Happy camping!!
V-Dubz Red
New Member
Hi guys, just recently bought my camper. Hopefully I can contribute to here as I've already taken a lot from this group. Good to be here
@V-Dubz Red
Congratulations. Welcome. (I got my camper home and spent 2 hours trying to learn how to do the basics.) If you see someone at a campsite with a camper struggling to get set up, it's probably me!
Congratulations. Welcome. (I got my camper home and spent 2 hours trying to learn how to do the basics.) If you see someone at a campsite with a camper struggling to get set up, it's probably me!
We've all been there @Roweman ! Fortunately we are mainly kind people and will always help with any problems a fellow encounters. It makes us feel good about ourselves! (Obviously secretly I still love to watch folk putting up a brand new and boxed 8 man tent, in the wind, with the shocking pegs they come with). Basty Nastard I am!
V-Dubz Red
New Member
Haha brilliant. Im going to have to find a remote location when I try to fit a drive away awning on. Bet you can all smell a newbie from miles away
It took me a while to suss the valve on my air awning, embarrassing when the valve is in, not out, when you unfasten the pump and all the air whooshes out! I have a much quieter air pump for this season if I get it wrong again. Set it up at home if you can or somewhere a little private to practice.
I was sort of half watching & eating my tea when the group of people were trying to fit a brand new awning on their brand new caravan. I glanced over ages later and not much had happened apart from glum looks. I chuckled to myself. But couldn’t let them struggle so I went over & pointed them in the right direction. I think you will find the majority of people are very helpful & before you know it friends for the duration of your stay.
I tried my campervan awning using the washing line as the van rail. It worked enough to have a practice.
Yep, the heady mix of excitement and embarrassment carries on the air.
Not to worry though, we've all been there.
We used our awning for the first time at CamperJam last year. Did a quick dry run the day before on drive at home but it in no way prepared us (me) for putting it up properly in anger so to speak. We were in the confined space of club camping as well. Needless to say I took the Northern Manly route of ignoring any offerings of help saying to SWMBO that I needed to learn it for myself. Wifey took herself off to drink gin in the van and 2 hours later I finally accepted some help and it took 10 mins to do what had taken me 2 hours to that point.Yep, the heady mix of excitement and embarrassment carries on the air.
Not to worry though, we've all been there.
If struggling and help is offered take it. !!!!
V-Dubz Red
New Member
Noted, thank you hahaWe used our awning for the first time at CamperJam last year. Did a quick dry run the day before on drive at home but it in no way prepared us (me) for putting it up properly in anger so to speak. We were in the confined space of club camping as well. Needless to say I took the Northern Manly route of ignoring any offerings of help saying to SWMBO that I needed to learn it for myself. Wifey took herself off to drink gin in the van and 2 hours later I finally accepted some help and it took 10 mins to do what had taken me 2 hours to that point.
If struggling and help is offered take it. !!!!
I remember rocking up to a campsite around midday in June last year and it was 32 degrees. I didn't want to park in shade to get the benefit of the solar panel so erected the awning in full sun. By the time it was up I was absolutely saturated in sweat, lesson learned!
The most anxious I have been was 2 years ago at the forum Bala meet, only one place that the wife was happy to set up, next to an orange transit (love you Clive) right by where all the long established members were sat around the firepits. We took out the big air awning in those days, but the stress of setting up in front of that audience was intense! Fortunately it all went together well and the Mrs and I didn't fall out!
Welcome @V-Dubz Red - practically neighbours with you! Picture of the new van please, so I know who I'm waving at if I pass you.
Did anybody else see the recent episode of Dragon's Den, where an entrepreneur was seeking investment for his campervan "Glawning" creation? Basically what looks like a full-blown drive-away yurt
I forget which Dragon asked the inevitable, "how long does it take to put it up?". I laughed my socks off when the equally inevitable reply came, "about 8 minutes".
My advice for the first attempt is, allow more like 80 minutes, and have fun & laugh a lot while you struggle with it. It doesn't have to be the proverbial "divorce maker", as long as you keep your expectations low! It will get easier, and you'll look back on the first attempt and laugh some more with the memory of it.
Did anybody else see the recent episode of Dragon's Den, where an entrepreneur was seeking investment for his campervan "Glawning" creation? Basically what looks like a full-blown drive-away yurt
I forget which Dragon asked the inevitable, "how long does it take to put it up?". I laughed my socks off when the equally inevitable reply came, "about 8 minutes".
My advice for the first attempt is, allow more like 80 minutes, and have fun & laugh a lot while you struggle with it. It doesn't have to be the proverbial "divorce maker", as long as you keep your expectations low! It will get easier, and you'll look back on the first attempt and laugh some more with the memory of it.
V-Dubz Red
New Member
Ah yes we drive southport and surrounding a lot anyway so will give aWelcome @V-Dubz Red - practically neighbours with you! Picture of the new van please, so I know who I'm waving at if I pass you.
Did anybody else see the recent episode of Dragon's Den, where an entrepreneur was seeking investment for his campervan "Glawning" creation? Basically what looks like a full-blown drive-away yurt
I forget which Dragon asked the inevitable, "how long does it take to put it up?". I laughed my socks off when the equally inevitable reply came, "about 8 minutes".
My advice for the first attempt is, allow more like 80 minutes, and have fun & laugh a lot while you struggle with it. It doesn't have to be the proverbial "divorce maker", as long as you keep your expectations low! It will get easier, and you'll look back on the first attempt and laugh some more with the memory of it.
if i see the van Here she is... blank canvas atm got a lot of ideas to add to it. Probably starting with a change in coilovers and then lowering and then god knows but exciting non the less.
A fairly recent lurker registering. I bought a 2014 T5.1 last year, quite a decent example and more of a utility van than a mod project. 2.0 BiTDI, DSG7, 4Motion three-seater panel van in dark purple metallic. It has had its engine replaced under warranty in 2017-ish and it doesn't exhibit any signs of the common EGR issues. So far I've installed a bulkhead spacer to add some legroom for tall drivers and done basic maintenance & fixes according to what VCDS has indicated. A full Bilstein B4, Lesjöfors OEM ride height spring set and PBS polyurethane bushing kit are waiting for installation, brake upgrade to 340mm fronts and braided hoses all around will probably follow shortly afterwards. Remap? Maybe... I got a tempting quote from BSR so why not.
Hi everyone, first post on here! I always sign up to a forum whenever I buy something new, they’ve always been really helpful.
I’ve wanted a Transporter since 2011, when my family and I rented one for a week. They’ve always been just out of my budget, until now. A few days ago, my wife and I bought an ex-RAC T6 that’s already been converted with a pop-top. We’re all very happy with the purchase and plan to get away as often as possible, hopefully a couple of nights every month.
There are of course a few things I’d like to do, new headlights, a new head unit, a better reversing camera, and so on, but the practical items come first. A drive-away awning, camping gear, etc. The list never ends!
We’ve booked Volksfest in Bristol this year and hope to get to a few other shows around the country, as well as any local meet-ups.
I’ve wanted a Transporter since 2011, when my family and I rented one for a week. They’ve always been just out of my budget, until now. A few days ago, my wife and I bought an ex-RAC T6 that’s already been converted with a pop-top. We’re all very happy with the purchase and plan to get away as often as possible, hopefully a couple of nights every month.
There are of course a few things I’d like to do, new headlights, a new head unit, a better reversing camera, and so on, but the practical items come first. A drive-away awning, camping gear, etc. The list never ends!
We’ve booked Volksfest in Bristol this year and hope to get to a few other shows around the country, as well as any local meet-ups.
Welcome to us all @DingusOp , seriously you're welcome to us all! So orangey, beautiful!
