Posted on 26/10/2021 11:15
We recently got a new caravan, and I'm picking up various nuggets of useful information. Like leaving the brake off for long term parking.
I know there are some beginners guides here on this site which are useful, but what your top tips or 'gotchas' for caravanning? Things that you wish someone had told you when you started.
Posted on 29/10/2021 10:33 by EmilysDadBut .... when did you last torque up the nuts/bolts on your car? Torqueing up caravan wheels seems to be obsessive here.
Posted on 29/10/2021 18:38
True I don't think I've ever torqued up my car wheels. Couldn't even tell you what the value is. But the caravan documentation advises it, plus there's a card tied to the caravan keys which also says it's important. So I figured that it must be done. Of course I know nothing because I'm a caravan noob.
Posted on 29/10/2021 19:00
We tended to be more relaxed about it until not one but two acquaintances had a tyre come off the caravan. One after a service and on the way home, the other because in his words "I had become relaxed about checking them".
So I check them. Not fastidiously but before we set off on a trip and then once or twice if we're away for an extended period of say 5 or 6 weeks.
Posted on 29/10/2021 19:00 by WherenextWe tended to be more relaxed about it until not one but two acquaintances had a tyre come off the caravan. One after a service and on the way home, the other because in his words "I had become relaxed about checking them".
So I check them. Not fastidiously but before we set off on a trip and then once or twice if we're away for an extended period of say 5 or 6 weeks.
Posted on 29/10/2021 19:27 by WherenextWhen you see a wheel travelling faster than you are it's time to stop.
My fault for not explaining fully and using tyre wrongly.
Posted on 31/10/2021 11:21
All useful tips for this FNG who hasn't purchased a tourer yet, though somewhat daunting for someone as hapless and forgetful like me. But my dear wife is very 'squared away' and will create a checklist afore venturing forth!
'Vans in our locality are few and far between; some established dealers in the vicinity have no stock whatsoever, though used 'vans seem to be appearing at the end of the season now what with travel restrictions fr overseas travel being relaxed.
Posted on 31/10/2021 11:21 by ScreenName680C63F8EBAll useful tips for this FNG who hasn't purchased a tourer yet, though somewhat daunting for someone as hapless and forgetful like me. But my dear wife is very 'squared away' and will create a checklist afore venturing forth!
'Vans in our locality are few and far between; some established dealers in the vicinity have no stock whatsoever, though used 'vans seem to be appearing at the end of the season now what with travel restrictions fr overseas travel being relaxed.
Posted on 28/10/2021 09:40 byMake sure the jockey wheel is wound up inside that slot at the bottom. It can and will unwind itself as you are going along otherwise and its pretty alarming when it reaches the road.
Posted on 05/11/2021 18:23
Yes, yes! On our first serious trip, on a remote road in the Scottish Highlands, I was really alarmed by that sudden grating noise! Serious checks of tightening both top and side are now a habit.
Another jockey wheel one, which probably only matters for a low-hanging tow-hook like ours. If manoeuvring the caravan onto the hook, it's possible to end up with the jockey wheel trapped under the A frame, blocking lowering the hitch enough to latch on until you move the whole thing to align the wheel better.
AndyJF