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Classic mistake i made was to step in my caravan when the legs weren't wound down , it was unhitched from the car .
We bought a cheap porch awning last year and found it ok , it can't take strong winds , the seal against the side of the caravan could be better , but it's easy to put up and water tight .

atb

Wizard

We have just returned from Stanwix (stanix)Park in Silloth, the site was excellent.It is open all year but not much on from oct-feb ie shop is shut, but because it was half term they put some evening entertainment on for kids. It looks like the whole site has been renovated to a very high standard. Not much in Silloth though a Spar 2 Restraunts 1 was empty so ate in Golf hotel both times food v-good bit old fashioned inside but dont be put off.

Try practicing reversing with van on back in a BIG empty carpark, this was our second outing and it made siting the van a lot easier especially in rain.

Hi, another classic mistake is bad loading inside the `van.

Make sure heavy items are over the axle. Anything heavy too far forward or to the rear will cause real bad handling/snaking. Also, too much weight at the front might exceed the maximum noseweight for your tow vehicle, again causing stability problems & possibly invalidating your insurance in the event of an accident.

This is just our second year and obviously, made some silly mistakes first time out, as everyone does.  Didn't realise that cassette toilet fitted to the top of the wastemaster and fixed into place with bungees, so were carrying it to the waste point or putting it in the car!!  The cost of those 99p bungee ropes - well worth it. 

We booked a long weekend at a site close to home for our first trip out, which was really useful for ironing out all those little problems you are bound to encounter.  It was easy then just to nip home for the necessary bits and bobs we needed and we had plenty of time to learn how to set things up. 

You will also find most other caravanners are only too happy to help and/or offer advice - this has been our experience - especially if you admit to being a novice.

As for awnings, we have a lightweight (easi porch) and a full sized Dorema and both, it seems to us, are good in their own way.  Its a question of when to use them. 

The main problem with the full awning is the weather - i.e. taking the thing down when its wet and trying to dry it out (not recommended).  Early and late in the season, we find the easi porch awning best - gives you the extra space but can be taken down in bad weather and dried out in the garage later.  Obviously the lightweight awning is not as substantial as the Dorema (and lets face it, only a fraction of the price) but should be waterproof and should stay put if its pegged down properly.

Our first year had its problems, but it hasn't put us off at all.  Can't wait for Easter and our first trip out this season.  Hope you enjoy your van as much as we have

Make yourself 2 lists

1st list of things to be done from the moment you arrive ie unhitching, legs down etc

2nd list for when your about to leave 

Put in a plastic/sleeve or folder & keep near to the door of the caravan so can reach easy .... Been very helpful for me, as generally something gets forgotten (especially when packing up in the rain) .

I believe (but could be wrong) i got my list off this site somewhere