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

Many thanks to everyone for the help and advice - all good stuff

We're back now after an excellent trip - and we learned a few things too....

Had bought plastic kitchen utensils because they are lighter - rubbish - the metal ones I would use at home are much better and the weight difference is negligible.

Sleeping arrangements - going to invest in two good sleeping bags and use single beds rather than the night/morning wresting match of setting up the double with quits etc - plus, it leaves more room for the dogs on the floor

Discovered the kitchen and bathroom taps were leaking under use - replaced the kitchen one - it really was worn out, and replaced the cartrdige in the bathroom tap - all drip free now.

The previous owner hadn't been diligent about draining down the water system - I had to have the Carver Cascade water heater reconditioned as part of the service after I bought the caravan, now the taps replaced - it really shows how important it is to keep the system drained when not in use.

The temperatures went down to around zero, so I brought the pump indoors overnight just to be safe, and inside the van was warm enough to protect the internal fittings.

Oh - and we discovered the need for caravan slippers - nothing worse than soggy socks. How did I reach a point in my life where I cherish caravan slippers!!!

The site was excellent - and we had a pitch about 10 feet from the shore of the loch - clear bright weather, walks on the West Highland Way and night time stars like you wouldn't believe.

Towing was good - could have done without the hairpin bend onto a 1:8 upwards hill followed by 2 miles of single track with no passing places - but we managed, so good experience

Nowjust can't wait to get away again - it will be next month now due to work and dog sitting for a friend - 3 spaniels in a 2 berth would be too much.....

Thanks again to everyone!

Carry some spares.....fuses, bulbs, even a water pump.  Things always break down when the shops are shut and/or you are miles from anywhere.

A small toolkit too is handy.

Have you got propane gas?

Thanks KjellNN - yes I put together a basic toolkit - I know from having boats in the past I WILL need it - on this occasion it wasn't me but a fellow camper that had to borrow my mole grips!

I have a Calor Lite propane tank

So glad you had a good time.  Are you sure about sleeping bags?  I can't be doing I think I am too tall to be comfortable with them - but its choice.  I roll up the duvet and sheet and use it as a back rest sometimes. 

Sounds like you are well organised! 

We used to take "cheap" stuff with us back in the 70s, but now take what we would use at home.  No more ultra lightweight pots or rubbish plastic utensils!

For sleeping, we have given up sleeping bags as they are too awkward to wash frequently,,,,we go away a lot.

When making up a double we used a lightweight single duvet in cover instead of a sheet underneath, it is just the correct size and stays surprisingly flat.

Now we have a fixed bed with normal bedding.

My sister often comes with us, so she sleeps on one of the front sofas (she is very short!) and uses a thin duvet in cover underneath, and a decent duvet on top.

So glad you had a good time.  Are you sure about sleeping bags?  I can't be doing I think I am too tall to be comfortable with them - but its choice.  I roll up the duvet and sheet and use it as a back rest sometimes. 

I know what you mean - we used to go wild camping and I never liked the mummy type bags - too claustrophobic and slidy shiny polyester outers sliding around everywhere - I've been looking at rectangle bags with a fleecy finish - they seem to be specially made for caravans/motorhomes/boats. I think it as much to do with the bed layout as well - I think it will be an ongoing trial

Oh - and we discovered the need for caravan slippers - nothing worse than soggy socks.

Do what the majority of caravnners do and get yourselves a pair of Crocs each!! Whatever anyone else says they're great for those short trips out from the van.

"The temperatures went down to around zero, so I brought the pump indoors overnight just to be safe, and inside the van was warm enough to protect the internal fittings."

does this mean you cant draw water from a tap or flush the loo if its close to freezing outside and have brought the pump inside....and presumably have to go outside early next morning to replace it prior to that first life giving cuppa?

do some caravans have internal pumps that are less susceptible to frost....?

Some caravans had on-board fresh water tanks, pumps and toilet flushing tanks even before MH manufacturers thought of the idea, BB. I know, it's amazing!

does this mean you cant draw water from a tap or flush the loo if its close to freezing outside and have brought the pump inside....and presumably have to go outside early next morning to replace it prior to that first life giving cuppa?

do some caravans have internal pumps that are less susceptible to frost....?

You can use the loo - it works on a self contained system with a separate tank and manual pump. For drinking water we just use bottled water.

I don't think the external pump is a big issue for most of the time - if the pump is kept submerged in a full Aquaroll chances of freezing are slim - it would take real sub zeron teperatures to freeze a 40 litre drum solid, but if the water level is low, then there could be problems. 

Some caravans had on-board fresh water tanks, pumps and toilet flushing ranks even before MH manufacturers thought of the idea, BB. I know, it's amazing!

however i didnt ask about on board tanks....amazing as it seems.......strange that they went back to outside barrels then...and pumps that sit outside in the frost.

i asked if there was a way of a caravan using an internal pump, pumping directly from the outside barrel into the internal plumbing....ie just moving the pump, not the water store.