Entering hitched caravans

JVB Don't use a 3Kw domestic kettle for risk of tripping the bollard if the Mrs has left the electric fan awning heater on after the awning has been taken down. Got to make the most of the free electricity we've paid for in the pitch fee. 

The energy to boil a volume of water is the same regardless of the power rating of the kettle or hob ring be it 3Kw or 750w. Didn't you do physics at skool? 

BB the use of free electricity and therefore the hot plate was the USP of the caravan purchase decision, the nice salesman at the NEC show said that's why they fit them in caravans. He also said they build quality products with reliable appliances that will give you at least 10 years of adventures without any problems whatsoever. He also said to make sure you join the Caravan Club to make the most of the free electricity in the bookings you make well in advance without deposits and can cancel at any time up to 72 hours before arrival if you ensure you book on Frenzy Day. There were other claims that quite frankly were absurd that we ignored. Having come from 9 years of Motorhome ownership with no electric hob, only gas and frugal use of energy, only 1 part breaking due to my weight on it, how could we possibly not have been impressed with the BS!! Every day is a skool day 

CS thanks for reminding me of the motor mover remote controller that often gets thrown in the boot than the crate, or left on the A frame when finished positioning the caravan on the driveway at home.  The wheel brace fits the MM as well as the wheel lock and steadies. 

HG the transformer facilitates the LED flashing lights on the flagpole that blaze away all night long as we are on holiday. Don't use a flag as it may flap in the wind and wake people during the night, have to be considerate to other campers, and be able to find the caravan when returning in a drunken stupor. 

Maybe a tick box list is required. So many things to remember on this caravanning lark.

Happy touring

By 'eck  Keefy, one cast of the hook and you have reeled in a shoal! Very funny!

Glad you got the humour.

Sometimes things get too serious and raising a smile works wonders.

It's only a hobby after all.

After the woes of our caravan, and the horrible year we had last year, maybe have got the caravan bug back 

Hilarious! Do you also put the charging cable for the EV in there? 😂

Happy New Year to all, first 

I'm a Luddite I know, but as for the flexible bit - don't you have to bend down just as much to fit an electric powered winder as a hand-powered ditto?

Not that I'm taking this too seriously - each to their own.

Best wishes,

Antediluvian HH, who's going on 65.

I'm a Luddite I know, but as for the flexible bit - don't you have to bend down just as much to fit an electric powered winder as a hand-powered ditto?

No. The rear steadies are the worst to reach. With a hand winder I have to bend low enough, and stay low, to hold the end and wind. With the electric I can hold the rear handles to take the strain and reach down with one arm.

I fitted plastic pipe to my rear steady access points as they were recessed on the Bailey. Helps guide the drill attachment so it is a one handed job. Just took my house Dewalt away with me.

I was fooled by the electric flagpole joke but not being familiar with Club sites and practices I would believe anything. Feast of the Lanterns? After all, people apparently take satellite dishes and watch TV during their holiday in the great outdoors, so anything is possible really.

Lucky you to have reached that age without having problems with bending and heaving a winder around.

It's a case of needs must rather than each to their own. 

I have numerous tricks that help us less able folk but I hope you won’t need them.

Thank you all for the various replies.  It seems there is no one 'right' answer and it will be an element of trial and error. Given the toilet is at the rear of the van I think we will at least drop the rear steadies.  We also have a very small towcar (although suitably matched to the caravan) so we might drop the jockey wheel too.  I did love the suggestion of leaving the leg winder on the driver's seat as not winding them back up was my big worry!  Really looking forward to seeing you all out there on the next step of our camping adventures.  Happy camping all. x

thanks for posting back (not many do). Yes as you have said it's all down to what feels right for you, it's your outfit, your money, your time.

Hope you enjoy your adventures, and yes every time we go away in our van it has that 'adventure' feel, that's why I like it so much