Lunar solar eclipse 2002

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/6/2012

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 136

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

Well done. We had our first trip too and loved it!!

michael

06/5/2013 at 9:21pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Caravan now Sold

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 23517

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

great stuff well done.

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.

Battie

06/5/2013 at 9:22pm
Location: SHROPSHIRE
Outfit: Avondale argente 530 5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/6/2008

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 346
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	8

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'll always remember your first time!

-------------
LB Caravan Services
Mobile service and repairs
07902012609 / 01948662374

andy4x4

06/5/2013 at 9:44pm
Location: Scottish Borders
Outfit: Sterling Eccles 636 Ssanyong Korando

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/4/2013

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 207

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:	1

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:	1

Well that's the first trip under your belt fantastic well done it's always the most nerve wracking

2Barnesand1dog

07/5/2013 at 7:07am
Location: Preston LANCS
Outfit: Bailey Senator California

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/7/2009

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 110

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

So glad you enjoyed it, I have been following most of your posts and at times have been almost as excited as you were.

We were recommended the Milenco nose weight gauge (about £30) and find it both easy to use and read, don,t forget to lift all your legs and release the handbrake and raise the jockey wheel, we were very proud of our first read until we realised the jockey wheel was still down. And if you move stuff around with the gauge still in place drop and re raise the jockey wheel for a truer reading

Have lots of fun this weekend, make anything smaller than you reverse and welcome to the addictive world of caravanning

-------------
Why have kids when you can have a dog?

bobsbabes

07/5/2013 at 9:19am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Sterling Eccles SR 636 Nissan Navara

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 22/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2584
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	15

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

Glad it went well and you enjoyed xx

-------------
hello

Nutkins

07/5/2013 at 12:40pm
Location: Bradford
Outfit: Swift Charisma 06 - Passat Est 2.0 140

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/7/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 279

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

Well done madmum, we too had our first weekend away. Enjoyed every minute although i was shattered the first day, think it was nervous exhaustion. I was only driving for an hour and half as well!

-------------
I went to the top of the mountain...and looked over the other side!

peterws

07/5/2013 at 12:43pm
Location: Morecambe
Outfit: Daystar `91 + Berlingo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/10/2011

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 621

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

Sounds like you`re hooked like the rest of us. A lot o` folk use bathroom scales for determining noseweight. that and a suitably sized lump of wood.

-------------
Peripheral people don`t have as much excitement but they sure live longer

Tonkarav

07/5/2013 at 2:31pm
Location: Fife
Outfit: Adria Adiva 552PH

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/7/2008

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 447

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 done! It is onward and upward from now on! So pleased you had a good weekend.

-------------
Mine's a Pint!

ct955

07/5/2013 at 5:12pm
Location: Leicester
Outfit: coachman avocet565 + discovery sport

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/11/2010

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 376

Site Reviews Total:	50

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	2
Site Reviews 2019:	6
Site Reviews 2018:	7

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	6
Site Nights 2020:	11
Site Nights 2019:	30
Site Nights 2018:	16

Glad you had a good first trip out. We use a milenco guage and have found it very reliable. here's hoping the good weather continues this year!!

-------------
Chris

MadMum1972

09/5/2013 at 1:34pm
Location: Hempstead Kent
Outfit: Vango Genesis Airbeam 500

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/5/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 393
Tent Reviews: 2

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 all.

Thanks very much for all your replies and sorry it has taken so long to reply. I haven't stopped all week!

I am looking forward to another trip tomorrow. There are six families going along so it should be fab!

This morning I have taken the van to a weighbridge all by myself. It is very windy down in Kent right now so I took it very steady!

I am glad everybody else who had their first trip enjoyed it too! Caravanning is addictive and I just love it!

Take care everyone x

-------------
Center Parcs April 2015
Chestnut Meadows Bexhill August 2015
Once in lifetime trip to Florida Oct 2015!!!

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

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

7453 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

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

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

Request a Reminder