The bits you never see but have to be done

[@Bessie66]

lol my hubby needs directions to the washing machine and then it’s a clueless look 😂😂😂

[@HelenandDave]

Ha Ha, Dave has become quite the house husband lol. Thanks for watching.

[@lightdancer4146]

It’s so interesting to watch you packing away and washing. Your caravan and home are beautiful - all SO clean. I’m catching up with all your videos and looking forward to more…I’m learning a lot as a newbie ‘vanner. Stay safe and travel well. Beth 😊

[@HelenandDave]

Thank you so much Beth, we're glad that you are enjoying the videos. Hope you are enjoying the van life too. So much fun and very relaxing (most of the time lol). Take care, Helen & Dave

[@MarilynChandler-gu5vt]

Dave the bedding you put on is not just for Helen, you sleep in bed too! 😂 Met Helen yesterday at Wells and she is even better in “real life”! Mal xx

[@HelenandDave]

Blimey! Birds of a feather and all that 😂 Helen mentioned she was chatting with you, hope you’ve had a nice stay. Apart from storm Polly, we’ve enjoyed it. ATB, Helen & Dave 👍

[@sharonfitzpatrick9352]

I too was saying that! My husband says the same 😂

[@barbsdee3831]

I thought the same! My friend’s husband is always saying he’s done a job for her ie “I’ve washed the kitchen floor for you….” 🤣🤦‍♀️

[@JennyKirby-Selves]

Oh all the joys of Caravaning packing and unpacking , but its well worth it ,many memories ,wouldn"t change it for anything else, well done Dave on doing the washing ,definately earned a Ghost Ship !!

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Jenny, we agree, best thing we ever did was buy a caravan, wouldn’t change a thing. Yes a Ghost Ship well earned 😊 Hope you’re Ll well and thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@griswald7156]

We’ve got a caravan plug on the garage wall.. it eliminates the need for a three pin inside the garage..

[@HelenandDave]

We need 3 pin in the garage so the adapter is a cheaper option 👍

[@griswald7156]

@@HelenandDave its a cheap job to put a dedicated socket on the outside wall…and so convenient ,just like on a campsite…

[@thecaravanaddys]

Hi Helen and Dave. We really enjoyed watching that 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Cheers Deb & Tony, glad you liked it. We enjoy your videos too, we watch you in bed Sunday nights 😂. Take care, Helen & Dave

[@Boommer1020]

Hi Helen Dave, great video as always. Just one thing don't forget the motor mover😮

[@HelenandDave]

Thank You & We’ll Done!! I had just finished filming this had a cup of tea, packed the filming gear away and then noticed it was still engaged. I did wonder if anyone would notice 😂 Thanks, Cheers, Dave & Helen

[@planecrazyaviation7773]

Hi Dave & Helen, great reality check! There’s always plenty to do pre & post a caravan break! Good to see you doing the washing 😂

[@HelenandDave]

Hi guys, actually it’s pretty hectic at times, we have to drop CoCo the African Grey at the parrot hotel each trip 🥴🦜

[@terryfielding8836]

Hi Dave & Helen, great "behind the scenes" vlog. Cheers Terry

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Terry, hope you’re well. Something a little different this week but we have a few more sites to bring you over the next couple of weeks. Thanks as as always for watching. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

The joys of unpacking - it doesn’t matter whether it’s a caravan or a motorhome there’s always plenty to do. Thank goodness for motormovers. Well done on avoiding the roses. H&M 😊 '

[@HelenandDave]

Hi H&M, so true, but it’s worth it isn’t it. Yes, damage the roses and you get your head in your hands to play with 😂 ATB, Dave & Helen

[@keithalisonpreston9327]

Great job same procedure as us. Only difference we have caravan nose to house no way it can get taken. Keith just loves the motormover. 😂. That's a great towing cover we've bin looking. Xxx

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Both, nose in is a good idea 👍 Only just got the cover, expensive but our old cheaply was damaging the van so it had to go. Thanks as always, Helen & Dave 👍

[@keithalisonpreston9327]

​@@HelenandDavehi again where did you get the cover from. X

[@HelenandDave]

@@keithalisonpreston9327 It’s from specialised covers. Custom fit for the van. Just punch in your caravan make, model & year and they make it to order to fit your van www.specialisedcovers.com

[@keithalisonpreston9327]

Thankyou. X

[@stewchesman5259]

Great video again Dave. Jobs we all have to do wherever we park up the van and it's nice to have your own routine. That little black bung on your wheel lock barrel.... spit on it lol... it will stay there. Enjoy your time ;))

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Stew, many thanks as always for watching. I wish I’d known this earlier, I lost it in a storm last week, it blew away . Pretty sure I can get another! Great tip! Thanks, Dave & Helen 👍

[@johnsquires5988]

Hi, I always travel with the yellow plug in the Alko receiver to keep road dirt out

[@HelenandDave]

Hi John, I do normally too but must admit on occasion I do forget to put it in. Thanks very much for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@perrinstow5302]

Hi Dave & Helen, excellent job done with precision, including the washing good job, Perrin & Marilyn 😉

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Perrin & Marilyn, reckon I’ve made a rod for my own back doing that washing 😂. Thanks as always, Helen & Dave 👍

[@gallivantinggalantes]

Hi Dave, very interesting to see how you manoeuvre the caravan into the drive. Impressive. Nice hearing what you do on the arrival home. Glad you got the washing on for Helen. Take care x Julie and Tony x

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks 👍Julie & Tony, they're always plenty to do!! but it's worth it for all the fun trips away. Hope you're both well and thanks as always for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@MichaelBurton-zv9zv]

Great useful vlog as usual, many thanks…

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Michael, all the best to you 👍

[@wdavies123]

Great tips again Dave. Thank you. Can I just ask, where did you get your caravan front cover from. I like the style. Thanks again . Best wishes Wayne

[@HelenandDave]

@@wdavies123 Hi Wayne, many thanks indeed. The front cover comes from specialised covers, here’s a link www.specialisedcovers.com Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍

[@CaravanningwiththeMrs]

Hmmm... interesting how people do the same thing so many different ways. We were overweight when we went to the weighbridge recently (well, it was mostly the caravan, vlog impending) and you've given me an idea. Helen's roses look lovely!

[@HelenandDave]

We guessed it was the caravan that was over weight but I wonder what the idea is??? Now we’re gonna have to wait for your Vlog to see. Hope you’re both well 👍👍

[@BenjaminSmith-o9r]

Dear Helen and Dave, the videos are so informative, thank you so much. We look forward to them each time. Well, Ben and I have been caravanning for just over two months now and truly loving the lifestyle. We've been away every other weekend and had a week at Two Mills in North Walsham at the same time you were just up the road reviewing the wonderful cliff top campsite (Name escapes me right now). We hope all is well and look forward to viewing more videos. Warmest wishes. Chris and Ben.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Chris & Ben, lovely feedback, thanks so much. Sounds like you’ve taken to the Caravanning lifestyle, it’s great isn’t it! Two Mills is very relaxing, think we may have been at Sandy Gulls at the time! We only go home to cut the grass and do the laundry 😂😂 Thanks again, Helen & Dave 👍

[@brianmorris8434]

Hi Dave and Helen You are obviously well organised when you get home, good to see, the only thing that I would probably do differently is to put the wheel lock on before lowering the corner steadies. Great video though Brian Morris

[@HelenandDave]

Cheers Brian, much appreciated, wheel lock first it is from now on 👍ATB, Helen & Dave 👍

[@MrsBuzby]

Enjoyed watching that, thanks for sharing. Good to know it’s not just us newbies that forget stuff. I’ve suggested to hubby he has ‘handbrake’ tattooed on his hand 😂 always have to remind him, both for on and off 🙄

[@HelenandDave]

Handbrake tatto ‘Genius’ I’m always forgetting the handbrake. Once tried to pull away with motor mover engaged and even left the caravan door open once, someone flagged us down 😳. Thanks for watching ATB Dave & Helen 😂

[@jimcampbell8650]

Another good video Dave especially like the security posts. Only one wee detail… ye dinnae get brownie points… it’s one point if you are lucky…😂😂

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Jim, hope you’re well! You’re right of course, Helen is very tight with her points 😂😂 We were lucky to get a new drive so it was the ideal time to drop those posts in. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@caravaningincarathevan467]

I always make sure ive turned off the gas bottle "again!" And the taps are open. Great video xx

[@HelenandDave]

Hi, are you like me? Keep going back to check because I can’t remember if I did it 😂 Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave 👍

[@caravaningincarathevan467]

@@HelenandDave yes thats me even with a check list. Lol its my age!

[@HelenandDave]

@@caravaningincarathevan467 😂😂👍👍

[@alz64101]

Really enjoyed this.

[@HelenandDave]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for watching. ATB, Helen & Dave

[@MrJacksonlewis]

I like your hitch cover mate. It fits really well. Please can you tell me where you bought it from?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Greg, yeah it's a good fit actually. I got it on Amazon, here is a link to it Greg. amzn.to/3NF2YI4 Thanks for watching. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@neilgregory5380]

Hi Dave I was told to put back steadies down first as they are attached to the chassis then front just to steady caravan.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Neil, I was hoping to get a comment about the steadies because I have never been given any direction but what you’ve said makes perfect sense. Thanks again, Dave & Helen 👍

[@mellarner8253]

Much the same routine for me, although I do not intrude with doing the pink jobs

[@HelenandDave]

Nice one Mel! and now I know I e made a Rod for my own back 😂👍👍 ATB, Helen and Dave

[@steb9210]

Good job done there Dave, have you not got a yellow wheel lock receiver cap, to keep out the muck when driving.

[@HelenandDave]

Great observation May I say 👍I wondered if anyone would pick that up. Yes I have and I forgot to put it on! It’s not the first time I’ve forgot either. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@robswiseways5697]

Nice to watch your version Dave, very well manoeuvred into park position 👍. There’s quite a lot to do when you get home prepping for the next trip, especially when you work full time ha ha 😁. We have a narrow drive up to the car and caravan garage and I’ve perfected how I drive in and out with the caravan on tow. By the way, why not have another socket fitted to the left of the garage to plug the caravan in, to eliminate the trailing cable ? (Another video idea) Enjoyed watching (from our premium pitch at Cayton Bay), all the best to you both, Rob & Gail 😀

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Rob & Gail, you two are getting out & about too, we’ll done!! You’re the second person to mention a designated socket, maybe I need to investigate further. Hope you’re enjoying Cayton, looking forward to you video already! ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@mentalneil]

So glad its not just me that has a set system in which I do things at home and on site, oh baby girl is starting to go into secure storage while we're not using her now, it's been a long wait for a place though, but at just £1.32 per day, you can't knock it, TC D+H

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Guys! Yes you have to have a system. I would forget so much if not and I’m rubbish with lists. £1.32 a day is very reasonable, result!! Thanks as always for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@neilcooper2306]

Hello Dave and Helen Having just watched your video on caravan covers I just wondered if you thought that just a top cover would do just as good a job? Also noticed you have two locks on your caravan door. Is this something that came with the van or have you fitted the second lock yourself? Love the video's all the best Neil and Ginnette

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Neil & Ginnette, many thanks for watching and supporting the channel, we really appreciate it. We decided on a full cover to give some all around protection in the winter from dust blowing about in the wind/gales, snow & ice etc. we never considered a top cover but that might be adequate in terms of just keeping the roof cleaner. Even with a cover on the roof still goes a little green from the damp but not as bad it would do without. I fitted the 2nd lock for extra security. They are not expensive and if you click the Amazon link in the video description you’ll see it. Best wishes, Helen & Dave

[@shinkins6702]

Not sure why you plug in as soon as home, do you not put fridge on before going away? If so that would charge battery back up from using movers when putting it back on drive, not to mention battery will be charged by the car on your next journey. I only plug mine in before going away and have to use movers to position it plus have E&P and never had a battery issue.

[@HelenandDave]

I only put the power on until we have completed our pack away. Sometimes if we are busy we have stuff in the fridge until the next day but once the fridge is empty we power down completely and then power up again the day before we go away to get the fridge to temperature before filling it again. Cheers, Dave & Helen

[@barbsdee3831]

What make are your security driveway posts Dave? When I get my caravan I’m considering storing it on my drive and that looks a good idea. Does it make a small difference to the insurance at all? Oh and have you ever used an awning rail protector? We used one on ours and they really do help to stop the black streaks. Worth considering 👍🏼

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Barbs, here is a link to our Amazon store which features most of the caravanning stuff we have purchased including the security posts. On here you pay the same price as everyone but Amazon pay us a small commission on purchases. Thanks for watching. I do have an awning rail protector but I struggled to get it on, need to try again. Thanks as always, Helen & Dave

[@alanpostma5861]

That was great video watching you doing all that how the car at towing is it a 2 litre

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Alan, thanks very much. Yeah the car is 2lt automatic and toes like a dream. Really happy with it. 👍 ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@angelacherrington208]

Newbie here. Towing cover. It seems to me that they obscure the legal upper lights on the front edge?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Angela, universal covers tend to come with a pocket on each side that houses a light (torch) and reflectors. Custom fit (purpose made) covers like ours do not obscure lights. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave

[@PhilHawkins-w2c]

Dave, do you leave the motor mover on the wheels to stop it rolling? We are getting our Knaus Sudwind 540 next month and it will be fitted with a motor mover. Never had a caravan, love your videos. They wil be a great help when we get started.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Phil, many thanks for watching and leaving a comment, the answer is NO. My top tip is as follows:- motor mover into position, engage handbrake, drop the corner steadies, pop your wheel lock on (assuming you will have one) and then disengage the motor mover. If you leave the motor mover engaged, it can cause a flat spot on your tyres because it's clamped very tight against the them. The reason I have emphasised the above procedure is because I made the mistake of disengaging the motor mover before I had put the handbrake on and the caravan rolled forward and bumped into my security posts and put a crack in the front of the caravan. Hope that helps, cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@PhilHawkins-w2c]

@@HelenandDave Thanks for clarifying. I'm sure we will be making plenty of first timer schoolkid errors.

[@johnjury7316]

Hi Guys, if you park your car in front of the caravan, just wondered why you apply such high level of security to the caravan? Regards John

[@HelenandDave]

Hi John, thanks for watching and leaving a comment. The car is only parked in front of the caravan when we are there so it's imperative to ensure that it's secure at all times. Personal choice but we have all bases covered. (well as much as you can do). ATB, Helen & Dave

[@johnjury7316]

Many thanks, quite understand.

[@garyfoster4704]

Hi Dave & Helen ... Jealous watching your tours. I'm out of action at the moment with a herniated disc 😟 .... The tyre valves are a pain in the butt with these locks, sometimes I wonder why they don't fit an alko receiver on both sides of the axle to give more options on fitting the lock. 🤔

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Gary, sorry to hear that, sounds painful! Wishing you a speedy recovery! Agreed, they are a pain even more so if you forget the alignment, get the steadies down and put your awning up 😂😊 Thanks for watching, take care, Dave & Helen 👍

[@steveblack728]

Sometimes easier to whip out the jack and turn the wheel , making sure the other is chocked of course

[@HelenandDave]

@@steveblack728 great tip Steve, thanks 👍

[@gourdarchibald6588]

You mentioned Brownie Points, do you have any tips on where I can spend mine? I've accumulated many over the years, but they don't seem to be accepted anywhere useful.... 😁

[@HelenandDave]

😂😂 just keep hold of them, I’m told you can trade them in for favours 👍

[@tonyconnell435]

Fantastic blog dave i have a solar panel just trying to work out what weight it is trying to keep the vans weight down so i bought a top box for the awning and thats where it lives is the sun canopy a better option

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Tony, many thanks as always for watching. That's a nifty idea, I have never heard of that. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@neilgater2213]

i just leave my fridge on Auto and it selects whatever power is connected be it the car or 240 hookup

[@HelenandDave]

Our friends fridge does that too but ours doesn’t seem to. 👍

[@bragg2012]

Your motor mover range for the remote seems to be much bigger than mine. I have to stand quite close. It’s new but maybe the remote needs new batteries!

[@HelenandDave]

Interesting! I can actually stand in the garage before the caravan is even on the drive, it seems to pick up the signal well. The battery is quite old so not really sure why that would be. Is yours a Powertouch? Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@bragg2012]

@@HelenandDave yeah powertouch. I wonder if something could be interfering like the Bluetooth on my lifepo4 battery or something! Will have to experiment

[@HelenandDave]

@@bragg2012 good luck 😄

[@sophieboult310]

There is a stand up comedian Scott bennet , he does a sketch on caravaning on KZbin, so funny

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Sophie, thanks for watching. Yes we’ve seen it and agree, he’s very funny 👍 Cheers, Helen & Dave

[@davidandrewstarbuck2151]

Question is, if we had a Motorhome, would we have less to do before, during and after the trip?

[@HelenandDave]

Not qualified to answer 😂😂

[@charleswotton9417]

Hi dave why it the hitch lock a waste of time without the ball ?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Charles, Even where a hitchlock is used to prevent the coupling from attaching securely, if the hitch is left unblocked then thieves can use a ground down towball or hook to tow away hitchlocked caravans. The Security Ball prevents the caravan from being towed in this way. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave

[@charleswotton9417]

@@HelenandDave thank you I think iv got the ball in front locker.. il start using it

[@HelenandDave]

@@charleswotton9417 no probs, if not you can pick ‘em up eBay/Amazon 👍

[@discoveryadventures2296]

Hi Dave, we also have a 580 and my first job is to align the chassis lock and chock the wheels. Do you have the Dometic fridge in yours and do you keep accidentally changing the settings on the display? If so I have a solution for you. Regards Peter

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Peter, many thanks for watching, 580 is a great van. Yes we do have a Dometic fridge but not had any issue hitting the wrong button but now hitching to know your solution 😂 Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍

[@gemmahull2380]

Great watch - is that an RAF flag I could see? Your garden or someone else’s?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Gemma, thanks for watching, no the RAF flag is in our garden. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@gemmahull2380]

@@HelenandDave I have only just started watching your channel and didn’t realise you were ex military, mind you I can see you are very organised, comes with the training! Mostly lol. Enjoy your trips.

[@HelenandDave]

@@gemmahull2380 both of our parents are ex RAF we just love planes. Thanks for watching us 👍

[@kazz750]

Did you put your ball cover on lol or is it removable

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Lionel, yes I did 😂😂 but I didn’t film that bit 😊

[@PaulWright-l9n]

As a fellow Norfolkian, always enjoy your vlogs, just one thing, I don't recall you disengaging the motor mover, do you keep it engaged either when in storage or pitched on site?

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Paul and very observant of you. When I realised I had t done it I had already packed the camera equipment away. Thanks for watching, see you on the next one! Helen & Dave 👍

[@caravanstuff2827]

Is "PICK UP THE PARROT FROM THE PARROT HOTEL" a metaphor for picking up the mother inlaw from the relations???.🤣🤣❤️🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@HelenandDave]

He goes on holiday when we go away. Never wants to come home though 😂😊

[@Ad-ventures-out]

People always double take when I tell them my parrot 🦜 is at a hotel. We have taken her away in our caravan a couple of times, have you ever done the same Dave?

[@HelenandDave]

@@Ad-ventures-out Hi, yes we have, he’s been a few times and he loves going in the car too but he makes such a mess 😂😂

[@MichaelBurton-zv9zv]

Dave - is your car manual shift or auto? I have a manual Evoque and I think it’s better as I am I control of gears…., never had an auto so just curious…..

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Michael, no ours is auto. I had manual cars for years but had an auto back in 1990’s and never had a manual since. The Kia tows really well. Happy with it 👍

[@StanleyFranklin-fw5wb]

Can you reverse not using motormover?

[@HelenandDave]

Yes, very well indeed but what’s wrong with using a motor mover?

[@planecrazyaviation7773]

Why would you not use your motor mover? Much easier when you’re trying to get tight against a wall and position your wheel lock

[@HelenandDave]

@@planecrazyaviation7773 Exactly that Steve and especially if you’re working alone 😂

[@steveblack728]

Did you forget the washing liquid 😫

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Steve, I wish I had, then I wouldn’t have got that job again 😂😀 We use tablets. 👍 Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave 👍

[@HepcatHarley]

I always hold the remote in the same direction as the caravan, saves me getting confused. Also I never have more than 1 or 2" of the jockey wheel inner tubing showing above the locking slot as it would be a weak point when maneouvering, especially when riding up a kerb or going on grass where the wheel could hit an obstruction or jolt, bending the tube. I always forget to turn the gas off before leaving site, luckily wifey reminds me. I learnt my biggest lesson on our first trip away, put all the legs up as we were setting down and leaving and said to everyone, "Don't enter the caravan from now on"...wifey said a few minutes later.."Ian, go and shower Dave the Dog, his towel is in the rear locker"....well I'm sure you know the rest, I stormed in, completely forgot and the caravan went up like the Titanic lol

[@HelenandDave]

Great tip ref: Jockey Wheel, I have to raise it to get it off the tow bar but should lower it again as you’re describing. We once looked at a caravan at a dealership and both walked to the back and only the front steadies were down! Titanic syndrome again 😊 Thanks as always for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@DesmondsDonders]

Not sure I wanted to see your bits. I would have shut the locker door. Just in case. You know where you are now but next time something might catch it, yes that is the voice of experience and they are damned expensive for what they are LOL.

[@HelenandDave]

Dave you always put a smile on our faces 😂. Good point ref: locker. Thanks for watching. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@griswald7156]

I would put chocks on the tyres…and don’t use the handbrake..

[@HelenandDave]

Interesting! Thanks for watching