‘It'll be alright on the site' Tips for Beginners!
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- In this video Dave hosts our Top 10 (plus 1) caravanning cock ups. The sort of mistakes we've all made and perhaps continue to do so.
Is the answer to get a laminated check sheet to ensure that you've ticked all of the boxes before leaving?
We would love to hear if you've made any of these mistakes or indeed would have others you would like to share, if so please leave a comment.
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Thanks for watching.
ATB,
Helen & Dave
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by Aguri
Hi guys ! Absolute (Dutch) beginner here ! Yes I’ve made laminated checklists after studying so many CZcams video’s…. Helps me not forgetting things…. I hope 😂
Hello Jan, good to hear from you. Pretty sure a checklist can only help. I still don’t have one but never leave without a final check inside and out. Take your time and enjoy it 👍 Cheers, Helen & Dave 👍
I think we’ve done all of those except forgetting the wing mirrors. I’d add forgetting the external locker doors! The first time we ever towed we didn’t check the tow ball was on the tow bar properly and driving onto the main road turning right the caravan detached itself, luckily we were hardly moving! It happened right in front of a police car waiting to come out of a junction 🤦♀️ He helped us secure it properly 😂
Hi Barbs, OMG! We actually know a couple of people that have done that. A friend of ours pulled away and checked the mirror and the caravan was 500 yds behind blocking the road 😂😊 Not funny at the time of course. Thanks for sharing your own experiences, cheers, Helen & Dave
Dave and Helen, I absolutely love your caravaning videos. If only you knew how much you two influence our own setup.
You made me chuckle with this video as I have made nearly all those mistakes, forgetting to fit the mirrors and aligning the wheel lock. Ive also forgot to close the water tap off under the seat, sadly noted by my observant wife hahaha.
Thank god we're normal and not perfect😂
Thanks for sharing your videos, you guys make a lot of people wiser, safer and happier.
Thank you, Colin GB 🙏🏼🙏🏼
HI Colin, what a lovely comment, very kind words indeed, thank you. Thing is, we're supposed to learn from our mistakes but I seem to keep repeating some of this time and time again, I'm sure it's because I'm always rushing or get too easily distracted. The water drain is another I do too ha ha. Thanks for watching, commenting and supporting us, it means a lot. Happy travels and don't forget to put your aerial down before you head off!!! Cheers, Helen & Dave
Good to know I’m not the only numpty 😂😂
True but you are the biggest lol
A really good vlog and saved in my favourites. 👍🏻
Thanks, you can tick em off as you go. Safe trips, Helen & Dave 👍
Good Evening. Yeh we all do the odd xxckups lol. Tipped up our first 2 berth as stepped inside to get spirit level before putting steady legs down,the wife was like a rocket going up as she was holding onto jockey wheel. And top tip never adjust towing mirrors while driving. The fall off and smash lol😅. Still happy camping thou 😊. Take great care. Mark&michelle
Oh dear Mark, you should get an award for that one lol. Helen went into a caravan at a dealership for a look around and the steadies were up, you know what happened when she went to look at the end bathroom lol. whoops! Best wishes, Helen & Dave
hahaha, the handbrake trick is my favourite, I do it at least once a year! I try to pull away and then mum has kittens next to me when the car judders and stalls. I can see our two dogs looking at me from the back seat when I sheepishly get back in the car after releasing the handbrake. Every year I consider creating a laminated list for those little jobs then before I know it, the alarm goes off at 05:30 and I'm hooking up forgetting to have prepared a list. Oh, well, all adds to the fun. I wouldn't change a thing.
Sharon, we’re not alone and we are both smiling reading this 😊. Someone suggested a list on your phone but we haven’t done that either. Take care Helen & Dave 👍
Well done almost all of those nice video.
Same, we would take any as a gift lol!! Nice vans and you could certainly feel the luxury in them all and lots of space too. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Excellent information for prevention
Hello Virginia, pleased to hear from you, thanks. Prevention is better than cure (I think that's the saying). I had better get a laminated check list done!!! Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Makes me glad we never had a caravan and went straight to a motorhome, some of those you don’t get on a motorhome and others you notice straight away as you are sitting in your accommodation still when driving home, so you soon notice that cupboards aren’t shut properly etc.
Ha Ha, rest assured Mark, many of my motor homing friends have had their fair share of cock ups too. Driving off withe EHU cable still plugged in, driving straight off the other side of their levelling blocks, aerial still up, garage doors swinging open in transit because they were not closed properly, sun roof still up in transit and these are ones I know of personally. Well done to you for avoiding these. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
We have dropped our jockey wheel countless times and the whole front hitch has crashed down to the floor 🙈 Many thanks to all the helpers who have probably got Hernias helping us out. Got to laugh now but its not funny. We can relate to those cock ups. So funny watching this video. Thanks Dave & Helen. Happy caravanning.
Hi Sally, take comfort in the knowledge that we all do it 😂😂 thanks for supporting our little channel. Appreciate your support. 👍
Admit to almost all of these after ten plus years of caravanning 😁 best one was the missus leaving a full washing up bowl of dirty water in the sink after our third trip out in our brand new caravan, needless to say but the bowl was empty after a 2 hour drive home, I kept my calm 😅 accidents happen.
Hi Jamie, Oh dear!! 😂😂 all part of the learning curve, problem is we’re still doing it!!! Thanks for watching & sharing. Helen & Dave 👍
Hi Dave, yes we have lists, probably too many, but I'm a bit of a list freak. List of things to do when leaving home or site, and the opposite, things to do when arriving. Lists of long life foods, tinned, packet, etc., tick them off when used, then rebuy. List of items in the motorbike garage, with the weight of each so we don't over load. List of both had cylinder, there weights checked each time we get ready for a trip so we know how much gas we have on board. I'm not going to go on as I'm sure you get the gist, sad or what 😁
Roger, thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Organisational skills and planning are key ingredients for success and having spent 23 years working in a global corporation, I know only too well that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. So, no, it's not sad at all.
I know I need that list, I do complete a visual pre flight check these days and have had no problems for quite a while but I still know it's no substitute for the laminated check list. Thanks as always, Helen & Dave
Left to my own devices, I would have probably done more but we have always, from day one checked each other. So i go round the van doing the pack up & the wife then follows checking that I've not missed anything. While i check the cupboards and inside fittings So fortunately the biggest mistakes all get picked up (so far, at least, there's always next time!) Main one I've had was leaving the flaps to rattle. The only time I've left the hand brake on is when trying to use the mover! All the best D&D
Hi D&D, Helen now give me a verbal check before departure and I do a Pilot style visual walk around before departing but I know a check list is really the answer. Handbrake on whilst motormoving is another of my regular ones lol. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave had the flap flapping one time and had to stop.Also moved the car away from the caravan on arrival and snapped the brake cable forgot to unclip it 😂😂 had a laminated sheet and left it in the drawer😊 never mind there is so much to think about when towing but I’m seasonal now so happy days. 👍
Hi there Liz, nothing worse than a noisy flap! I think my laminated sheet (if I get around to it) will also end up in the drawer or lost! Wishing you happy times in your van this year. Helen & Dave
😂😂 love this vlog Dave. 2 of yours we haven't done but many more we have lol. Toilet roll unwinding - now put an elastic band round it. Tv aerial is our main one with me running around the site trying to stop Den driving off. We have also done the towing mirrors when Den left them in the garage and still towed the caravan back to storage without realising. Luckily only 10 miles from storage 🙈
Hi Janet, of course the old toilet roll Andrex moment, we've had it as well lol. I've left without the towing mirrors on more than once, had to pull over, that fully they were in the back of the car. Take care, Helen & Dave
Left the brake away cable on first time after having the tow bar fitted, the electric connector is now slightly wonky 😂😂
Only done it once, lesson learnt 😅
Easy done Trevor, hopefully, we don't keep making the same mistakes over and over (first sign of madness lol). Take care, Helen & Dave
Well we didn't realise we'd made quite so many cockups until we watched this video! We can vouch for about eight of the above plus a few of our own. We've driven home with a window open, left the toilet roll on the holder and it unravelled all over the floor and the worst one, driving home and realising we forgot to empty the toilet!!!!😂
Absolutely brilliant, love the ‘ it will be alright on the site’ title 😂😂😂😂
Over the years we have done them all 😂 possibly a few more . I keep meaning to do the laminated sheets it’s took me 35 plus years ( no point rushing into things 😂😂) but I think I’ll get some done .
Vic & Gary xx
TBH Cas, I was too embarrassed to mention the non emptying of the toilet lol but yes, we've done it too ha ha ha. Look back and laugh or if you keep doing the same thing over and over it's possibly a sign that you're going mad!!! Take care and thanks for sharing. Helen & Dave
Hi Vic, thanks a lot. Reassuring to know you're not alone at least!!! I'm with you, no rush but deep down we both know we need. check list!! Cheers, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave ha ha! I'm afraid to say we're probably going mad!😀
🤣
Jockey wheel faux par. Hit a bump in the road today coming back from an already blighted by wet, wet, weather, bank holiday weekend and the jockey wheel came lose, dropped to the road and grinded the plastic tyre to a flat edge. The mechanism inside the tube also got mashed up. So, new one ordered as soon as arrived home. 🙄 Thanks for all your videos 👍🏻
Hi Paul, sorry to hear that. So much to remember, it’s easy done. Not ideal but if it’s a case of a new jockey wheel only then I’d say, that’s not bad. Could have been worse (but bad enough) as long as everyone is safe and well. Best wishes, Helen and Dave 👍
Hello Helen and Dave, thank you for this very funny vidéo 😅😅😅
Hello Gaëtan, thank you, it's good to try a light hearted look at some potentially serious but all so common blunders! Best wishes to you and thanks so much, Helen & Dave
Brilliant Enjoyed the video, we have done a few mistakes you have shown, 😂
Thanks Linda, all part & parcel of Caravanning life 😂😂 Cheers, Helen & Dave
Great video. Not specific to caravans, but all trailers: if you're driving the car in reverse to hitch up & a kind person offers to help by putting the hitch on, double check it yourself! I lost an unbraked trailer on the outside lane of the autobahn at 100km/h after a garage mechanic had kindly 'attached' the trailer!
(Trailer followed me exactly in a straight line on the outside lane. When it stopped, I reversed, hitched it up & drove off! On the hard shoulder, reconnected lights & put on chain connector line. At that moment, the police turned up. I thought they knew what had happened, and so gave them the frightening details, they smiled & said drive 500m to the service area, get a strong coffee & if I smoke, have a few before continuing! Luckily at that point the autobahn had a 120km/h limit, was not very busy & it was uphill so oncoming traffic could see me from a good distance, but still, I get goose bumps every time I think of it!)
Oh my, that could have been a very different situation, thank goodness no serious damage done. You're right of course, you're driving so it's down to you to check but easy to see why you would let a mechanic do it. Thanks for sharing. Helen & Dave
I’m on 5 out of 10 Dave so working my through your list😂😂😂👍👍
Steve, it's only a matter of time ha ha ha. Thanks for watching and best wishes, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave, I have another for you, picked up brand new coachman caravan last February got to site and plate had flew out of microwave and smashed all over worktop and floor. What a great start to our new van. Not make that mistake again.
Hi Stuart, blimey! you're not the first mate but I bet that microwave plate is tucked away every trip now. We always miss something, generally because we always seem to be rushing instead of packing the van up ready in good time before leaving. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Haven’t even been out in the caravan yet bet I make all these mistakes now I watched this video lol 😂 ps great video
Hi Gavin, hate to say it but I think there's every chance lol. Thanks for watching and happy travels when you get out there! Helen & Dave
Brilliant blog dave must admit did try to drive off with motor mover engaged he he
Thanks Tony, it's reassuring to know I'm not on my own, in fact haven't had anyone respond yet to say they haven't done some of these either lol. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
We have made most of those mistakes - but we're only human! We tend to use a checklist on our phone, one does the job, the other ticks it off. One time we didn't use it, we left the handbrake on! It's a must for us unfortunately 😂
We all know a list is the most sensible and obvious answer and Helen is now badgering me to get it done!!! but I think these little cock ups add something to the experience, in my case a bruised jaw!!! (Helen has a hell of a left hook). Thanks for sharing, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave 😂 🤣
Fabulous video I understand all the cockups I'm fairly new to caravaning if you professionals sometimes get it wrong.😅
Howell, everyone gets it wrong lol. I have found a visual pre journey check (inside and out) seems to do the trick. Not messed it up and quite a while since I introduced it. Cheers, Dave
Hi Dave my biggest one was on our 3 rd outing and it to do with caravan keys leaving for Scotland from stoke 250 miles had our first break in Lancashire only to find I left the caravan keys at home very costly mistake one with time and other diesel so now I carry car and caravan keys together and also second set in the car as well including locks keys and wheel locks
Paul, that's my biggest worry and I also do exactly the same as you to ensure we do not get stuck. I have got to site before only to realise I have left the aqua roll and waste master at home in the garage ha ha ha. Thanks for sharing, Helen & Dave
Yes done a few of them
Cheers Brian, reassuring to know it's not just me haha
Hi Helen and Dave, Well yep we’ve done ALL of those, and a few more, locker doors open, front locker open, not properly hitched, and unhitched wrecking the break away cable, luckily only once and as we went over the speed bump leaving the storage ‘BANG’ off it came, luckily I carry a spare, waste pipes left in , water pump left on, I’m sure there’s more 😂 Steve and Heather
Hi Steve & Heather, you could do a top 40 video ha ha. Must say, I' had a longer list but didn't want to bore the viewers ha ha ha. ATB, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave Yes but we have been ‘vanning since 1983! So lots of get aways , the ‘old vans’ were evil tho when you had bucket and chuck it toilets and foot operated water pumps and of course Gas lighting 😂
@@steveblack728 these newbies don'y know they're born Steve lol
@@HelenandDave They’re not as green as we were tho
Hi happy new year as a lorry driver I see most of these in the summer time lol.
Happy new year to you too Steven, yes, I bet you have too. Most of us have done it I think at some point, it's when you continually make the same cock ups that you know there's a deeper problem at the root of them all. Cheers Dave & Helen
Great advice Dave, good video too. Yip the good old Military Fablon coated check list. Yes, I use it. You can take the guy out of the military but not the military out of the Guy Eh Dave LOL. 👍
The training certainly wasn't wasted on you Murray! lol I know deep down that a check list is a must and Helen is giving me so much grief, I'm sure it's on the cards. Take care, Helen & Dave
LOL "Whatch & Shoot, Whatch & Shoot Dave !! My Sandra's is the same, youre in good company.
Love that Dave. Done them all (except the door) but the wheel lock is definitely the king 😂
Hi Damian, thanks a lot, it's comforting to know we're not alone. lol. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Yes I've done most of them over the years plus trying to drive off with the Alko wheel lock still on
TBH, I was too embarrassed to mention that one lol. Thanks for watching, it's all part of the experience :o) Take care, Helen & Dave
Done a fair few of those. My recurring mistake is trying to use the motor mover with the hand brake still engaged, I'm hoping it'll sink in some day!
Hi Penny, I still do that one too and also on a regular basis lol. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Happy New Year Dave. I laughed at your number 1 cock up. I have had a few. Most Frequent: Not turning the drain tap off when we go away. Water everywhere. One i'll never do again: Thought the hitch was on the ball. Drove around site, dropped the gate fob in and went to drive off and the caravan was on the floor. Most frustrating: The jockey wheel is not low or high enough and you have to put the steadies down, alter the jockey wheel and then start all over again. Nice to have you back. Mossy.
Hi Missy, reassuring to know you’re not the only one 😂 This thread is full of similar cock ups, we’re all at it lol. Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year to you too. Cheers, Helen & Dave 👍
Fabulous 👌 Have you done the - tried to move the caravan on the motor mover with the handbrake on 😂😂 Nice clipboard 📋 😂😂
Ha Ha Ha, love it! Yes, I most certainly have and judging by the comments on here, we're not alone Alan. The clipboard was my pathetic attempt at being Graham Norton lol. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave thank you for making that video and reminding us of the common mistakes we all make now and again.
You mentioned in the video that most of the time now that you stream your TV. Please would you be able to do a video demonstrating how you do this? That would be very useful to us especially when going abroad. Here's hoping 🤞
Hi Martin, apologies for the delay in responding, it’s been a bit manic this last week. I will look at doing a video, it’s simple for us we just use a Roku stick and gain our signal via a mobile phone hotspot. We have unlimited data on our package and 95% of the time we have no issue with signal via O2. Thanks for your support, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave thanks for your reply I use an Amazon device but have no idea how you use a hot spot for your data/streaming. Does it use a lot of data? It would be great if you had chance to make a video. 🤞
We’ve done most of them in our many years of caravanning! Wouldn’t change it as you always remember those holidays. Just remember to pack the wine!
I can see the check list now! Wine, Beer, Sweets, chocolate ha ha. Take care, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave, I have never forgot to put the Jockey wheel up, but have had it come down while travelling and as for the mirrors, i'm for ever hitching up and jumping in the car only to get straight back out for fit the mirrors, but that's the extent of my cock ups at the moment. Great video👍
Hi Mark & Coral, reassuring to now your not on your own lol. Plenty of time to play catch up! Are you going to one of Trev & Sues rallies this year? We are hoping to get along to at least one of them. Take care, Helen & Dave
well done Dave , well put together yes done them all in the last 50 years caravanning.
Thanks Don, I'm sure it all adds to the fun lol. (If only). Check list or not, there will always be something. ATB, Helen & Dave
Yes hands up her done them all over the years except the 5 star one as we have a older caravan so no wheel locks. But saying that have been looking into changing wheels 13" if we can sk we can get them fitted on too.
Hi Janet, I think we've all been there, it's just that I keep doing em lol. I need that check list Janet!!! Thanks for watching, ATB, Helen & Dave
I like the door open best…So funny….We left the sun roof open wide when we had a tourer whilst we went to the pub. The wind set the alarm off, they couldn’t find us and we didn’t hear our phone ringing when the staff were trying to get hold of us. You should have seen the looks when we got back off people. It was so embarrassing. 😅😅😅x
You look like a salesman there Dave with your clipboard 😂. The only two we haven’t done are leaving the door open and forgetting the mirrors, everything else I can relate to and done some of them more than once. We never learn do we 😁.Brilliantly put together there Dave 👍. All the best, Rob & Gail
Hi Rob & Gail, hope you're both well. I think we've all had some and even more of those mishaps. They say that if you keep making the same mistake over and over, it's a sure sign of madness!! lol. The clip board was my pathetic attempt at a Dennis Norton impression. Thanks for watching. ATB Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave Of course ‘it’ll be alright on the site’ (night) 🤣
@@robswiseways5697 Did you see what I did there Rob? I don't ask but I feel sure you will have a laminated check list?
@@HelenandDave Absolutely 😁
I arrived back at the storage yard and opened the caravan door to find the tv on the doormat. I'd left it on the worktop instead of putting it in the car. Luckily it still worked. Enjoy watching all your videos. Keep them coming. All the best Bernard & Elaine
Hi Bernard, a lucky escape there, that would be a five star entry in the top ten too ha ha. Thanks for sharing, Helen & Dave
We have an A4 piece of paper with a pack down list written on it sellotaped to the inside of the wardrobe door…it’s not laminated so that I can add jobs to it should I need to it and I do genuinely use it every trip out. Well recommended.
Mik, that's just too sensible! Of course, I need to get one too, Helen is badgering me to get it done and if I don't now and have more mishaps she will only rub it in my face. Thanks for sharing, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave, I have made a checklist which sits in on the notes app on my iphone. My wife hates hit because i’ve also sent it to her iphone so things get double checked. She says that when we pull off a campsite it looks & sounds like we are preparing for take off. Me “Jockey wheel up” wife “check” Me “Gas bottles turned off” Wife “check” Me “all windows closed” Wife “check” and we go through about 30 checks, but the one thing that caught us out was the Jockey wheel came down when travelling, and yes there is now a check for Jockey wheel up and tightened.
Fantastic! Would love to get a copy lol. Seriously, I think it makes good sense, peace of mind and let's be honest, getting it wrong could cost a packet. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi Helen and Dave. What a great vlog! We’ve done a fair few of those, however, the one we (I mean I 😂) will never forget had much more costly consequences sadly. I’d label it complacency on your list. This was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ moment for sure. Quite a few years ago, we got home late from a long journey. The turning into our driveway is sharp but easy to tow (normally 😂). Despite my wife shouting at me to stop, I managed to have a lapse of concentration and the rear corner of the van swung out and hit my neighbours car 😳. The result was a long trip to Hull for Swift to fit a new rear end on the van and heaps of embarrassment and grovelling to my neighbours! Needless to say, I’ve never had a lapse of concentration like that since and more importantly, I make sure I listen to she who should be obeyed 😂 all the best…
OMG Alan, you could win the caravanning personality of the year award with that five start entry lol. Easy to laugh now but I bet your hearts were broken at the time. I should think you're not the only one to have done that either! Thanks for sharing, take care. Helen & Dave
Yes, it wasn’t that funny at the time, but I can laugh about it now. I can even go out and walk the dog without a disguise 😂
@@alanmiller259 superb!! lol
4 out of 10 for me unfortunately.
However, I think I can trump all those with our MAJOR cockup 😮. We departed the pitch heading towards the exit which was a gentle slope down all the way. Upon reaching the exit it was a busy main road which meant pulling away pretty quickly. Having got a gap in the traffic I accelerated hard and as I turned right to cross the road, I looked in the rear view mirror to find no caravan! The most embarrassing point in my towing life. 🤦♂️, obviously the hitch hadn’t locked onto the tow-ball properly.
Before I pull away I now always lower the jockey wheel and raise the hitch slightly to make sure it’s fully connected and locked to the car.
🥇A gold medal for that one Robin. A friend of mine did the same thing. He was leaving a site less than half a mile from home. The caravan never made it, he left it on the high street!! Look back and smile as long as no one was hurt. The Jockey wheel test is something Helen was taught on a CAMC towing course. We do it every time too. Thanks for sharing and watching. Best wishes, Helen & Dave 👍🥇
My worst cock up was not locking the battery locker after switching off the motor mover having hitched it to the caravan. A couple of miles down the road I looked into my mirror when turning left to see the battery hanging precariously from the locker opening just held in by the battery strap! No damage done but certainly a lesson I've never forgotten. :)
Hi Andy, it’s so easy done! Bet you’re not the first of last to do that. I now to a visual indoor/outdoor check before leaving and so far no issues. Thanks, Helen & Dave 👍
Brilliant! I'm a seasoned caravaner, and as you'd expect I've done most of those 😂
Hi Roger, thanks very much for watching and leaving a comment, appreciated! What worries me is the fact that I keep doing them 😂. Best wishes, Helen & Dave 👍
Absolutely brilliant. Thanks again to you both. Very Frank and honest and you'll definitely save me some embarrassing moments.
Please keep the videos coming. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Hi Jason, thanks a lot, I'm not sure about the embarrassing moments though, the cock ups just keep coming lol. Thanks for your support, much appreciated. ATB, Helen & Dave
If at first you don't succeed skydiving is not for you. Side lockers were always an issue with me. Aircraft style walk round checks for Desmond. I have even considered remove before flight pins but avoided them so far.
Very good Dave, sky diving is deffo not for me lol. Yes, I'm finding a visual pre flight check is working well. No cock ups since I've introduced it but no substitute for a military style check list. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
I am glad we are not the only ones, 😂, we have done most of those mistakes too.
27 years ago when we bought our very first caravan, we started to wind down the steadies before we had un-hooked it off the car, luckily our friends were much more experienced and stopped us from un hitching the car until we wound them back up! 😂
That's exactly how I feel Alison, your steadies cock up is an award winner lol...at least we can smile about them now. Take care, Helen & Dave
After a few stupid mistakes we made a check list and now both individually go through it every time and it works. Well worth doing.
We have been caravanning now for 12 years and one of the first things I learned was to ditch the wheel lock. Caravanning is about relaxing and enjoying life, fitting the wheel lock, particularly on a twin axle ( now have a single) was such a palaver I phoned the Insurance Company paid an extra £15 and had the wheel lock clause removed.
It's reassuring to know it's not just me!!! I know a checklist is really the answer and Helen is badgering me to get it done. The wheel lock is a regular I must say. Thanks for sharing, Helen & Dave
Well Dave, I’ve done pretty much all of these except the roof light, but my worst cock up was driving the car away from the caravan without unplugging the hook up lead. I had to reconnect every single wire after downloading the wiring diagram 😮
Richard, that's an award winning cock up! TBH, I'm surprised I haven't done it myself but I can assure you, you're not the only one! Easy to look back and smile but I bet the air was blue at the time!. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Hi dave done a few of them but the 1 I do at least 3 times a year is forget to shut drain valve while trying to get water in tank I get so annoyed when tina says should there be water coming out under van 😂
Hi John, yes that's one that I didn't include but have done several times too lol. Then eventually the penny drops ha ha. Hope you're both well. Helen & Dave
That made us smile! Thanks for making us feel normal 😅 another cock-up our friends made was to drive off with the rear steady down! Ouch!! Take care both & good luck laminating 😁
Hi Wendy, we all do em ha ha. Laminator hasn't come out yet but it's reassuring to know you are not alone lol. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
What a great video. I think we have done all of those over the years and we had a detachment with a twin axle caravan too. That was our 5 star cock up 😂 take care Dave 👍🏻💙 Trev
The detachment is an award winning cock up Trev. It happened to a friend of mine and very local in Caister. His journey home was less than half a mile but the caravan never made it lol! Best wishes to you & Sue, will be in touch with rally preference very soon. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Brilliant video as usual, Dave. Just sat and watched loads of your past videos, loved them all, so much that we have just purchased a new caravan.
I wonder if you would think to put what month you are in. When you do your videos, as I try to see what time of the year, you visit the sites.
But honestly, I loved ❤them all
Hi Rosie, many congratulations on your amazing purchase, you must be very excited and looking forward to the adventures (and cock ups) ahead! lol. Yes, I will try and remember to reference what month we are in when out on tour. I like you have to take clues from the weather or if leaves are on the trees! Thank you so much for supporting the channel. Take care, Helen & Dave
Dave, Bingo! we’ve done all of your top ten and many more besides. Getting home with a full toilet cassette is up there! 😂 thanks for another great video 👍
Thanks Steve & Chris, you're not alone ha ha ha
Dave & Helen, hope Helen’s shoulders aren’t giving her too much grief.
Great video as always - laughed out loud at a lot of them. Been there and done most of them. The one that I still keep doing to this day, is leaving the handbrake on while trying to move the van with the motor mover and getting quite frustrated when the van doesn’t move! Please do a cock up video about the “divorce in a bag” aka the awning. Thanks once again, love watching your videos.
Matt & Mark.
Hi Matt & Mark, thanks, Helen is popping the pills still until a longer term solution can be found. Yep! The handbrake and motor mover cock up is another popular one ha ha ha. I think the awning follow up video is on the cards later on in the year. Take care, Helen & Dave
Absolutely spot on vlog - we can identify with most of those cock ups ha ha ha 😂. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this vlog - it is the best one we have seen highlighting issues we all may encounter. Keep doing what you’re doing - we love watching your vlogs both and take good care, cheers, John & Debs xx
Hi John & Debs, thanks for your lovely comment. Not many things are certain in life but most of these caravan cock ups are lol. Glad you liked it and thanks so much for your support. Happy travels, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave Happy New Year to you & Helen.
Great post as always. Definitely done a few of those. 😂😂
Thanks Barry, Happy New Year to you too. It's reassuring to know you're not alone when it comes to the cock ups!! lol :o) ATB, Helen & Dave
Great video Dave remember my mom and dad doing some of these in our caravanning days!
Hi Daniel, it's all part of the experience lol. These things happen. ATB, Helen & Dave
Thanks for an informative and entertaining video. Yep we've done them all apart from the caravan door. Great job Dave.
Thanks Tom, good to know it's just not me lol. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
Picked up our 2nd caravan last weekend with a fixed bed (very excited) by the time we got it nearly home the lights malfunctioned. The hook up had been dragging on the floor £100 to replace 🙄
Hello Haylay, Really sorry to hear that, you must have been gutted! TBH, the hook up on our caravan also hangs down too low but I use a bungie cord which I wrap around the hitch to take up the slack. A few people on this thread have also had the same problem as you. Heartbreaking and expensive. Hope you have a great touring season ahead. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Brilliant video DAVE. Nice, seeing you both today👍
Great to see you guys too Ron! We must get a trip booked soon with you. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Great Video mate. I was laughing because I have done at least two of them.
Hiya Greg, It’s reassuring to know you’re not on your own 😂😂 Best wishes, Dave & Helen
Nice one Dave. Don’t think there’s one person out there that hasn’t made at least one of those mistakes. Especially when you’re a newbie 👍
Completely agree Lesley, we've all been there, it's just the repetitive nature of my cock ups that's concerning ha ha. Good to catch up today, see you soon. Helen & Dave
Excellent 😂 we've done most of these 😊
Reassuring Sean to know I'm not alone lol. Thanks for your honesty and watching the vlog. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Done some of them Dave and others not mentioned here... but the one that drove me crazy was the lock alignment and I went and did it again so twice in a row!!... the second time brought such a tirade from my wife it's safe to say I'll NEVER be making that mistake again 😊... the laminate check list is such a common sight on sites though 😂... cheers from Dave and Jane 👍
Hi Dave & Jane, we've all done em, some more than others lol. I know a laminated check list is the way forward. Take care, Helen & Dave
Brilliant 😂 been there done that! Looking forward to seeing your adventures 2024 All the best
Thanks, glad you liked it, It's reassuring to know it's not just me lol. Thanks again, Helen & Dave
Great fun video and yes we have certainly done most of those. My favourite though is leaving the water drain tap open. Best part of an aqua roll later before realising that the water isn’t coming out of the taps🙄
hahahahahah Graham, that's one I kept off the list through sheer embarrassment lol. We've all done it haven't we. Cheers, Helen & Dave
loved the Dennis Norton intro… Thanks Dave for being honest as it doesn’t make me feel so bad after my first year of caravanning as done half them already loll.
Well checklist being laminated as we message keep it going and looking forward to your cleaning one. Hope all well with the family and new grand kid well, if dropped yet
Thanks Gordon, glad you got the Dennis Norton but, I think it went over most peoples heads lol. Grand child number 9 still a couple of weeks away but look out for the announcement and thanks again for your best wishes. Hope you have a great 2024 touring season. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Loved this vlog as always ❤. Husband and I have just made our list up! Will make sure to use it each trip !! x
Well done Sarah, can you send me a copy lol 😂. Thanks for watching and supporting our channel ❤️ Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi H and D, my biggest mistake was pulling off my drive with the power cable still attached to the van and house, and off down the road I went, thankfully I always pulled off the drive, and went down the road and around a green, then back to the house to load up, so I spotted it without driving down the motorway.
All the best, safe travels, Neil
Carlesberg don't do cock ups Neil but if they did..... Bet you haven't done it twice though. Thanks for sharing, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave and Helen, this was really interesting and enjoyable. We haven’t a caravan as you know but we left our little stool that we get into the van on behind in a field and a little old man came running behind us carrying it 😂. We have left cupboard draws unlocked before now and they have opened. We do have a check list and generally check it. But now and again we have forgotten. We all make mistakes. Loved your door left open one sorry shouldn’t laugh. Take care x Julie and Tony x
That's ok, I laughed at the door one too once the bruising had gone and I could move my jaw again lol We've all done em to one degree or another. ATB, Helen & Dave
Hi Helen and Dave. Another great vlog and yes I recognise doing a few of those.
My repeat cock up is aligning the wheel locks which I have done time and time again!!!! As for the laminated check list in the drawer (say no more!!).
Looking forward to seeing more of you adventures this year, keep up the good work. Cheers Terry.
Hi Terry, always reassuring to know you're not alone lol. I keep telling Helen it's all part of the adventure but she keeps telling me to get a list done!!! Take care, Helen & Dave
Great video as always, Dave. We have a new Caravan that hasn't even gotten off the drive yet and I've made at least 4 of those mistakes already! We'll definitely be making a laminated checklist sheet as it's also a matter of safety - and COST as anything that gets broken can cost a pant load to repair, if you're not careful. Happy New Year to you both and by the way, we are also avid followers of Tim and Gaby - keeping it in the family on CZcams!!
Thanks very much and congratulations on the new caravan, you must be very excited, best thing we did was buy a caravan! We've been caravanning for over 7 years now without a check list but alas with plenty of cock ups, so you're right. It really is a good idea. One thing we do these days is a visual pre flight check around the car and caravan before finally setting off and must say, it works well but is no substitute for the checklist. Tim & Gaby have great channels and we regularly watch what they are doing. It really is a full time job for them both. Thanks of your support, it means a lot. Cheers, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave Can't wait. I've been waiting for my new company car to be delivered which will have the towbar fitted - don't need to wear out our own gearbox, clutch, brakes etc! You guys have opened our eyes as to how beautiful the East coast is and we will certainly be making some trips over and revisiting some of your videos when choosing where to go.. That's the great thing about what you do. We are safe in your hands that we're going to a good site with good amenities and local attractions. Tim and Gaby are legends and it's Thumps second birthday too? Keep doing what you're doing Dave & Helen and who knows, we might see you around!
Ha ha like it, does make you chuckle, simple check list and laminated is the to fail safe. I’ve made one just to get into good habits 😀😀 Thanks Dave for the video 😀😀
Hi Tris, I know it's a must do but honestly I've not had an any cock ups in ages. I now do a pre flight check, walk around the van and eyeball everything before driving off but Helen is insistent that I get a laminated check list. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi I've just subscribed to you. I love your vlogs. You got a mention from gabby Starbuck. X
Hi Sharon, thanks very much for watching. Just been with Gabby at Mums 96th birthday. We saw she gave us a mention on her coffee morning. Thanks for subscribing 😊👍 Cheers, Helen and Dave
As complete newbies to caravanning, we loved this. Hopefully it will save us a lot of heartache and embarrassment. One observation - it would be great to finish the video with your checklist! Many thanks.
Hi, many thanks indeed for watching the video, channel and also taking the time to leave a comment. I don't have a checklist, but what I find works really well is to complete a full visual check, inside and out before departure. Helen wants a list, she is always giving me a list of jobs to do!! lol. If we do create one, I'll share it. Thanks again, Helen & Dave
Hi Helen and Dave, as you know we are newbs (only 5 trips) so far we only score 2/10 on this list, of course there is plenty of time for improvement. A phrase I heard a lot years ago was "could try harder" 😀 Number 3 the bathroom door, we found this open after our 2nd trip despite the bolt being up. Turned out one of the suspension points had been slowly unscrewing itself in transit, pain in the bum to re-assemble on a site with few tools. Keep up the good work. Best regards Caz and Squash
Hi Caz & Squash, you're not doing bad then so far but as you say, plenty of time for improvement lol (very funny). Hope you have a great touring season ahead and please update us when you have new cock ups to report! ATB, Helen & Dave
Hi Helen and Dave, great video and yes we have fallen foul of most of them. Noticed that we had not put towing mirrors on just leaving Fort William. Drove into a handy car park only to discover the exit was the entrance. Too tight to reverse had to unhitch and use motor movers to get round! Bye the way Joyce says you have awful rusty nuts 😂 all the best Joyce and Jim 👍
Hi Jim, Helen noticed my nuts too and I've just ordered some new ones lol. Those wrong turning moments make my heart stop beating. Did one last year in York, ended up doing a fourteen point turn whilst still hitched up !!!! Take care, Helen & Dave
We've all been there and as you say no matter how experienced you are it is so easy to miss something.
Our OCD made us make laminated sheets and 'idiot cards'. They do work so long as you use them like a pilot with a pre-departure check 'together'. Otherwise as you say they will just end up lying in the caravan draw 🙄
Hope you are both well and thanks again for another great video.
Happy caravaning
David & Rachel ❤
Hi David & Rachel, TBH, I have got into the habit of taking a second look now. I tend to circumnavigate the caravan, just like a pilot (my dad was a pilot) at least to ensure nothing too obvious has been missed and it's been a while since a cock up but I need a laminated checklist for sure. Thanks, Helen & Dave
Hi Helen and Dave,
Yes, we have done at least 4 of those to our knowledge 😢.
Nice light-hearted approach to demonstrate what can happen 😀
My worst one was setting up on my own as Jo was coming after work, I moved the car after positioning the van but forgot to undo the electrics and break away cable needless to say costly error 😵, only done the once thankfully.
All the best,
Paul and Joanne 👍 😀
Hi Paul & Joanne, hope you're both well. I've heard of an other people doing what you did, so at least you're not on your own but that's a one and only, I'm sure you will never do it again. Thanks for sharing, Dave & Helen
Dave you really are a Dope, I haven’t made any of them Cock Ups 😜😂 (Yellow Drain Tap 😂)
Colin, you're in a league of your own ha ha. Yes, the dreaded yellow drain tap, I was too embarrassed to mention that one ha ha. Hope you're well. Cheers, Helen & Dave
This made me laugh we can admit to 5 that were mentioned plus not emptying the boiler before setting off but our biggest blunder to date is not closing the taps before filling the boiler back up hence nice soggy carpets to start the holiday fortunately the carpets lift up Individually and dried out pretty quick but there was a few choice words from the man that does the blue jobs 😅
Oh dear Shelia, another five star blunder there. It's reassuring to know hat we all do them (I think) but the list beckons, Helen is insisting!. Take care, Helen & Dave
Am guilty of most of them, although no roof window or inside issues, have left battery locker door unlocked. Still forget to close drains when filling onboard water tank occasionally. I do however always ensure the habitation door is locked after ensuring missus is sitting comfy…….
Hi Mel, all part of the learning curve, the habitation door is one I will never live down tbh and yes, I've also been trying to fill the water with the drains still open lol. Thanks as always, Helen & Dave
Great video again, our newest error was emptying van so back steadies down, didn’t bother to put steadies back up. Few weeks later habitation check due, motormover on, brake off, move forward, never heard that noise before, yes you know what’s coming, luckily no damage but could have been a costly mistake.
Hi Sandra, ha ha ha, I know it's not funny, but it just goes to show we all do it! Glad there was no damage and I bet you don't do that again. Take care, `Helen & Dave
Thank you so so much we are complete newbies with our new van and young family and all your videos have been invaluable! Can you please do a video on the fully service pitch set up or let us know if you hace included this on another video as we are wanting to try out a fully service pitch but aware we need extra bits and would love your expertise ❤
Hi Lauren, great suggestion, I will look to do a specific video on Full Service soon. In the meantime, here is a link to a recent video that shows the FS set up but doesn't go into the detail of exactly what kit you need and setting it up, so I'll work on that.
Thanks a lot, Dave & Helen.
czcams.com/video/sRwRKYHt6uo/video.htmlsi=CmGtNxbq6Hjqs7mD
Hi Helen & Dave, yes we did most of those in our caravanning days 😬 you definitely need a check list. Given my aviation background we have a challenge and response checklist that we do before we turn a wheel, it’s saved us quite a few times, just get the laminator out, you know you want to.😂 best wishes H&M. 😊
You're right of course Helen, I haven't made any mistakes in ages and I do a visual PFC before every trip these days but I know that's no substitute for a proper list!!!! Best wishes to you & Martin, Cheers, Helen & Dave
❤
Done the pulling away with the handbrake on. Another we've done is not putting the handbrake on when inflating the lock-n-level, only to find the van rolling off the inflated bag!!
Hi Stephen, reassuring to know you're not the only one!!! There's still time to make more cock ups though. Thanks for sharing your own experiences. Cheers, Dave & Helen
I know Dave it’s serious but so funny, being newbies we have pulled off with the caravan and realised no mirrors a few times. Think a checklist is a great idea will be making one 👍
Hi there Anne, no, it really is very funny ha ha ha (most of the time). I know a check list is a must, just need to get around to it. Thanks Dave & Helen
Hi Dave & Helen
Great vid as always. Tracey keeps nagging me about having a laminate list board because I do forget things 😂 cheers.
ATB Joe & Tracey
Hi Joe and let me tell you, just like Helen, Tracey is spot on, we both know we need to do it. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave
It's good to know when we make mistakes we are not alone.
ATB Joe & Tracey
Brilliant video made me laugh as I can relate to most of these😂 my best was at clippesby hall in October 2023, pitched up, levelled ( or so I thought ) legs down, water on, electric on , wheel clamps on, then I decided I wasn’t quite level enough so I did all of that but in reverse whilst two little girls and the Mrs we’re calling me all the names under the sun 😂 I said I can’t deal with it for a week knowing it’s not level, It’ll play on my mind until I do it 😅 I won’t make that mistake again
I know how frustrating that is, I might have lived with it for a night but not a week. Bet the air was blue lol. Thanks for sharing, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDavehaha yeah I couldn’t deal with it for a week it would bug the life out of me , cheers guys keep up the good work love the videos
We are new to this caravan life. I have OCD so worry about everything. Think I will make a check list and hang it by door in caravan (not hidden in drawer). Getting stressed just thinking about the list
A list is a good idea Helen, but we mustn't get stressed, we are supposed to be unwinding. I get stressed if I run out of beer though lol.
Good tips for newbies dave I can vouch for one cock up but never do it again " motor mover"😅 but have always do a check list
Hi Paul, the old motor mover one is pretty common but I still sometimes forget myself! I deffo need a checklist lol. Best wishes, Dave & Helen