Don't get carried away with caravan awning accessories - Like we do!!!

It's easy and very tempting to keep buying stuff for the caravan!
In this video we look at how we set up in our awning or sun canopy to enjoy great outdoor, living, cooking and eating.
We look at the awnings, the accessories and how our needs change depending upon the circumstances we find ourselves in at a given time & place.
As always, we re also really interested to hear what you do too, so please do leave a comment below, that would be great.
There is also a link below to our Amazon store where you can purchase these and other caravanning accessories.
Thanks for watching and if you haven't done so yet, please subscribe to our channel it's FREE!
All the best.
Helen & Dave
Our Amazon Shop Page link below. Once there, click the awning accessories group.
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[@colinrimmer789]

Dave thing I find invaluable is a sheet of Visquine ( plastic builders sheet) same size as awing carpet goes underneath on hard standing stops moisture coming through keeps your socks dry 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Colin, that's a great tip!, thanks for sharing (gonna nick that!), and thanks for watching too. Hope you're well. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@planecrazyaviation7773]

Hi Dave, don’t worry, you’re not alone, we also have a garage full of caravan stuff too and we’ve given lots away 😂😂 we tend to take as little as possible away with us these days. Look forward to seeing the inside tour next. Steve & Chris 👍

[@HelenandDave]

😁 Had a feeling we're not on our own. Thanks as always for watching. Cheers, Helen & Dave

[@keithalisonpreston9327]

Hello. We're the same to much stuff. But like my dad used to say come in handy one day. 😂 Bless him. Like the chairs we need new chairs. Keith just said here we go again. We're just getting ready for the off. Love it. Thankyou. Xx

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Alison & Keith, we love to get outside under the canopy or in the awning, so the comfy chairs are a must. If the weather is rubbish, we are quite content in the caravan. TBH it's the only time we truly relax. If we are at home we are just constantly doing jobs. Thanks as always for watching, cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@saram5416]

👍👍 Dave, a fantastic video. Thank you! Just what we were after. Great tips . Loving those lights! Look forward to part 2.

[@HelenandDave]

Glad you enjoyed it Sarah, Helen is going to do the part 2 version, hopefully next week....watch this space and happy caravanning. ATB Dave & Helen

[@terryfielding8836]

Hi Dave and Helen. A great reminder for clearing out some of the items we have purchased but don't hardly ever use. Cheers Terry

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Terry, we all do it 😂👍 Thanks for watching and all the best! Dave & Helen 👍

[@shanz5820]

Lovely video ❤

[@HelenandDave]

Thank you 🤗

[@daveH55]

Great video Dave, it was good to see how someone who caravans a lot does it, and does it well. Picked up a lot of useful tips for the future, thanks 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Dave, nice of you to say so and as always we both appreciate your support. Best wishes 👍 Dave & Helen 👍

[@lesleyhaylett7938]

Loving the outside set up. Ours is very similar, funny enough 😂🤣❤

[@HelenandDave]

Great minds think alike Lesley he he he. It's about time you were out in yours again we reckon! :o)

[@gallivantinggalantes]

Hi Dave, really enjoyed hearing about your caravan set up with the awnings. Love the one you use the most, looks very posh with the red checked table cloth. Helen does a lovely job. Thank you for sharing x Julie and Tony x

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Julie & Tony, thanks! Helen does a great job of making things look good. She's going to present the part 2 of this video next week. Take care, Helen & Dave

[@gallivantinggalantes]

@@HelenandDave will be watching x

[@hackettdavid]

Im new to caravaning and we are picking our van up next week, your videos are very informative and great to watch. ,

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks David, fear not, you will make mistakes too, we all do the only advice I can give is get a laminated checklist lol but seriously it's worth it and also just take your time. Most errors occur when you are rushing or under pressure. Enjoy the caravan, it's the best thing we have ever done. Cheers, Dave & Helen

[@williamforde287]

great video

[@HelenandDave]

Glad you enjoyed it William, thanks very much for watching and leaving a comment. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@TonkaPhotography]

that bed looks comfortable!

[@HelenandDave]

It is, Tom loves it and so does Savannah.

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

Well that’s the most interesting vid we’ve seen for a while We’ve made notes on some of this kit. We’re newbies (van) but your tips and accessories will prove really useful for us as well. Sue loves the tablecloth and roses!! I’m interested in the mini tables / footstools and the inflatable bed Great stuff thank you. 👍👍🙏

[@HelenandDave]

Hi David & Sue, thanks very much for watching and leaving a comment and we're so glad you found the video useful. Van, Motorhome, Caravan, Camper or Tent, it doesn't matter. I think we're all chasing the same thing (getting away from the rat race). Happy travels to you both and please stop by again. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@campakilla1]

A couple of things I've found to make life easier over the years... microfiber towels - a bit strange to use at first but they dry in a few hours even in the caravan in winter.! Collapz aqua roll filling pipe - no more water soaking your shoes! A 5lb lump hammer to put pegs in - i managed for years with a mallet.. then someone lent me one and i couldn't believe the difference!

[@HelenandDave]

That's interesting, never thought about micro fibre towels. I also ditched the mallet, all pegs are metal and the club hammer is so much easier. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@marraaman]

Hi Dave, interesting video. Long time since I’ve heard the phrase “ tv set”.❤👍👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Steve, ah yes, showing my age a bit there lol. Thanks for watching, always appreciated. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@alanpostma5861]

Hi Dave good video we got a big air bed when the Grandkids wants to stay for 1 night we also got the small bedrooms full of caravan stuff it just show you how much stuff we get over the the years 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Alan, thanks for watching. It's scary how much stuff you accumulate isn't it but like you, we need different gear when the grandkids are in tow. Sounds like you might need to get some stuff on eBay ha ha. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@patriciagassor4497]

We like to keep couple warm throws in the caravan for when we sit outside especially in evening, and even use them inside in winter month trips, I just keep them spread out on the sofa seating, helps protect the upholstery.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Patricia, yes that’s another good idea, we have a few throws too, mainly we use them early & late season and through the winter too…. Thank you again. Helen & Dave 👍

[@janetmather1446]

Hi Dave, Helen and Bella - very much the same as you have the same canopy as you (which is our favourite) with the air windbreak which we have only used once 😮. We also have a 260 air awning with an annexe which we put all our cooking equipment in when we go away for 2 weeks. We do love the canopy and sides though , so quick and easy to put up and our go to awning whenever weather permits . Xx

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Janet, many thanks as always for watching. We love the canopy and like you it's always the first choice. Hope you're well. Cheers, Helen & Dave :o)

[@kevinlawrence2127]

Great vid. Its getting close to decluttering the front gas locker and other storage areas of all the stuff we "needed", but have never used or have rarely used. Top tip, especially if you have an island bed at the back of the caravan. Do Not load up the wardrobe and cupboards with clothes and heavy stuff under the bed. you might exceed the MTPLM and make the caravan unsteady to tow.

[@HelenandDave]

It's amazing how all these things build up. I'll be doing the same too, every little bit of clutter removed will certainly help with weight reduction. Cheers, Helen & Dave

[@stevep.8706]

Another great video, thanks David. It took a while to convince my wife that we don't need to take enough plates, mugs and cuttlery to serve the masses, especially as she was packing heavy crockery. We have now weeded out what we don't use and need and it's surprising how much we've got rid of. Now, we can use the awning to sit in and enjoy rather than it being a necessary storage area for stuff we don't use and need but have taken with us, just in case....! One thing I have got rid of is the folding larder though. It was a great idea when we bought it, we stored bread, fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs in it. Unfortunately though it also became quickly evident on a couple of sites we stayed on that mice and on one occasion, a stray cat also found our fabric and mesh larder too hard to resist and chewed and clawed their way in. We now use a plastic storage container with a lockable lid for storing non-perishable food in the awning.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Steve, agree with you whole heartedly. Helen is going to do a follow up video on the interior stuff we have and despite our best efforts to reduce all of these unnecessary items, I think we still have far too much. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@amyking9013]

We use a folding crate for our recycling. So lightweight and easy to wash. Folds away small!

[@HelenandDave]

Great idea Amy, love these little tips. We also have a little box we put on the cooker top to do same. Helen is going to do part 2 to this video showing the inside set up too. Thanks for watching. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@jeffreyholroyd1479]

Good video

[@HelenandDave]

Thank you Jeffrey, much appreciated. Stay tuned and best wishes, Helen & Dave 👍

[@robswiseways5697]

You certainly have a lot of kit to choose from 🤔. Do you know, we haven’t got any accessories. Tell a lie we’ve got two folding chairs under the bench and only used them twice in 10 years 😂. Nearly bought a porch awning when we purchased the caravan but glad we didn’t because we don’t really need one. Good little video Dave. Enjoy your rare break at home….filming as usual ! 😀. Best regards to you both, Rob & Gail 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Rob & Gail, I’m not all surprised to learn that because you two are never in!! You walk all day and sleep all night 😂. Actually we love your adventures away. Thanks as always. Dave & Helen 👍

[@sandrapearson728]

We inherited a Sunncamp 325 with our first van and kept it when we upgraded. It has been ok but you’re right it does flap around a lot. We’ve just forked out on a Dometic Club 390 because my sister and dog are going to come with us occasionally, her Labrador and our Jack Russell both in the van would be chaos so we’ve got an annexe. It has poured with rain every time we’ve been away so far this year so the sun canopy can wait. We have bought a pole with hanging hooks on for it, looks very useful and some light tubes. Other than that our set up is pretty identical to yours. Teppanyaki, cupboard with top to put it on, table and chairs plus a little footstool/coffee table. Can’t wait until we next go away in about 3 weeks 🙏 for some dry weather.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Sandra, it's been pretty rubbish on the weather front hasn't it! Great idea on the annexe for the dogs though and the pole/hanging hooks sounds good too. I think we've landed on the 'less is more' approach. Thanks as always, Dave & Helen

[@alanmiller259]

Hi Dave. Great topic. We’ve been caravanning for 20 years now and have bought and sold many things, particularly awnings and barbecues. Always looking for the easiest to use and with barbecues the easiest to keep clean. Our setup is pretty much the same as yours re awnings. We have the same canopy and have an Isabella air porch awning, although we use the canopy most of the time because of its ease of use. We’re often amazed at how much appears from some caravans on site though and then start wondering if we’ve got enough 😂 The one thing I haven’t found the perfect answer to though is what to do with a wet awning, especially the Isabella porch awning. If it has to come down wet where to put it and how to store it? We carry it on the back seat of the car normally, with the dog in the boot area. What we don’t want is a wet back seat! I’ve been looking for a properly waterproof bag to hold it but not sure if one exists. It feels like I’ve spent the last 20 years watching the weather forecast in the last few days we are away to spot a dry spell to take the awning down. How sad am I 😂

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Alan, thanks as always for watching and leaving a comment. We haven't been caravanning as along as you but we certainly are always buying and selling or giving away stuff. Interesting call on the wet awning. We also watch the weather and try to choose a dry spell to take it down but have been caught out a few times. It's 99% the sun canopy we use and on occasion it has got wet I have put it in the shower to bring home and then straight out over the washing line to dry. A waterproof bag though sounds like the best idea. I will look into that as well. Great!! ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@castlequay2327]

i like my small Asda airfryer (9v) on a tiny picnic table. brilliant for garlic bread chips and bacon so far.

[@HelenandDave]

Tempted! that sounds really good, must investigate further. Thanks for sharing. ATB Dave & Helen

[@Meggy6571]

Hi Dave and Helen, Feel your pain Dave, the amount of stuff we have bought and sold over our 15yrs vanning is ridiculous. 🙄 We have now nailed we believe, we only have a sun canopy no awning then our set up is just like yours 😊. PS on the chairs you said you nay get if they are the ones I think they do not go fully upright so no good to sit at the table when eating. Great vlog looking forward to the next 👍 Paul and Joanne 😁

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Paul & Joanne, thanks very much for watching, good point on the chairs, hadn't considered that. Yes, they say we all learn the hard way lol. I think we are on the same page as you now. We've adopted the 'less is more' approach. Thanks as always for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@Meggy6571]

@HelenandDave Hi, it's the good thing about watching. Even though we don't you tube, you can still share advice and ideas 👍 P and J 😁

[@michaelhayes9975]

Interested in your comments on weight. We have the Broadlane 580 which is basically the same as yours and after weighing on a commercial weigh bridge “empty” we are already close to our maximum permitted limit. We put our Kampa awning in the car together with anything else heavy like liquids and tinned items etc, and have to keep a close eye on anything else we load in the van. I’m convinced there must be lots of “overweight” rigs out there without the owners realising what they are pulling. Great videos, keep them coming please.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Michael, I agree with you. I should think more outfits are over weight than under weight on the road. There really isnt much to play with. We are always removing items that we hardly use but still I feel we take too much away. Too many clothes and too many pots, pans, crockery etc I always put the awning/canopy in the car and our portable cool box too. Thanks very much for watching and leaving your comment, much appreciated. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@t11cky]

Hi, I'm just flicking through some old videos as looking at sun canopies. Do you leave things like the coolbox, table, chairs etc. outside at night and when you go out for the day? Keep the videos coming as always helpfull and interesting 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi there Andrew, generally yes but it depends a lot on the site/location otherwise in the caravan or in the car. Thanks very much for watching, always appreciated. If ever your passing our pitch and fancy a ghost ship, there will be one in the cool box 🍺👍Cheers, Helen & Dave

[@gourdarchibald6588]

Some very wise words in this video. I suffer terribly from the "keep it or buy it just in case" disease. When I got the invoice from the Removal Company in 2002 I resolved to keep things in boxes and wrote the date on the sealed box. Recently I went into the loft and discovered a box dated 2002, still sealed and I couldn't remember what was in it. I've moved house 3 times since 2002. I have resolved to fully explore my workshop and the three Sheds that contain the overflow this Bank Holiday weekend. Since 2002 I have put a piece of tape with a date on it on many things, I've tried to remember to redate things as I've used them, I suspect Charity Shops and my Fleabay account might be quite busy next week! Perhaps the tip of dating things will help others before they reach my level of addiction! 🤣🤣🤣

[@HelenandDave]

I have a feeling you're not alone lol. I hate spending money on stuff and then giving it away or selling it for peanuts but I am a little more ruthless than Helen who always hangs on to stuff under the guise of 'we'll need that one day' ha ha. also have to agree though, a good clear out is good for the soul, someone may be able to put those items to better use, you will free up space and maybe get enough income from the sales on e-bay to go out and buy some more!!! Thanks very much and ATB, Dave & Helen :o)

[@ashleyjohnstone371]

Finally getting caught up tonight, so interesting to see your awning set up. I have the same Suncamp and like you can't get on with it, as you say it rustles constantly, there seems to be a lot of extra pegging out with that skirt that flares out. It's a bit awkward as it was a gift so I have to pretend to like it and couldn't return it, haha. For outdoor cooking I just love my electric grill, one of those tv chefs who's name escapes me put his name to it, one half is flat the other ridged, used it all summer long. Can't understand people lugging heavy Cadacs around, as you say you're paying for the electric anyway. Also love your lights, something I haven't fitted but always get a kick out of seeing awnings lit up in the evening, makes a campsite really cheery.

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Ashley, Nothing against the Cadacs but have you seen the price of those things? The electric grills work well (when you have electric) we also have a little two ring electric stove too as we try to cook outdoors as much as possible. Dave can't go anywhere without the lights lol. Thanks a lot and take care. Helen & Dave.

[@kevinlawrence2127]

Electric grills only work when you have EHU, as most of the places I go, I am off grid. I don't have a Cadac either as they are to expensive and more clutter@@HelenandDave

[@user-uc1hw7xn1e]

Hi Dave, Helen & Bella. Thanks for the videos which we love, as relative newcomers to caravanning you have taught us loads and we have subscribed to the channel. One thing I find invaluable in our caravan is a small counter-top ice making machine which lives in our awning (along with our air fryer). It’s a “Fooing” Amazon item that I was gifted from a mate as faulty and I fixed it for a few quid as I’m a fridge engineer, it retails for about £80 and there are similar ones sold in Aldi/Lidl. It sits there spitting out around ten small ice cubes every 8 minutes, perfect for an evening of cold drinks in the awning (we enjoy a G&T or Espresso Martini when away). It lives in the van permanently and is part of my setup routine on arrival.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Adam, thanks very much for watching and subscribing, really appreciate it. We’re always interested in what others do too and your ice machine sounds really good. We like to have our drinks on the rocks too, even if it’s just a coke or still water. Great idea! Thanks again and we hope you enjoy your Caravanning as much as we enjoy ours. All the best, Dave, Helen & Bella 😊

[@mentalneil]

Hi D & H, we have a 2 berth Sterling Europa with end bathroom as our van, to which 😢I've recently bought a Sunncamp Versara 300 Air, and bedroom pod (though still waiting for this to turn up), I bought a Hi Gear double camp cot, and a thin air mattress (these are to go in my pod when it arrives, I have 2 Vango extra wide chairs (very comfortable), I have a set of 3 tier black shelves which I set my awning kitchen up on, (like you if I'm paying for electric, I'm using it rather than my gas, so I have 3 electric rings, a toaster, and a small 2.2L air fryer, pots/pans and plates then go on bottom shelf, I bought an awning carpet and a rug as well, just got to buy some (3) solar lights for outside the awning and van. TC and safe travels (we're off again for 5 nights from the 6)

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Neil, wow you've got a full on catering kitchen there lol. Great use of the awning though. The bedroom pod sounds like a great idea to a real home from home and fully equipped. Hope you have a great trip away, fingers crossed for a final blast of fine weather. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@mentalneil]

@@HelenandDave thanks D and H

[@mellarner8253]

Hmmmn… divorce in a bag, the best site spectator sport going, putting the awning up. Yep, my first ever attempt was a full awning, came with our first caravan, poles were on the verge of becoming javelins, refrained from llaunching them at a few grinning faces…..sold it for a Dometic porch with poles colour coded, sorted. Went to Isabella Magnum, brilliant, added 2 annexes ( used them twice, like the 400 Vango Vienna air used 4 times, Vango 280 air, used 3 times, all awaiting a car boot sale) . Only use the Magnum now as our preferred choice, easy to put up, strong and stable. Did get a cheap canopy, used once as an injury just before a trip made it easier. Then there are hitchlocks, wheel locks and a whole bunch of other stuff all just eagerly awaiting that boot sale. Now travel light, weighed the van with all the kit we actually need, just within the limit. Thanks ever so much for all the reminders and prompts, but I do get a reminder every now and then, “When are you getting rid….” Could travel lighter, (and quieter) but who would do all the pink jobs? Well, perhaps the ultimate caravan accessory, inflatable Au Pair?

[@HelenandDave]

Mel, that's the funniest comment I've ever read on the channel ha ha ha. However, it sums up nicely how easy it is to just keep on buying and I think a car boot/ebay/garage sale is deffo in order. However, I would deffo buy the 'Air Au Pair' in fact, I would fill the garage up with em lol. Thanks as always for watching and leaving a comment. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@mellarner8253]

We both look forward to the Thursday vlog, must admit, did wonder what the subject would be this week, as on my trip home yesterday, had occasion to go past your way and saw car and van parked at home, thought that was nusual, given all the recent content. As ever, always a good watch Mel

[@user-xh3lh9ck3t]

Hi Dave and Helen. Absolutely love the channel and has gave us some real inspiration about places to go in Norfolk. Me and the wife watched this with more interest as was hoping you’d steer us towards your multicoloured lights you have in your canopy. However they don’t seem to show in your Amazon store? This is something the wife would like in our canopy

[@HelenandDave]

Hi thanks for watching and for your lovely feedback. If you click the Amazon link to the store, once you get there products are grouped. If you click on awning accessories you will see the lights there. Any probs, let me know and I’ll send you a separate link. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍

[@user-xh3lh9ck3t]

Thank you. Found them

[@martinfield1484]

Great video dave and some useful tips have you got a link to the self inflating bed that looks a cracking idea As far as over loading the caravan I was 5 up in the car hyundai Santa Fe 1 was a baby and the amount of stuff had to take was incredible as when we got to the site there were another 10 of us I must say it didn’t seem to phase the car and still achieved good fuel consumption and that was on the super diesel stuff Cheers martin

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Martin, thanks as always. Yes if you click on the amazon link in the description and then click the awning accessories pic you will see the inflatable bed. It's really good, we've used it at home for the last 3 nights (grandkids are here). Hyundai 's look like really good cars, really impressed with what I am hearing about them. ATB, Dave & Helen. PS let me know if you can't get the link and I'll send you in a message. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@user-ze4ot9iv2k]

Hiya..re. swopping over door panels on kampa awning and losing curtains...we have done the same on our awning but on newer models the curtain rail is now attached to the door panel and not the main awning so when you swop panels the curtain rail goes with the door..Mick again 😀

[@HelenandDave]

Hello again Mick, that's great. We do not use the awning has much as we used to but when we do, I'm changing the sides like you/Ronnie (in the video). Much better design giving the option to have the door either side. Thanks for watching, happy travels. Helen & Dave

[@DesmondsDonders]

Eight years after changing to a motorhome. We still have unnecessary caravan stuff in the shed. As far as awnings go we hardly use our Fiamma so cannot fill the van with awning stuff. Two chairs and a table is the norm. We still carry to much in the way of plates and cutlery but for some reason very light on whisky glasses LOL

[@HelenandDave]

Ha Ha, that's funny Dave, sounds like you have it sussed, apart from the whisky glasses! Hope you're both doing OK. Cheers, Helen & Dave

[@blackvulcan100]

Interesting, however we take everything, you name it we have it, but then we do stay away in Europe for two months at a time. One of the best things we have bought was an ice making machine, great in the heat of Spain and France. I have now limited our selves to just one gas bottle. We do have the vehicle to take all the items, a Land Rover discovery, tows all our kit and caravan with ease. Do not have a separate freezer but I am looking to get one.

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks very much for watching. Yes, long stays and seasonal pitches will certainly want more stuff :o). Ice machine abroad sounds like a must have, we buy ice all of the time and put it in our freezer box. We also only carry one gas bottle and keep the spare at home. We hardly use any gas a t all so a full bottle so far has lasted us 2 years and it's not empty yet. We used to have a Discovery 3 years ago, loved that car, 7 seats, loads of rooms and very comfortable. Thanks again and happy travels. Helen & Dave

[@johnmillard9725]

Hi Dave Great Video as ever, What site is that on the outro of the video? looks lovely

[@HelenandDave]

Hi John, Hope you’re well and thanks for watching. That’s Concierge Camping, Chichester. Pricey but really nice, we will go back. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@paulmostyn6901]

Hi Dave: Excellent video. We are newbies and the small tables look superb. I will look into them. Do you leave them up and out all the time you are on site? Regards Mossy.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Mossy, thanks for watching us 👍 Yes, once set up, we leave everything as is until it’s time to go home. Never had any issues. ATB Dave & Helen 👍

[@collyoung6017]

Life is too short for awnings !!!!

[@HelenandDave]

😂😂 there are times when we completely agree 👍 Helen & Dave

[@HepcatHarley]

I have a caravan service on Tuesday (£170 from a local guy). Volvo xc60 was serviced last week with an MOT via a new rear tyre. Leak in the bathroom at home was also sorted last week along with a new toilet fitted, it's been an expensive month :) I recently bought some of them Hi-Gear Vegas XL chairs from GoOutdoors but found them to be really sweaty on a hot day so I'll be changing them soon. I bought them on recommendation too so I'm not best pleased. Yours look nice and have a good mesh for breathability. Taking the caravan to a local party tomorrow (3 days) and it'll give us a chance to try out the cheapo awning I got from Aldi. I'm sure I won't like it but as you say the Kampa Dometic one we have is a heavy beast and quite a challenge to feed along over the high marker light on the caravan. I have the same big table as yous and also one with adjustable height legs for the tepanyaki, reason being the first time I cooked breakfast on it it wasn't on level ground and one egg followed another down into the oil drip tray, overflowing that then onto table and the floor :D We went to the Torchlight Fest last weekend, it was fab, Toyah and Sophie Ellis Bexter were brilliant, missed Will Young as we left early to miss the exit queues. Talking of unnecessary things I was forced to buy an attachment that apparently filters out the grey waste so that only water comes out, haven't received it yet to try it out but I suspect it'll be another waste of money. :)

[@HelenandDave]

These costs really do build up don't they! I think we've had the runaway eggs and olive oil scenario a few times too. Torchlight sounded good fun, will be interested to hear how the grey waste filter goes. Thanks as always for watching. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@margihawkes4021]

Hi 👋 dave great information thanks for sharing loved the video, can l just ask about security the sun porch is a lovey idea but leaving our thing's out in the open would worry me whilst we were off walking or at the cafe/pub. Do you take everything back inside the caravan or put the sides on the porch awning? Thinking of purchasing one . TIA

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Margi, we leave everything outside, never had any issues but we do of course choose our sites carefully and weigh up the area, campsite and our neighbours carefully. If we had doubts then we would put stuff away. TBH, I think this is what most other caravaners do too. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@BrianJames-of5hr]

Love this video. Can you tell us what length the light string is that you have for your 400 Pro air canopy?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Brian, here is a link to our Amazon Store and our Awning Accessories which is where you will see these lights. I think in total (including lead from power to first bulb) they are 12 meters. Hope this helps. Dave www.amazon.co.uk/shop/caravantastic/list/114RB3Z985Q54?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

[@BrianJames-of5hr]

@HelenandDave Thanks Dave. By the way, you cost me a fortune today in terms of purchases: sun canopy, sides and accessories - and I don't think we're finished yet!

[@HelenandDave]

@@BrianJames-of5hr Oh dear, I do hope you will be happy with them. If we don't like anything though, we tend not to review it but we're all different. Happy travels and now put your credit card away lol. Cheers, Helen & Dave

[@davidlewins4631]

Don't forget when totting up the weight of items in your allowance, include the weight of accessories that are fitted to the van but not in the original design, motor movers etc. They eat away at the payload allowance!!

[@HelenandDave]

So true David, it really does mount up very quickly, also battery and gas bottles!! Thanks for pointing that out. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@caravanstuff2827]

I think you're love of the colored lights stems from your DJ exploits...am I wrong??.🤔

[@HelenandDave]

I can’t argue with that! 😊 Coloured lights are important to me 😂😂

[@howellbillington5610]

I'm new to caravaning only 10 months. The question is how do I Know the caravan weight that I'll be towing. I have a 2023 Elldis affinity. Your blogs have been Very helpful Howell Billington 😊

[@HelenandDave]

Hi there Howell, that's the 64million dollar question. The weight of the caravan is usually listed on a plate near the door frame and in the owner's handbook, but the manufacturer/supplier should also be able to tell you. This weight is not including motor movers, gas bottles, batteries or anything that you put in the caravan. If you can find out the weight of these you will have a good idea then of what you have left to play with. Might be worth putting in the average pay load you take and then finding your nearest weigh bridge to see how that measures but the most important thing is to not go over (fine upto £2500 if caught, I believe). Even more important than that is to ensure that the weight in your van is centred over the axle as much as possible because if the nose weight is too heavy or too light it can impact the stability of the outfit when towing, especially at speed. Checkout The Trudgians or Andrew Dutton on KZbin. These guys have done numerous video's on the subject and have years of caravanning experience. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@ianryan606]

Just subscribed, have you any tips on how to stop the seating in the caravan from sliding of the wood when the kids are moving a we have a swift ace diplomat. great youtube channel.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Ian, we have the same problem and haven’t tried a remedy yet but we have some rubber slip material that we put under our rugs (when carpets are out) which may work well under the seats thinking about it 👍. Thanks for subscribing and ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@ianryan606]

Thanks, I'll give that a try as well@@HelenandDave

[@fat-shotgolf2937]

My garage is full of caravan stuff. If its a weekend away, i take caravan and car. 2 week summer hols, air awning, table chairs, blow up chairs, awning extension for more stuff, pop up wardrobe, storage unit. George Foreman grill. I really need to take less.

[@HelenandDave]

🤣🤣😆 You're gonna need a bigger garage (or a couple of more caravans). Glad it's not just us, It's so easy though, we're forever buying stuff, we just can't control ourselves. Thanks for watching. ATB, Helen & Dave

[@stevezodiac491]

We pull our 4 berth, fixed bed 7 5 metre, single axle caravan with a Mercedes E Class diesel. Although it has no trouble pulling the caravan, even with the correct nose weight, we still get a wiggle at speeds not much over 50, so I keep it at 50. I think it must be because the car is quite low slung and the air hits a lot of the caravan front causing aerodynamic problems. We are getting a tow bar fitted to our lwb camper van to try that towing, what do you expect it will be like towing ?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Steve, had that wiggle before and it's not a nice feeling is it. Yes it might well be the aerodynamics as you have mentioned. Interestingly a camper and caravan is something I have thought about before, it gives you all types of options. Truth is, I really don't know how it would respond. I have always used the online calculators you can find. Plugged in my car & caravan make and then checked what that churns out in terms of permissible towing capacities etc. Our Kia Sportage is quite low in comparison to the caravan but we have no issues with 'snaking'. Worth getting it checked out further with a dealer I would say. I have seen a number of people towing caravans with vans/campers and they seem to get on really well. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@scott8579]

Just wondering david, has the bottoms of the beam on the sun canopy ripped, mine has and its not a easy fix

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Scott, no, we haven't had any issues in that regard, how long have you had yours and how did you fix/repair? Would be interested to know. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@scott8579]

@HelenandDave Hi, not had a fix left i.t it's not got any worse it is on the feet, where the velcro goes across, you dont realy notice it until you look, pity I carnt post a photo

[@HelenandDave]

I know where you mean, did have a look quite recently and all looked well but will keep an eye on it. Thanks again for the heads up.@@scott8579

[@christophersibley3023]

Do you empty your van for the service?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Christopher, only partially. We empty the main wardrobe so the Alde heating tank can be accessed other than that we just ensure the walkways are clear and the spare wheel under the bed can be accessed. Thanks for watching 👍

[@TheEndriu166]

Hi Dave, write where is this caravanpark pl z.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi, this is The Secret Garden in Cambridgeshire. We did a video on it last week, take a look, it's a great place. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@adiwilson42]

What was the save Your life comment

[@HelenandDave]

Was referring to the caravan service, will be a video to follow regarding out of date Co2 detector.

[@adiwilson42]

@@HelenandDave I just bought carbon monoxide and smoke alarm pack for the caravan

[@HelenandDave]

@@adiwilson42 meant to put Carbon Monoxide, there needs to be a date on the back at which point it should be replaced. Ours didn't have a date on, so replaced it. A friend of ours just bought a joint smoke & carbon monoxide alarm. ATB, Dave & Helen

[@tomduggin4422]

Hi Dave who is your mobile caravan engineer?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi we use Darren ‘The Caravan Engineer, mobile but based in Great Yarmouth. Tel: [phone]. 👍

[@geoffclarke9157]

What is the name and Web address of your service engineer?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Geoff, apologies for the delay, it's been a manic few days. www.thecaravanengineer.co.uk/contact-us/