First trip tomorrow! Any must-have advice???

silvervaper replied on 02/03/2016 19:44

silvervaper

Posted on 02/03/2016 19:44

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 Happy 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 Happy

63 replies

Tigi replied on 02/03/2016 19:50

Member

Tigi

Posted on 02/03/2016 19:50

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.

black caviar replied on 02/03/2016 19:51

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black caviar

Posted on 02/03/2016 19:51

What a lucky chap you are having all that beautifull countryside on your doorstep, have a great time:)

Pippah45 replied on 02/03/2016 20:03

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Pippah45

Caravanner

Posted on 02/03/2016 20:03

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.

silvervaper replied on 02/03/2016 20:09

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silvervaper

Caravanner

Posted on 02/03/2016 20:09

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 dogs

silvervaper replied on 02/03/2016 20:41

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silvervaper

Caravanner

Posted on 02/03/2016 20:41

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 Happy

Nuggy replied on 02/03/2016 20:50

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Nuggy

Caravanner

Posted on 02/03/2016 20:50

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"

Takethedogalong replied on 02/03/2016 20:53

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Takethedogalong

Posted on 02/03/2016 20:53

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! Happy Oh, and don't overload the electrics, which might be easy to do in Winter!

silvervaper replied on 02/03/2016 21:03

Member

silvervaper

Caravanner

Posted on 02/03/2016 21:03

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 Happy

Good thing about not going to far is no pressure of time, so yes slow and easy does it!

BrianandElaine replied on 02/03/2016 21:05

BrianandElaine

Caravanner

Posted on 02/03/2016 21:05

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