Thank you for this. I hope to buy a caravan in memory of my Mum who recently died. She always dreamed of an Eriba so I will make her dreams come true. We always caravanned growing up but I have never towed so 2023 is going to be a whole new world x
Hi Alison, sorry you have lost your Mum but that's a lovely way to remember her. Those Eriba's look really funky, a friend of ours had one and they loved it. Hope you have many happy trips. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
Just a tip you may like to share..when putting up an awning /canopy etc clip a dog lead to the eyelet on the corner of the awning where it slides in the rail of the caravan and use it to pull awning through rail across top of caravan...saves steps /stretching etc 😊.Mick
Hi Dave, that's so true and somehow that first cup of tea is easily the best (I'm normally ready for it by then too). Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. ATB, Dave & Helen
We are due to go out for the first time in our 'van tomorrow after 40years of tent camping. Thank you for the videos, they're very informative and such a calm way of working. Fingers crossed for us tomorrow!😊
Thanks so much Sue, pleased to learn that you e found the videos helpful. I’m sure you’re going to be fine on your trip. Take your time and you’ll be just fine. Good luck. Helen & Dave 👍
getting our first caravan this weekend, travelling down to Wales from Scotland to pick it up! Thanks for all the hints and tips! Not nervous at all.........
Fantastic Michael! It’s exciting and the adventures will be such fun. Take your time and everything will be just fine. The van follows you, just take corners a bit wider. Good luck, Helen & Dave 👍
We have watched all your vids and love them! We are now looking for our first tourer. We are curious what was your first tourer? What do you wish you had known then that you know now? As newbies here we trying to absorb as much as exp folk as we can. 😅thanks Kate and jon
We had a Bailey Senator 6 Indiana. Nice caravan, big and luxurious for it's time but we did not like the French (corner) bed, climbing over each other in the night to go to the loo and also the heating system, whilst adequate it was not great, it was warm air. So we only had it a couple of years and changed it for our current van with island transverse bed and Aldi heating which is absolutely fantastic. Quick, effective and the van gets toasty warm in the coldest weather. Make sure you see the service history (written) and also damp reports. Hope you find your perfect starter van and have lots of happy travels. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi, can I add, if you put a micro cloth under where the water “splutters out on the sinks it does save splashes as the water comes out of the tap, “old plumbers trick” ….
@@HelenandDave we have had a fold down caravan for 10yrs now, but do to age we have finally got a Abbey county Devon to carry on our adventures. It’s a different ball game between the two, but so looking forward to taking her out soon… I think you are in our area Nflk- Sflk !!
Thank you Dave and Helen your videos are the best both informative and good fun - we are waiting for our first caravan providing they keep to scheduled date of feb 23. In the meantime we will keep watching and learning and looking forward to your winter excursions 👍
Hi Steve, it's pleasing to hear that you find the video's useful, it makes it all worth while, thanks for that. Hope they deliver you van on time and wish you many, many happy adventures. ATB, Dave & Helen.
One thing that I have now included in my setting up regime, is to smear olive oil over the two rubber seat rings on the Truma water inlet connector. This makes it much easier to connect / disconnect and to delay / prevent the cracking that occurs on the female base plate just beneath the nozzle entry point. As regards pulling the water through, I think that you are better off pulling the hot water through first, that way you can be 100 % sure that the water heater is full of water and less chance of burning it out, when you turn it on.
Very informative video,can i say,you should tidy your cable before connecting to the mains incase of any breaks and also when filling the flush i always add some water to the cassette as im adding the chemicals.keep up the good work,very informative.everydays a school day as they say
Hi there Thomas. Fabulous feedback! We love comments like this because it's a great example of us all learning from each other. I honestly hadn't considered the cable potentially being broken, so I will be following your example from now on. Thanks! ATB Dave & Helen
We use a short length of hose connected to the washroom tap to fill the loo tank via the window instead of the watering can. Takes up a lot less space. (And you can fill up from inside on wet days)
As most people do, there are many locks on a caravan e.g door, steady, hitch, wheel etc. Some unlock by turning the key clockwise and some anti clockwise. As locks can be very stiff, just so you know which way to turn each key. Make a list of which way each lock unlocks.
Dave Dave Dave, what are you doing "I've not known it that stiff before"... Matron. Then a Benny Hill fast forward with accompanying farting noises absolutely amazing mate a veritable smorgasbord of British comedy 😁. In all seriousness another really entertaining and useful video, We are 4 months into Caravaning now and learn something new every time. Ive been working in Boston this week but the weather was so bad today I didnt bother going to Coningsby for my dinner it was too wet even for ducks. Keep up with the great work and see you both on the next one. 👍
😂😂😂 Benny Hill? You’re showing your age Daryl 😉. I must admit when I speeded up the sun canopy bit, I thought the same but then thought ‘blow it’ 💨 I’ll leave it in. As always mate, appreciate you watching and leaving a comment and if you only take away a smile, then it’s been worth while. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍
Well done Dave and Helen great video. Should be handy to those who are setting out first time. I remember our first we asked to go over the other side to everyone else so we dis t make a complete fool of myself 😆 any great video. Paul and Sarah 😀
Hi you two! hope you're both well. Yeah, we've had a few of those embarrassing moments and to be honest, still do from time to time. Thanks for watching, we always appreciate it. Thanks, Dave & Helen
I am really liking your awning! I have watched the specific video about it, but it looks like a really convenient awning for here in Japan. Although I would also likely get a fully enclosed one also for certain altitudes and locations. The trouble with most European awnings is that they don't have mesh on all openings. An absolute necessity here as unless you are above a certain altitude, mosquitos are everywhere and those plastic windows will only make the inside far too hot in our 90% humidity and summer temperatures that frequently encroach on close to 40 degrees celsius. Although during the peak summer months, I tend to go to campsites that are at least over a 1000 metre altitude or as close to 2000 metres as I can get. Fortunately, we aren't too short on high altitude campsites, but not all regions have such high mountains.
Hi there Andrew, WOW! didn't realise you were in Japan, I can only imagine the challenges the climate there present you with but it also sounds like some of the campsites at that altitude must be breathtaking (in every sense). This one is just a sun canopy, apparently Dometic do a heavy duty version for all year round but we also have a heavy duty Kampa (fully enclosed) all weather inflatable awning, really pleased with them both. Thanks for watching, ATB, Dave & Helen
Hi Richard, the start of many fun adventures for you. Take your time, there is a lot of new stuff to learn but nothing complicated and you will quickly get the hang of everything. Thanks very much for watching. Happy Travels, Helen & Dave
Thanks for your time in producing this video. Lovely and clear .... The garden watering can... Haven't seen that mentioned up until now👍 you used a power drill to wind down the feet. Interesting but I don't have a big power drill I don't think. So it's hand winding.
Hi Paul, many thanks for watching. Glad you liked the video. Must admit I find it much easier to wind the steadies with a power drill. This was just a little cheap drill that I picked up on Amazon and the bit is also available on Amazon too. Just check what size you need to fit your steadies mine is 19mm. Stay tuned, Dave & Helen 👍
You too Alan, thanks for watching the channel and we both hope you have many happy caravanning adventures. Might see you in and around Norfolk again. ATB, Helen & Dave
Great helpful video, thanks. We have just purchased one of those awning/canopy thingys..... Please could you tell me what floor carpet you have got as it seems to fit the canopy really well. Many thanks 😊 👍🏻
Hi Gregory, many thanks, glad you find the video useful. I've attached a link to our amazon store where you can see the ground sheet we use and the carpet which we put on top from time to time. www.amazon.co.uk/shop/caravantastic/list/114RB3Z985Q54?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d Hope this helps and happy caravanning. Helen & Dave
Wow, that was a quick reply! Many thanks indeed, we'll be purchasing those, thanks very much.... How do you find how stable the canopy is in the wind, does it copy OK? Not had chance to try our out yet. Going away in 2 weeks time 😊👍🏻
@@gregoryhudson123 All about timing, just happened to be on here as your comment came through lol. I would say generally very good but wouldn't recommend putting up in a gale!! (which we have) but it's really well constructed and a strong but because it's very open at the front the wind can blow in and have nowhere to go, especially with the sides on so if the wind really gets up I tend to drop the walls off and just let the wind blow through. Great bit of kit though, we love it. Thanks again. Helen & Dave
I honestly cannot remember the last time we used any gas at all? Current bottle (which is full) we’ve had for 18 months and I have another full one in the garage.
Great informative video, we're looking to buy our first caravan soon, its a little daunting so your help is much appreciated. Having never pulled a trailer or caravan is it possible to uhook the carvan and use the mover to put the caravan in place or do you always reverse it on with the car and then use the mover for slight alterations ? Also do the shower, taps and toilet waste all go into the same waste container ? If so is the waste container equal to or larger than the toilet and fresh 2ater tank volumes combined ? Thank you
Hi Mark, thanks for watching and your questions. It might feel a little daunting at first but you quickly get the hang of stuff. 1. Unhook and use the mover definitely 👍 I like to try and practise reversing at every opportunity but there’s plenty of time for all that. 2. Toilet waste goes into a separate tank called a cassette and it slots under the toilet from outside of the van. Easy to empty & clean at the sites elsan point. 3. Waste water from showers and sinks is called grey waste and empties into a separate tank outside called a waste master and this is emptied at a grey waste point on site. 4. Fresh water is pumped into the van from a tank called an aqua roll. If you Google or search UA-cam for these things you can see them in operation all very easy to use but as you say daunting at first. Your local caravan dealer will also help you with all of this. Good luck 👍 Dave and Helen 👍
@@HelenandDave just what i needed thank you 👍 I was worried id look a little daft unhooking the caravan and using the movers if everyone reverses ot into place. We're quite young but thankfully most other tourers seem mature and willing to help. Thank you 😁
Hi, where you show the caravan control panel inside with battery lights etc. You explained that you have 2 green lights because your on electric hook up. I've been having a few issues with my cars 12v power. So my question to you is.. Should the light on the car on my control panel be orange or green? Also when connected to the car should the lights be solid or flashing? 2013 Sterling Eccles Solitaire. Thanks in advance.
Hi Sam, thanks for watching. Certainly when we plug in to the 12v car we get one green light. I suspect you’re still getting charge when lit up orange but I’m no expert on auto electrics so I would suggest a chat with your local dealer or caravan engineer. Sorry I’m not a lot of help on this one. Cheers, Dave
Hi Liz, hope you’re enjoying your new caravan. We leave the handbrake on but disengage the motor mover. If you leave it engaged it can cause a flat spot on your tyre. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave 👍
Only just found this channel and subscribed. Now to go and find a caravan! Greetings from a South African in Invercargill, New Zealand - Wonder if I'm your subscriber that's the furthest away?
Morning Captain, thanks for watching, leaving a comment and subscribing. I’m pretty sure you could be the furthest away. Got a few in Australia. Merry Christmas, Helen & Dave. PS you won’t regret getting a caravan 👍
Hi Lee, it's the Dometic Sunshine Pro 400 (4m) available in different sizes. Click the link to view. The sides are the same for all models as they are the same width. Cheers, Dave www.amazon.co.uk/shop/caravantastic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfcaravantastic_YJFH1NRY9ZPX82JAJB60
Hi Geoff, thanks for watching. Once we have set up, all level with Wherl & hitch locks in place I disengage the motor mover. I’m told if left on for long periods it can create a flat spot on the tyres. I have forgotten to do this on more than one occasion I must confess but it’s not caused me a problem. Cheers, Dave
Hiya Dave and Helen ! New to caravanning and just been on our first trip in our Eccles 635. What brand of cover do you have for the front end ? Cheers Craig
Hi Craig, hope you had a good trip. We use specialised custom fit covers. We did have a cheap universal towing cover but actually the poor fit damaged the front paintwork and fibreglass. Highly recommend these, they are expensive but really good. Here is a link, cheers, Helen & Dave www.specialisedcovers.com/towing-covers/tailored-towing-covers
@@HelenandDave Yes we did thanks , a 3 night shake down trip to St Helens in the park in North Yorkshire. Just landed home with a very dirty front end 🙈They look great , are you on pro or pro plus ? How are they washed , assume they get grubby …
Hi Malcolm, thanks for watching. We buy almost everything on Amazon. Here is a link to our store where you will see the mat. You pay the same price as everyone else but we get a small commission which goes towards the cost of running the channel. Best wishes, Helen & Dave www.amazon.co.uk/shop/caravantastic/list/114RB3Z985Q54?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_f
Hi John, yes we do drain the water after every trip and before moving on, the water in the tank can add a lot of nose weight. Thanks very much for watching. ATB Dave & Helen
Hello Howell, Been many times but never with the caravan I'm afraid so you'll have to let us know how you get on. We recommend a visit to Osborne House Blacking Chine. Have a great trip. ATB, Dave & Helen.
Hi Beverley, strange you should ask because we have a video out tomorrow (Thursday) at 4:30pm all about it. We actually have 2 awnings and a sun canopy. The one featured in this particular video is a Dometic Sunshine air pro 400. Thanks for watching 👍
Hi, terminology we hear a lot in the caravanning world. Blue jobs for the boys and pink jobs for the girls or in Dave's case purple jobs because he ends up doing both lol.
Hi Greg, apologies for the delay in getting back, we are away in the caravan just now. The MRO is 1356kg and the MTPLM is 1512kg and we pull with a Kia Sportage GT Line 2lt automatic. It does the job well. ATB Dave and Helen 👍
Hi Peter, many thanks for watching. This is our Dometic Sunshine Air Pro 400 sun canopy. It’s not an awning but with the sides fitted we use this 90% of the time. We’re really pleased with it. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Thank you for this. I hope to buy a caravan in memory of my Mum who recently died. She always dreamed of an Eriba so I will make her dreams come true. We always caravanned growing up but I have never towed so 2023 is going to be a whole new world x
Hi Alison, sorry you have lost your Mum but that's a lovely way to remember her. Those Eriba's look really funky, a friend of ours had one and they loved it. Hope you have many happy trips. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
Just a tip you may like to share..when putting up an awning /canopy etc clip a dog lead to the eyelet on the corner of the awning where it slides in the rail of the caravan and use it to pull awning through rail across top of caravan...saves steps /stretching etc 😊.Mick
That's a great idea Mick, so simple, the best ones always are. I'll nick that for a future video. Thanks for watching. Dave
Brilliant video, as a complete starter, this done the job
Hi Mick, good to hear from you and we're delighted that the video was useful for you. Thanks for watching. ATB, Helen & Dave
Another great Video. Very informative if you’re new to all this stuff. 😊
Thank you Greg, much appreciated ATB Dave & Helen 👍
Always nice to finish on a sandwich and a cuppa tea... couldn't agree more... great video especially for people just starting out... so helpful 👍
Hi Dave, that's so true and somehow that first cup of tea is easily the best (I'm normally ready for it by then too). Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. ATB, Dave & Helen
We are due to go out for the first time in our 'van tomorrow after 40years of tent camping. Thank you for the videos, they're very informative and such a calm way of working. Fingers crossed for us tomorrow!😊
Thanks so much Sue, pleased to learn that you e found the videos helpful. I’m sure you’re going to be fine on your trip. Take your time and you’ll be just fine. Good luck. Helen & Dave 👍
A useful video for us all especially the newbies, thanks for sharing, Steve
Thanks Steve, much appreciated, cheers Dave & Helen 👍
We brought a van this week and are heading out to site next week and this video was PERFECT!!! Thank you!
Hi John, many congratulations on your new purchase and we hope you have many memorable trips. Stay tuned and thanks for watching. Helen & Dave 👍
Where did you bring it from?
getting our first caravan this weekend, travelling down to Wales from Scotland to pick it up! Thanks for all the hints and tips! Not nervous at all.........
Fantastic Michael! It’s exciting and the adventures will be such fun. Take your time and everything will be just fine. The van follows you, just take corners a bit wider. Good luck, Helen & Dave 👍
We have watched all your vids and love them! We are now looking for our first tourer. We are curious what was your first tourer? What do you wish you had known then that you know now? As newbies here we trying to absorb as much as exp folk as we can. 😅thanks Kate and jon
We had a Bailey Senator 6 Indiana. Nice caravan, big and luxurious for it's time but we did not like the French (corner) bed, climbing over each other in the night to go to the loo and also the heating system, whilst adequate it was not great, it was warm air. So we only had it a couple of years and changed it for our current van with island transverse bed and Aldi heating which is absolutely fantastic. Quick, effective and the van gets toasty warm in the coldest weather. Make sure you see the service history (written) and also damp reports. Hope you find your perfect starter van and have lots of happy travels. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi, can I add, if you put a micro cloth under where the water “splutters out on the sinks it does save splashes as the water comes out of the tap, “old plumbers trick” ….
@@eamonburrows8613 great tip thanks Eamon and thanks for watching. Helen & Dave 👍
@@HelenandDave we have had a fold down caravan for 10yrs now, but do to age we have finally got a Abbey county Devon to carry on our adventures. It’s a different ball game between the two, but so looking forward to taking her out soon… I think you are in our area Nflk- Sflk !!
@eamonburrows8613 Hi Eamon, yes we are in Norfolk 😊👍
Thank you Dave and Helen your videos are the best both informative and good fun - we are waiting for our first caravan providing they keep to scheduled date of feb 23. In the meantime we will keep watching and learning and looking forward to your winter excursions 👍
Hi Steve, it's pleasing to hear that you find the video's useful, it makes it all worth while, thanks for that. Hope they deliver you van on time and wish you many, many happy adventures. ATB, Dave & Helen.
Really intresting video, on my way to buy my first caravan.... so steep learning curve ahead ! Thanks.
Thank you so much for watching and we hope you have many happy times on your caravan travels. Stay tuned! Helen & Dave
Just brought our first van today and have found your tips a great insight. Looking forward to getting away next weekend
Hi Chris, thank you that’s good to know. Hope you enjoy your new van and have a great trip away. Take your time! Helen & Dave
One thing that I have now included in my setting up regime, is to smear olive oil over the two rubber seat rings on the Truma water inlet connector. This makes it much easier to connect / disconnect and to delay / prevent the cracking that occurs on the female base plate just beneath the nozzle entry point. As regards pulling the water through, I think that you are better off pulling the hot water through first, that way you can be 100 % sure that the water heater is full of water and less chance of burning it out, when you turn it on.
Hi Steve, great tips and something I will implement in my set up too. Thanks for watching and also sharing your tips. ATB, Dave & Helen.
Very informative video,can i say,you should tidy your cable before connecting to the mains incase of any breaks and also when filling the flush i always add some water to the cassette as im adding the chemicals.keep up the good work,very informative.everydays a school day as they say
Hi there Thomas. Fabulous feedback! We love comments like this because it's a great example of us all learning from each other. I honestly hadn't considered the cable potentially being broken, so I will be following your example from now on. Thanks! ATB Dave & Helen
Brilliant thankyou for great video ,just got caravan in nz went first time yesterday ,so much fun just glad son was there lol thank you again
Congratulations on your new caravan and your first trip out. We hope it’s the first of many fun adventures. Best wishes, Helen & Dave 😊👍
We use a short length of hose connected to the washroom tap to fill the loo tank via the window instead of the watering can. Takes up a lot less space. (And you can fill up from inside on wet days)
Hi John, that’s a very good idea 👍 Thanks very much for watching. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍
As most people do, there are many locks on a caravan e.g door, steady, hitch, wheel etc. Some unlock by turning the key clockwise and some anti clockwise. As locks can be very stiff, just so you know which way to turn each key. Make a list of which way each lock unlocks.
Thanks, you’re right. There’s a lot to think about 👍 Thanks for your comment, ATB Dave & Helen 👍
Helpful vlog Dave, happy travels to you and Helen 👍
Thanks very much Steve, hope you're well. ATB Dave & Helen.👍
Dave Dave Dave, what are you doing "I've not known it that stiff before"... Matron. Then a Benny Hill fast forward with accompanying farting noises absolutely amazing mate a veritable smorgasbord of British comedy 😁. In all seriousness another really entertaining and useful video, We are 4 months into Caravaning now and learn something new every time. Ive been working in Boston this week but the weather was so bad today I didnt bother going to Coningsby for my dinner it was too wet even for ducks. Keep up with the great work and see you both on the next one. 👍
😂😂😂 Benny Hill? You’re showing your age Daryl 😉. I must admit when I speeded up the sun canopy bit, I thought the same but then thought ‘blow it’ 💨 I’ll leave it in. As always mate, appreciate you watching and leaving a comment and if you only take away a smile, then it’s been worth while. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍
I have put a length of food quality plastic pipe over the water pump pipe , it takes the " curl" out of the pump pipe.
Great tip Geoff, Cheers 👍
Well done Dave and Helen great video. Should be handy to those who are setting out first time. I remember our first we asked to go over the other side to everyone else so we dis t make a complete fool of myself 😆 any great video. Paul and Sarah 😀
Hi you two! hope you're both well. Yeah, we've had a few of those embarrassing moments and to be honest, still do from time to time. Thanks for watching, we always appreciate it. Thanks, Dave & Helen
Another great video thanks Dave
Cheers Terry, appreciated 👍
I am really liking your awning! I have watched the specific video about it, but it looks like a really convenient awning for here in Japan. Although I would also likely get a fully enclosed one also for certain altitudes and locations. The trouble with most European awnings is that they don't have mesh on all openings. An absolute necessity here as unless you are above a certain altitude, mosquitos are everywhere and those plastic windows will only make the inside far too hot in our 90% humidity and summer temperatures that frequently encroach on close to 40 degrees celsius. Although during the peak summer months, I tend to go to campsites that are at least over a 1000 metre altitude or as close to 2000 metres as I can get. Fortunately, we aren't too short on high altitude campsites, but not all regions have such high mountains.
Hi there Andrew, WOW! didn't realise you were in Japan, I can only imagine the challenges the climate there present you with but it also sounds like some of the campsites at that altitude must be breathtaking (in every sense). This one is just a sun canopy, apparently Dometic do a heavy duty version for all year round but we also have a heavy duty Kampa (fully enclosed) all weather inflatable awning, really pleased with them both. Thanks for watching, ATB, Dave & Helen
Really appreciate all the tips, will be our first trip out this weekend in the caravan, so just trying to be as prepared as possible 😁
Hi Richard, the start of many fun adventures for you. Take your time, there is a lot of new stuff to learn but nothing complicated and you will quickly get the hang of everything. Thanks very much for watching. Happy Travels, Helen & Dave
Thanks for your time in producing this video. Lovely and clear .... The garden watering can... Haven't seen that mentioned up until now👍 you used a power drill to wind down the feet. Interesting but I don't have a big power drill I don't think. So it's hand winding.
Hi Paul, many thanks for watching. Glad you liked the video. Must admit I find it much easier to wind the steadies with a power drill. This was just a little cheap drill that I picked up on Amazon and the bit is also available on Amazon too. Just check what size you need to fit your steadies mine is 19mm. Stay tuned, Dave & Helen 👍
Hi, you don’t need a powerful drive a 12v cordless will do the job.. and a ft long bit..
Excellent video Dave (and Helen), very similar to us except that first brew is coffee (with cake if I’m lucky)!
Coffee & Cake, that’s luxury Richard. Best drink of the day, after you’ve just set up 👍 Thanks for watching, ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Thanks for the video's Dave, good to meet you today at Forest Park Northreps, cheers Alan
You too Alan, thanks for watching the channel and we both hope you have many happy caravanning adventures. Might see you in and around Norfolk again. ATB, Helen & Dave
Thanks for this video. We are newbies..buying our first Caravan this winter ready for next year. 👍
Thanks very much for your lovely comment, we appreciate it. Cheers, Dave & Helen.
Brilliant 👍
Thanks Alan 👍😊
Great video very helpful thank you
Hi Jennifer, many thanks for watching, glad you found it useful. Cheers, Dave and Helen 👍
Even now, I always forget something. 😊
You’re a bird brain 😂😂
New sub here 👍
Hi Bessie, thanks so much for the sub and stay tuned for many more video's. Happy travels, Helen & Dave
Enjoyable watch Dave & Helen 👍and very useful for beginners. Where did you get the idea 🤔 for using a 10m hook up cable 😁. All the best, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob & Gail, Ha Ha, all good caravaners carry a 10m cable 👍😊 Hope you’re both well and thanks for watching. ATB Dave and Helen 👍
Great helpful video, thanks. We have just purchased one of those awning/canopy thingys..... Please could you tell me what floor carpet you have got as it seems to fit the canopy really well. Many thanks 😊 👍🏻
Hi Gregory, many thanks, glad you find the video useful. I've attached a link to our amazon store where you can see the ground sheet we use and the carpet which we put on top from time to time. www.amazon.co.uk/shop/caravantastic/list/114RB3Z985Q54?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d
Hope this helps and happy caravanning. Helen & Dave
Wow, that was a quick reply! Many thanks indeed, we'll be purchasing those, thanks very much.... How do you find how stable the canopy is in the wind, does it copy OK? Not had chance to try our out yet. Going away in 2 weeks time 😊👍🏻
@@gregoryhudson123 All about timing, just happened to be on here as your comment came through lol.
I would say generally very good but wouldn't recommend putting up in a gale!! (which we have) but it's really well constructed and a strong but because it's very open at the front the wind can blow in and have nowhere to go, especially with the sides on so if the wind really gets up I tend to drop the walls off and just let the wind blow through. Great bit of kit though, we love it. Thanks again. Helen & Dave
Hello, fantastic video especially for a newbie caravaner like myself....can I ask , what awning have you got?
I assume you're not cooking on gas this trip. You are like me, I always forget something😁👍
I honestly cannot remember the last time we used any gas at all? Current bottle (which is full) we’ve had for 18 months and I have another full one in the garage.
Good job shows us the extent u have to go thru
Thanks you very much and thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.
Great informative video, we're looking to buy our first caravan soon, its a little daunting so your help is much appreciated.
Having never pulled a trailer or caravan is it possible to uhook the carvan and use the mover to put the caravan in place or do you always reverse it on with the car and then use the mover for slight alterations ?
Also do the shower, taps and toilet waste all go into the same waste container ? If so is the waste container equal to or larger than the toilet and fresh 2ater tank volumes combined ?
Thank you
Hi Mark, thanks for watching and your questions. It might feel a little daunting at first but you quickly get the hang of stuff.
1. Unhook and use the mover definitely 👍 I like to try and practise reversing at every opportunity but there’s plenty of time for all that.
2. Toilet waste goes into a separate tank called a cassette and it slots under the toilet from outside of the van. Easy to empty & clean at the sites elsan point.
3. Waste water from showers and sinks is called grey waste and empties into a separate tank outside called a waste master and this is emptied at a grey waste point on site.
4. Fresh water is pumped into the van from a tank called an aqua roll.
If you Google or search UA-cam for these things you can see them in operation all very easy to use but as you say daunting at first. Your local caravan dealer will also help you with all of this.
Good luck 👍 Dave and Helen 👍
@@HelenandDave just what i needed thank you 👍
I was worried id look a little daft unhooking the caravan and using the movers if everyone reverses ot into place.
We're quite young but thankfully most other tourers seem mature and willing to help.
Thank you 😁
Hi, where you show the caravan control panel inside with battery lights etc. You explained that you have 2 green lights because your on electric hook up. I've been having a few issues with my cars 12v power. So my question to you is.. Should the light on the car on my control panel be orange or green? Also when connected to the car should the lights be solid or flashing? 2013 Sterling Eccles Solitaire. Thanks in advance.
Hi Sam, thanks for watching. Certainly when we plug in to the 12v car we get one green light. I suspect you’re still getting charge when lit up orange but I’m no expert on auto electrics so I would suggest a chat with your local dealer or caravan engineer. Sorry I’m not a lot of help on this one. Cheers, Dave
Not long got our first caravan, couple of questions- do you leave the motor mover engaged and do you keep the hand brake on when you’re on a pitch?
Hi Liz, hope you’re enjoying your new caravan. We leave the handbrake on but disengage the motor mover. If you leave it engaged it can cause a flat spot on your tyre. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave 👍
Only just found this channel and subscribed.
Now to go and find a caravan!
Greetings from a South African in Invercargill, New Zealand - Wonder if I'm your subscriber that's the furthest away?
Morning Captain, thanks for watching, leaving a comment and subscribing. I’m pretty sure you could be the furthest away. Got a few in Australia. Merry Christmas, Helen & Dave. PS you won’t regret getting a caravan 👍
@@HelenandDave Thanks guys, and a Merry Christmas to you too. God bless.
Hi guys, what is the canopy awning model and side sections? Would love to take a look at them :)
Hi Lee, it's the Dometic Sunshine Pro 400 (4m) available in different sizes. Click the link to view. The sides are the same for all models as they are the same width. Cheers, Dave www.amazon.co.uk/shop/caravantastic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfcaravantastic_YJFH1NRY9ZPX82JAJB60
@@HelenandDave Thanks Dave for the Swift reply, will go take a look. We have just purchased our first caravan, your videos are helping massively 👌
@@Lee-zg3gx that’s great news Lee. We hope you have many great trips away. ATB, Dave & Helen
Do you take off the motor mover as soon as you finish or leave it until you are ready to leave site?
Hi Geoff, thanks for watching. Once we have set up, all level with Wherl & hitch locks in place I disengage the motor mover. I’m told if left on for long periods it can create a flat spot on the tyres. I have forgotten to do this on more than one occasion I must confess but it’s not caused me a problem. Cheers, Dave
Hiya Dave and Helen ! New to caravanning and just been on our first trip in our Eccles 635. What brand of cover do you have for the front end ? Cheers Craig
Hi Craig, hope you had a good trip. We use specialised custom fit covers. We did have a cheap universal towing cover but actually the poor fit damaged the front paintwork and fibreglass. Highly recommend these, they are expensive but really good. Here is a link, cheers, Helen & Dave www.specialisedcovers.com/towing-covers/tailored-towing-covers
@@HelenandDave Yes we did thanks , a 3 night shake down trip to St Helens in the park in North Yorkshire. Just landed home with a very dirty front end 🙈They look great , are you on pro or pro plus ? How are they washed , assume they get grubby …
Where did you buy the outside mat please?
Hi Malcolm, thanks for watching. We buy almost everything on Amazon. Here is a link to our store where you will see the mat. You pay the same price as everyone else but we get a small commission which goes towards the cost of running the channel. Best wishes, Helen & Dave www.amazon.co.uk/shop/caravantastic/list/114RB3Z985Q54?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_f
Dave do you not drain water tank after every trip and is it recommended to or not thanks in advance
Hi John, yes we do drain the water after every trip and before moving on, the water in the tank can add a lot of nose weight. Thanks very much for watching. ATB Dave & Helen
Traveling to Isle white any tips
Hello Howell, Been many times but never with the caravan I'm afraid so you'll have to let us know how you get on. We recommend a visit to Osborne House Blacking Chine. Have a great trip. ATB, Dave & Helen.
Can you tell me what awning you have please
Hi Beverley, strange you should ask because we have a video out tomorrow (Thursday) at 4:30pm all about it. We actually have 2 awnings and a sun canopy. The one featured in this particular video is a Dometic Sunshine air pro 400. Thanks for watching 👍
What are 'blue' and 'pink' jobs?
Hi,
terminology we hear a lot in the caravanning world. Blue jobs for the boys and pink jobs for the girls or in Dave's case purple jobs because he ends up doing both lol.
Hi Dave. I wonder if you could give me some advice. I just wondered what weight your caravan is and what vehicle you have to tow it. ?
Hi Greg, apologies for the delay in getting back, we are away in the caravan just now. The MRO is 1356kg and the MTPLM is 1512kg and we pull with a Kia Sportage GT Line 2lt automatic. It does the job well. ATB Dave and Helen 👍
@@HelenandDave Hi Dave. Thanks for getting back to me with the information. I will let you know how I get on.
@@gregcale8285 no probs Greg 👍
Hey. What is this awning called?
Hi Coral, it’s a sun canopy with sides on called a Dometic Sunshine Pro 400. 👍
@@HelenandDave thank you x
Pink for the stink 😂
Great way to remember 😂😂
What is the awning used? Thanks
Hi Peter, many thanks for watching. This is our Dometic Sunshine Air Pro 400 sun canopy. It’s not an awning but with the sides fitted we use this 90% of the time. We’re really pleased with it. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Thanks for the reply
@@petercampbell1275 no probs 👍