Buying our caravan

[@richardowen2159]

Just shows you,you're never to old to get excited! The caravan buys you..my first,an Elldis Genesis2 ( built at Camel Laird..) was a heavy old beast,12 years I dragged her round the country,then one day we were in a dealership,and mooching around came across this beautiful Bailey Genoa,again,2 berth,but I knew I was not leaving without her becoming mine! Especially when another chap started looking in the front window. I have had her now for 6 years,and love her still. The build quality is brilliant,and cleans up like new,even after months in storage. Love it. Keep the vids coming!

[@nickjennings3500]

We started caravaning via a Land Rover Club. We loved to social activity after the Land Rover action and decided to get a small van for my lad & I. My wife decided to come along after our stories of the fun we had had. She liked it too but we had to upgrade to keep the boss happy. Haven't look back since. Over 20 years now. John our son now borrows the van to go out with his family. Great video Dan, keep it up. Thanks .

[@TicketyBoo.]

I know this is an old vlog now Dan & Angela but definitely one of your best. Like Angela, my wife was not too keen but you convinced her it was worth a go, we're now on our fourth van. I have also shown this to a few friends over the years who have gone on to become caravaners thanks to your story and indeed, enthusiasm. A true ambassador 👍

[@cailyn1585]

I’m only 12 years old but my dad is about to purchase a Pegasus Grande Melissa and I’m so exited. I’m watching your videos ready to prepare with things and tell my dad what to do and stuff like that. Your really helping people. Keep it up!

[@kezangart]

My husband and I are just about to look at purchasing our first caravan - your videos have been a massive help as neither of us have ever done this before, thank you so much ! It’s exciting

[@jackhawkins3750]

We inherited an Bailey Senator vermont series 5 when my father passed away in 2020. Due to covid weve not been able to use it. So now with lockdown easing we are in a mission to convert our camping style from our 1972 baywindow vw camper to the caravan. Your channel has been brilliant and for that i say a big thank you.

[@johnseddon2955]

Hi Dan and Family Thanks for sharing your family experiences and your heartfelt views and feelings on the whole caravanning holiday lifestyle. I am now 50 and have the happiest of memories of caravanning through my whole childhood with my mum and dad. I am about to buy my 1st caravan after going round in circles debating the whole caravan thing for over 10 years now ( I appreciate that's a long time!). My eldest daughter is now 16 and youngest 8 with a middle boy at 13. My wife has never been that keen on the whole idea as she never went as a youngster. So I had shelved the idea but left it still simmering at the back of my mind Sadly my father passed away this year. I remember having a man to man conversation with him at the grand old age of 18 during our last caravanning holiday together. I enthusiastically announced to him at that time that when I have children I was going to take them on caravanning trips like we had all gone on together as a family. Fast forward to now I remembered that promise and we are about to joint the club. I first saw you on this video last year which took my caravanning ideas from a simmer to a fast boil. When I heard your regrets about not having done it sooner, it really struck a deep chord with me. Realising life is finite and the children grow up quickly I decided to take the decision to buy a caravan. Sam (my Wife) is "reluctantly" on board. Savings and loan all arranged. The children super excited planning various weekend trips and holidays already. I remain nervous of towing for the first time but I am reassured by your experiences. We are putting in an order for a Weisenberg Caraone EUH to be built ready for January next year. We have chosen that one as it has internal headroom of 208cm and I am 2m tall (6' 6"). It sleeps 6 and can (just) be towed by our car. Thank you again (and your family) so much for sharing your honest and inspiring videos without which we would not be embarking on this same journey. Best wishes John

[@dentydent6423]

Love your story,hope you're loving it

[@qedelec]

Favourite part of caravanning? Never really thought about it. I would say its the people, everyone has time to chat, and boy do we like to chat, and helping fellow campers. Last year we pitched up in Market Bosworth, and I'd hardly unpacked the awning when a lady called Georgie, ran down the field and asked if I needed help to erect my awning!

[@alanbrian7545]

Hi, Have been watching some of your videos, and have learnt and enjoyed them. I thought you might like to hear about my experience. Have had three caravans, Elddis Hurricane, Besacar Cameo and Swift 2 berth. Was living in Gloucestershire at the time, but in 2000 moved down to near St Ives, Cornwall after spending many holidays down here. Once we had moved, we thought we would not want a caravan anymore, so sold it to some friends, who have only just sold it. 15 years went by, and thought we ought to get another caravan. Had limited space to ark it on the property but we could only have a small 2 berth with end kitchen. Checked all dealers within 100 miles - nothing to suit. So looked on eBay and found just what we wanted - in Cheltenham, over 200 miles away. Rang the seller, went to see it and bought it. An Elldis Avante 362 (2010). Seller agreed to tow it to Cornwall as did not have an hitch. Caravan duly arrived, we thought we would have it serviced so arranged for it to go to a local dealer. I had a hospital appointment the day before the service was due. Went to the appointment and was advised I should stop in the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro in readiness to go to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth for a heart bye-pass operation !!!!!!! WOW, that came as a big blow. So my partner took the caravan for its service which threw up no problems. I ended up spending 5 weeks in total in hospital after having a quadruple heart by-pass. Recovery was reasonable quick, so we decided we would try the caravan out, so booked 5 nights at the Caravan club site at Godrevy. The site is about 1 mile as the crow flies from where we live !!!! but it served its purpose to see how we got on with the caravan and to see how much I could cope with. All went well, and since then we go away every month from April to October for varying lengths of time. Today is 01/06/2018 and on Monday we are off for three weeks. Sorry its a bit long winded, but did my best to reduce it down.

[@mrskaygibson]

Hello Trudgians, We have just purchased our first caravan after months of online research and caravan visits. We don't get it for a few weeks and watching your videos is just about keeping us sane. I think between us, my hubby and I have watched everything you've produced! Thank you for the videos, highly informative and enjoyable. We're The Gibsons, we are you guys, just two years behind!

[@susanheaford3271]

Bought our first ever caravan yesterday, we get to tow it out tomorrow and have booked our first site for Sunday. To say we are excited and nervous is an understatement. not been able to sleep thinking about driving/reversing etc since we decided to buy it and tomorrow is the big day! We bought a 2014 Bailey Unicorn Valencia. Xx

[@Nemo_Point]

Hi Mr & Mrs T. We've just bought a small motorhome. And I want to thank you for all your help (via YT vids) - it has been invaluable. For example, your vids on solar, batteries, cooking items etc etc. We have watched them and I have taken notes and acted upon them several times. We went for a motorhome because many of our trips will be just one night or even within the day. But so much of what you say is applicable to campervans / motorhomes, as well as caravans. Again, very many thanks and best wishes.

[@heating4343]

yes it all comes back to me when we brought the caravan we still have now 9 years later .we have some wonderful memories.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thats great to hear Gordon. Glad our story has evoked some great memories for you. Take care Dan

[@JimWorldLeader]

I am a Briton who ended up in Denver Colorado of all places. A couple of years ago I bought a tiny caravan, and I've had so much fun using it; there are some spectacular places to camp in the Rocky Mountains. I really like that you can go away on holiday or weekend at anytime, and I think it's the best way to see America.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Jim, Excellent. This is something I would love to do, and to explore countries at your own pace. Well done. Do you vlog or blog about your adventures ? Would love to see some photos. Take care Dan

[@JimWorldLeader]

The Trudgians All my pictures of it are at @jimgoadby on Instagram. It paints quite a different picture of America, than staying in a hotel.

[@davidwareing9663]

Just picking up our first caravan next week. Really excited. Thanks for sharing your stories.

[@TVking11]

Yous are so right "i wish i had done it earlier"me and my wife are hooked. And i would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your family for the very useful info yous provide on your vlogs

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you ! Glad to be of help. The "Why we didn't..." mantra seems quite widespread in the caravan world. Take care Dan

[@Brooksontour]

Lovely story made me feel nostalgic :) I was brought up with tents, we went all over the uk, sometimes walking with kit on our back, sometimes with the motorbike & sidecar pulling a trailer! we did weekends and fortnights away. I grew up and married, my husband was not into tents so for a few years we did holidays in the sun. Eventually he gave in and we bought a tent. We camped for many years. As we are now a "bit" older we decided it would be good if we could extend our season, we looked at caravans and motorhomes. We hired a motor home and toured Scotland but it wasn't for us. We bought a caravan. We loved it. A year later when we took our van in for its service we saw our ideal caravan and traded our first caravan in. We still work full time but managed over 90 nights away last year and are aiming to break that record this year. We love your v logs please keep them coming

[@EthanDolan61101]

The Story with our Caravan started 15 years ago in 2005, we found her completely by accident. My Dad was pushing my sister in her pushchair around the campsite we were staying at, near Gt Yarmouth and on the way back he spotted our Caravan, She was a 1991 LMC Dominant 545. It was just parked up on one of the site's pitches and my Dad couldn't help but take look around it. He quickly noticed after a bit of time looking around the van, that it was for sale. Soon after this, he managed to get my Mum to see it too and from that moment on they both adored it. She was just such a beautiful van and we couldn't help but fall in love with her from the moment we first laid eyes on her. At this point in time, we were fairly new to the camping bug as we already had a trailer tent but we had not had it for long. Intrigued by the van, my Dad phoned the owners and asked for a tour around it. We actually have the tour on videotape as it was our way of documenting one of our greatest family moments. Soon after we decided to buy it and the way we got it home was quite a memory. We began by finishing the rest of the holiday in the trailer tent and at some point, we spent a bit of time in the van, almost like a short holiday you could say. After that, we went home and sold the trailer tent and a few weeks later my Dad went back to Yarmouth to pick her up and bring her home. When he got back he was reversing the caravan onto her main resting place, when people around the neighborhood began to watch him. The process of manoeuvering her took some doing but he soon managed to get her parked up safely. From there the rest is history, we still have her to this day and she is still going strong, despite being a 29-year-old van. We are all so fond of her as she is to us, a part of the family. We recently gave her name as we felt she deserved one, this is genius, Carrie the Caravan. Cheesy, I know but we think it suits her brilliantly. Carrie has been with The Dolan Family for 15 years and has had many adventures and mishaps, some better than others. She has watched us grow as a family due to the fact that we had only been a family for a few years. Heck, we even had her when my brother was born and he is now in his teen years, so she really has been an amazing part of our lives and she will continue to run in the family forevermore. I hoped you enjoyed our story and that your day has just been made. Thanks for reading, take care now, bye.

[@season.appreciation8102]

Don't regret anything- you're doing it now 👏👏😊

[@TheTrudgians]

Exactly !! Take care Dan

[@RailAdventUK]

Another superb video! I was young when our caravan was new (only about 6) but I still remember the excitement of picking it up and just sitting in it! Thanks, Michael

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Michael. Take care Dan

[@andrewjditton]

Hellooo! That was lovely! As for your 'regret' Dan, I see a lot of teenagers who've been Caravanning all their lives turn their backs on touring and not pick it up again till their 40s (a bit like you, perhaps?). But as Tom only had a few years he's keeping going with his tent. So I see that as a result, not a regret. Cheers punters!

[@TheTrudgians]

Ahhh. Cheers you. you are right. it IS a positive thing !! Take care Dan

[@MarkJones-gd3nt]

The Trudgians another brilliant inspirational video!!👍

[@theaccidentalcaravanner5404]

That's pretty much my story too. As kids my parents used to love small hideaway sites where they could sit and do nothing for a weekend, but as a kid I wanted activities. I ultimately associated caravanning with being rather sedate and walked away when I was old enough to. When an adult I got involved with American cars and started attending a lot of car shows. I've never been a fan of tents so purchased a very old cheap caravan which made it a far more comfortable experience. Time and tide moved on and I moved away from the car shows and sold the caravan. Fast forward to now (20 years further, aged 39) and I'm starting motorcycle racing, and need accommodation. The obvious choice was a caravan, but I find myself thinking that to get the most value out of it I will use it throughout the year as well. I won't be using hideaway sites though, I will be either attending things like silverstone classic, or using it as a base for weekends away for photography or cycling which wouldn't be reasonable for a day. The moral of the story? There are many different types of caravanning, it's just about finding the one which suits you.

[@BanthamLegend]

Your story of acquiring your van is so similar to ours. I set a budget of £7500 based on paying £200 a month for just over 3 years. Same thoughts on one off big holiday vs buy a caravan. No brainer really. Bought a tow bar, arranged storage, bought a Swift Accord 2007 six berth with fixed rear bunks privately (so it came with everything we needed), sorted the awning sleep pod add on, insurance etc all in budget! Her indoors has made a cushion to replace the front chest of drawers as we like lots of space when we sleep. Taking the van on its first trip today with me, the wife, four kids (15, 13, 11 and 8) and Ember, our red Border Collie. Your videos have been very useful in learning caravan craft so thanks for doing them. Just regret not doing it sooner. Wish us luck!

[@Carol-hp4ml]

Enjoyed this video and everything in the video sounds so familiar. We started 7 years ago and it gave us a new lease of life and something to look forward to. We started with a Bailey Pegasus 2010 and we loved it. Getting all the equipment was a joy and our first trip to Blackpool South was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. Since then we have been all over the country and seen things and places we would never have seen. In 2021 we retired and bought a Bailey Cartegena, not new but an upgrade for us and it gave us a bit more luxury and space in our retirement. Sadly we didn’t have it long before it was stolen which was traumatic. Although we were absolutely gutted by this, we decided to get back on the horse, and besides we knew we would not enjoy any other type of holiday, with few exceptions, as we did in our lovely van. We now have another van and have eventually replaced everything, (though there are some things that cannot be replaced). We are continuing our travels and loving every minute of it especially as we can come and go as we please now retired. we love your videos and they are so helpful. Anything we need to know, we come to you so thanks to you and your lovely family.

[@munchkinheaven7877]

We have literally just bought a converted Iveco daily van, its not kitted out exactly to our needs as we are two oldies and it was bought from a man with 3 young kids, we are already enjoying planning our alterations and hope to be able to use the van at least once before the weather becomes too bad, even if we have to "boondock" a couple of streets away we are determined to sleep at least one night in our new money pit, might just end up staying on the drive, but we will def. be joining you all next year. Love the channel and picking up lots of tips, keep up the good work.

[@saulastrinsky4830]

How lovely to hear you talk about the journey your family has had, I am a single parent with 3 girls I will be doing this .

[@stevenqneuk8]

Great video guys. I picked up my first caravan about 4 years ago. It's a 1991 Compass Omega 360/2 for all of £800. After doing some re-upholstery work, putting some "green stuff" into the soft floor and changing the carpet it became my home from home. Like you, I thought "why didn't I do this years ago".

[@TheTrudgians]

Sounds brilliant Steven. Glad to hear you are having fun in your 'van, and making it really unique for yourselves. We may be changing a few of the furnishings in ours just to make it stand out etc. Take care Dan

[@lindsaybenison683]

Hello Folks, thanks for sharing your story. We bought our first caravan, Alpine Aerial, 10 foot van, basically a box on wheels, when our son was 2.5/3 years old. We had many lovely trips away in our little van. We used cutlery, dishes from the fuel station coupons to fill the van with the necessary items. My first mistake was counting out the tea bags and coffee I thought we would need for a weekend away into the caddies. Not taking into account the cold weather and the need for hot drinks. Our son is now 32 years old, maybe one day he will get the bug. Although he does have all his own camping gear. We now have our Motorhome, Desmond, which we love and enjoy travelling around the local area and further. Thanks for sharing and will be back

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Lindsay, Thank you for your story, It sounds very familiar to when I was a youngster too. The tea bag issue sounds very familiar to when Mrs T decided that we would have some rationed beverages to keep weight down and packing to a minimum. Needless to say, someone visited the shops when we were away to get more tea bags... Take care Dan

[@hairywol]

This has popped up on my feed, presumably because it's 5 years today. You have stirred many memories of our own foray into caravanning in 2014 as we decided we were getting too old for tents and airbeds. LIke you, we decided on a strict budget (£8,000) which we then completely blew because just a bit more meant a lot newer until we ended up with a very good deal on a new Swift Challenger Sport 524 (side dinette). Grantham, where we bought from, was 150 miles from home and I was beside myself with fear and stress as drivers pulled out in front and carved me up, and I was convinced car and caravan would part company on the A1. After 30 miles I began to settle down, and after 50 I was enjoying myself. In the 7 and a half years since we've had our 'van to every part of Great Britain, as well as touring France and Spain. We have so much more freedom to explore than with a package holiday or, God forbid, a cruise. Moving forward to now, having decided (a bit like yourself) we would now quite like a proper bed, we've just taken delivery of a Pegasus Brindisi and can't wait to try it out next week.

[@richardmiles6826]

Finding your chanel has been an enlightening experience and a breathe ov fresh air. As a family are looking at buying a second hand caravan in the next few weeks and watching g your short films has certainly inspire me to have a go. We have been campers for the last ten years or so but with our age and my ailments means that it's only going to get harder. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the cracking blogs and videos. Richard & Janet

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Richard & Janet, Thank you, and welcome to our channel. I hope we continue to be a breath of fresh air for you. Let us know which caravan you end up purchasing ! Take care Dan

[@richardmiles6826]

The Trudgians Hi Dan just letting you know about which caravan we've purchased, it a Lunar quasar 525 2008 purchased from Glossop Caravans.

[@willwilloughby4]

Hi Dan. Love the videos. My wife and I began camping together in a tent. All we had was a single gas burner and a blow up mattress etc. We had some fantastic trips away. After a couple of years we had our first son, so upgraded to a Conway Crusader folding camper, to get away from the condensation on our faces in the morning😜. We then had son number 2 and decided to look for a caravan. We managed to pick up an Elddis Avante 630, with a fixed bunk for the boys. Incredible caravan for the money and plenty of room for me, at 6'5". So glad to get the boys into caravanning from day one. Looking forward to many great trips all over the UK and looking to head onto the continent next summer.

[@willowman15]

Your story brought me to tears of how this is exactly how i feel. This is my plan for next year and watching your videos inspires me more and more to do this. Im constantly researching everything and pricing up from towbar to storage and even though the money is not there yet, im finding some great deals out there. Would love to see a video about taking a dog but i understand you no longer have yours. im so sorry for your loss. Keep the videos coming please

[@lesleyleese8035]

Les and Steve........addicted to your channel !.....love that you share your great experiences with us all. We've been campers all our lives, recently purchased a 'soft top' caravan......a camper trailer!!!.....lovin' it!!

[@michaelflynn1599]

was brought up on holidays in a caravan by my parents best times ever agree with all your comments last year aged 57 bought a secondhand motorhome done a lot of short breaks my wife and grandkids on the wild alantic way here in ireland great times great freedom this year same crew heading to france for two weeks we cant wait heading there in june

[@Bunce1949]

What a great video! Although I and my Wife have been caravanning on and off for many years, you summed up the excitement of buying a caravan for the first time, beautifully. Our first one was a tiny Sprite, with no loo or hot water. Our daughter slept in a camp cot in the middle of the floor, but we travelled all over the country and had a great time. Several vans later, I'm now retired and bought an almost new Lunar with all the bells and whistles. Now we tour in luxury, with our hot water and lovely shower but will never forget the delight of our introduction to this great pastime all those years ago.

[@tofty21]

This couple are in love. Look into their eyes. Wonderful.

[@TranceElbow]

Hi Dan. We've been camping for many years and as we went along, we just kept buying stuff. Eventually we had so much gear we either needed a trailer or a top box. I think the top box was used twice before 5 years ago we decided to upgrade to a folding camper. They are great, but take far too long to pack up on the last morning. Getting off the site before 11am was neigh on impossible for us. LOL. We had been toying with the idea of a caravan for a couple of years now and like you guys had very specific ideas about what we did and didn't want. We must have looked at 100's of caravans until we finally found our Bailey Ranger 420/2 175 miles away from home at Highbridge in Somerset. Two very long trips later and Emily is now parked safely in my Mum's back garden, patiently waiting for her first outing. I'm pleased to say that tomorrow we go away for 3 nights to our nearest Caravan Club site to test her out and weather the new awning and bedroom extension. We are armed with far too much 'Stuff' and we still haven't worked out where everything will travel and live. By Sunday evening I think we'll have it licked. At least I hope so. Don't worry, I am planning on videoing our first attempt at putting up the awning. Let the hilarity begin 8-)

[@teresaemmerson9599]

Hi, We started caravanning in 2013 with a little 2 berth and like you two absolutely loved it. My father died in 2014 and with some of my inheritance decided to upgrade to a 4 berth and make new memories for him. We christened our van after dad. It's called Billy.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thats a lovely story, and such a wonderful legacy for Billy. I would love to say ours was called something with feeling & merits except he is called Lenny the Lunar - and we love him dearly. Have you any plans for going away soon ? Take care Dan

[@teresaemmerson9599]

Yes we are away for a week before Easter and toying with getting a sneaky break this weekend. Teresa 😊

[@melissabrierley7759]

Hi Dan, Well today my partner and I have just returned from our first caravan trip spending two nights in gosport, then on to dorset for three nights. We purchased the caravan in October last year, and had only had one night away in November, so we were really excited for this trip in our 430-4 Bailey Orion. We are sad its all over because we enjoyed every aspect of caravaning, and can not wait to go again in a few weeks. We both enjoy watching your videos so keep them coming. Mel & Paul.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Mel & Paul, Thanks for popping by. We literally returned home today from a week away, and we too are sad. We absolutely hate coming home. its utterly rubbish. But, within a couple of hours we start to get excited again because we look forward to going out again. Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures this year. Take care Dan

[@krissander1]

We have a Bailey Orion, they are great little caravans!

[@stephendawes8462]

Hi Dan, really good vlog. We brought our first caravan 2 years ago, starting small we got a Elddis 28ft Twin axle. Similar to yourselves we saw the one we bought and researched, looking at different style/designs but always went back to the first one. In the end no other caravan could beat this one so we haggled at the price and purchased her. At the time I had a pick up truck making our rig the same length as a articulated lorry, unfortunately one year in, the truck struggled on the hills pulling the weight and overheated twice! We didn't want to give up the caravan so we got rid of my work vehicle and bought a more suitable tow vehicle and a separate work vehicle. We have a wonderful circle of friends some of whom have purchased newer/bigger vans to join us in our adventures and some who encouraged us to start the journey. Our next trip with our new found family is to off grid (we go against the motorhome grain and off grid in our caravan) for a weekend away next month. As always keep up the good vlogs. Steve

[@janicegalloway5636]

Just bought our first caravan today! So excited to collect it in a couple of weeks and get going. Lovely to hear your story...inspiring!!

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Janice, Thats fab news, well done. Please let us know how you get on. Take care Dan

[@ceritanner]

We've just picked up our second caravan, this time brand new. We've had tents, folding campers and now the proud owner of a compass casita 866. Love viewing your vlogs -I'm about to try making the lights!

[@markwebber1189]

We bought our first van 3 years ago, when we picked it up we had the same nervous moments but after a while it became second nature. We also wished we'd done it years before as we love our van holidays. Agree about the look and ambiance of some second-hand vans, my wife wouldn't entertain the velour and mahogany. But we found a nice one with modern fabrics and all the bells and whistles that every caravan critic advises to get.

[@TheBotto1]

Cracking review and much appreciated, looking myself for my own first van but had loads of hols down Cornwall in a caravan when I was a kid which I still remember and loved.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Gavin, You and me both, i remember many beach holidays in Cornwall. Some great times had by us all. Thanks for popping by, Dan

[@barryelstone8431]

I agree with you that when choosing a new caravan its what suits you as a family and how the van makes you feel as you get inside,not everyone has the same taste so when people say you are putting their vans down is ridiculous. We have been looking to change mainly because the layout of our present van no longer suits us mainly the bed and the shower, we have also decided to change makers as our present maker does not have a model week like, we have a model in mind and look forward to placing our order for our next memory maker.

[@crevusllohcin]

We bought an Elddis Jetstream (1997) over here in New Zealand. We have had it for 6 or 7 years only to discover now it has water ingress. We never put it in for a service and didn’t realise this could happen. I didn’t watch any caravan clips on KZbin until recently. We put it in for a Service just recently only to discover the bad news. I guess just to put it down to experience. The caravan Service Agent said they didn’t want try to repair as it could turn into a major job. Someone else may want it for a project. We are looking at getting a new caravan. Really enjoy your videos.

[@susanstones2935]

Well dan& Angela it's true you are a lovely couple& have lovely children.You can see what's happy family you all are.You never know one day we may bump into each other(fingers crossed).Thanks for pointing me in the right direction of the caravan club& not the other one.we are off Friday start looking, ohhh so excited only 2 more sleeps lol😁Susie

[@cdmtravels5723]

hi dan great video, we brought our first van a sprite muskateer in 1982/3/4 something like that we loved it and would pull it down to skegness for the weekend after work on a friday night by the time we arrived it was dark, this is in the days when (your pitch is any where on that grass area over there ok!) and then we were left on our own, when we awoke in the morning we had pitched on a tall mound of grass, how we slept was a mystery,(the beer may have helped) but what great memories still strong today great fun.thanks dan

[@dentydent6423]

Great video Dan,we've just bought our first caravan. It's a 2015 clubman es and our family of four love it! We had exactly the same reasons as you for starting our caravan journey. It was £8k for a Greek holiday and we swerved that and it paid for half the van😊

[@fuzzsmith7972]

Hi Dan We have been using and loved our folding camper ( pennine pathfinder) for a few years now but we recently decided to bite the bullet and upgrade to a caravan a sterling europa 550 . Since purchasing I have watched many of your videos and have found them to be very informative and helpful. I was scrolling through your back catalog and found this video , this is almost word for word the same experience that we have of buy our caravan . Love the videos keep them coming All the best Fuz and family

[@TheTrudgians]

Thats wonderful, and thank you for watching the back catalogue. Take care Dan

[@busterboy7505]

Thanks for Shearing your wonderful memories with us, 👍👍.

[@victormeldroo]

lovely video, me and my lovely wife started camping in the 80's we did'nt have a car so we bused it from bristol to cheddar and camped for a weekend then got a lift back home. we were hooked and camped in many formes since then, we recently decided, due to physical health, to purchase a small 2 birth caravan, ooohhh what a luxury to have a comfy bed, warmth, fridge, sink, cooker, toilet. tv. storage space. need i go on. cant wait to go out again soon.

[@waynekinney3358]

I loved this story, really enjoyed it. I, like yourself, also went Caravanning back in the 80's when I was 6 - 10 years old with my Mum & Dad - good memories! Me and my wife just bought our first Caravan, to take my little 8 year old boy away in. We've used it for the first time a few weeks ago, and set to go away this bank holiday weekend to 'The Hop Farm'. Really looking forward to this years Caravanning! Keep up the great videos!

[@markhaistead9451]

HI to you at the storage yard. This is a great video, and so true in many ways to our start to caravanning. We have been caravanners for nearly 20 years, but find your blogs informative and inspiring. We now have a Luna Quasar EB (fixed bed).

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Mark, thank you for your comments, and we are really glad our vlogs are helpful for you. Take care Dan

[@markhaistead9451]

Yes sorry, vlogs. It's all new turms for me.

[@ianwilde11]

Hi Dan, what a star you really are :) I have been caravaining for many years just like Andrew Ditton and its great to see someone like yourself showing all the potentual newcomers the great aspect of the leisure activity, pleasure knowing you keep sending the vlog, excellect

[@Parknest]

I get what you say about having to buy extra stuff. We did the same even though our caravan could've been used "as is" when we bought it last October. I've just bought an external TV aerial because the internal ones have poor reception and spoilt our viewing the last time. We worked our way up from a tent to a trailer tent and on to the caravan. Storm Katie last year is what put us off camping. We thought our tent was going to blow away (we didn't get much sleep that night!) so we left the next day.

[@paulh7066]

This is exactly what me & my partner are discussing now, so excited to be buying our first van in early 2019. Your videos are so helpful, cheers guys..

[@susanstones2935]

Hello there,✋ I've just subscribed, I've watched a few of your vlogs & have to say I've really enjoyed watching you & your wife.We are going to buy our first caravan soon.Thankyou for all the tips& all the fun you put into it Susie

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Susan, Glad to be of service and give you some helpful tips. What 'van are you picking up ? Thanks for subscribing Take care Dan

[@daveydillon]

Thanks for this and all your very informative videos Dan. My wife and I are newcomers to caravaning having just bought our first 3 months ago at the age of 61 and your videos have been a godsend. Very interesting to listen to your story of the jitters of first pulling a van as this reflects my experience also. I was very nervous when we picked up the van and was so surprised to find that within a few miles I found myself having to remind myself that the van was there. Yes, wish I had done this years ago. Thanks again to you and your lovely family.

[@tomsmith6741]

I found that quite moving! We're a family of 4 with 2 lads aged 6 and 3 and have been camping for the last couple of years. Always struggled to have a 'proper' holiday and so are looking at caravans. I've found your channel really informative and helpful, not to mention entertaining. You have a wonderful family, keep up the good work with your vlogs and maybe we'll see you on a site somewhere in the near future! Cheers

[@jasongallagher8336]

Fab Video guys really captures how we as a family felt buying our first caravan, which was a used bailey ranger 510/4 for £7,000, lovely van but you needed sunglasses for the upholstery material, we bought ours purely after having had a 8 man tent holiday which we loved but the car was just so packed up and my wife's parents had a seasonal pitch with a touring caravan so she suggested we buy a used caravan and give that a try and have to say we haven't looked back since and now have a new van, as for the kids in this day an age of sitting in front of computers, consoles, tablets its so nice that when we turn up at a site you can open the doors and off they go to play within a safer environment more freedom & independence and new friends to make each time we stay somewhere I would recommend buying a caravan to anyone, just buy it and try it!

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Jason, Spot on - what a great story. Its seldom discussed how safe the sites are for children and what a great thing it is to reconnect them with their surroundings. Thanks for popping by Dan

[@nickbarsby7275]

Gigs? You a musician? Me too. And the towbar was fitted to the car this morning ready for my first caravan.

[@catieparry6138]

We have bought our first tourer and I watch all your videos for help! Bought our awning today - very excited and very nervous at towing 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈!

[@damiengardiner4372]

Love your stories and vlog Dan. We're in Australia and thinking of buying a caravan after a great holiday in January in a motor home for a week. It planted the seed and your vlog gives us more inspiration, particularly as we have three young kids and we want to create the great family memories so many caravaners talk about. Keep up the great work!

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Damien, Thats very kind of you, and I'm glad we are helping the wonderful folks out in Australia too !! Keep us up to date on how you get on. Take care Dan

[@Daren_King]

Sitting watching this, hearing the rain on the outside of the van, is a reminder of the great times in the van. We got our van back in 2009, purchased from Reading Caravans (now part of the Swindon Group). The last half term we hired a cottage in the peak district, we got back last night (my wife didn't want a cold holiday in the van). The cottage was nice and relaxing (just like it is in the van), at the end of the half term I asked the question, whether it was worth the £300 extra that it would have cost us in the van, to which she replied no. So, just looking where to go at Easter in our van now :-) and editing the video from the week away.

[@TheTrudgians]

Great to hear Daren, i wondered about hiring a cottage, I got a firm "NO" from Mrs T. Hope you are well. Take care Dan

[@simonhill3281]

Thanks for the video ,we just bought our very first brand new lunar and hope we have as much good time in it as you and your family seem to have had ,cheers

[@kirstysewell8422]

Me and my partner are buying our caravan next easter time. we cannot wait. We are going to be full timers. Found our site which is 10 mins away from our house. Selling up and going travelling. I want out of the rat race and to actually start living. You guys are great. Love your vids 🌍

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Kirsty. Full time is something im pretty sure every caravanner would love to do. Please let us know how you get on !! Take care Dan

[@crosskaroo22]

Great video. After many years of tent camping (and working for a caravan manufacturer) we bought our first caravan pretty much on a whim really. Brilliant decision and probably wish ẃe had done it before too but we got there in the end. We bought a Lunar too and we are very happy with it.

[@snakecharmer2823]

I have been following your videos with interest and really am enjoying the learning process. We bought our first caravan a few weeks ago but are unable to access it due to the Lock down. Its a Lunar Clubman SB 2011 vintage. (low mileage) The caravan is a mess though and needs a good clean and polish. The last and original owner unfortunately died three years ago and I acquired it from his son/wife. I can't wait to get stuck into servicing the Alde system and fitting the new equipment I have standing in a pile in our front reception room, including a great solar roof panel. I retired at 60 five years ago and have had a few cruises in that time, also a trip around Sw France in my then sports convertible. We plan to go back to France next year with the caravan. I hope I enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the cruises. It seems to me I have bought a DIY Hobby as well as a holiday platform. Keep doing the videos!!! Best Wishes Chris

[@keithcaddick9398]

Thanks for the vlog Dan, so sorry to hear about Rusty, Get a replacement straight away and get him/her caravan trained. My two dogs just love it.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Keith. Take care Dan

[@daveslife9486]

I have just bought a Lunar Ariva from my place of work a caravan dealership. It's 2016 only used three times for 10.9k. Including the towbar and all accessories and I am gonna fit a solar panel the budget is now at 12k 🙄 But I can't wait to get going and wonder why I did not take the plunge years ago. 😊 Great video folks 👍

[@rorymax4904]

Nice story of your introduction to caravans, and a nice couple also. Many happy times ahead for you, enjoy.

[@lover2dstars]

Bought back some happy memories, thanks guys 👍

[@TheTrudgians]

Thanks James, Take care Dan

[@grahamsellwood8284]

Hi Dan were on our third van now after starting out with a trailer tent and quickly upgrading too our first van from hell as you've experienced at the dealership were now touring a 21ft twin axle with a Westfield roll out awning the same as yours we love the west county and its beaches and sites. keep up the vlogs even I'm learning a thing or two.😀😀

[@aislingmurtagh4722]

Heyy!! I am loving your videos! Gives a real insight into caravanning! We just bought our first caravan and are picking it up within the next week. We have 5 dogs and hate to not bring them on holidays with us so we are hoping this will be ideal!

[@edf4369]

You are a delightful family!

[@qedelec]

Thanks for sharing yet another insight into your caravanning, I find myself looking forward to the next.Her ladyship has had a wish to caravan as long as I've known her but I had never been keen. I guess the comments from work mates and friends of snails dragging their shells around, had an effect. But she called me one day saying she'd seen a Citroen C4 and had bought it started the ball rolling, because she thought it big enough to tow.Then the next part of her plan was looking at second hand vans, I told her if she wanted one she'd have to tow it. As it happened our local dealership had someone selling the van they bought 11yrs earlier. So to shorten the tale, we bought it and it had barely been used, (the cutlery drawer had never been fully pulled out).I could drone on forever, needless to say since August last year we've been away six times, and this year we have 8 weeks booked.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thats a great story Andy. So, the question is. What is your favourite part of caravanning ? Thanks for popping by Dan

[@caravaningincarathevan467]

Oh this is an old one I've not watched before. Hope your well. Stay safe xx

[@leannydee83]

I'm glad you had a good experience with the dealership up the road, as we are planning to buy from them. We love their dealer special swift.

[@TheTrudgians]

Excellent news Leanne. Yes - I recommend them, they were really good wth us complete newbies when we purchased the 'van. Take care Dan

[@dawnallard6841]

We bought our first van in 2005, we made the mistake of looking in a new van first, then secondhand ones..we bought the new one! We too wish we had started earlier, by the time we bought our second van our daughter decided she didn't want to holiday with her "oldies". Fast forward a few years she and her BF bought their first caravan, at 20 and 22 tarted it up a bit sold it and made a small profit. Have just bought a Bailey Senator. Looking forward to going on some holidays with them this year.

[@robforrest12739]

Hi Dan (& family!) - great videos, learned a lot from them in advance of picking up our van in a few weeks. Our story is very similar to yours! My wife never did caravanning when young although did camping. My family had a couple of vans from when I was knee-high to a grasshopper and we had some fantastic times as kids (my cousins had a van too). Now we've got kids of our own (1 & 4 yo) we're getting our first van! Took some convincing of the wife but she was almost more excited about buying one than me! Keep up the good work and hope you all have a great year ahead in your van/tent!

[@dmppid]

Your videos are excellent for a new caravan owner. Thanks. Keep up the great videos.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Darren, really glad they have helped. Take care Dan

[@dianabooth3108]

Oh I really love your videos! We are new to caravaning... just purchased a used Inos. Your tips are so so useful. I am already searching Amazon, Asda, Poundshops etc etc. I have towed before (I have a horse trailer) so am not a complete novice BUT... I AM CRAP at reversing! I think we have a mover on this van so am hoping this will help. We hope to take possession of this van in July sometime and will be revisiting your videos again with OH. Please don't stop making them... You are a really lovely family!

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Diana, Thank you for your kind words - and we are glad our videos have helped. There is no shame in using a motor mover - after all they have helped so many get out and get into places they never even considered !! Take care Dan

[@matty6848]

I didn't want to have that regret of my boys 5 & 8 not holidaying in a caravan years from now hence why me & the wife bit the bullet and brought our 1st caravan last week. We can't wait to go away on our 1st maiden voyage, & everybody we meet have tourer caravans tell us the same thing that we'll love it. Absolutely buzzing just can't wait to hookup and get on the road!!!

[@TheTrudgians]

Really chuffed for you guys, you will love it. Take care - and enjoy your upcoming adventures !! take care Dan

[@graemepryke4684]

Hi Dan, Loved the video, been watching for quite a while now. Our story while not dissimilar to yours when it came to the realisation that a caravan would be the way forward took a different direction when we went to have a look at various layouts and having been told by the dealer that they didn't have any 6 berth 'vans in stock we certainly were not visiting with the intention to buy. We arrived, had a look around and saw several that we liked layout wise but didn't necessarily meet other requirements, weight, cost etc so gave us a good idea what to plan for, then we walked into the show room and looked at all the beautiful new 'vans there and some of their rather juicy price tags...... when sitting in the corner, new in the previous day was our 'van! An hour later and a throbbing credit card and it was ours and that was exactly where the fun began. This was August 2014 and we collected it September never looked back.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Graeme, Thats a fantastic story, thank you for sharing. Take care Dan

[@hazellornie9499]

So enjoyed that! Your posts are very helpful. My hubby and I were late starters....didnt meet and get married until into our 40's, and started camping...which was lovely but chilly in Scotland, and rather wet! And putting or packing up a tent in rain was no fun, the inflatable bed could leak, or conduct cold air from the ground. I hated packing the car and unpacking it both at the beginning and the end of the holiday. It was so much work. But I had great memories of caravan holidays as a kid...parents and 4 kids! Our neighbours had a caravan and when they were downsizing it they offered us theirs....for free would you believe! That was in 2015, a Lunar Sunbeam 1993 model, and she had been theirs from new. Shes lovely condition, well loved and cared for. We had a wee one by then, and the end diner/bedroom for her was great. I struggled with the bed (bad back too ;-) and just realised on your other video that we should turn the cushions over (doh!) though we had already bought a memory foam 5cm topper which has made a great improvement. We have decided when we get a wee windfall that we will go for a fixed bed, and DD can sleep on sofa til she grows up and leaves home/ its not cool to caravan, and our backs can be saved for decades more caravanning in our old age. Our first site was the one that had been my favourite as a kid...Gairloch Big Sands.....beautiful views, fab beach, and brill facilities, lots of space. And the weather was fantastic :-D. So we are all committed caravanners, love it!!

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, really glad you enjoyed this video, Glad the mattress topper is helping already, Gairloch Big Sands sounds like a perfect site to me. Take care Dan

[@g7eit]

Love your story. I live on a sailboat but I’ve got a Bailey senator in storage that I want to live in if I can find somewhere to put it.

[@leeowen7249]

Just retired and getting ready to buy our new van. Love the vids

[@tyke34]

Thanks for that Dan, a lot of the things you said struck a chord with us. I must say me and my Wife have often said "Why didn't we do this before?"

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Barry, Im glad its struck a chord with you, it seems to be fairly similar to others story too. Take care Dan

[@johnlaing9124]

I’ve just purchased a 2008 Ace Award Tristar. I’m going to see what it’s like to live in it. I’m from New Zealand and we find here that the English caravans seem to be the best by far.

[@peterhardy5011]

Excellent video :-), your buying experience was a lot like ours, went with a budget in mind, saw one we loved, ended up saving as hard as possible for the next year and in early march this year it all became a reality :-) did lots of reading and web searching etc and learnt lots from watching your videos over the months while we were saving, So would like to take this opportunity to say thanks,wishing you all good health with many many more fun times ahead. Keep up the great work,

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Peter, I'm really glad to hear that our content helped you along, and kept your enthusiasm for owning a caravan at 100% What Caravan did you end up going with in the end ? Take care Dan

[@peterhardy5011]

We ended up with a 2012 Sterling eccles sport 544, When we first saw it the layout seemed to be just what we were looking for. no fixed bed, but a rear dinette that makes up in to a double bed if needed, it just seems to give us so much more space.who knows what we might end up with in years to come but right now its perfect for us, After years in a tent it was a natural progression for us..........................100% that should be easy, the whole family are loving the adventure and freedom it has brought us. we have set ourselves a loose plan too so before we go on a trip we book another one so when one trip is over we have a least one more to look forward to, not sure how that will pan out over the winter period but at the moment it seems to be working :-)

[@minty1758]

Hi, Very similar story ..both self employed 2 children and not been away for several years. Business not been brilliant for either of us, so not much to spend on holidays. We were looking at a few days in a static caravan down in Dorset but was looking at £700 for 4 days. Looked at caravans - very cheap ones most were rank. However, this ad popped up on my phone looked ok so went to see it.couple were lovey, it felt right, smelt right. came with everything awning the works. £1100. seen worse for a lot more. Next week was spent at Bagwell farm near Portland had a fantastic week for £230 and we still have the £1100 caravan. So looking forward to this season. Cliff.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Cliff, Thats a great story and what bargain for £1100 too !! well done. Its all about the memories. Take care Dan

[@lesliemay676]

Hi Dan, what a lovely video thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, we exchanged our kids for the grand kids they love it, the only trouble is that every time the caravan comes out they think they are coming with us. Keep up the video's and happy caravanning.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Leslie, Oddly, we have the same issue with the dog, every time we visit the 'van he thinks we are off !!! Take care Dan

[@Northwindbreeze]

Your videos are superb and you guys are lovely. Thank you.

[@simples8812]

very similar story here and I am glad you are enjoying it. looks like we bought at the same place in swindon AND stayed at the same first site just outside Cirencester.

[@TheTrudgians]

Ha, fantastic news. Yes quite a few others have mentioned this too me too. So I'm glad we are not alone. Take care Dan

[@fusilier]

in our case 2 years ago the dreadful taxman had taken far too much off me over the year and i got a substantial rebate. I'm a single father of one so money has often been a little tight. we had gone camping in Brittany the summer before joining other family members who had recently bought a caravan. i immediately saw the benefits of a van as opposed to a large tent. me and my daughter came back from that holiday planning to save up for our own caravan when i received the tax windfall. i talked to my 11year old daughter and gave her the choice of a holiday abroad or buy our own caravan and stay in the UK. we got a full set up in an old but well built caravan and spent 2 weeks in Devon and Cornwall. we've had a few knocks but have learned a lot especially through your videos Dan. I have a few more years of my daughter wanting to spend time with her old man and intend getting away as often as I can. I too wish I'd done it years ago but better late than never

[@rhonda4333]

I can't believe how much I loved your video, you are a natural on camera and I like you both very much. I bought a lovely older caravan in tip top condition last year and I'm too afraid to use it. I'm a lady in my sixties and I feel that I've left it too late. Going to now watch the rest of your videos and have subscribed.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, Don't be scared, but get in contact with your local caravan & motorhome club centre. Contact them and ask for assistance. Im sure they will be only to happy to help you build your confidence and show you some hints and tips to maximise your enjoyment of the caravan. Feel the fear and do it anyway. you will really enjoy yourself in your own little oasis. I hope that helps. Take care Dan

[@rhonda4333]

Many thanks Dan, I'll think about your suggestion. Rhonda.

[@harrysdad2005]

Hi Guys. I've been caravanning on and off since the late 80's. Started with a very small 2 berth behind the Cortina! Had a Rapido folding van which we took round France and a Cassita folder which we even went to Spain in. Had a break during the late 90's while I had a boat on the Great Ouse and later the Norfolk Broads. Came back to caravanning in 2003 with a new Ace Morningstar. Our son walked for the first time while we away in this van. Another break from it in 2010 but returned last year with a Lunar 556 but that was a mistake as the layout just wasnt right for us. We spotted an Elddis Affinity 554 in December and just like you we sat in it and found ourselves comparing all vans to it. It was reduced just before Christmas so we bought it and picked it up in January. Keep making the videos, they're excellent.

[@stevenrichards6432]

Hi Dan, thanks for sharing. I think it is a little unfair to say that vans on the market for £7k are like sheds on wheels. Depends on your perspective and your budget. A lot of people out there have vans that cost a lot less than that and have fabulous holidays in them every year. We don't want to put off people new to caravanning that cant afford to buy at the higher end of the market. We purchased our van in 2012 for £7k and although it did not have crushed red velour it was a very modern and comfortable caravan for the price. We did not buy it from SC though as they always seem to be over priced for second hand vans and do not have much of a range. If you are prepared to travel vans in the north of the country are better value. However we did purchase our van from burnham on sea in the end and like you got a good discount. On Another note my Trudgian tubes are nearly finished. Made a couple of alterations compared to your ones as I have added some clips to attach to the awning poles. Anyway great vid as always. Looking forward to your next trip.

[@woobiewoo5405]

Steven Richards well said

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Steven, You are spot on. When we first looked at the £7k caravans I was really deflated. I thought i would have to spend a fair whack to get one that didn't stink and we wanted to spend time away in. It was only when we looked around at other dealers i realised that the vans are available at a fraction of that cost. However, we had already set our heart on the Clubman and just compared everything to that ! ( I recall a £2k Elddis that i really liked - but Mrs T wasn't having any of it !) A good friend of mine bought a 'van in December for under £1k and frankly i was amazed at what he got for that price. But he knew what to look for, what things could be perceived as show stoppers and back then i really didn't have a clue. One of the upcoming series im preparing focuses on how to caravan for a really limited budget, and to show that its open to everyone regardless of driving licence type and for a very limited budget. Great to hear the "tubes" are coming along, please send over some pics when they are up. Take care Dan

[@jessH090]

Also noting that 7 grand at a dealer will get you a far lot less than in a private sale. You just have to work out if it not having a warranty is a risk you want to take. I did recently and it paid off, very happy with mine 🤗

[@MAWells999]

Always enjoy watching your videos and this one was very similar to how we first started out just over a year ago now. Great vids, keep em coming.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Mark, Glad you enjoyed or story. Take care Dan

[@WrittlesCave]

The Trudgians you guys are bloody great. so natural and really entertaining. great camera work and sound. the sound is the rain really wonderful. Many thanks

[@nightwolf1592]

Hi, great video. We are just in the process of researching caravans for a purchase soon (ish) we hope. Enjoying your wisdom through the blogs etc.