First trip tomorrow! Any must-have advice???
We're new to caravanning and it's our first trip tomorrow!
We toured France last year in a hired motorhome and it was fantastic, but a caravan is just much better suited to our needs - and budget.
I bought a 1999 Elddis EX2000 Hurricane last December, and in retrospect I've been extremely fortunate. I did a bit of research but was pretty naive. The van looked good for the age and the price was excellent so I took the plunge. First thing I did was get a full service, and the only issue was a little bit of damp in one of the overhead lockers. That turned into me having to strip out the whole top corner of the van, replace the timber frame, seal the full awning rail. Knowing what I know now it could have been a lot worse!
The past couple of months I've been working most evenings doing little touch up jobs (and reading everything I can find) but overall the van is sound. It has been a great way to learn about the van inside out, and lots of great information on here. Who knew noseweight and non-setting mastic and water inlet systems were so important
Now we can't wait to get away for a few days
We're not going too far - about 40 miles up to the East bank of Loch Lomond - it's not a CC site, but we booked before we joined. I know the Loch very well and have spent most of my life around there in one way or other (had a few boats), so a perfect first location - I hope!
We're planning a three week trip to France in June - a CC site stopover in UK and CC approved sites in France. Big lesson learned from last year - don't try to cram in too much - keep it simple and don't plan on too much travelling - know your limits!!!
Anyway, for a first trip out what are the golden rules?? The tips that really make a difference, and what are the things I've probably forgotten?
Any help welcome
Comments
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What a lucky chap you are having all that beautifull countryside on your doorstep, have a great time:)
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I spent a few days on the eastside of LL in June it was absolutely lovely - you need to hold your nerve a bit on that approach road though! I was in a camping in the Forest site with no hookup and it was glorious weather. Enjoy. I use ACSI sites in France
- never been to a CC approved one I don't think they look too pricey for my taste - and I was put off by a couple I tried in Southern Ireland. Horses for courses - which is why I belong to both clubs for choice.0 -
I spent a few days on the eastside of LL in June it was absolutely lovely - you need to hold your nerve a bit on that approach road though!
Yes - since it's not too far away, we took a drive up with the dogs a couple of weeks ago and the very sharp turn right at Balmaha onto a very steep hill leading to three miles of single track probably wasn't the smartest choice for a first tow!!
Nothing ventured and all that - if we can manage the trip it will be a confidence boost. And the Loch is stunning all year - you really can get four seasons in one day. Weather is looking good so far. The site is right on the West Higland Way, so great walking
wit the dogs0 -
If you have a small fan heater take it with you they are a standby and can be used to bump the heating up when its cold.
Thanks Tigi - yes, and big wooly jumpers - Scotland? Cold? Surely not
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Just take your time, check your route, keep an eye on the weather, ask for help, either on here or at the site if you have any issues, but above all relax and enjoy yourselves. Everyone has to have a first time, and with a few trips and a few towing miles
under your belt you will quickly get the hang of everything! Have a nice time! Oh, and don't overload the electrics, which might be
easy to do in Winter!0 -
Lots of extra bedding, more than you think you need, there is nothing worse than being cold at night. And, most importantly when towing, "don't try to rush"
Sound advice - am going for light quilt and mattress protector underneath, good heavy quilt on top, and if that's not enough maybe a couple of spaniels might end up on top of all that
Good thing about not going to far is no pressure of time, so yes slow and easy does it!
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I keep hot water bottles in the caravan and they do come in handy on chilly nights. Just be careful your water does not freeze in the cold weather we having just now. We looking to go to Loch Lomond in the summer been 20 + years since we were there.
Write a list of what you think you might need and go over it a couple of time and I am sure you will still forget something - we did out first couple of trips - enjoy
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I don't want to put a damper on your first trip, but it might be a good idea to phone the site tomorrow as there has been quite a lot of snow in Scotland today , even at low levels I don't know if they have cameras after you leave the M74 that you can check
for snow. Kellysmum0 -
I keep hot water bottles in the caravan and they do come in handy on chilly nights. Just be careful your water does not freeze in the cold weather we having just now. We looking to go to Loch Lomond in the summer been 20 + years since we were there.
Write a list of what you think you might need and go over it a couple of time and I am sure you will still forget something - we did out first couple of trips - enjoyNever thought of hot water bottles - great idea - I've not had one of those for years!
I hope you make it up to Loch Lomond soon - it is a truly stunning place. I've been going there for over 40 years, since I was a boy, and it never fails to give me a feeling of peace and relaxation. Years ago we could go wild camping on the islands, but
sadly the vast overuse - and abuse - has led to so many rules being imposed by the National Park Authority (I think rightly so given the appalling behaviour of a minority) that the islands have lost that feeling of freedom.IMO, there is nowhere in the world to beat Scotland on a bright, clear day - the scenery is stunning. As far as I know there are four (possibly five) touring caravan sites around the Loch - at Cashel, Millarochy, Luss and Ardlui - maybe at Inverbeg too.
We're planning to try them out and find a favourite, then we have a perfect getaway just an hour's drive from home right at the gateway to the highlands.0 -
packed the bottle opener and cockscrew?
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I don't want to put a damper on your first trip, but it might be a good idea to phone the site tomorrow as there has been quite a lot of snow in Scotland today , even at low levels I don't know if they have cameras after you leave the M74 that you can check
for snow. KellysmumThanks Kellysmum - forecast is looking good - it just an hour or so up the road from where we are and no snow here so far! but who knows it is Scotland in March anything can happen, and don't get me started on the Met Office
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Lots of extra bedding, more than you think you need, there is nothing worse than being cold at night. And, most importantly when towing, "don't try to rush"
Sound advice - am going for light quilt and mattress protector underneath, good heavy quilt on top, and if that's not enough maybe a couple of spaniels might end up on top of all that
Good thing about not going to far is no pressure of time, so yes slow and easy does it!
If the forecast is for frost at night take out your water pump and switch it off inside the van, first. If you have some way of covering/insulating your water barrels use it. If really cold empty your waste water container before going to bed.
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packed the bottle opener and cockscrew?
Sounds painful!!!!!
but
actually, now you mention it NO!0 -
packed the bottle opener and cockscrew?
Sounds painful!!!!!
but
actually, now you mention it NO!we learnt the hard way! Nothing worse than thinking mmm its time for that bottle of wine, your mouth starts watering, you get the glasses out, pick up the bottle and see it has a cork... Ahhhhhhh
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I use an old quilted Puffa jacket for the aqua roll one sleeve for the pump - but I also bring that inside if its really cold - or if I forget just don't run the taps. I broke one pump as the container was nearly empty and the ice got into the pump.
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Many thanks to everyone for the help and advice - all good stuff
We're back now after an excellent trip - and we learned a few things too....
Had bought plastic kitchen utensils because they are lighter - rubbish - the metal ones I would use at home are much better and the weight difference is negligible.
Sleeping arrangements - going to invest in two good sleeping bags and use single beds rather than the night/morning wresting match of setting up the double with quits etc - plus, it leaves more room for the dogs on the floor
Discovered the kitchen and bathroom taps were leaking under use - replaced the kitchen one - it really was worn out, and replaced the cartrdige in the bathroom tap - all drip free now.
The previous owner hadn't been diligent about draining down the water system - I had to have the Carver Cascade water heater reconditioned as part of the service after I bought the caravan, now the taps replaced - it really shows how important it is to keep the system drained when not in use.
The temperatures went down to around zero, so I brought the pump indoors overnight just to be safe, and inside the van was warm enough to protect the internal fittings.
Oh - and we discovered the need for caravan slippers - nothing worse than soggy socks. How did I reach a point in my life where I cherish caravan slippers!!!
The site was excellent - and we had a pitch about 10 feet from the shore of the loch - clear bright weather, walks on the West Highland Way and night time stars like you wouldn't believe.
Towing was good - could have done without the hairpin bend onto a 1:8 upwards hill followed by 2 miles of single track with no passing places - but we managed, so good experience
Nowjust can't wait to get away again - it will be next month now due to work and dog sitting for a friend - 3 spaniels in a 2 berth would be too much.....
Thanks again to everyone!
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Carry some spares.....fuses, bulbs, even a water pump. Things always break down when the shops are shut and/or you are miles from anywhere.
A small toolkit too is handy.
Have you got propane gas?
Thanks KjellNN - yes I put together a basic toolkit - I know from having boats in the past I WILL need it - on this occasion it wasn't me but a fellow camper that had to borrow my mole grips!
I have a Calor Lite propane tank
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Sounds like you are well organised!
We used to take "cheap" stuff with us back in the 70s, but now take what we would use at home. No more ultra lightweight pots or rubbish plastic utensils!
For sleeping, we have given up sleeping bags as they are too awkward to wash frequently,,,,we go away a lot.
When making up a double we used a lightweight single duvet in cover instead of a sheet underneath, it is just the correct size and stays surprisingly flat.
Now we have a fixed bed with normal bedding.
My sister often comes with us, so she sleeps on one of the front sofas (she is very short!) and uses a thin duvet in cover underneath, and a decent duvet on top.
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So glad you had a good time. Are you sure about sleeping bags? I can't be doing I think I am too tall to be comfortable with them - but its choice. I roll up the duvet and sheet and use it as a back rest sometimes.
I know what you mean - we used to go wild camping and I never liked the mummy type bags - too claustrophobic and slidy shiny polyester outers sliding around everywhere - I've been looking at rectangle bags with a fleecy finish - they seem to be specially
made for caravans/motorhomes/boats. I think it as much to do with the bed layout as well - I think it will be an ongoing trial0 -
Oh - and we discovered the need for caravan slippers - nothing worse than soggy socks.
Do what the majority of caravnners do and get yourselves a pair of Crocs each!! Whatever anyone else says they're great for those short trips out from the van.
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"The temperatures went down to around zero, so I brought the pump indoors overnight just to be safe, and inside the van was warm enough to protect the internal fittings."
does this mean you cant draw water from a tap or flush the loo if its close to freezing outside and have brought the pump inside....and presumably have to go outside early next morning to replace it prior to that first life giving cuppa?
do some caravans have internal pumps that are less susceptible to frost....?
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Some caravans had on-board fresh water tanks, pumps and toilet flushing tanks even before MH manufacturers thought of the idea, BB. I know, it's amazing!
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does this mean you cant draw water from a tap or flush the loo if its close to freezing outside and have brought the pump inside....and presumably have to go outside early next morning to replace it prior to that first life giving cuppa?
do some caravans have internal pumps that are less susceptible to frost....?
You can use the loo - it works on a self contained system with a separate tank and manual pump. For drinking water we just use bottled water.
I don't think the external pump is a big issue for most of the time - if the pump is kept submerged in a full Aquaroll chances of freezing are slim - it would take real sub zeron teperatures to freeze a 40 litre drum solid, but if the water level is low, then there could be problems.
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Some caravans had on-board fresh water tanks, pumps and toilet flushing ranks even before MH manufacturers thought of the idea, BB. I know, it's amazing!
however i didnt ask about on board tanks....amazing as it seems...
....strange that they went back to outside barrels then...and pumps that
sit outside in the frost.i asked if there was a way of a caravan using an internal pump, pumping directly from the outside barrel into the internal plumbing....ie just moving the pump, not the water store.
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