Ok, had our first overnight trip locally to get the hang of things. Very embarrassing, but couldn't get the side awning down so asked a couple from a caravan club also camping there. They didn't have pop tops so was a bit different but they showed us. This morning went to put it up, but couldn't. A very friendly caravan club guy helped. We had problems, but finally solved. We are still unsure of how to go about it - top up or down - and how to go about it properly. Is there anyone with a pop top (Coromal compac 401) who could help?
Also, we found the bed very hard on our hips (me) shoulders (Kate) so would like to hear any ideas about those egg shell overlays, or anything else that wouldn't make it very painful trying to sleep. The caravan has a 4 inch foam mattress.
When putting it down, open the door of the van to allow the air to vent out, also a good idea when you are putting it up, makes it a lot easier.
If you are a bit short suggest a small stool (caravan step or similar) to give you a bit of height. I also had a rope with snap on clips on each end and would clip them onto the handles so it drooped down like a sort of skipping rope about 12inches off the floor, then as you gripped the handles and pulled down at the same time have one foot on the rope like a stirrup and put your weight on it to assist the downwards movement.
We've always used the egg crate foam on our beds with a doona inner overlay on top of it, then the sheets, as comfortable as.
Geez, I'm an idiot, just saw page 2!!!!
Thanks, but can you tell me the sequence/what to do to get the awning down, then up? Should the pop be up or down?
Many thanks.
That is excellent Duh, exactly the advice we were looking for! And thanks for the bed advice too. A bit of practice and away again for a couple of nights in 2 weeks with our son, daughter in law and twins 3.5yrs in 2 weeks time. They have a camper trailer. We mind the twins 4 or 5 days a week at the moment so can only take short breaks - which is why we sold our camper trailer for the pop top, much easier, cleaner, quicker (when you know how!).
Many thanks for your friendly advice.
I'm sure I'll be asking for more at some stage.
I believe you are in Victoria? We will get down there some day.
No, I am in WA on the opposite coast (Sunset Coast).
PS: Post any questions you want that is what we are all about on GN. Try clicking on the "Search" word at the top in the Blue line first and typing in your topic, I think there may be a couple on awnings there already of similar nature.