Caravanning teething problems

Hi

Bought our first caravan in June this year, but didn't take it out until after it was serviced in July.

First trip, just a few miles down the road at a local site, went very well. Awning up first time, after watching a video on YouTube several times. Great relaxing time. Took just 15 minutes to get home, but 20 minutes to park the caravan straight.

Second trip, again a local site, pulledoff the drive and dropped the caravan on the road. Obviously hadn't coupled up correctly. Still had a great few days relaxing, this time by the swimming pool. Again took ages to get the van parked.

Third trip, bit further this time and a two centre trip. Very nice first site. Couldn't get a TV signal as it was surrounded by thick woodland. Spoke to the site staff who were great and pointed out the TV hook up. So we plugged in the coaxal lead, and proceeded to watch a bit ot TV withour dinner. Only problem, no signal. Staff couldn't work it out and, after trying 8 different points, our neighbour pointed out thatin a different area you need to re-tune your freeview. Second site was absolutely great and relaxing, It was the Caravan Club site at Norfolk Broads. To cut a longer story short, we went to surprise a friend for his birthday, and boy was he surprised when we turned up complete with caravan behind us.

Fourth trip was a short notice trip to Essex just for a break away. Reversing on to our slot was a game again, but we got it there.

As a result of our first trips we have now decided to approach our house from the other direction. The original way was reversing on the blind side and I couldn't see the end of the caravan. Now I can, and parking is somuch easier.

As a final point, and possible help for others. We have a Bailey Ranger 470/4 for just us two. We couldn't afford a fixed bed van but, by using the dinette area for meals etc, we have made up the bed and have left it as our own fixed bed. Works a treat for us.