Caravanning Tips for Absolute Beginners - How to get water in & out of your caravan.
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- In this NEW series of caravanning tips for ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS Dave shares his own, 'HOW I', (Not How To) guide. This video demonstrates how to get water in to your caravan, heat it for washing dishes and taking a shower and then getting the waste water out. There is also a quick guide on using the toilette cassette too. don't profess to be an expert and would really welcome your comments and your tips which might help others, so please leave a comment. Finally, if you haven't subscribed to the channel, your support would be very much appreciated, so hit that button!!
Thanks for watching!
Cheers, Dave & Helen
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Hi Dave,in the process of purchasing my very first caravan, at 70 years old, found your video brilliantly informative ,and will save me a lot of head scratching when a purchase is made .THANKYOU .
Hi Keith, hats off to you and thanks for watching. Hope you have many enjoyable trips in your van. Cheers, Helen & Dave
This is a great idea! I'm currently researching the ins and outs of owning a caravan and having a collection of videos like this all in one area for complete newbies will be much appreciated. 😊
@@ToothyGrinder thanks for watching, there is a group of videos we’ve done (a playlist) called ‘Caravanning for top tips for absolute beginners’ check it out on our channel page 👍
czcams.com/play/PL7OwJavrx6QoYiSbO67iaTg0YOKhL4sJn.html&si=pNRGpCXUgbbsY6Ue
@@HelenandDave thank you!
Thank you so much......I am a total beginner you have helped so much.......andy in France !
That’s great to hear Andy and thank you for watching. Happy travels, Helen & Dave
Very good. Just about to buy our first caravan
Hi Gaz, congratulations. Easily one of the best purchases we have ever made. Hope you have lots of fun. Cheers, Helen & Dave 👍
Great videos Dave cheers. Some more top tips for season start up, first tank of water one tea spoon of Puriclean & a tablespoon or two of vinegar , then in side the van screw off all the filters on the end of the taps & spray nozzle on shower head & bring water through to all points. Leave water in all lines over night then in the morning you will see all the gunge from the winter storage come flowing out. Run two tanks of fresh water through to clear the lines then when all is running clear & odourless screw the tap end filters back on & shower end also. Happy campers. I am off on Thursday to pick my new swift up. Safe travels.
This sounds like a good tip, hadn’t heard of that, thanks very much for sharing with us. Hope you have a great summer in the van 👍 Cheers, Dave. & Helen 👍
Great video for me as a newbiew
Hi Alun, delighted you found the video useful and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Stay tuned, Helen & Dave 👍
great job very helpful
Thanks John, glad it helps and thanks for watching. Helen & Dave 👍
PS, Dave. About every 4 to 6 months I spray a little silicone around the rubber valve on toilet cassette to keep it from drying out & sticking. Cheers.👍
Yes, good advice, I should have met this in the video because it’s something I do. Again though, thanks for sharing with us. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Just stumbled across this video today….Going caravanning for the first time in August. Your video is a great reference. Thanks for taking the time to film it.
Hi Phillip, thank you very much for your comment and lovely comment. Glad you found it useful. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Really useful video, thank you! We are moving to a caravan after many years of having a tent and will definitely be looking out for more of your videos to help us.
Hi Emma, glad it was helpful and thanks very much for watching the vids. We hope you stay tuned and have many fun adventures in your caravan. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Thank you so much just about getting my new caravan soon
Hi Natalie, that’s great news and we hope you have many fun trips when you get your caravan. ATB Dave and Helen 👍
Great help thank you.
You’re welcome, glad you find the video useful and thanks for watching. Dave & Helen 👍
Thank you so much
You’re welcome, thanks for watching, stay tuned 👍Cheers, Helen & Dave
I’m grateful for your advice. We were caravaners when my husband was alive but now I’m considering doing it on my own and buying a small caravan next spring. When you were connecting the water from the aqua roll isn’t there a little lever under the seat which you have to flick to open the system? Perhaps it’s different in your ‘van 👍🏼
Hi Barbsdee, good spot! Yes there is a little yellow lever which if in the up position will empty the water from your boiler so that needs to be down when filling. We’ve met many solo caravanners and we hope you make the most of it. Pretty sure your hubby will be keeping an eye on you. Go for it 👍 Best wishes, Helen & Dave 👍
Dave 2 great vids very helpful, we collect our caravan next week frist timers
Hi Jonathan, thanks very much. You must be very excited to be getting your van. Best thing we did. Enjoy it and we hope you have many happy times. ATB, Helen & Dave 👍
@@HelenandDave Thanks Dave collecting caravan tomorrow slightly nervous as I've never towed anything before and its 23' long !!! Another quick question the insurance comes to £1535.10 with £500.00 excess,this is the best quote I can get after shipping around, they are insisting on a S7 Tracker and Hitch lock which I already have, as well as wheel lock, external and internal cameras and a alarm system, when the trailer is at home its totally 100% secure and and when we are traveling either myself or my wife will be around or it will be in a campsite.So do we need to have caravan insurance for Europe and in your opinion is it worth insuring ? Many thanks
@@jonathanregis6136 Hi Jonathan, but of a mine field and not my specialist subject but so many factors will impact the price of your premium. We have our caravan insured through Frank Pickles, found them to be the best value. We pay over a thousand pounds less than you are paying and we have no pre conditions in terms of trackers/cameras but we do have wheel and hitch lock accounted for. As I say, it’s a mine field and depends a lot on so many factors, primarily the value of your caravan, post code, storage etc. Euro cover good if you’re going to Europe, otherwise not needed. I would try Frank Pickles 👍
Thank you. Very helpful. Perhaps could you add where to see the toilet light indicator in the caravan
Thanks Joanne, appreciate you watching and for your feedback. Helen & Dave
This is the video I've been looking for! 😊 All the info I needed for our first caravan trip at the weekend 👍
Excellent Kerrie, we’re so glad that you found it useful and we hope you have an amazing trip away. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Hi Dave, great video. I'm a newbie and just got my first van and was told on the handover by the technician that when emptying and refilling your cassette to wear disposable gloves as the blue chemical has embalming fluid in it and makes it carcinogenic.
Thanks
Hi David, TBH I think it's a good idea to wear gloves anyway but I'm naughty and don't do it enough. I wasn't aware though of any potential issues with the Blue other than it stains everything it comes into contact with. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Thanks Dave. Another great video.
Really appreciate your comment Greg, thanks very much, Dave & Helen 👍
Top tips there for us newbies - thanks Dave
Thanks Terry, hope it helps and thanks for leaving a comment, that's great. ATB Dave & Helen.
Such useful tips, thank you so much. Especially the switch the water off, when you go out and to bed.😊👍😊
Hi Amanda, thanks very much for watching and leaving a comment, glad you found it useful. Cheers Dave & Helen 👍
Great Vlog Dave keepum coming
Cheers John, much appreciated 👍
Very useful video, thank you
You’re welcome, thanks very much for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Very informative for new van owners, thanks.
Hi Richard, thanks for watching and leaving your comment. That’s really appreciated. ATB Dave & Helen 👍
Very helpful for beginners 👍
Glad you think so!
Hi Dave. Very indepth video. Well done mate 👏 👍
Hi Paul & Sarah, thanks very much. Appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave a comment. ATB Dave & Helen.
Hi Dave and Helen. As ever, really useful advice on an important topic, that lots of folks will find very helpful, including experienced vanners. Super presentation Dave - thanks for an excellent video. Cheers. George and Trish.
Hi there George & Trish, many thanks for watching and your lovely comment. Very much appreciated. Cheers Dave & Helen 👍
Hi Dave and Helen excellent info for beginners
Thanks very much Allen, your comment is really appreciated. Merry Christmas, Helen & Dave 🌲⛄️
Very informative tips
Thanks Virginia 👍
Great stuff 👍
Thanks for watching James 👍
Really helpful video thanks
Glad it helped Kate and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. ATB, Helen & Dave
nice and simple great stuff
Thanks David, appreciate your feedback and thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen
Very informative thank you.
Hi Chris, thanks very much for watching, glad you find it useful. ATB Dave & Helen
Great info thanks.
Thanks Nicola, much appreciated. ATB Dave & Helen 👍
Great tips thanks
Thank you for watching and your feedback. Really appreciate it. ATB Dave and Helen 👍
good video dave enjoyed that , i think these videos are so helpful, newbies are sometimes a bit nervous about asking or don’t want to feel silly if there’s something they don’t know so great to look on youtube and get the help required , my first experience with a toilet cassette , id dare say 😂😂😀👍
Thanks Mike, we’ve all been there 😂👍. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Cheers Dave & Helen
Gotta love a top tips video, but comments from you viewers sharing your tips is extra great 👍
Completely agree. Thanks
Great video just what I need looking at buying my first van 👍
Hi Wayne, thanks very much. Hope you enjoy your caravan as much as we do ours. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍
Great video thank you for tips cant wait for the others, just recently purchased our caravan and have our first trip out next weekend to forest Park and cant wait, enjoy your time in Mildenhall if you like the planes then you would love being here in lakenheath at the moment, cheers .
Hi William, thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Yeah, we do enjoy our trips down to Mildenhall & Lakenheath. Really hoping to see the F22 before too long (keep missing it) but activity has been good lately I understand so fingers crossed. Hope you enjoy Forest Park, we've had a few great stays there. ATB Helen & Dave
Great tips.
Thanks Dave 👍
Hi thank you so much for this video am just starting out on my own
Hi Adele, thanks so much for watching, glad you found it useful and best wishes for many fun adventures. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Very helpful thanks subscriber now👍
Thanks very much Tony. Lovely feedback and thank you for subscribing. Merry Christmas, Helen and Dave 👍
New to caravaning and I’m finding your videos very helpful and interesting 👍👍
Awesome, thank you Georgi, great to hear from you and we really appreciate you watching the vids. Stay tuned and happy travels, Helen & Dave
Our pump used to off through the night just for a few seconds, great tip for beginner's. Like the tube on the tap idea! Noted cheers 👍 Graeme
Hi Graeme, hope you’re well. As always appreciate you watching and leaving a comment. Can’t take credit for the aqua roll filling idea but it works well 👍 ATB Dave & Helen
Liked and subscribed. My partner and i have just brought ourselves our 1st caravan but neither of us have ever had one so im very glad i found your chanel if may prove invaluable 😂
Hi Shaun, many thanks for watching and subscribing to the channel. Buying a caravan has been one of the best things we have done. So many fab places to go and when you’re bored with the view you can just move on 😊 Stay tuned, Helen and Dave 👍
Nice tip about filler pipe and watering can and when to switch the pump off
Hi David, thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a message. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
Very helpful Dave , off to view an eccles 645 at weekend with a view to buying . Lots to Learn !
Thanks for watching Craig. Exciting times ahead, hope you get a good deal 👍 Cheers, Helen & Dave 👍
Looking forward to next Vlog ✈️ site is on my to visit list.
Hi Colin, thanks for watching. We always look forward to Mildenhall. Apparently very busy on the aircraft front at the moment. ATB Dave & Helen 👍
Hello Dave. I am a total novice don’t even own a caravan yet, but I am researching all the basics so I am confident when I take the plunge and buy one. Your video answered all my ‘water’ concerns so thanks. I will be watching all your beginners guides. 👍
Ho Johnny, thanks very much for your feedback. We went in head first with no experience at all, so much of what I have learned in 7 years has been through trial and error or by also watching CZcams vids. Appreciate very much your comment and when you get your van, we know you will have so much fun. ATB, Dave & Helen.
Thanks second hand and ur video's are a big help cos don't know a thing so once again thanks mate xxwaw
Glad it’s been useful David. We’ve had two caravans, both second hand and both have done the job just fine. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍
We don't carry the watering can, we have a short hose that goes on the basin tap and drops out the washroom window straight into the flush filler, so you can fill the tank via the aquaroll. Saves space and more convenient.
These are the little tricks & tips we love. Thanks for sharing. ATB Dave & Helen 👍
New to Caravanning, great help, too old to camp now
Many thanks indeed for watching, so glad you find the video's useful and we really appreciate your support with our channel. ATB, Dave & Helen.
Experienced or not, always useful to see how others do it. 👍
Thank You.
Easy to understand
Thank you Janet 😊 appreciated 👍
Hi Dave, great video. Never owned or used a caravan but just bought one yesterday. (KNAUS Sudwind 540 - looks a bit like a stormtrooper) We need videos like this to get us started. Fantastic!
Phil
Many congratulations Phil, let the adventures (and cock ups) begin. Best thing we ever did was buy a caravan, we love it and hope you enjoy your trips out this year. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Very useful to me as a first time caravaner, i was wondering where the waste water went? Great series.
Thank you Edward, really appreciate that. Happy travels, Dave & Helen 👍
Also use the B&Q white pipe on the aqua roll pipe to keep it rigid. ;-)
Yep, it works well Phil. 👍 thanks for watching, cheers Dave & Helen 👍
We use the Whale pump thats made for the Truma fitting. It's more flexible and designed a lot better. We're still amazed at how much water you can get through though, You really have to check the aquaroll frequently if on a standard pitch!
Agreed John, I’m always topping the aqua roll up. I’m sure Helen thinks we’re just plumbed in to the mains 😂. Cheers Dave & Helen 👍
When you insert and detach the Truma water pump inlet trigger, over a period of time, waggling the nozzle to get it in and out, causes the bottom of the housing fixed to the side of the caravan to crack under the plastic nozzle guide. A tip to make the nozzle slip in and out much more easily and which can save you money, reducing early replacement, is to smear olive oil occasionally on the two black rubber o rings on the trigger inlet nozzle.
As regards purging out your water system, first make sure your electric water heater is off, before putting the power on your van, so you don't burn out the element, with it being presently dry. ( just like burning out a dry kettle ). Then shut the drain down valve , then with the pump on and the aquaroll filled and the inlet hose attached, firstly open all the taps and shower, while positioned fully on hot, one at a time, so you know you have filled the water heater unit, to prevent burning it out ( purge the shower head out into the wash basin, if it is close enough ). Then go around the taps and shower again, one at a time but this time turned fully to cold, to ensure the full water system is fully purged with water. After this is all done, now you can put your electric heater on, if you want hot water.
Hi Steve, great info and appreciated. Love learning more from subscriber comments. ATB, Dave & Helen
Thanks Dave, you explained that perfect, I understood it all, I did always wonder about toilet cassette thing, now I know, you did say that there is a ( light)or something that will let you know when the cassette needs emptying ?, that right 👍👍.
Yes, a little red light (normally on top of the cistern) comes on when it’s time to empty 👍
@@HelenandDave thanks 👍.
Great video I only have one piece of advice for beginners, don't buy anything until you know you need it.
Thanks Mark, that’s sound advice, my garage is full of gear that I don’t use!! ATB to you & Coral, cheers Dave & Helen
Bit like yourselves, we do not use the onboard water system for drinking or cooking water. We buy Tesco Ashbeck water in 5 litre bottles, they are ideal, as no limescale issues (wife uses it in the steam genearator iron too) and no need for a watering can, use one of the empty 5 litre bottles for filling the toilet flush tank, well we did, new van has an onboard system now. Also use the same pipe idea for filling Aquaroll too and agree the colapz waste kit is great. Looking forward to future episodes, particularly awning pegs in hardstandings, especially CAMC club sites - fills the swearbox…..
😂😂 Hi Mel, spot on ref: hard standing pitches!! Great minds, we also buy those 5 lt bottles of water from Tesco. Appreciate you watching and leaving a comment, thanks. Look out for the smashing pegs into a hard standing pitch vid 👍👍 Cheers Dave & Helen
Please can you explain 10amp and 16amp sites please, what appliances can you use, do you need to use one at a time ect, very helpful videos BTW thanks
Yes I can Marcus, I will try and include in next Sunday's video. We are out and about at the moment, but if you are desperate to know quickly then you may find this useful. skipandjump.co.uk/the-must-know-guide-to-electric-hook-up-ehu/ Cheers, Dave
One thing that we have done is to have two aqua rolls, the roll that does not supply the van has a submersible 12 pump in it that supplies the active aqua roll. The power cable has an inline switch for ease of control. By doing this I can transfer water from the spare roll into the active roll without leaving the van. A classic example is when one of us uses the shower the other just switches on the transfer pump to make up the used water. We never use the facilities on sites so we need a lot of water. This gives us 80 litres. I would like to have a automatic way of switching on the transfer pump but can’t work out a simple way of doing it.
Hi Philip, that's a great idea, like the way you've done that. We mainly shower in the van too these days. As always, thanks for watching ad leaving this great top tip! Cheers, Dave & Helen.
Hi there, great idea of carrying a couple of blocks to stand the aqua roll on uneven ground etc, thanks.
I didn't see you in this video to ensure the water drain system lever/plug (usually yellow) under the front seat was in the down postion before switching the water pump on, I always empty/drain my water system/tank before towing therefore the system will be empty when I arrive on site the next time, keep your vids coming.
Hi Mark, many thanks for watching and leaving a comment. That was a big miss on my part, should have included that in the video. Thanks and ATB, Dave & Helen.
@@HelenandDave Thats great and thank you for your reply Dave & Helen. :-)
Have you ever done a video on how to put a front towing cover gaurd on? (The black/grey cover that gives some front window protection) I've always fancied getting one and now I've just purchased a new to us Swift Challenger think I'll get one but they look tricky to put on. I would put it on with the missus, thank you.
@@markweatherall7437 Cheers Mark, it’s on my list, we bought a new towing cover earlier in the year but I’ve not made the video yet. I’ll knock one up soon. Thanks again, Helen & Dave 👍
@@HelenandDave Thats excellent look forward to it 👏
I've just subscribed and hit the bell cheers. 😊
Great vid, many thanks! We are looking to buy aquaroll and wastemaster, but in two minds about whether to go for the standard or economy versions. What are your thoughts on the newer economy versions? Is it false economy? Thanks again!
Hi Alan, thanks so much for watching. I'm not too familiar with the newer economy ones. We've always used aqua roll and waste master but I can't see how an Economy version would not suffice, I suspect that as with any brand name, you'll always pay more. However, we've had these for 7 years now and they are tough, strong and do the job well. Sorry I'm not too much help there. Thanks again, Helen & Dave
We are picking up our very first caravan on Friday, your video has been very helpful, I am looking forward to the series for beginners. I have a question, when cleaning out the cassette toilet, do you always leave the blue chemical in ready for the next time or do you clean it down when you are not using the caravan? Hope that makes sense.
Angela
Hi Angela, thanks very much for watching and leaving a comment, great question! When we return from a stay away we clean the toilet cassette out using thetford toilet cassette cleaner but if we were moving on to another site I tend to just leave the blue in the cassette.
Happy travels when you get your new caravan, thanks, Dave & Helen
Was hoping you'd mention when leaving a campsite did you empty your heater tank and how?
Thanks Martin, that was a massive oversight on my part. I will need to do a refresher. Thanks very much for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.
How do you drain down the caravan for winter
Hi Dawn, I probably need to do a separate video on this but essentially the boiler (under front seat normally) needs to be drained. Usually a yellow tap next to it and a pipe runs through the floor for the water to drain outside. Any internal water tanks (if present) drained in the same way. Taps opened in sink, toilet & shower and use your water pump to ensure no water comes from the taps. Once water pipes are empty, leave all taps open. Finally, ensure the toilet cysteine is drained. There is a tap/release in the compartment where the toilet cassette goes. Release this into a bowl/small bucket and tip down your drain or toilet at home. Job done! Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave 👍
One moan Dave, no mention of the tank drain valve
Hi Colin, that's not a moan, that's a brilliant piece of feedback and much appreciated mate. I'll have to add that in on another video 👍. ATB Dave & Helen.
The pink can cause algae, B&M sell Fabulosa [£1], which works really well, and smells great. Top tip, if you ever have a blockage or notice your sink plughole is getting smelly, throw a cheap bottle of coke down there, go for a drive, then empty...a nice sweet smelling sink.
Now that’s experience talking! Will have a look at both those Bry, my kitchen sink is a bit slow emptying, might give the Real Thing a try (it’s been good to me over the years) 😊👍 Thanks, Dave & Helen xx
@@HelenandDave The weird thing is, the cheaper the coke/cola, the better it works. I had a problem with my kitchen sink in Dorset, used a 2l bottle of cheap coke [Aldi or Asda, I think], had a drive around, letting it slosh about, hey presto, a fast emptying sink... works a treat, and friendly to the gaskets and rubbers etc...
@@TheRamblingsofBry deffo gonna try it Bry 👍