Occasionally Asked Questions

[@johnbarnett7435]

Hi I am a Single chap have been caravansing stills 1974 1st Spite 400, then got a Bailey Pageant Imperial 1999,, Someone drove in to the back washroom of the caravan & drove it off, then got a Swift Challenger 400 SE,1999,,Now I have updated to a Swift Sterling Eccles SE 2013 Topaz it as 17 thing on it that I have never had before, If you like sitting out in the sun & getting a good sun tan joint SUNTRECKERS a very friendly club, I love your video there are very good kept up the good work, Best wishes

[@philg6613]

Well done guys. Some great tips. As newbies to caravanning we need all the help we can get! Keep up the good work. You are helping a lot of people gain confidence and enjoy caravanning much more.

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Phil, thank you. that's very kind of you to say so. We are really chuffed that our tips are helping you guys out. Take care Dan

[@susanstones2935]

Sorry i keep commenting but you both are so interesting & you have taught me so much already. Im actually addicted to watching your channel.Thanks so much Susie

[@jenniferhickman392]

hi guys I have enjoyed your video you have helped us enjoy our caravan. you guys are down to earth and you say it as it is. looking forward to more videos xx

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Jennifer. Thank you for your kind words, wee re all very proud that we have helped you enjoy your caravan more. Take care, Angela, Tom, Chloe & Dan

[@mat5726]

I know this was ages ago but it was such a relief to know that I’m wasn’t the only one to brick it on my first row! Love rewatching the videos, but can’t wait to see your new adventures soon, 👍🏻

[@johndesborough592]

Great video you are both stars of KZbin for me watch you all the time we have just purchased our first carvan and always you your video as a guide thank you x

[@Dottieogo]

I think you guys are excellent. Huge thanks for sharing.

[@terrykayak1]

Thanks for all your advice been invaluable just sold our flat booked a seasonal pitch for 7 months from next month , today just bought our first caravan ! Coachman vip 560/4 intending full size all weather awning year round living in retirement 🤗

[@colinmarson5136]

Hi dan since we ditched the static caravan and decided to take up touring we find these videos real helpful, at the moment looking to buy our 1st van soon but hold off until we been to the lawns show at Cottingham in September

[@RailAdventUK]

Another very enjoyable video! Loved your appearance on C5! Regards, Michael :)

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Michael. Take Care. Dan

[@steviewhitt7963]

Hi Dan, Angela, Tom and Cloe. Just found your channel which is full of interesting tips, reviews and vlogs. I still class us as newbies, even though we've been caravaning for three years. I'm tempted to follow your lead and start a you tube channel and vlog our experiences. I'just got to convince the Wife and son. Please keep up the fantastic work.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Steve, Absolutely start a channel and start sharing your adventures with everyone. Its a growing community right now. Take care Dan

[@steviewhitt7963]

We're getting closer, well I say we. My son (bless him he's only 11, so he's keen) I want to do a channel, just not the most photogenic person you can find, and I'm not keen on my picture being taken, would rather take them. The stumbling block will be my significant other. But I'm sure between my son and me, we can talk her round.

[@johnpatterson6399]

Awesome I have just brought a caravan have had it out twice and was worried about towing but as you say it's easy love your vids

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning John, thats excellent news. Thank you for watching our content. Take care - and enjoy your caravan ! Dan

[@tarick8774]

You're positive people. Warm greetings from Poland.

[@dmreid9620]

Hi, I just saw you on channel 5 and decided to subscribe. Great content sir, very well done!

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you ! - appreciated.

[@johndonkin6615]

Hi Dan we bought our first touring caravan last year and thanks to you have learnt quite a lot of useful tips on touring from your videos. I have recently bought a solar panel and controller to keep my battery topped up whilst in storage. Your video shows how to set it all up what cables to connect in order but my question is what is the procedure when i hook up to mains electric on a site . Do i leave solar controller connected to battery or disconnect ? Your help would very much be appreciated . Keep up the good work many thanks John

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi John, When we are on Electric hook up our panel is disconnected. it won't hurt having the panel still connected while on EHU, after all, that's how permanent panels are wired in. If yours are temporary like ours, simply disconnect them when on EHU. I hope that helps, and thank you for your kind words. Take care Dan

[@johndonkin6615]

Thanks Dan for your helpful reply i have finally set up my solar panel in our caravan and is working great. Cant wait for our first outing in our second season of caravaning. Regards john.

[@kaibrown987]

watch a lot of your videos. really help and interesting to watch. thank you. Ps. get my first caravan at the end of the week so excited. :) but will be couple of months before i get to use it as got to get all the bits for it, water barrels and so on. :(. once again thank you for your knowledge.:)

[@CtiStu]

Hi Dan, thanks for answering my question ref awning pegs on hard standing pitches, when I said we were fairly new to caravaning I didn't make myself very clear!! We have been caravaning for years but new to going to sites with pitches!! We normally go to Hollands Wood in the new forest for a couple of weeks in the summer and a couple of weekend breaks as its only hour and a half way from us, but after watching your videos we feel inspired to get away in our van more and try more places, We've not used our van enough over the last 12 months as I've had a run in with cancer but it's all looking good now, were lucky we have two boys (10 & 5) who love going away in the van :-). Got a couple of questions if you don't mind!! 1. What model is your Cadac? They look easy to cook on? (Embarrassingly I don't do any cooking but would love to try a fry up on one! It's just knowing how high to put the gas on and when to put everything on!!) 2. Would you say the Caravan club is a good club?

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Stuart, that all sounds very positive, both for your boys & your health. Fingers crossed all remains well for you. Our Cadac is the Safari 2 (i think) and its just like a huge frying pan. you can purchase them with various plates / cooking platforms etc - we hardly cook inside to be fair. We cook the majority of all our meals on the cadac these days. and the caravan club i personally think is brilliant, but the camping & caravan club is also very good. it really is personal preference. We were members of both, but we always found ourselves on a caravan club site (don't know why - we just did) So try both, see how you feel about them - they both offer excellent sites and great value for money in the cost saving of a pitch and special offers they both arrange etc. I hope that helps. Dan

[@CtiStu]

+The Trudgians Thanks Dan, we're members of the camping and caravaning club but can't help thinking the caravan club maybe better, hopefully bump into you guys on a site one day, we can have a drink and talk caravans lol Thanks Stuart

[@lensmanonline]

Been a Caravaner for 27yrs (started at the tender age of 25) my passion is photography, but i'm getting into Videography, so i'm not only finding your caravan tips great, i'm learning from your video techniques Definitely Fix bed for us (getting new van next year). Auto or Manual tug ? Judging by the places you mention near your home we must live in the same area I'm near M4 Juc 16. Keep the vids coming subscribed

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, many thanks for your comment - Yes i think if it was just us two, we would have a fixed bed in a heart beat. Im touched you consider my videography worth of learning from - thank you ! and yes we have an Auto. its a 3.0d X% sport. and you're spot on with location. We cannot wait for the roadworks to start at that junction !!! NOT ! Speak soon Dan

[@keriwaller588]

Watching you on TV right now!!!

[@northdevonwildlifewithandy788]

Yay, Devon. Devon rocks. My home for 66 years.

[@pirellyn]

Thanks so much for this. I am recently retired and about to collect my first ever caravan and the one blot on the landscape is towing so it was great to hear your comments. I've had an hour lesson on a drivers circuit in a borrowed car and trailer and was going to book another on the roads but do I really need to? I am a competent driver with 40 years experience but have never towed. What do you think? It's a microlight caravan. Also do you have any tips for solo caravanners (plus dog!). I have a growing stash of purchases and can't wait to take off but towing is worrying me especially as it is a 2 hour drive to the dealer. Your vlogs have been so helpful and inspirational and I was amazed to hear you've only been caravanning for 2 years! Keep going. Lynne, Devon

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you for your kind words Lynne, If you're a competent driver, you will undoubtedly know the feeling when you get into a new car. You're unsure how big the car is, you have no idea how far the bumpers are etc etc. Towing a caravan for me was exactly the same. It took 1/4 mile before I understood I wasnt the biggest thing on the roads, and I could easily get around a roundabout. If you are unsure have a discussion with the Caravan & Motorhome Club about some of their training schemes, its obviously a personal descicion and one i cannot really influence you on, but i found it to be okay. I hope that helps. Dan

[@pirellyn]

Thanks Dan. Look forward to your next videos!

[@MrRichardhampshire]

Brilliant video, very informative. Thank you

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you

[@DesmondsDonders]

Brilliant, you are me, I worked in IT and I am a radio amateur with a background electronics :-)

[@TheTrudgians]

Flattery will get you everywhere Dave lol. Haven't been called "Young" for ruddy ages... I feel great now lol.

[@DesmondsDonders]

:-) I edited before the reply. But I had to retire early due to health so everyone is young that still works ;-)

[@TheTrudgians]

Well, sounds you have a great retirement now ! - Have a look at my other channel - you might find that quite interesting. kzbin.info

[@DesmondsDonders]

:-)

[@BerghausCamper]

Hi guys hope you're both well. How do you film and edit your videos? I'm struggling to get the confidence to film myself and I don't know much about editing. Love all of your content!

[@johnoleary169]

Hi guys great show I Spotted a Cadac Safari chef in your van have you done a review on one ? Keep up the good work John

[@andrewjditton]

Just remember Mr T, I knew you BEFORE you were famous! ;@)

[@TheTrudgians]

I won't forget that my friend. Hope the traffic eased for you on Saturday !

[@peteratkins6616]

Andrew Ditton f

[@eel2839]

You can thank your appearance on Channel 5 for my subscription 👍 soon as I saw you making the video about toilet paper, I just had to find you 😎

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you !. I hope our content is of value to you.

[@FredGStrat]

I found you on a tv channel and loved you guys keep up the good work

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you !

[@FredGStrat]

+The Trudgians no problem :)

[@jackofalltrades9746]

I'm looking for some advise about tv aerials: my van came fitted with a roof aerial but the signal is iffy, any ideas

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, I will be covering Antennas, Sat dishes and how to get the best out of them in the near future. Thanks Dan

[@jenniferhickman392]

can you tell us what is the best tip to get a good coverage on the TV when you in the caravan as we get not alot programmes on the TV got a outside arieal but still crap coverage

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Jennifer, Okay so there are a few things to check with TV aerials - firstly either get a TV signal meter so you can aim the antenna at the right place, or look at others around you to see where they are pointing. Once in the right direction - make sure you have some sort of booster inline - this will help a lot. If you're still getting nothing but blocks, maybe think about upgrading the antenna. There are plenty available these days. and finally if this isn't something your interested - have you considered taking a Satellite dish with you ? These are inexpensive and can be set up quickly. I will be covering Sat dishes and setting them up in a upcoming video. i may even sneak one in about TV antennas too. Hope that helps. Dan

[@jenniferhickman392]

That be a big help thanks Dan for this info and if you could in the video could you mention about booster in-line please I be so greatful Thanks again xx

[@TheTrudgians]

will do. no problems.

[@shwabzamen3120]

Which camera to they use? The video quality is gorgeous!

[@TheTrudgians]

HI, the camera used here is a Canon 80D - with a Rode Pro boom Mic. Lens is a 18mm - 135mm set at about 30mm for this particular video. Hope that helps.

[@electrocomico309]

Saludos from Spain!

[@uk_aldo]

Tv appearance has seemed to boost your subscribers :-). Look forward to the next vid.

[@TheTrudgians]

You're not wrong, seem to have picked up quite a few now ! Speak soon Dan

[@Youtube_deleted_my_favourites]

When were you on TV?

[@HaydenDay]

I saw this channel after watching the TV show carry on caravanning

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Hayden. Take Care

[@HaydenDay]

i will and i love your KZbin

[@TheWoodmans]

Brilliant love you guys saw you on tv earlier. Question i have is what bed do you recommend for the awning?

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning, Ok so we have a camp bed, with a self inflating mattress, then a double quilt. The bed is like this one - but i cannot remember the name of the one we have. - but this gives you a great idea of our set up. We use an inner tent set up and its incredibly warm for Tom. www.amazon.co.uk/Beyondfashion-Aluminium-Single-Folding-Outdoor/dp/B00MUDPC94/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1472892102&sr=8-5&keywords=metal+camp+bed

[@TheWoodmans]

Thankyou very helpful as worried it would be too cold for our daughter.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, it is surprisingly warm in the awning - especially with the inner tent. I wouldnt recommend it for Autumn or winter - and maybe some Spring days maybe a bit chilly. So in those instances - try a small halogen heater.

[@full_time_motorhome]

watching you on tv. great. My question is can caravanning be done on a budget and should you avoid tourers with damp issues? Cheers. Graeme.

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Graeme - Yes you can do it on any budget, and I would always steer clear of tourers that have damp, unless you can isolate the dampness, and rectify it. It really depends how damp the van is and, if you are brave enough to cut bits out and replace. Have you got one in mind ? Dan

[@woobiewoo5405]

Good vid ! You come across better on here than on tv ! U looked a bit moody when talking toilet paper lol but you won me over ! 👍👏

[@TheTrudgians]

Thanks Craig. You can judge which one was edited and which is "more real" I think Angela says I'm moody, but she has had to put up with me for 20 years now ! Thanks again Dan

[@twinsane1998]

Fab video again. We've been away in the van so missed you on the telly! Are you on catch up?

[@TheTrudgians]

lucky you for being away ! - i haven't looked, but i imagine we are on 5 on-demand (My5 i think its called nowadays) hope that helps Dan

[@twinsane1998]

Haha, sorry to rub it in when you're stuck at work but it was great. Just a test run of the new (used) van but getting away is always lovely and we went to a site less than 15 minutes from home that we had no idea existed! We'll be going back often. 5 on-demand is a great start but (time for a plug for you) what show were you on? :)

[@TheTrudgians]

here we go... The show is Carry On Caravanning. and I've even got the link for you too... www.my5.tv/carry-on-caravanning/season-1--2/episode-1 Speak soon.

[@twinsane1998]

Brilliant, thanks. I'll watch it later. Don't let fame go to your head! :p take care.

[@TheTrudgians]

No fear of that, Mrs T would put me right back in my box lol.

[@enidlilley9613]

Maybe you could try a RETRACTABLE LEAD for your dog we have one and it lets your dog roam a little and them retracts when they come back

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, We did try a retractable lead once, after he got tangled and frustrated he then managed to break it ! not sure how he did, but it was pretty broken. So we just attach him to the wheel on the caravan and he seems happy with that. Take care Dan

[@lensmanonline]

Not a caravning question, But what do you use to edit your videos/photos, Imac or pc, i'm on an ageing pc & it's need changing(Been updated many times) not sure whether to go Imac or pc. pc has high spec less ££££, but Imac seems to be the videographers choice. regards Jon

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Jon, i use Mac, either Final Cut Pro X or Premier Pro CC - depending on the project etc. Having used PC for over 20 years i can confidently state that Mac is far better at handling rendering, but there is a lot of excellent software and platforms for PC nowadays - so its what ever you feel comfortable with etc.

[@lensmanonline]

Thanks for the reply Dan, i must admit i do fancy an imac but its the ££££££££ that is a bit off putting. Cheers Jon

[@jackross4032]

Do you recommend the unicorn for compact caravaning?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Jack, I have no experience of the unicorn, so I'm not really the best person to ask for recommendations. Have a look on one of the many forums on line - such as Practical Caravan. I hope that helps. Dan

[@leewilson2719]

Too right about the Kevin and Perry ive got 4 teenager's

[@paulefc1971]

You have my sympathy- the positive side is they give up going on holiday with you after a while, our three eldest don’t come any more 😂😂😂

[@steezi]

I saw you on tv 😂

[@jameshack3945]

How long do you go away for from James Hack

[@louislecheminant6670]

Haha saw u on tv

[@leesmith9299]

Question for the next OAQ session: Do you ever think about selling up and touring permanently when the kids have flown the nest?

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Lee, You know what I have thought long and hard about this. and Mrs T agrees that once the children are older and have left home, we would purchase a motorhome and tour Europe in it. We wouldn't go to the usual hot spots but start in the Eastern Europe and visit countries / areas that are off the beaten track. then head back west etc.. Would love to do that. What about you Lee ? you thought about it ? Take care Dan

[@leesmith9299]

Hi Dan, That sound great. I do little else but think about it watch youtube videos on it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to give it a go next year. The big question of the moment is Caravan vs Motor home. I think Caravan is winning at the moment. If I do it long term moving every day may be too much so the advantages of a motor home start to deplete. 5-10 minutes to go out every day vs. 20-30 mins to move house every 3 days.

[@nickP111]

Hi Lee....I also think of nothing else... to my wife's distress. I think Dan and Family have convinced me to get a Caravan rather than a Motorhome. I don't think realistically that 'boondocking'...although attractive...is easily done in anything less than a stealth van in the UK. Given that I will be using campsites 95% of the time, and staying for more than one day....the advantages of a motorhome, to me, are dwindling away.

[@outandaboutmd]

Thanks so much guys

[@stellaswancounselling]

Yes I used to hate coming home too. Now I live in it and it’s fantastic. Thanks Guys I wish I lived in 🇬🇧 to join your community. Maybe trudgefest next year. Love you guys the swannies down under. Stella x

[@jeffjohnson847]

Hi dan great vid missed you on tv what was you on ?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Jeff, we were on a TV show called Carry on Caravanning. - it was a few years ago now and quite cringy too

[@StephenTigerfox]

Just picked up our caravan up last Sunday. Went away the same day! I don't think this would have been possible with yours an others youtube channel. Many thanks. I do have a question. Have you seen many black caravaners? My wife is black and I think She is an inspiration to others. I was wondering if you would like to interview her for one of your vlogs? My Vloging skills are as of yet to poor to download. 😁

[@jameshack3945]

Hi Dan hope you are all well from James Hack

[@scousepagan680]

Allright dan me and my wife recently took our two boys aged 4 and 18 months on there first camping trip as it was a massive success not only for the boys but for me and her. So we decided to buy a caravan now here lies the problem i drive a vauxhall mariva a 1.7 dti and my wife drives a dacia dusta 1.5 td we where planing on useing the duster as our tow our new caravan say one from the 2000s however the duster and the vauxhall can only tow a max of 1200kg and maching it to a 4 berth caravan is near impossible one from the 1990s yes one from the 2000s no we live in liverpool which has a high car insurance frauds (crash for cash) so we realy need to drive such cars to keep the running costs down i was wondring if you could do a vlog on maching low cost tow cars with caravans. P.s i thing the caravan and car industry's are going in separate directions caravans are getting heavier and cars are getting lighter for better running costs.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Paul, Thanks for your comment - you will be glad or upset to know that you are not alone. I get asked a lot about car to van matching, and this is a topic I will be covering in the near future. I want to be able to show an affordable outfit for minimum cash for a family of four, and show variations for both licence types etc. Thanks for popping by, and I hope that my upcoming videos will help in this area. Take care Dan

[@scousepagan680]

The Trudgians thanks dan

[@666ejames]

Use towcar.info/GB/ to help match a car to a caravan.

[@vinnow10]

nice!

[@TheTrudgians]

thank you.