What would be your top Dos and Don'ts of caravanin

Just read that back through. Sorry for dodgy spelling and random words. The cat is trying to help me with the laptop

Hi Lizzy

I would say..... DO use it at every opportunity and DON'T let anyone put you off!... Just have fun...  

Hi Lizzy, it really all depends on what type of caravanner you want to be, what sort of trips did you take with the in-laws? Club Sites or Rallies ? Also, are there just the two of you or do you have children. Do: go local first trip, then if you have forgotten something it is not too far to go back and get it.  Don't: worry, go with the flow, get in holiday frame of mind and relax ! Enjoy (and don't forget to let us know how you get on)

Alison 

!00% agree with Firedragon,stay local be cause you will forget somthing we all do it,it will take a while to realise what you do and dont need im still finiding out after my first year,dont be afraid to ask for help from fellow caravaners 99% will want to help but not offer because they dont want to intrude.

what kind of things are you looking for from a site or area,just ask on here and read the reviews the CC and CT is a great place to get information.

Happy caravanning

Hi Lizzy, I would say take your time when towing, take corners a little wider as the caravan will cut in and once on site don't be afraid to ask for help. 

Thanks for all your comments. We have done "local" weekends away with the inlaws as well a trips to France and Italy. We have a 2 year old so definitely only thinking little and often in terms of trips.

Can't wait to pick the caravan up on Friday and get started.

Thanks again

Anymore are greatly recieved

First of all good luck and enjoy! Remember this is a holiday hobby so treat all parts of any trip away as part of that holiday and take it easy! If travel and traffic is getting to you take a break! What does half an hour later arriving matter? You are on holiday!

If you have an awning or are thinking of getting one, practice with it at home first! That way you will have some idea of what to do whe you pitch up with it the first time! And don't be shy to ask for help, most of us have been there once upon a time and are usually more than willing to lend a hand (and advice!)

Have a check list of basics (things that can stay in the van all season - tea, coffee, sugar etc), items to load before you go (pots and pans, bedding etc), and also those things that have to be loaded last minute - maybe such as a carton of milk in the fridge to make tea on arrival - etc, etc.

We like to travel with just enough food on board for the first day so we can make a cup of tea on arrival, eat, and don't necessarily have to rush off to the supermarket as soon as we arrive, but maybe leave it until the following morning. However, you will find others here who tell you different. Everyone to their own!

Chris

1.  Don't worry about the awning - it will go up eventually.  LOL

2.  Make detailed lists of everything you have in the van so that you don't forget things.  Cost it all so that you get accurate insurance.

3. Take the van to the weighbridge every so often, when the van is at it's heaviest, to make sure you are not overloaded.

4. Check noseweight and torque wheel nuts regularly.

5. Make sure your car and van are a suitable match for towing.

6. Never take the SatNav's word for it - check the route on Google maps, or whatever, before you go.

7. If you have kids and you are going on a long journey, make sure the kids have plenty to do in the car, or travel overnight when hopefully they'll fall to sleep.

8. Common mistakes when setting off: make sure all windows/ slylights are shut and doors/lockers closed; check to make sure all corner steadies are wound up; don't forget to take the handbrake off the caravan; don't forget to take off the motor mover, if you have one; don't forget to switch the fridge over to battery - and make sure the fridge door is shut properly; don't forget to take the red ball from the hitch if you have an Alko hitch lock;  check the green button on the hitch; atach brake over-ride cable; don't forget to raise jockey wheel;  don't forget to put the extension wing mirrors on the car.

9. Are you going to get half way there and think 'did I lock the front door'? etc

10. Enjoy your break.

David

1.  Don't worry about the awning - it will go up eventually.  LOL

2.  Make detailed lists of everything you have in the van so that you don't forget things.  Cost it all so that you get accurate insurance.

3. Take the van to the weighbridge every so often, when the van is at it's heaviest, to make sure you are not overloaded.

4. Check noseweight and torque wheel nuts regularly.

5. Make sure your car and van are a suitable match for towing.

6. Never take the SatNav's word for it - check the route on Google maps, or whatever, before you go.

7. If you have kids and you are going on a long journey, make sure the kids have plenty to do in the car, or travel overnight when hopefully they'll fall to sleep.

8. Common mistakes when setting off: make sure all windows/ slylights are shut and doors/lockers closed; check to make sure all corner steadies are wound up; don't forget to take the handbrake off the caravan; don't forget to take off the motor mover, if you have one; don't forget to switch the fridge over to battery - and make sure the fridge door is shut properly; don't forget to take the red ball from the hitch if you have an Alko hitch lock;  check the green button on the hitch; atach brake over-ride cable; don't forget to raise jockey wheel;  don't forget to put the extension wing mirrors on the car.

9. Are you going to get half way there and think 'did I lock the front door'? etc

10. Enjoy your break.

David

Write your comments here...SKYLIGHTS!!!! i almost drove off last weekend with mine open(OH opened it and forgot while packing up) but a fellow member came over to tell me 

Thank you.