Newbie mishaps in need of advice

Cornersteady makes a good point. I have lost count the amount of times I have seen wardens going the extra mile. Last year In Devon I watched the wardens help someone put a twin axle van on a pitch more suited to it. lent them a second EHU cable and supplied extra packing in the form of cut logs to level and steady their caravan..

Thanks for the replies, Range rover incident sounded nasty, in my opinion he is probably was one of the idiots that sped up when he saw you pulling out & had he's not getting in front of me syndrome,idiot!!!

Forgot to tell you I also had my electric cable drag on the floor as i hadn't put a proper kink in it Had it renew'd on my service. Caravaners I speak to in my area have all said they did it at some time or another.

Cheers Tony

yes done that too, have you left the mover remote control on the A frame? left the hand brake on? tried to drive away with mover engaged? tried to fill up the tank with the drain plug open? Wondered why there is no 240V electrics then remembered you haven't switched the master switch on? 

I wouldn't admit to any of those of course...

LT.  Don't worry it is a learning curve, and sometimes a long one!  I have been caravanning for many years and still make the occasional error!  For example, I have been known to attempt to drive off with the mover still touching the wheels, the handbrake on and with the jockey wheel down.  I have not got a check list but a routine - walk round caravan checking lights etc before moving off; of course, it is always whilst you are doing this that someone will come and talk to you!

Enjoy your trip to France in June, you may find it worthwhile joining ACSI.  DFDS are giving 20% off if you are over 60; Tesco points for Tunnel and DFDS.

Not sure if it has been said before, but it is equally important to remove the towing mirrors when you are pitched up. I was advised it is illegal to have them on unless towing and carries a £60 fine.

More enlightened may confirm or dispel this.

Listen, we've been 'vanning for over 25 years and this weekend I forgot to print out the checklist before coming away. Got to site and no waste water container! Fortunately I carry a spare large bucket for just such occasions as this has happened before. We've (I've) forgotten so many things that I do surprise myself when I see the OH sitting in the car with me!

Don't worry but do make a checklist. The older you get, the more invaluable it becomes.

Been caravanning for 40+ years and have done most if not all of those. Last trip I forgot to pack the handle for the aquaroll so had to purchase a new one, so now carry 2!!

That's  the  same  for  the  gas  bottle  spanner  --  now  I  carry  Two  --  One  to  use  and  one  to  lose 

Feel a lot more positive now after hearing all your mishaps

Oh yes indeed- it has happened to all of us. And even experienced vanners make the odd mistake or forget to do something they should.  I tend to stand and go through everything in my head as far as the hitch up is concerned- amazing how many times that damn break away cable isn’t in position! We tend to leave site very early to avoid and problems on the narrow roads near the sites we visit and to have empty roads- Only one problem to that- you haven’t been awake very long and can still be tired- it really isn’t a good idea to try to drive off with the steadies down!! No harm done! 😂😂