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First post since I'm looking to finalise getting a static at the end of next week. It's a Delta Soleil 2010 and this is going to be my first static caravan purchase. Now since I'm pretty much a noob at this I have some concerns and questions that the current owners or site couldn't really answer. Can you remove the beds in statics fairly easily or are they linked to structural integrity? The static has one double (or king but I think it's double) and a seperate room with two single beds. I want to rip out the single beds and turn it into an office so I can concentrate away from home. I used to be a plumber apprentice so I wanted to ask about the situation with winter. I'm aware there's already a thread about drain down and how to do it but I want to ask something kinda different. If I'm coming and going to the caravan daily over winter, should you still drain down? I'll be in there pretty much every day over winter and it's a 12 month site. Whilst I could drain down and not have water there, it would be a fairly large inconvenience. Instead I was thinking of insulating the pipes underneath but am I just taking a stupid risk? Finally, are there in general any tips or things you wish you knew? I have a low power usage dehumidifier that I plan on leaving there when I'm not present and the electric is covered in the ground rent which should help with mold but I'm aware ventilation is important.

Please forgive the complete ignorance of this question and the length of this post. .. When we went to view our caravan, it was fitted with a porch awning. Unfortunately, the seller wanted to hang on to it for his next van (and I'm hardly complaining, it's one of the few things he didn't include!). With Katy looking at booking a weekend away for a trial by fire of caravanning, I am debating acquiring one for muddy shoes, extra space etc. However, I am struggling to get my head around a few bits. 1) the type. This is fairly easy, as it is pretty well documented. I'm leaning towards a porch awning for simplicity's sake, and probably one with poles for the sake of cost! What sort of size is best / appropriate for a 5 berth? Am I barking up the wrong tree wanting a porch? Is an air awning the way forwards instead of poles? 2) the size. This is baffling me slightly. The handbook lists the awning size as 935cm. That's for a full awning (as far as I can tell), am I correct in assuming that that's irrelevant for a porch? Will all (or most anyway) porch awnings fit our van? If not, what's the dimension I need to know on both caravan and awning, and how do I measure it? 3) rubbish. Or at least spotting something that is. Any tips on what to look out for? Bearing in mind that we'll probably be looking at second hand awnings - at least to start with. Anything that's a massive no go on them? 4) brands. Ok, this might be contentious, but any brands that are particularly good or ones to be avoided at all cost? All thoughts and advice gratefully received! If you've made it this far - thanks for that if nothing else!!

I have an automatic rear wheel drive Jaguar XF which I use for towing. 18" wheels with 245 45R 18 100Y Goodyear tyres. Awful in the snow despite all the gizmos you can apply to the various drive modes! So much so that I avoid using the car in the snow because in general being retired, I don't need to. However similar issues on camsites with grass/mud and even in these cases when attempting minimal slopes. I have heard on this forum with a post about their use on an SUV and it is confirmed by a local tyre supplier that Michelin Crossclimate are very good. I guess the key factor for improved grip on snow or mud is the tread pattern. The goodyear are designed with the standard deep grooves around the circumference of the tyre and more minimal lateral grooving. Suspect given the high speed rating that this is also to reduce tyre noise at speed? Does anyone have any alternatives to the Crossclimate tyres for me to consider before having to take a second mortgage out before changing the tyres?!!!

we have put the cover on our caravan for the winter because where we live there are a lot of coal fires with sooty particles messing our caravan up after its been cleaned but not sure if its advisable to leave the windows on the vents to let air out any advice much appreciated

Thank you for the kind welcomes on the New Members page today! I am going away for the first time with my caravan on September the 27th for two nights along with my wife and two young children. I was wondering if anyone with caravanning experience would be kind enough to write me a checklist of all the things I'll need to make sure I have before I go. I'm not wanting to turn up to the site, start to pitch and discover I'm something missing! If you have the time to help me, please include all obvious and non-obvious items. Thank you in advance. Scott

We are heading for the Loire at the beginning of May - well aware that the weather will not be reliable that early. We are looking at Ile d'Offard at Saumur because of its proximity to the town, that is a big plus for us - we like to cycle or walk in to a town for a drink/meal. Three years ago we walked around the site (when staying at Loches which we liked very much) and thought it looked very scruffy. Location was great but we have read mixed reports about cleanliness and security. If anyone has been there recently, since the Flower Camping takeover, we would love to have read what you thought of it. And if anyone has recommendations of other sites in this, region please pass them on!

We have had a Sterling Elite Amber for a year now and it ticks almost all the boxes for us. However,I find I am still experimenting with loading it so that I can reduce the noseweight to 100kg. Loading it in the way I have done in previous caravans means I end up with a noseweight of between 130-140 kg,so I have to shift heavier items towards the back of the 'van,well behind the axle,immediately in front of the rear bathroom. With our full awning it's relatively simple as I place it on the floor as far back as possible without it intruding into the bathroom. Without the awning it's more problematic,as I have to place heavy items (toolbox,containers with toilet fluids etc) on top of the fixed bed and as far back as I can get them. This worries me as I have always been concerned about the "pendulum effect" of loading heavy articles behind the axle,but I can't find any alternative way of getting the noseweight down. How do others deal with this issue?Am I doing something wrong?I consider myself an experienced caravanner but I struggle with this one. I've had ATC retro-fitted and this has eased my concerns somewhat,and,apart from the occasional "tug" towing seems relatively stable but I still have concerns. I have to travel with two gaslight bottles as we go abroad for fairly long periods of time-other than that,the front locker is virtually empty. ADVICE WELCOME. (Mods-have posted this in the "General" section because it seems to be a generic issue with a number of modern caravans)

Hi Folks, I have just purchased the maxxraxx cycle carrier and intend to put bikes on and tow my van at the same time. I am a bit nervous doing this as people have mentioned the turning issues etc. Any advise would be most welcomed. The maxxraxx is a fantastic carrier, strong and easy to install. Thank MARK. .....