Total and utter newbie (1 Viewer)

[Julzie]

Hi I'm Jules, married to Ross and we've just got our first motor home, we bought it yesterday and are picking it up next Monday.

The main reason we got one is that we have 2 dogs and wanted more freedom when going away with the dogs, plus we can go further afield as we can stop overnight to break up the journey, I'm thinking like on trips to Scotland.

We live in Hampshire, so down the bottom of the UK but we are looking forward to exploring more of the country and generally having fun and relaxing with the dogs.

I'm going to make some quilted covers (bit like fitted sheets) to pop over the cushions, so if the dogs get muddy/sandy/grubby the covers will catch the dirt not the upholstery, and after each trip I can chuck them in the washing machine and they'll be ready for next time we go away.

I'm thinking there must be a list of 'must haves' to pack, lists of 'dos and don'ts' and stuff along those lines........also I'm guessing there must be an art to packing so you don't get 10 mins down the road and have to pull over to stop something 'rattling'.

Anyway, looking forward to getting to know you better and picking your brains with beginner questions LOL

 

[Figaro]

Welcome to the forum, you`ll get used to the rattles eventually

 

[daveandsan]

Welcome to the forum, you`ll get used to the rattles eventually

I find a gag handy.

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[EuroTrotters]

Hello Jules & Ross,

Welcome to the forum.

I dont think, especially having two dogs, you will look back and think, should not have done it.

From experience, there is no other way of finding out other than jumping in at the deep end.

Their are plenty of smart 4rses and know alls on here (myself included) who think they know the best way. But often, the best way is only their way and not yours.

Many Happy & Safe Travels.

TM

 

[pappajohn]

There isn't a list of "must have's"
You'll know what you must have when you need it and haven't got it, you'll have it next time.
Only things which are a must are bottle opener and corkscrew....unless you're tea-total of course.
If you take everything you think you need you'll be carrying a lot of stuff you'll never use.

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

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[FIDGET]

Hi June's & Ross , Welcome from the Isle of Wight
Terry & Ann + dogs Asbo/Emily & Maddie

 

[Janine]

Hello and welcome to the Fun

 

[toledo]

Hi and welcome to fun

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[Allanm]

The only way to get rid of rattles when you are driving is to go to France.
Why can’t the British build a smooth road?
Anyway, welcome.

 

[Baldeagle7470]

Hi and another to the fun,enjoy.

 

[The Dudess]

Use this cut to size for lining your cupboards and drawers - stops things slipping around.
Amazon product ASIN B004HL15M0(Can get cheaper from B & M).
And,

and to the doggies

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[Rosemary1]

Welcome to the forum, you`ll get used to the rattles eventually

We have one that just can’t track down once when van was totally empty - picking it up not a squeak but now despite moving items around each trip and packing like mad it’s still there - just behind you when you start driving it seems. Got rather fond of it now

And

Don’t worry you will do lots of daft things to start with - well we did and thought we were normal average intelligence people!

 

[ambulancekidd]

 

[WillH]

Hello and welcome. Rattles? Turn the radio up.

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[gus-lopez]

 

[Puddleduck]

The most useful thing we have (after a paid for MHF subscription) is........









our packing list!!!!!! It has developed and evolved over time but if we stick to the list and double check we don't forget stuff (like bedding as happened on one occasion). The master list has sections for foreign touring, cycling and kayaking as not everything is needed for every trip


PS Have a couple of nights camping on your drive if you can as it is easy to pop "home" to get stuff you have forgotten.

 

[vin0114]

and good luck, you'll love it.

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[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[WynandJean]

Hello and welcome from West Midlands.


Wyn

 

[Riverbankannie]

I think you will find we all cover up all that lovely upholstery, that looks so good in the showroom or the brochure, with a collection of mismatched throws and other washable fabrics

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[peterc10]

When it comes to stopping things rattling I reckon there is one golden rule .............................

A motorhomer can never have too many tea towels .....................

 

[buttons]

Hi and Welcome.....

 

[Julzie]

Thanks for the welcome We're picking up the MH on the 29th of this month, can't wait

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[MyrtleGuru]

A very warm welcome to the motorhoming community. For me, working out what you need and what you can live without is all part of the fun. And it's always a personal thing.

I truly thought I liked to travel light but, looking at the spreadsheet for our latest 33-day jaunt to Spain/Portugal, I can see it runs to hundreds of items (albeit a lot of them are very small) -- it's really a checklist to make sure we don't leave without something vital that might take days to track down a replacement for. Each year we ditch some items that never saw the light of day and add new ones that look like they might change our lives (they rarely do!). It's an ever-evolving inventory.

As for rattles, my packing leaves a lot to be desired. Luckily a lot settles down and finds its place after the first fifty miles Sometimes, a stop is required to cure the worst offenders. Plate separators made from cheap, thin foam bought from the Range's arts and crafts section now keep the crockery quiet at least.

 

[big map]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

 

[mfw]

Welcome - I feed dog dry food and keep large bag in plastic container with a small feed container which i top up every week or so - so if you go away for a couple of weeks or more you can carry your own dog food and if bag falls over biscuits dont go everywhere

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[Zigisla]

to the house of FUN from a very Sunny Fareham. We actually bought our MH around the dogs. We have a coachbuilt MH with bunks at the back which the dogs use and we have the rest - Well the rest that our Chocolate Labrador leaves us.
The only essential items to pack is a notepad and pen, so you can note down - ahh should have brought.... so next time you will remember. Just use and enjoy it and all the rest falls into place.

 

[Wendo55]

I've been doing this for 10 years now and still regularly have to stop at the first opportunity to sort something out!

 

[Deepdale]

Hello and welcome from a fellow newbie.

I'm another Hampshire Hog who's invested in a mobile kennel. Not being as crafty as you I rely on throws to save the cushions, I've found old door curtains work well too.
I made my peace with a grubby floor (& sent a thanks for the laminate) on our first trip away, but I intend to use the awning next time it's wet!

I'm just about to invest in a load of micro fibre towels for the dogs to save space. But someone else may have a better solution for the dog drying issue.
Drive safe
Ceri

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