First time caravanner

Unicorn campers
Unicorn campers Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited May 2019 in Introductions #1

Hello 

im taking my family to woodland waters ancaster on the 24 may for the bank holiday. It’s our maiden trip just want check what we need so could everyone give me some ideas of essential things to take. 

Thanks

 

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #2

    What have you already got? 

  • Unicorn campers
    Unicorn campers Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2019 #3

    To be honest I’m not sure as we don’t collect the caravan till Friday 17th May. It comes with a starter pack also we got a air awning and mover. 

    Thanks

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #4

    What is in the starter pack and how long are you away for?

  • Waffler
    Waffler Forum Participant Posts: 149
    edited May 2019 #5

    A few things to think about?  Is there a leisure battery? Do you have cutlery, plates etc and saucepans?  Loo chemicals?  I use elson organic which does top and bottom tanks. Don't forget food etc.  Bedding/ Towels?  Take a few tools.  Enjoy and come back with any queries.

  • KeefySher
    KeefySher Forum Participant Posts: 1,128
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #6

    As much as its tempting to buy stuff at the dealers accessory shop, its often better value elsewhere.

    Cutlery, crockery, pots & pans.

    If you have an Ikea near or en route to the dealer they do a product range called Oftast which is tempered glass. Lightweight and only 50p per unit as opposed to caravanning corolla at £100s

    https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/collections/oftast/

    Similarly cutlery, kitchen knives and utensils. etc.

    Pans - lightweight ceramic sets are available for peanuts eg 

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cream-Cookware-Set-Fry-Pan-Sausepan-Glass-Lid-Non-Stick-Ceramic-Cooking-Meal-7Pc/392214274662?hash=item5b51cae266:g:W-gAAOSw11BcOu77

    Mugs, drink 'glasses' (plastic), wine glasses, beer glasses

    Bedding - sheets and duvets with pillows. from home until you decide if you want specific bedding.

    Towels, washcloths, tea towels.

    Low wattage toaster.

    Washing up bowl as you may use on site facilities. Washing up liquid.

    Whistling kettle, if you have a electric ring on the hob use that when on EHU (Hook Up)

    Bottle opener.

    Assume the starter pack has water container and waste water container, flexi pipe for waste water to container, loo chemicals (pink for flush, blue for cartridge) Loo roll for chemical loo. Hook up cable, Leisure battery. Mallet for awning pegs. Spirit level. Gas bottle.

    Sense of humour.

    Let the wardens know you are virgins. People will help on site.

    Enjoy

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,666 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #7

    If you are going on hardstanding, take steel/rock pegs and a lump hammer.  Probably not a good idea it rely on the pegs with the awning - it does vary, but sometimes they can be very poor.

    You may need to get a full gas cylinder (get the red bottle), and check to make sure the caravan has a leisure battery.

    Will you need a BBQ, a separate table for the awning/ outside and some chairs for the awning/ outside?  If you are there for any length of time and need to wash clothes, a bucket is useful as is a fold down rotary washing line.

    Something to store rubbish/ waste?  Some sites are into recycling (we often use these bags - see below)

    Carry heavy items in the car to avoid travelling with an 'overweight caravan' - it is easy to overload.  (look at your MRO and MTPLM)  Whenever I take anything these days, I always go for the lightest options.

    Hope this helps a little.

    David

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,581 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited May 2019 #8

    Welcome to the forum. The things listed look more or less everything but if any minor things are missing you can usually get them on site although we do not know the one you have chosen.

    We use Tesco big green bags or similar from other stores to pack clothes as they can be fitted into spaces more solid things will not go. They also work for getting the food and other items in so that they can be flattened once empty and reused when you get home.

    Good luck with your first trip and do remember caravanners are usually happy to help if you have a problem.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #9

    Don't take too much for your first trip, manage with the essentials and see how it goes! Makes sure you have good working torches if you need to check things outside in the dark or walk anywhere (head torches are handy.)

    Have a great time, it will be fun, let us know how you get on and how you lived to tell the tale. wink

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,665 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #10

    Don't buy special toilet paper, supermarket cheapish stuff is just fine.

    Ikea is great for kitchen stuff, but if you do decide to buy new stuff for the van, do not get pots that are too  lightweight as the food will burn easily.

  • paul56
    paul56 Forum Participant Posts: 937
    500 Comments
    edited May 2019 #11

    Folding chairs for outside - it can get claustrophobic and cramped inside a van with a family! I'll upset some by saying TV/DVD combo (from Argos or Tesco etc) - it will keep the cherubs occupied in inclement weather!