My Wife and I have taken the plunge and decided to spend some of the kids inheritance. We have bought a Triton 4x4 Ute and we pick up our new Jayco Camper trailer this week.
Many, many years ago I did a lot of caravanning with my parents (and 2 brothers) in a variety of caravans including a 6mth stint in a 26ft Millard caravan when times were a bit tough for them (tough alright, I just wouldn't leave).
Anyway, we plan to do a short shakedown trip in the next few weeks to a caravan park nearby. To see what blunders we can make and see how much we can amuse the neighbours. As a prelude to this we went and looked over a couple of caravan parks and gathered relavant information. The thing I noticed in some of the literature were some of the Do's and Don'ts. I realise some of them may be "local rules" but it set me to thinking about the etiquette of what we are getting ourselves into.
As a novice Grey Nomad, what are the "Seven Deadly Sins" (or more) that we should try and avoid as we diminish the kids inheritance?
Rip and Rosie said
05:04 AM Jul 16, 2013
I'm not sure that there are 7 deadly sins for nomads, most things get forgiven with this mob.
But if you want to know what will give me the "tom tits" I'll tell you..................
1. don't keep your dog on a leash, and let it bark its head off, and crap where it wants to, & don't pick up any of the dog's droppings.
2. empty your toilet waste without regard to anyone else.
3. smoke under my awning cause you wouldn't want smoke smell in your own- and drop your butts.
4. never pick up your rubbish, or take it with you, just leave it around the camp site
5. party late and loud
6. tell me every time you see me why your van's better than mine, and expect me to care less
7. sit on your own during happy hour, and don't come when others invite to join in.
Others may differ, but they can tell you themselves.
Happywanderer said
05:06 AM Jul 16, 2013
Welcome kendo.
Firstly stop calling your hard earned money the kids inheritance. Its not theirs until you are dead and if you are lucky there won't be any left. You will have enjoyed spending it all.
Secondly Don't analyze too much. The best trips are when you head out the gate and don't know where you are going till you get there.
mongrel said
03:18 PM Jul 16, 2013
Welcome to the forum from us as well Kendo.Hope you enjoy our group of very knowledgeable people,..Alan
Gerty Dancer said
03:35 PM Jul 16, 2013
Welcome Kendo
Anther deadly sin is have a domestic while backing the caravan onto the site!!
Kaid said
04:23 PM Jul 16, 2013
I would have thought having a domestic whilst backing the caravan was a pre requisite. A well as amusing the onlookers .
VKPORTABLE said
05:31 PM Jul 16, 2013
Kaid wrote:
I would have thought having a domestic whilst backing the caravan was a pre requisite. A well as amusing the onlookers .
I have to agree, these instances have been some of my most memorable moments :))
pambaz said
11:32 PM Jul 16, 2013
Welcome to the world of grey nomads Kendo.
Just general good manners is mostly all you need. Think of the neighbours and be friendly.
Domestics are normal and hugely entertaining.
The most important things to remember are have fun, enjoy the trip and keep safe.
Pam and Baz
valnrob said
02:42 AM Jul 17, 2013
Welcome to thre wonderful world of the Grey our any other color Nomads. Have you ever tried having a quiet domestic without ending up laughing???
Cheers
Kendo said
02:44 AM Jul 17, 2013
Thanks for the welcome everyone. Much appreciated
Rosie....No dog, no toilet, No smoker(s), No mess (My wife Lyn wouldn't let me), No party (we'll maybe just a few quiet ones), Not one to care either. But I do like the Happy Hour idea.
Well you had all better line up for a giggle when we reverse the new rig into our first site, especially when Lyn takes her shoes off to see the tattoos of "L" & "R" on her feet. "You said left! (reply)...well the other left then! ".
Anyway Thanks again for the welcome.
neilnruth said
07:35 PM Jul 17, 2013
Welcome Kendo from us too. As others have said, normal good manners, friendliness and willingness to listen to others' stories. You'll learn a lot at Happy Hour. And to save the domestics - a lot of CP owners will happily help you back your van into place. They are concerned for their property!!
The only thing that erks us is the caravan traveller who always has a 'better' story to trump the one you tell. I'm sure you won't be like this because you have asked for GN advice. Happy travels.
Beth54 said
01:40 AM Jul 24, 2013
And please don't patronise solo women for what they're doing. ie: "You are simply amazing doing this all on your own!' Nobody would say that to a man!
End of rant.
And welcome to the site. You'll pick up a lot of good advise on here.
Tim thetruckie said
08:27 PM Jul 30, 2013
Gerty Dancer wrote:
Welcome Kendo Anther deadly sin is have a domestic while backing the caravan onto the site!!
Thats makes for the best entertainment around .
chopit said
03:19 PM Aug 4, 2013
Very valid Beth54. We have a Lady friend who
rides a motorcycle/sidecar. She has " Bitches Box"
on the back of the sidecar, for her dog.
I've seen her go right off when a woman said
" I wouldn't let my husband put that sign near me ".
The reply was something to do with " Why do you think
I need a husband in the first place"......
We all have strong & weak points. No one should be
demeaned because of their gender.
Kendo, welcome.
I've got to ask.. Is your name derived from Ken or
are you into the Japanese sport of Kendo ?
Kendo said
04:31 PM Aug 4, 2013
Hi Chopit,
Nothing as colourful as wacking people over the head with a big stick (although I do know some people who it would be justifiable).
Just the usual Australian way of halving a name and putting an "o" on the end.
Yes we all do have strong and weak points. Kudos to those who go it alone, but never forget that many of us form partnerships that mean that the strengths of one compliments the other.
Oooo that was deep, I think I'll go and have a lie down now
chopit said
11:09 PM Aug 4, 2013
Had to ask.. I was a Kendoist for many years.
Knee issues put paid to competing.
I still get invited to judge at tournaments every so often.
Our son was ranked as top junior in OZ at 14 years,
then he discovered girls. Priorities changed.
Should have stuck with kendo, less confusing.
Cheers
Baz421 said
03:23 AM Aug 10, 2013
One that came up last month,,,
Don't walk over and "play" with someone elses fire and ruin it to cook for 10 minutes,,, ask first and use the coals etc ,,,,,, fires are sacred aren't they?????
Gerty Dancer said
04:25 PM Aug 10, 2013
Baz421 wrote:
One that came up last month,,,
Don't walk over and "play" with someone elses fire and ruin it to cook for 10 minutes,,, ask first and use the coals etc ,,,,,, fires are sacred aren't they?????
Wow, do people actually do that! Yes We are possessive about who "plays with" our campfire too, but others are welcome to come and share the warmth or cook on it if we can co-operate together.
Rip and Rosie said
04:48 PM Aug 10, 2013
Gerty Dancer wrote:
.............................. do people actually do that! .......................................
I'm NEVER surprised at what people actually do, not any more.
the rocket said
04:59 AM Aug 14, 2013
Happywanderer wrote:
Welcome kendo. Firstly stop calling your hard earned money the kids inheritance. Its not theirs until you are dead and if you are lucky there won't be any left. You will have enjoyed spending it all. Secondly Don't analyze too much. The best trips are when you head out the gate and don't know where you are going till you get there.
couldn't agree more happywanderer. cheers.
Kantiki said
02:26 AM Aug 16, 2013
Could I suggest that if pulling into a free camp, please have a look how everyone else is parked. At Dumaresque Dam near Armidale, every time we go there, most people park around the perimeter, thus giving everyone a view of the beautiful lake, and also making sure everyone has room to reconnect their vehicle and pull out safely. This last trip, we had a bunch of tents just park right in front of us while we were away. Luckily they left before we had to hook the car on. Also another van, which appeared to be brand new, with a driver who appeared to be somewhat inexperienced, just pulled up smack bang in the middle of the area, no thought to other campers. He also fired up his shiny new gennie before 7am on the day they left. I think common sense if the best plan.
Enjoy your travels wherever it takes you.
ibbo said
02:50 AM Aug 16, 2013
Kaid wrote:
I would have thought having a domestic whilst backing the caravan was a pre requisite. A well as amusing the onlookers .
How very true.
Evie n Rhys said
05:49 AM Aug 16, 2013
Welcome Kendo hope you have many happy hours out and about. Lots of support here to help you on your way.
I'm with Marj. I'm not dead yet and an inheritance is something you leave behind when your gone. It's a good thing mine aren't hanging out for it, there isn't going to be much.....
Tess
Kendo said
04:01 PM Aug 17, 2013
Kantiki..."What Thu"
Hehe....Hence the original idea of this post.. A newby's guide.
Read about our 1st trip with Barry & the Eagle in the "Show us your rig" section. Fortunately we picked a quiet weekend to venture out for the first time and the caravan park was sparsley populated, but we could have been accused of some "newby fo-pars" as well, but if I had a genni I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have started it before 7am though.
The thing with common sense is that it's not very common.
Being a newby it's easy to miss something obvious to others while your learning the do's & don'ts , more so when being harrassed by the person you really should be listening to. But hey I'm a bloke! since when are we expected to be perfect (of course I think I'm the exception).
Thanks everyone for your guidance......don't pitch a tent under someone's annex, keep my cotton picking fingers away from another's campfire, don't do a General Custer by parking in the middle of the wagon train circle, don't upset Rosy or Beth, the money is ours "Mwa ha haaa" (sorry *blush*), don't have a domestic while reversing Barry (impossible of course), something about manners what ever they are, don't hit people with a big stick (even if they richly deserve it ), oh ... "Enjoy and have Fun" (working on that one)....... and don't forget Happy Hour (now that one, I like).
Thanks again, Chat soon *wave*
Beth54 said
07:25 PM Aug 17, 2013
Glad you got all that straight Kendo!
spida said
11:15 AM Aug 20, 2013
So agree re solo woman comments - not like it is hard is it Beth. I ask a man to help me hook up if there is one around. Gives him an idea of what it is like to give directions. Chuckle to myself when I get the comments 'my wife always does this so I'm not sure.....'
I will also always ask anyone who is around to guide me when backing - but as a woman I am not afraid to ask for help and it means they are not standing there watching me trying to get it right. Mind you - if no-one is around I seem to manage OK most of the time now
-- Edited by spida on Tuesday 20th of August 2013 11:18:56 AM
Beth54 said
09:35 PM Aug 20, 2013
spida wrote:
So agree re solo woman comments - not like it is hard is it Beth. I ask a man to help me hook up if there is one around. Gives him an idea of what it is like to give directions. Chuckle to myself when I get the comments 'my wife always does this so I'm not sure.....'
I will also always ask anyone who is around to guide me when backing - but as a woman I am not afraid to ask for help and it means they are not standing there watching me trying to get it right. Mind you - if no-one is around I seem to manage OK most of the time now
-- Edited by spida on Tuesday 20th of August 2013 11:18:56 AM
I don't particularly like asking, not for independent reasons, just because that's me. But I do prefer to have someone guide me back for the hitching. And to check that all the lights are working. Can't do that on your own either. I generally try not to unhitch at all, but sometimes it's unavoidable.
My sister and her hubby have a good thing going...she does the driving and he does the guiding. Works well for them. And no arguments!
Rip and Rosie said
01:59 AM Aug 21, 2013
Well,I hate asking for help!
If I can't do it on my own, I risk my safety.
So saying, I have learned to hitch, un-hitch, reverse onto a site...although need help on a small site with close neighbours!
I can do running repairs, change a tyre, fix the hoses etc.
Like Beth, I prefer not to have to un-hitch, and if in a CP, love a drive through site.
Now, as there are usually 2 of us, there's no real problem, but I reckon no woman should be unable to cope alone.
rockylizard said
02:34 AM Aug 21, 2013
Beth54 wrote:
I don't particularly like asking, not for independent reasons, just because that's me. But I do prefer to have someone guide me back for the hitching. And to check that all the lights
are working. Can't do that on your own either. I generally try not to unhitch at all, but sometimes it's unavoidable.
Gday...
Maybe this will assist you to retain your independence when reversing to the van to hitch-up. When the van is hitched, and the vehicle and van are aligned (eg when you stop somewhere, make sure the whole rig is in line) then check your external rear-view mirrors so you can see the relationship of the vehicle and front of the van with the towball on the hitch. Get two small pieces of black, or red, tape and place them on the van in a position that you can see in both rear-view mirrors. When you are reversing to hitch-up you can use these as a reference point and will only have to get out to check when the towball is close to the van for the final bit.
Maybe this will help you to check the lights. When van is connected and trailer plug inserted, put the hazard flashers on as this will make both indicators flash, including on the van. If both are flashing then the bulbs are OK and they will (should) work as indicators. For the brake lights, I use an old umbrella. I place one end of the umbrella against the brake pedal and then press the button on the umbrella to expand it and make it 'wedged' between the driver's seat and the brake pedal - exerting pressure.
Now turn on the parkers, and with the hazard flashers working and the umbrella on the brake pedal walk to the rear of the van. If the parkers, brake lights are all glowing, and the indicator lights are flashing then all is A-OK.
Hope it helps
Cheers - John
Beth54 said
01:01 AM Aug 22, 2013
As always, you're a fountain of knowledge John.
I'm off for a few days from tomorrow, so I'll give that a go.
Hi all.
My Wife and I have taken the plunge and decided to spend some of the kids inheritance. We have bought a Triton 4x4 Ute and we pick up our new Jayco Camper trailer this week.
Many, many years ago I did a lot of caravanning with my parents (and 2 brothers) in a variety of caravans including a 6mth stint in a 26ft Millard caravan when times were a bit tough for them (tough alright, I just wouldn't leave).
Anyway, we plan to do a short shakedown trip in the next few weeks to a caravan park nearby. To see what blunders we can make and see how much we can amuse the neighbours. As a prelude to this we went and looked over a couple of caravan parks and gathered relavant information. The thing I noticed in some of the literature were some of the Do's and Don'ts. I realise some of them may be "local rules" but it set me to thinking about the etiquette of what we are getting ourselves into.
As a novice Grey Nomad, what are the "Seven Deadly Sins" (or more) that we should try and avoid as we diminish the kids inheritance?
But if you want to know what will give me the "tom tits" I'll tell you..................
1. don't keep your dog on a leash, and let it bark its head off, and crap where it wants to, & don't pick up any of the dog's droppings.
2. empty your toilet waste without regard to anyone else.
3. smoke under my awning cause you wouldn't want smoke smell in your own- and drop your butts.
4. never pick up your rubbish, or take it with you, just leave it around the camp site
5. party late and loud
6. tell me every time you see me why your van's better than mine, and expect me to care less
7. sit on your own during happy hour, and don't come when others invite to join in.
Others may differ, but they can tell you themselves.
Firstly stop calling your hard earned money the kids inheritance. Its not theirs until you are dead and if you are lucky there won't be any left. You will have enjoyed spending it all.
Secondly Don't analyze too much. The best trips are when you head out the gate and don't know where you are going till you get there.
Anther deadly sin is have a domestic while backing the caravan onto the site!!
I would have thought having a domestic whilst backing the caravan
was a pre requisite. A well as amusing the onlookers .
Just general good manners is mostly all you need. Think of the neighbours and be friendly.
Domestics are normal and hugely entertaining.
The most important things to remember are have fun, enjoy the trip and keep safe.
Pam and Baz
Cheers
Thanks for the welcome everyone. Much appreciated
(reply)...well the other left then! ".
Rosie....No dog, no toilet, No smoker(s), No mess (My wife Lyn wouldn't let me), No party (we'll maybe just a few quiet ones), Not one to care either. But I do like the Happy Hour idea.
Well you had all better line up for a giggle when we reverse the new rig into our first site, especially when Lyn takes her shoes off to see the tattoos of "L" & "R" on her feet. "You said left!
Anyway Thanks again for the welcome.
The only thing that erks us is the caravan traveller who always has a 'better' story to trump the one you tell. I'm sure you won't be like this because you have asked for GN advice. Happy travels.
And please don't patronise solo women for what they're doing. ie: "You are simply amazing doing this all on your own!' Nobody would say that to a man!
And welcome to the site. You'll pick up a lot of good advise on here.
Thats makes for the best entertainment around .
rides a motorcycle/sidecar. She has " Bitches Box"
on the back of the sidecar, for her dog.
I've seen her go right off when a woman said
" I wouldn't let my husband put that sign near me ".
The reply was something to do with " Why do you think
I need a husband in the first place"......
We all have strong & weak points. No one should be
demeaned because of their gender.
Kendo, welcome.
I've got to ask.. Is your name derived from Ken or
are you into the Japanese sport of Kendo ?
Hi Chopit,
Nothing as colourful as wacking people over the head with a big stick (although I do know some people who it would be justifiable).
Just the usual Australian way of halving a name and putting an "o" on the end.
Yes we all do have strong and weak points. Kudos to those who go it alone, but never forget that many of us form partnerships that mean that the strengths of one compliments the other.
Oooo that was deep, I think I'll go and have a lie down now
Knee issues put paid to competing.
I still get invited to judge at tournaments every so often.
Our son was ranked as top junior in OZ at 14 years,
then he discovered girls. Priorities changed.
Should have stuck with kendo, less confusing.
Cheers
One that came up last month,,,
Don't walk over and "play" with someone elses fire and ruin it to cook for 10 minutes,,, ask first and use the coals etc ,,,,,, fires are sacred aren't they?????
Wow, do people actually do that! Yes We are possessive about who "plays with" our campfire too, but others are welcome to come and share the warmth or cook on it if we can co-operate together.
I'm NEVER surprised at what people actually do, not any more.
Enjoy your travels wherever it takes you.
I'm with Marj. I'm not dead yet and an inheritance is something you leave behind when your gone. It's a good thing mine aren't hanging out for it, there isn't going to be much.....
Tess
Kantiki..."What Thu"
Hehe....Hence the original idea of this post.. A newby's guide.
Read about our 1st trip with Barry & the Eagle in the "Show us your rig" section. Fortunately we picked a quiet weekend to venture out for the first time and the caravan park was sparsley populated, but we could have been accused of some "newby fo-pars" as well, but if I had a genni I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have started it before 7am though.
The thing with common sense is that it's not very common.
Being a newby it's easy to miss something obvious to others while your learning the do's & don'ts
, more so when being harrassed by the person you really should be listening to. 
But hey I'm a bloke! since when are we expected to be perfect 
(of course I think I'm the exception).
Thanks everyone for your guidance......don't pitch a tent under someone's annex, keep my cotton picking fingers away from another's campfire, don't do a General Custer by parking in the middle of the wagon train circle, don't upset Rosy or Beth, the money is ours "Mwa ha haaa" (sorry *blush*), don't have a domestic while reversing Barry (impossible of course), something about manners
what ever they are, don't hit people with a big stick (even if they richly deserve it 
), oh ... "Enjoy and have Fun" 
(working on that one)....... and don't forget Happy Hour (now that one, I like).
Thanks again, Chat soon *wave*
So agree re solo woman comments - not like it is hard is it Beth.
I ask a man to help me hook up if there is one around. Gives him an idea of what it is like to give directions. Chuckle to myself when I get the comments 'my wife always does this so I'm not sure.....' 
I will also always ask anyone who is around to guide me when backing - but as a woman I am not afraid to ask for help and it means they are not standing there watching me trying to get it right. Mind you - if no-one is around I seem to manage OK most of the time now
-- Edited by spida on Tuesday 20th of August 2013 11:18:56 AM
I don't particularly like asking, not for independent reasons, just because that's me. But I do prefer to have someone guide me back for the hitching. And to check that all the lights are working. Can't do that on your own either. I generally try not to unhitch at all, but sometimes it's unavoidable.
My sister and her hubby have a good thing going...she does the driving and he does the guiding. Works well for them. And no arguments!
If I can't do it on my own, I risk my safety.
So saying, I have learned to hitch, un-hitch, reverse onto a site...although need help on a small site with close neighbours!
I can do running repairs, change a tyre, fix the hoses etc.
Like Beth, I prefer not to have to un-hitch, and if in a CP, love a drive through site.
Now, as there are usually 2 of us, there's no real problem, but I reckon no woman should be unable to cope alone.
I don't particularly like asking, not for independent reasons, just because that's me. But I do prefer to have someone guide me back for the hitching. And to check that all the lights
are working. Can't do that on your own either. I generally try not to unhitch at all, but sometimes it's unavoidable.
Gday...
Maybe this will assist you to retain your independence when reversing to the van to hitch-up. When the van is hitched, and the vehicle and van are aligned (eg when you stop somewhere, make sure the whole rig is in line) then check your external rear-view mirrors so you can see the relationship of the vehicle and front of the van with the towball on the hitch. Get two small pieces of black, or red, tape and place them on the van in a position that you can see in both rear-view mirrors. When you are reversing to hitch-up you can use these as a reference point and will only have to get out to check when the towball is close to the van for the final bit.
Maybe this will help you to check the lights. When van is connected and trailer plug inserted, put the hazard flashers on as this will make both indicators flash, including on the van. If both are flashing then the bulbs are OK and they will (should) work as indicators. For the brake lights, I use an old umbrella. I place one end of the umbrella against the brake pedal and then press the button on the umbrella to expand it and make it 'wedged' between the driver's seat and the brake pedal - exerting pressure.
Now turn on the parkers, and with the hazard flashers working and the umbrella on the brake pedal walk to the rear of the van. If the parkers, brake lights are all glowing, and the indicator lights are flashing then all is A-OK.
Hope it helps
Cheers - John
As always, you're a fountain of knowledge John.
Thanks.