Welcome  Kashvir. I suggest you scroll through the historical forums which has an abundance of tips for all kinds of camping topics

Alright I will check them out. Thanks alot.

Just go and enjoy it.

Tyd sal leer.

Welkom hier op die forum.

Dankie Chuck, jy is reg.

Welcome Kashvir. Camp at one of the busy resorts for a weekend. 

You will get lots of ideas and tips from fellow campers.

Keep it simple, it's far less hassle. Look up on the forum for a packing list , print it out then remove items you don't think nessary or add items you would specifically like and use that list to check you have not left out any thing important each time you camp. You will refine the list with experience.

Caravan tyres should not be much over 5 years old. Especially check for cracking of the rubber on side walls. Towing speed varies from person to person but 100 km/hr is a usual speed.

It makes life easier if you have crockery and cutlery , chairs and tables to keep permanently in the caravan. I try and keep groceries, sheets ,blankets and clothes for packing in the car not van.

A 20m extension is not long enough for many sites and unwind the reel at camp sites otherwise you can over heat the cable ( acts like a coil which heats up with AC current)

Google   camping checklist South Africa and you will find an AA checklist which is by far too detailed but you will be able to make your own essential list from it. We all tend to over pack to start with but if you find you have not used something the first 2-3 times you have camped it's pretty likely you can eliminate it from the list.

Koop gadgets eers as jy agterkom jy benodig dit

Relaxed Camper wrote:

Koop gadgets eers as jy agterkom jy benodig dit

Ek het baie gekoop en moes baie weer verkoop....ongebruik

HM wrote:

Welcome Kashvir. Camp at one of the busy resorts for a weekend. 

You will get lots of ideas and tips from fellow campers.

 

Sounds like a plan.😄

Gerden wrote:

We were tent campers for a very long time.
One camping trip at Weesgerus, we were getting "Gatvol" for tenting.
We agree on 1st going for a "Cheapie caravan", because we thought caravanning will not suit us.
Our 1st was a 1980 Caravette 4, which we had 4x Camps.
We noticed that this is our way.
We bought our 2nd, 1994 Sprite Swift, which we enjoyed very much, but not suitable for long term.
With early retirement, we bought our 3rd, 2001 Penta and now for 2-years we are travelling "Permies".
Still up until now, we still steal with our eyes open from other caravanners.
Go out there and steal ideas from other caravanners.
 

Thanks for sharing your experience. Really interesting story. The Penta is an awesome caravan. I will definitely use your technique of "stealing ideas with my eyes open".😂

Paddyandpaul wrote:

Keep it simple, it's far less hassle. Look up on the forum for a packing list , print it out then remove items you don't think nessary or add items you would specifically like and use that list to check you have not left out any thing important each time you camp. You will refine the list with experience.

Caravan tyres should not be much over 5 years old. Especially check for cracking of the rubber on side walls. Towing speed varies from person to person but 100 km/hr is a usual speed.

It makes life easier if you have crockery and cutlery , chairs and tables to keep permanently in the caravan. I try and keep groceries, sheets ,blankets and clothes for packing in the car not van.

A 20m extension is not long enough for many sites and unwind the reel at camp sites otherwise you can over heat the cable ( acts like a coil which heats up with AC current)

Lots of vital information wow.💯💯💯

I will definitely search and print out a packing list.

-I will keep in mind the towing speed,

-I do know about the extension cable heating up, that happened once at my home so I always make certain it isn't coiled up.

-I didn't think that 20 meters of cable wouldn't be enough. What length of cable would you recommend? 

-I do have some crockery and cutlery as well as bedding permanently in the caravan, I will need to get the tables and chairs. 

-I'm not sure on the age of the tyres. Although there isn't any cracks on the sidewall I will need to have them replaced.

Paddyandpaul wrote:

Google   camping checklist South Africa and you will find an AA checklist which is by far too detailed but you will be able to make your own essential list from it. We all tend to over pack to start with but if you find you have not used something the first 2-3 times you have camped it's pretty likely you can eliminate it from the list.

Will definitely search and print it out as well. Thanks for the suggestion, much appreciated.

Relaxed Camper wrote:

Koop gadgets eers as jy agterkom jy benodig dit

Ja, vir nou maak ek net seker dat ek die noodsaaklikhede het.

Relaxed Camper wrote:

Ek het baie gekoop en moes baie weer verkoop....ongebruik

Wanneer jy 'n nuwe gadget het, voel dit opwindend. Ek weet dit is versoeking.

Welcome to the forum.

I started caravanning as I approached retirement. Much of my knowledge came from this forum and first hand experience.

As said above, keep it simple, only buy gadgets if absolutely required.

Tyres age is coded on the tyres.

Test camp near to home.

Welcome Kashvir, pay particular attention to the setting up of the van, i.e. NOT using the steadies to level and hold the weight of the van, handbrake off etc. etc.

Don't overthink your first trip and go buying all sorts of gadgets, it's tempting I know, but as Relaxed Camper says, he's had to sell a whole lot of stuff he thought would be handy. You never stop learning in this game and every trip is different.

I forgot the precaution when hitching the caravan. Make sure the A frame nose section of the caravan is level or slightly lower than the rear of the caravan. A higher nose on the van can cause instability and swaying of the van. Your vehicle is fairly high so you may want to have a drop plate fitted to the tow hitch to lower the tow ball.

Kashvir

Welcome to the forum👌 you've already had lots of good advice on this thread. Any further questions just ask you will always get honest answers here. 

RichardJ wrote:

Welcome to the forum.

I started caravanning as I approached retirement. Much of my knowledge came from this forum and first hand experience.

As said above, keep it simple, only buy gadgets if absolutely required.

Tyres age is coded on the tyres.

Test camp near to home.

Thanks alot. I'm looking forward to learning from all the information on this platform.🙂

steamer wrote:

Welcome Kashvir, pay particular attention to the setting up of the van, i.e. NOT using the steadies to level and hold the weight of the van, handbrake off etc. etc.

Don't overthink your first trip and go buying all sorts of gadgets, it's tempting I know, but as Relaxed Camper says, he's had to sell a whole lot of stuff he thought would be handy. You never stop learning in this game and every trip is different.

Over thinking and over buying seems the be the most common advice. Seems to be amongst one of the most important tips so far.😅. Will pay close attention to that....

Paddyandpaul wrote:

I forgot the precaution when hitching the caravan. Make sure the A frame nose section of the caravan is level or slightly lower than the rear of the caravan. A higher nose on the van can cause instability and swaying of the van. Your vehicle is fairly high so you may want to have a drop plate fitted to the tow hitch to lower the tow ball.

That's currently the situation.🤦‍♂️ When hitched the nose or A-frame sits alot higher. The backend of the caravan has a storage box underneath the frame, which then is angled even closer to the ground.... I never really thought much about that. I assumed it's normal. It didn't even bother me until now you've mentioned it. Any work arounds for this?

BrianB wrote:

Kashvir

Welcome to the forum👌 you've already had lots of good advice on this thread. Any further questions just ask you will always get honest answers here. 

How important or necessary is a tent? The caravan didn't come with any tents so I bought a rally tent from a guy op koop en verkoop Facebook group. He didn't have any poles for it and it isn't the correct tent for my caravan (slightly longer). It's not accurate but it does fit. The problem I have is figuring out the poles I will need for the tent.... I'm just busy trying to get some info on that as well....😅

Most rally tents use 3 poles. You can have them made up at the dealer's workshop.The lengths will vary from van to van. My suggestion is make all three adjustable poles, making sure the middle one is a little longer when extended than the height of the van.

You will need 5 guy ropes. Two for each side at 90  degrees and one for the middle pole.

Get hold of Gans in Phoenix. He will make the right poles for the Talley tent and alter tent neatly to fit your van. I have used him a few times and he does not rip you off and the workmanship is good.

From having been there, asking myself if I knew then what I know know, what advice would I have loved to get when I started from the experienced camper I am now?

Firstly, your attitude and influence on your fellow campers is going to determine the level of enjoyment you are all going to get out of camping. Promise yourself, if you cannot say anything nice about the particular venue or experience whilst you are there, you will rather not say anything. 

The year or model of your towing vehicle or caravan/ camping equipment is not going to determine the quality of your experience/enjoyment nor the weather or atmosphere.

Less is more. A flat bottom cast iron pot, a skillet and a kettle with a tripod or some sort of frame/grill  with a lot of enthusiasm can cook up the most wonderful meals on a simple fire. Be careful of gadgets, not all are worth the money.

Do not buy equipment in anticipation of a need or useage. Buy it only once you are sure it is a "must have". 

The effect of the prevailing wind or the slope of water drainage cannot be adjusted during a storm.  Always consider foul weather when setting up camp.

HM wrote:

Most rally tents use 3 poles. You can have them made up at the dealer's workshop.The lengths will vary from van to van. My suggestion is make all three adjustable poles, making sure the middle one is a little longer when extended than the height of the van.

You will need 5 guy ropes. Two for each side at 90  degrees and one for the middle pole.

I tried doing a mockup using gazebo poles and ski rope to test out your 3 pole method before purchasing any items and it did seem kinda promising. Obviously with adjustable poles it would look better. I ripped an old gazebo pole to size with the hacksaw as a forth pole to fit into the centre as there is a space on the caravan that requires a pole fitment. I'm not sure how many poles to really purchase.😅 I have attached a picture let me know your thoughts....

Paddyandpaul wrote:

Get hold of Gans in Phoenix. He will make the right poles for the Talley tent and alter tent neatly to fit your van. I have used him a few times and he does not rip you off and the workmanship is good.

I did contact Gans on the 22/09/2021 however he was unavailable. I tried many times on that day. A lady did respond to me but after my enquiry she stated that it's best to speak to him directly which never happened and so I decided to take a chance with a used rally tent online.... Prior to the 22nd Gan did make me a new roof surround last year around the 05/03/2021. His price is very reasonable and yes is quality is excellent. I have attached a picture of the roof surround done by him. Very honest guy indeed.

Kanneman wrote:

From having been there, asking myself if I knew then what I know know, what advice would I have loved to get when I started from the experienced camper I am now?

Firstly, your attitude and influence on your fellow campers is going to determine the level of enjoyment you are all going to get out of camping. Promise yourself, if you cannot say anything nice about the particular venue or experience whilst you are there, you will rather not say anything. 

The year or model of your towing vehicle or caravan/ camping equipment is not going to determine the quality of your experience/enjoyment nor the weather or atmosphere.

Less is more. A flat bottom cast iron pot, a skillet and a kettle with a tripod or some sort of frame/grill  with a lot of enthusiasm can cook up the most wonderful meals on a simple fire. Be careful of gadgets, not all are worth the money.

Do not buy equipment in anticipation of a need or useage. Buy it only once you are sure it is a "must have". 

The effect of the prevailing wind or the slope of water drainage cannot be adjusted during a storm.  Always consider foul weather when setting up camp.

 

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I agree with you 100% about attitude determining the experience.

I took note of most of your tips. The gadgets I have been getting warned about most often.😅

Gaan haak jou wa slaan tent penne in en geniet wat het jy nodig eetgerei ,kos, water en dit wat saam dit gaan geniet 

Bostoe wrote:

Gaan haak jou wa slaan tent penne in en geniet wat het jy nodig eetgerei ,kos, water en dit wat saam dit gaan geniet 

Dink jy net drie pale sal genoeg wees vir die tent?

Rally tente het gewoonlik net drie pale tensy hulle symure ook het.  Net 'n vragie: Waarom plaas jy die pale skuins?  Ek het dit nog nooi so gesien nie. Gewoonlik word die pale regop geplaas.  Dis nie krities bedoel nie, maar moontlik het jy 'n rede daarvoor waaraan ons nog nie gedink het nie.

Fred wrote:

Rally tente het gewoonlik net drie pale tensy hulle symure ook het.  Net 'n vragie: Waarom plaas jy die pale skuins?  Ek het dit nog nooi so gesien nie. Gewoonlik word die pale regop geplaas.  Dis nie krities bedoel nie, maar moontlik het jy 'n rede daarvoor waaraan ons nog nie gedink het nie.

Die tent wat ek gekoop het, het nie gate nie. Ek het gazebo-pale gebruik wat langer is. Ek sal hulle moet sny of die regte pale moet koop.

Kashvir wrote:

Die tent wat ek gekoop het, het nie gate nie. Ek het gazebo-pale gebruik wat langer is. Ek sal hulle moet sny of die regte pale moet koop.

Koop eyelets en die tool om die gate te maak vir die pale. Nie seker van die kort paaltjie by die woonwa nie. Dink nie daar moet 'n gat wees nie.

HM wrote:

Koop eyelets en die tool om die gate te maak vir die pale. Nie seker van die kort paaltjie by die woonwa nie. Dink nie daar moet 'n gat wees nie.

Die tent het wel eyelets. El sal vandag nog fotos neem as ek die kans kry.  

HM wrote:

Koop eyelets en die tool om die gate te maak vir die pale. Nie seker van die kort paaltjie by die woonwa nie. Dink nie daar moet 'n gat wees nie.

Wees versigtig met eyelets. Indien die hoeke en middel gedeelte nie met dubbele stiksels versterk word nie is die eyelets geneig om uit te skeur, veral in sterk wind.  Terloops, ek sien jy woon naby die see, en daar is mos meer wind as in die binneland. Een van die goed wat vorentoe nog nodig sal word is ‘n stormband wat oor die tent gespan word om te keer dat dit af skeur of die pale oplig en padgee. So ‘n band is baie meer effektief indien jou awning horisontale pale in het.

Kanneman wrote:

Wees versigtig met eyelets. Indien die hoeke en middel gedeelte nie met dubbele stiksels versterk word nie is die eyelets geneig om uit te skeur, veral in sterk wind.  Terloops, ek sien jy woon naby die see, en daar is mos meer wind as in die binneland. Een van die goed wat vorentoe nog nodig sal word is ‘n stormband wat oor die tent gespan word om te keer dat dit af skeur of die pale oplig en padgee. So ‘n band is baie meer effektief indien jou awning horisontale pale in het.

Dankie vir die voorstel en die raad. Sal beslis daarna kyk.

Klink na te veel werk....veral omdat dit nie die regte size rally is nie. As ek so op foto kyk, gaan daai see winde hom rond ruk. Sou eerder loer of ek oorspronklike rally kan kry.....2de hands is hulle nie so duur nie. As jy meer naweke gaan kamp is dit die moeite werd om bietjie daarop te spandeer, wil mos nie sukkel nie

Relaxed Camper wrote:

Klink na te veel werk....veral omdat dit nie die regte size rally is nie. As ek so op foto kyk, gaan daai see winde hom rond ruk. Sou eerder loer of ek oorspronklike rally kan kry.....2de hands is hulle nie so duur nie. As jy meer naweke gaan kamp is dit die moeite werd om bietjie daarop te spandeer, wil mos nie sukkel nie

Of kyk na leisure awn....bietjie meer prysig. Werk maklik, maar nadeel is as dit reen moet jy plan maak

Ek het die Leisure Awn gehad met die Swift.

- Die reen geval het ek vinnig uitsorteer dmv ekstra pale en ń "V-Dak", maar met erg wind is hy onstabiel en jy moet dan vashou.

ń Storm "Strap" help nie eens nie.

- Die "Grommet Tool" soos bogenoem werk mooi. Hy kos R 100-00 by Builders met 20x Grommets.

As jy ekstra "Grommets" benodig, kan jy hulle/pak van 25x koop teen +\- R 50.

- Ek sou voorstel, maak jou eie "Eye Lits" volgens grootte en jy is gesorteer.

-

My previous caravan rally tent had 4 poles. There was also a (4th) pole horizontally in the middle. The three verical  poles had spigots on the top a the horizontal had a a plastic eyelet. The middle vertical and middle horizontal were adjustable in length.

If there aren't eyelets in your canvas for the front vertical poles rather make them. All the  ropes are double. A double rope on each corner pole and one on the middle pole.

First time camp is close to home and a shopping center. Take what you think you need and if you come short go to the nearest shopping center to buy the missing things.

The most important items to pack is your bank card and your wife/partner.

Friends of ours just bought one of these teardrop caravans. It looks very futurisyic.

A good start up caravan I think.

www.edgeout.co.za

I had a look at the Edgeout website. 

When camping one spends most of the time outside. With the Edgeout I do not see any overhead protection or shelter from the weather. And where does the portapotty live?

It weighs the same as a 4 berth caravan without the comforts, so it is probably aimed at young couples who prefer cool ideas. Please enlighten me. 

Kanneman wrote:

I had a look at the Edgeout website. 

When camping one spends most of the time outside. With the Edgeout I do not see any overhead protection or shelter from the weather. And where does the portapotty live?

It weighs the same as a 4 berth caravan without the comforts, so it is probably aimed at young couples who prefer cool ideas. Please enlighten me. 

https://www.caravanparks.com/35.Caravan-Camping-Forums-Traandruppel-karavane.htm?forumaction=1&loadcategory=1012&loadpost=250203067#ForumsAnchor

Dankie Geert.

Ek deel die sentimente in die insette. Ek sal daar byvoeg dat die gewigsverspreiding baie suspisieus is met al die swaar goed heel agter. As die yslike groot watertenk leeg is, want wie sleep nou water saam as jy dit verniet kan intap by jou bestemming,  sal die stert dalk die hond wil swaai.

Relaxed Camper wrote:

Klink na te veel werk....veral omdat dit nie die regte size rally is nie. As ek so op foto kyk, gaan daai see winde hom rond ruk. Sou eerder loer of ek oorspronklike rally kan kry.....2de hands is hulle nie so duur nie. As jy meer naweke gaan kamp is dit die moeite werd om bietjie daarop te spandeer, wil mos nie sukkel nie

Ek sal dit opstel tydens slegte weer en as dit nie oorleef nie, sal ek probeer om 'n  oorspronklike of pasgemaakte te kry.🤦‍♂️...

Relaxed Camper wrote:

Of kyk na leisure awn....bietjie meer prysig. Werk maklik, maar nadeel is as dit reen moet jy plan maak

Ek is meer lus vir 'n gebruikte tent as dit oorspronklik is. Ek sal dalk in die toekoms daarna kyk. Dankie vir die voorstel.

mulderpm wrote:

My previous caravan rally tent had 4 poles. There was also a (4th) pole horizontally in the middle. The three verical  poles had spigots on the top a the horizontal had a a plastic eyelet. The middle vertical and middle horizontal were adjustable in length.

If there aren't eyelets in your canvas for the front vertical poles rather make them. All the  ropes are double. A double rope on each corner pole and one on the middle pole.

First time camp is close to home and a shopping center. Take what you think you need and if you come short go to the nearest shopping center to buy the missing things.

The most important items to pack is your bank card and your wife/partner.

My tent does have the eyelets already. I just need to buy some spigots for the poles. Now because the tent is not the original tent for my caravan I'm busy testing out the setup. I may have to buy the adjustable poles with the spigots. By doing mock setups and using all the info from you guys I can determine what I will actually require instead of making unnecessary expenses.

Your advice on the first time camp was exactly my line of thought.😄

Kashvir wrote:

My tent does have the eyelets already. I just need to buy some spigots for the poles. Now because the tent is not the original tent for my caravan I'm busy testing out the setup. I may have to buy the adjustable poles with the spigots. By doing mock setups and using all the info from you guys I can determine what I will actually require instead of making unnecessary expenses.

Your advice on the first time camp was exactly my line of thought.😄

You are losing me Kashvir. What are you planning to do with the "spigots"?

Are you referring to the part that fits into the top of the pole that will go through the eyelet. You can buy them loose, but if you buy ready made poles they will be fitted.