Great tips and video K&M 👍🏻 Thanks for the mention - update on Tyron Bands ( just realised it sounds like a 30’s movie star !) When you get the bands fitted, they give you a tool to keep in the van so if you have someone out to replace tyre or you go to a non Tyron dealer, they can remove the band from damaged wheel and when appropriate you can get the band fitted by a Tyron dealer Great work the pair of you - thanks for taking the time to do these videos - much appreciated Regards Howard B
Hi Howard, Thank you so much for this information on the Tyron Bands, very useful for everyone to know 👍🏻 Many thanks for your kind comments as always 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi ivanstead Many thanks for watching, we’re delighted you’ve found our videos helpful. Wishing you a very Happy New Year, best wishes, Keith & Michele x
We are just in the process of buying our first caravan and went to a caravan show in Auckland today (NZ). We ended up totally confused and conflicted as to the multitude of issues and options across the spectrum of everything caravanning! So we decided to Google some videos and watched your 1, 2 & 3 videos... We've learnt a lifetime of tips and tricks before we even start... so THANK YOU! Your videos have been great and really appreciated. Keep up the good work. :)
Hi Grant, Welcome to our channel, we’re delighted you’ve found our videos helpful 😀 Thank you so much for your lovely words & good luck with your caravan search 👍🏻 Any questions just email us info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk We’ll be happy to help. With best wishes, Keith & Michele.
Hi Keith & Michele, I bought a 2nd hand caravan and found an Alko wheel lock in one of the cupboards, went to register it only to find the people we got it from hadn't registered it from the people they bought it from. So I rang Alko and spoke to them who were extremely helpful. They rang the person who originally bought the lock to confirm all the details I had on the registration card,once done they rang me back and told me it had now been de-registered and that I could now register it in my name :) Keep up the good work. Michael
Many thanks for watching, we’re delighted you have found our videos helpful. Wishing you every happiness, fun travels & adventures next year year, Keith & Michele.
Just re-watching these as at long last I am getting my Caravan. ( the thinking about it was a year or 2, working out i could i afford it another year, now picking up after ordering in October.) thanks again
Hi Stevie, Huge congratulations on your new caravan 🥳…..at last 🤗 Hope you have many happy adventures & travels making wonderful memories. Many thanks for watching, we’re delighted you’ve found our videos helpful. Sending our best wishes to you, safe travels, Keith & Michele.
Been watching your videos from the start. All I can say is fantastic. In my caravan at the moment. It's a site called Gallowhill it near a Town called Kinross, famous for Loch Leven Island where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. You can take a small ferry to visit. You should visit if you ever tour in Scotland. All the best Bob and Vivienne
Hi Bob & Vivienne, Many thanks for your kind words 😀 Sounds like you’re in a fabulous location 👍🏻 We’d love to see some photos if you get a chance: info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
You two are great, wonderful and beautiful!. Both our kids will have left home soon and we are going to get a caravan and the tips you share from yourselves and others are going to save us so much money, heart ache and probably our marriage 😂😂😂 thank you so much for making your channel and entertaining us too. big fans.
Hi Experts Say, Thank you for your lovely, kind words. We’re delighted you’re enjoying our videos & finding them helpful. Sending all our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.
Love the tips thanks. Mind you I finally persuaded my partner to watch and she howled at spending an evening with “Ian discussing towels”! Seriously keep up the good work.
Thanks for the great advice. I now use Kampa Steel Screw Peg with 13 mm screw peg drill adaptor (any good brand will do). This is so easy on hard ground. It drills in and out so easily. I still use a lump hammer for the smaller pegs but the electric drill makes it so much easier.
Another video full of hints ‘n tips, so thank you Keith & Michele for taking time out to go through a significant volume of comments from your growing fan base. Cheers, Rog... 👍🏻 ✅ 🐍
Hi Keith and Michele lovely to see you guys again hope u both keeping Ok love watching the tips and advise video think they help alot of caravaners out even myself find the info useful hope u keep it going use guys work well together I hav to laugh with the grass cutter when Michel tried to hurry up with what she was saying before he came bak so funny best of luck guys as always .kev
Hi Kev, Many thanks for your lovely words. The lawn mower was proving to be a bit of a challenge! Wouldn’t stop! 😆 Delighted you’re finding our videos useful 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Watching this video reminded me of a Avondale caravan we bought from Cambell Caravans in Preston. After 50 miles the caravan jacknifed. When the police came and did some checks found that the Alko hitch was full of grease. The dealer thought it was ok to grease the inside of the hitch.
Hi John, Shocking story & excellent advice. Never grease the tow hitch! Sincerely hope everyone was okay🤞Many thanks for sharing, sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.
Some very useful stuff in this Like to here from other caravaners thanks.with regard to wheel nuts.balance wheels fit shock absorbers if not fitted locktite blue on threads never had one come loose in 27years.
Hi Greg, my new van came with shock absorbers and my first van didnt. I wouldnt have chosen to fit them but as they came with the van I have them. I have towed extensively this year since I got the van and I can honestly say they make a huge difference. The van seems to float along and so much more stable. they are not expensive and easy to retro fit so I would reccomend them.
Another tip which my brother told me about is when reversing your caravan either onto a pitch or drive etc always drive forward a few inches before unhitching so the spring doesn't go into your car. Love the small screw ip with gorilla glue as our two year old has managed to "remove" the bin on the outside door and the pop up working area next to the sink. 👍
Hi Jonathan, Thanks for the tip, we have actually covered this on another video called 5 Simple Caravan Tips 👍🏻 Sounds like you’ve got your hands full with the little one 😀 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
At 20:19 - I laughed and laughed - I have only just seen your videos starting yesterday and I mentioned about the sweets - soooooo funny and you replied to me - what a lovely couple - what great video's - thank you for your time in making them and all the emails you read and follow up - stay safe and well - take care!!!
Many thanks for your kind words Wayne, we’re delighted you’re enjoying our videos & finding them helpful & entertaining 😀 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.
To reduce Air awning weight remove all panels from side and front. I have Camptech Kensington air awning and by removing the panels this reduces the weight by at least a third. Bonus, the panels with windows can be folded allowing plastic windows to be folded neatly so prevent creasing them.
Love all these tips as we have just brought our first van, love watching this vlog! Thank you so much for doing these videos. We get our van on 12th October, go away on 18th for four nights. Looking forward to it Thanks Sean and Kerry x
Hi Sean & Kerry, Congratulations on your new caravan 😀 Have a fantastic first trip away. Please feel free to email us if you are unsure of anything: info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk We’ll be happy to help 👍🏻 Many thanks for your lovely words & for watching, Keith & Michele.
Binge watching in our 'new to us' caravan, bought just before the lockdown so we have not been away yet but this is all great advice for when we can get away. Thank you
Hi Maria, Welcome to our channel 😀 Delighted you’re enjoying our videos & finding them helpful. Congratulations on your new caravan 🎉 Hopefully you’ll be able to get away soon & start making fabulous memories 🤞 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.
Hi Vince, Delighted you’ve found our video useful 😀 When you get the towels, you’ll probably think (as we did) that there is no way they’ll work as they’re so thin & lightweight 😀 They’re unbelievably effective! You’ll be amazed! Many thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
I am having a tourer caravan on a seasonal pitch next March I have had a static caravan for the past 20 years but just widowed just me and dog and guinea pig now so moving on a site near where my daughter lives and love listning to you both made lots of notes.
Hi Susan, Many thanks for your lovely words. Sorry to hear of your sad loss, wishing you every happiness with your new caravan. Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.
Hi guys only recently came across your site and am enjoying. I have been towing vans for just over 30 years Bought our second van only 2 years ago ( gave up our marauder when it reached 29). Have been holidaying in tourers since I was 2. It is always a good idea to check the noseweight before travelling.Our marauder was only 50lb on the nose when empty and we had to front load it to get it to pull nicely with sufficient weight on the ball .Our new Bailey madrid when collected from the dealer was 110lb , way above the max for our towbar (car tows at 80%) so to get the noseweight to a safe weight we have to move the front cushions to the middle of the van. I watched the video on what you take on holiday , did you weight that lot . Its amazing how fast that max weight creeps up. I used to carry the awning in the van but I if did that with our new van most of the normal comforts would have to go. keep up the good work.
Hi Stephen, Many thanks for your great advice 👍🏻 It’s very important that people check their noseweight. We’re absolutely fine with ours. Thanks for watching, best wishes to you, stay safe, Keith & Michele.
Thai you for all the amazing advice and information. I got my first ever van last month and will be setting off on my adventures at the end of September. This channel will come in very helpful for someone like me 👍👍
For the problem of normal hangers being too big I use trouser holders, the ones with two clips. The can be used to hang shirts and skirts as well as trousers. Just hang them from the shoulders and the waist bands.
Hi guys. Another fantastic informative video. I have picked up a great tip aswell regarding releasing the alko stabiliser handle when reversing onto pitch. I never gave it a thought!! I will try it on our next adventure!! Keep the videos coming, I love watching them!! 👍👌
Hi Gareth, Releasing the stabiliser when reversing just gives you so much more control over the caravan. As we said in the video, the hardest part is remembering to do it! Many thanks for your kind words & thanks for watching 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Keith, Michele. Hangers ! Try getting the type you find in hotel rooms. You could fit the parts on the rail and the hang clothes on the hangers as they swivel unlike normal ones. Nick T.
Many thanks Nick, We’ve passed all these tips regarding hangers onto Graham & he would like to thank everyone for their tips & recommendations 👍🏻 Thanks for your contribution, Keith & Michele.
Hello Keith and Michele. Seen this vlog before, but just seen a vlog by someone else and it's to do with what you were saying regarding don't believe what the dealerships say all the time. They bought a camper van and it looked fabulous from the outside, but boy did they have a nightmare. It was a case of this dealer trying to pass the buck. They took it to a reputable garage and they said it should be condemned. This comment is more for motorhomers that are thinking of buying secondhand. If you would like to see the vlog I'm on about they are called Travel Beans. Always love your vlogs pleasure to watch, Michele be careful Keith might have withdrawal symptoms with the sweets.😃 Keep safe you two. Pete and Su.
Hi Pete & Su, Many thanks for sharing this, they had a shocking experience but thankfully they got all their money returned to them. Definitely, a lesson to be learnt! Sending our best wishes to you both, not long now before we can get back on our travels & the Sweetie Jar can return 😀 Take care, Keith & Michele.
Keith, the Kampa awning puller is the best £30 I have ever spent on caravan gadgets. I usually put my awning up on my own, (blue job I am afraid) and it makes it so easy. Nick T.
Hi from Naples again - binge watched all three video's - invaluable - going to make lists and laminate them as per a suggestion - great team - but no sweeties!
Hi James, Delighted you’ve found our videos useful, Many thanks for your kind words & support 👍🏻 The sweeties are not up for discussion 😆😂😆 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
I've used smooth and ridged rock pegs. smooth don't bend like the ridged ones did. And a small claw hammer is all I use to knock them in and get them out.
Hi to you both just wanted some further info from you about the lady who bought the duff caravan, Tina I think her name was. We are about to buy a tourer, second hand and would like to know what to look out for. Thank you for your time Theresa n Shaun xx😀
Hi Shaun, apologies for our delayed response this has only just shown up! Tina did get it sorted out FOC through the dealer who offered them an added warranty for piece of mind. They were delighted with the outcome and now are enjoying holidays away in there pride and joy. Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele
Aldi have micro fibre bath towels from time to time for €3.99 here in Ireland. Some strange colours though orange , grey, blue or red. They should have the same stock in the u.k.
Hi David, lovely to hear from you 😀 Since filming this video we have received & used the towels. They are incredible!!! So thin & lightweight yet superbly effective at drying you off. When we actually got them we didn’t think they could possibly do the job.....how wrong we were! Definitely recommend getting them. Thanks for watching 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
One thing which can be very helpful, if you have a cordless screwdriver on board, which I use for the supports. Instead of using tent pegs in different versions, I switched over to plate head screws, measurement 8 x 280mm with Torx head, this works in any underground. inside and outside with cordless screwdriver in seconds 😁😁😁 All the best Carsten
You two are awsome and we all learn from each other. the best micro fibre towels I have purchased are the Mountain Warehouse ones you mentioned and a great price. (Fantastic for drying dogs as well). Try the lock and level and Colpaz waste pipes if you get the chance...
Hi Steve, Hope we pronounced your name correctly in the video 😀 We do now have the Colapz waste pipes, excellent purchase 👍🏻 Will look into the lock & level. Many thanks for your kind words, our caravanning community is great, it’s wonderful that everyone, including yourself, can use this platform to share their experiences, tips & advice 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hiya, you did well with the pronounciation, Im sure even I pronounce it wrong if a Dutch person heard me. I proniunce it like de Burrr. The tip of the loft support was spot on and got some yesterday from Screwfix, great tip www.screwfix.com/p/diall-loft-storage-stilts-210mm-12-pack/243gf. Pleased to hear you finally got Tyre Pal and agree with you about Tyron bands because if you need the bands to stop the tyre coming off, its already too late and unsafe.
Great tips, even for ´someone that have been caravaning the last eight years. We have toured Europe in our 31 year old caravan for the last four summers, driving around 4-5000 km per vacation. It has been 45 different campsites in 9 different country's. All this with three kids :) Being from Sweden, some of the tips may not apply to me, like the tips about the aquaroll. We simply don't have them here in Sweden. We almost always have the water tank built in to the caravan. Often under one of the seats. Most practical if it is below 0 dgr (C) or if you stop and make lunch on a parking lot. You always have some water with you. My practical tip for you is (if you have an older caravan as we do) Always have a small toolbox with you. Some pliers, screwdriver and other small tools. And duct tape, electrical tape, zip ties, velcro bands, fuses, cable connectors, light bulbs for in- and outside. We have also had an extra water pump. Just a small one for about 10£ so you can manage until you can get a proper replacement. I figure that many that want to start traveling with caravan will buy an old used caravan and then this is a must :) Thank you for a very nice YT channel! Best regards from Sweden
Hi Alex, Welcome to our channel 😀 Lovely to hear from you. It sounds like you’ve had some amazing adventures in your caravan! Excellent tip regarding the tool box, very good advice, thank you for sharing 👍🏻 You must send us some photos of your European adventures, we’d love to see them 😀 info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk Many thanks & best wishes, Keith & Michele.
Thank you so much for your answer. I will certainly send you some photos and stories about our adventures in Europe to your e-mail. Best regards, Alex with Family
Ref the awning carpet, we put a cheap awning membrane under the main carpet, this keeps its undamaged & extra insulation, also makes it softer under foot 😁
Love all the tips 👍🏼👍🏼. Just one query about a puncture, surly if you roll the caravan onto a leveller you still have to jack the caravan up the same amount to get the wheel off the leveller, I can understand that it would be easier to get the jack under as sometimes when the tyre is flat the caravan is too low to get the jack under so this would help 👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Sid, Pulling a caravan with a puncture onto a leveller will obviously raise the caravan up by 4 inches or so making it easier to put a jack under & pump/wind it. You would only have to raise the jack by a few pumps/winds to remove the leveller. When the wheel is replaced you could put the leveller back at a slightly lower position, then release the jack by a few turns. Hope this makes sense 🤔 Thanks for taking the time to comment & for watching 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Keith, Michele, take a look at the "Colapz" waste pipes. They can be supplied with raisers for the pipes to overcome the drainage problem. I have them and are a real bones. Expandable up to 4 metres, supplied with a cleaning brush, storage bag and are vwry lightweight. Nice gin glass Michele, I have got two of them but unlike yours mine are always full of gin or wine !!!
Hi Nick, We do use the Colapz waste pipes which we think are superb. Haven’t got the raisers though so will look into getting these 👍🏻 Excellent choice in wine glasses 😀 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Thanks for the reply guys about taking stabiliser of I thought with the brakes being electric I thought you would be better to take it of when reversing
Must be fate. There are 108 comments as I put my penneth in. I lived at 108 for 27 years.... Anyway... Wanted to say your videos have really helped my anxiousness when I bought my new caravan two weeks ago and our first outing last week. Little tips and reassurances can make such a difference tonus newbies. Fabulous. Could you do a tip on using Thetford Cassettes - specifically the flush filler. I spent two days thinking it had broken because the filler cap was full of water and yet the water level tube was showing empty. Not one video or manual anywhere says that the filler arm will stay full and you just have to let the water overfill in effect. I think it would really help newbies to be able to find something on this.
Hi Paul, Many thanks for your lovely words, delighted you’re finding our videos useful 👍🏻 Congratulations on your new caravan 🎉 Wishing you many happy travels & adventures 😀 Will definitely look into covering this topic for you in the future. Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi from Florida - haven't even seen my caravan yet (not until next June) - but I do have experience of punctures - suggest always place a chock under the good wheel when changing a tyre. I have a request - 'Travelling K' Karen from NZ just made some videos of her trip in England - completely new to caravanning which interested me, really good and she's the only youtuber I've watched who has dashcam of her journeys. As a newbe before I tow I'll take the Caravan Course run by the CC and as my family is in Romsey, my nearest is Winchester. What Id really like to see is a youtube of an actual journey - the driver drives and doesn't get involved in the film making, but the passenger makes the video of actual points of concern - corners, roundabouts, changing lanes, narrow roads, streets with parked cars and motorways. Basically narrates what the driver is doing, shots in the mirrors etc. I've bought a wifi camera which I'll fit on the rear of the caravan to also record and monitor traffic behind me (Amazon 275 pounds) - I'm sure this type of video would be well received - particularly by me - apologies for long winded suggestion.
Hi James, You May want to take a look at Bob Earnshaw on TH-cam, he covers a lot of road/driving footage. He is in a motor home, but we’re sure you’ll find his videos very useful. If we can help further please feel free to contact us directly: info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk Great tip re chocks 👍🏻 Thanks for sharing & for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi, Thanks for your lovely comments, when filming this video the temperature inside the caravan was almost 30 degrees so we had the two cooling fans & another two standard fans working 🥵 It was hot!!! Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi Keith and Michelle,im caravan wullie Great tips, i find winding the steadies by hand part of the caravan experience plus the drill adds weight. My channel isnt all that interesting due to lack of equipment lol,,but please like and subscribe, much appreciated caravan wullie Keep up good work
Hi Caravan Wullie, Totally understand you using the winder, we just like the speed of using the drill 😀 Thanks for watching & good luck with your channel 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Hi John & Al, These are portable cooling fans. The temperature was nearly 30 degrees in the caravan so we had these plus two other standard fans going! It was very hot! Thanks for your kind words & for watching, hope you found it useful 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Hi AKS, Many thanks for your kind words, we’re delighted you’ve found it useful 👍🏻 If we can help in any way please feel free to contact us directly: info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi guys good video just wanted to ask you said lift the stailberliser up when reversing do you think you should unplug power lead so caravan brake does not come on
Hi Jeff, You don’t need to unplug the caravan electrics from your tow car when reversing as these only illuminate the tail lights on your caravan, mirroring the rear tow car lights. The electric cable doesn’t have any connection with the breaking system on the caravan. The breaks on the caravan are activated when the tow car slows down, the hitch on the caravan compresses which then activates the breaking system on the caravan. This operation only works when the caravan is travelling forward. Hope this helps, thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi both. Thank you for all your advice it has been really useful. Slightly off topic but what is your opinion of a fixed island bed caravan like yours? We are considering changing to one from a side dinette as setting beds up is a bit of a faff! We were worried the bed may be a bit small. Hubby is 6ft 1! Thanks
Hi J, We really like the fixed island bed. It does retract to a shorter length when not in use & you extend it for night time. To be honest, we’re not as tall as your hubby, so can’t really give an opinion as to whether it would be suitable for someone over 6 feet 🤔 Hopefully others will comment on this here with their experience & we will ask our viewers for their opinions in a future video. Hope this helps, Keith & Michele.
OOhhh. So excited we've just bought a Swift Challenger 580 SE with island bed and am so thrilled. Pick up next week. We have always dreamed of having one....
Hello guys , I want to buy a caravan but I have one question : there is any caravan that I can tow it if I have just B and B1 categ on my driving license? Thanks alot
Hi Alec. Yes there are some caravans you can tow with your license. You just have to be aware that the maximum permitted weight is 3500kgs (3.5 tons) including your car, caravan and all you are carrying. Our advice would be to find a caravan dealer who would show you what would be within your legal limits. Hope this helps, Sending our best wishes Keith & Michele
@@keithandmichele thanks you so much for your help . I decided to get the B+E categ just to be on the safe side. Thanks ones again for your videos , really helpful
Hi, we have just got home and left our caravan on site but forgot to switch the fridge off, will it go straight to battery? We are new caravaners and worried now we will drain the battery, we turned the master power box off, thanks
Hi Dawn, Certainly with our Swift caravan, turning the master switch off, turns off everything including the fridge (excluding the solar panel, alarm & tracker). We believe this the same on most manufacturers. Hope this reassures you 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Great tips and video K&M 👍🏻
Thanks for the mention - update on Tyron Bands ( just realised it sounds like a 30’s movie star !)
When you get the bands fitted, they give you a tool to keep in the van so if you have someone out to replace tyre or you go to a non Tyron dealer, they can remove the band from damaged wheel and when appropriate you can get the band fitted by a Tyron dealer
Great work the pair of you - thanks for taking the time to do these videos - much appreciated
Regards
Howard B
Hi Howard, Thank you so much for this information on the Tyron Bands, very useful for everyone to know 👍🏻 Many thanks for your kind comments as always 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Love all the advice. Great content. Laughing at Keith sneaking sweets 😂
Thanks Kate, we’re so pleased you enjoyed our videos. Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele
New to Caravaning, thanks for all the great tips and updates
Hi ivanstead Many thanks for watching, we’re delighted you’ve found our videos helpful. Wishing you a very Happy New Year, best wishes, Keith & Michele x
We are just in the process of buying our first caravan and went to a caravan show in Auckland today (NZ). We ended up totally confused and conflicted as to the multitude of issues and options across the spectrum of everything caravanning! So we decided to Google some videos and watched your 1, 2 & 3 videos... We've learnt a lifetime of tips and tricks before we even start... so THANK YOU! Your videos have been great and really appreciated. Keep up the good work. :)
Hi Grant, Welcome to our channel, we’re delighted you’ve found our videos helpful 😀 Thank you so much for your lovely words & good luck with your caravan search 👍🏻 Any questions just email us info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk We’ll be happy to help. With best wishes, Keith & Michele.
Hi Keith & Michele, I bought a 2nd hand caravan and found an Alko wheel lock in one of the cupboards, went to register it only to find the people we got it from hadn't registered it from the people they bought it from. So I rang Alko and spoke to them who were extremely helpful.
They rang the person who originally bought the lock to confirm all the details I had on the registration card,once done they rang me back and told me it had now been de-registered and that I could now register it in my name :) Keep up the good work. Michael
Many thanks for sharing your experience Michael, we’re delighted everything is now sorted out 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.
Thanks guys. My husband and I collect our caravan in February 2022 and I am soooooo excited. Thank you for all of your help.
Many thanks for watching, we’re delighted you have found our videos helpful. Wishing you every happiness, fun travels & adventures next year year, Keith & Michele.
Just re-watching these as at long last I am getting my Caravan. ( the thinking about it was a year or 2, working out i could i afford it another year, now picking up after ordering in October.) thanks again
Hi Stevie, Huge congratulations on your new caravan 🥳…..at last 🤗 Hope you have many happy adventures & travels making wonderful memories. Many thanks for watching, we’re delighted you’ve found our videos helpful. Sending our best wishes to you, safe travels, Keith & Michele.
Love all the advice. We are collecting our first caravan next week!
Huge congratulations Nicola 🎉 It’s such an exciting time for you! Wishing you many happy travels & adventures. Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Been watching your videos from the start. All I can say is fantastic. In my caravan at the moment. It's a site called Gallowhill it near a Town called Kinross, famous for Loch Leven Island where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. You can take a small ferry to visit. You should visit if you ever tour in Scotland.
All the best
Bob and Vivienne
Hi Bob & Vivienne, Many thanks for your kind words 😀 Sounds like you’re in a fabulous location 👍🏻 We’d love to see some photos if you get a chance: info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Norwex bath towel ,tea towels , and bath towels but you have to buy the norwex washing powder they dry very quick
You two are great, wonderful and beautiful!. Both our kids will have left home soon and we are going to get a caravan and the tips you share from yourselves and others are going to save us so much money, heart ache and probably our marriage 😂😂😂 thank you so much for making your channel and entertaining us too. big fans.
Hi Experts Say, Thank you for your lovely, kind words. We’re delighted you’re enjoying our videos & finding them helpful. Sending all our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.
Love the tips thanks. Mind you I finally persuaded my partner to watch and she howled at spending an evening with “Ian discussing towels”! Seriously keep up the good work.
Many thanks for watching Alan, Delighted you both enjoyed our video 😀 Sending best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.
Thanks for the great advice. I now use Kampa Steel Screw Peg with 13 mm screw peg drill adaptor (any good brand will do). This is so easy on hard ground. It drills in and out so easily. I still use a lump hammer for the smaller pegs but the electric drill makes it so much easier.
Hi Barry, Thanks for the tip, think we need to have a look at these screw pegs, they seem quite popular 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
We bought ours from Aldi. £7 a box! They are brilliant.
Another video full of hints ‘n tips, so thank you Keith & Michele for taking time out to go through a significant volume of comments from your growing fan base.
Cheers, Rog... 👍🏻 ✅ 🐍
Hi Rog, Many thanks for your kind words & your continued support 👍🏻 Always great to hear from you 😀 Keith & Michele.
Hi Keith and Michele lovely to see you guys again hope u both keeping Ok love watching the tips and advise video think they help alot of caravaners out even myself find the info useful hope u keep it going use guys work well together I hav to laugh with the grass cutter when Michel tried to hurry up with what she was saying before he came bak so funny best of luck guys as always .kev
Hi Kev, Many thanks for your lovely words. The lawn mower was proving to be a bit of a challenge! Wouldn’t stop! 😆 Delighted you’re finding our videos useful 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Watching this video reminded me of a Avondale caravan we bought from Cambell Caravans in Preston. After 50 miles the caravan jacknifed. When the police came and did some checks found that the Alko hitch was full of grease. The dealer thought it was ok to grease the inside of the hitch.
Hi John, Shocking story & excellent advice. Never grease the tow hitch! Sincerely hope everyone was okay🤞Many thanks for sharing, sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.
Measure the cupboard width and go shopping for hangers to get max size
Some very useful stuff in this
Like to here from other caravaners thanks.with regard to wheel nuts.balance wheels fit shock absorbers if not fitted locktite blue on threads never had one come loose in 27years.
Hi Greg, Many thanks for sharing your tips 👍🏻 Delighted you enjoyed the video 😀 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi Greg, my new van came with shock absorbers and my first van didnt. I wouldnt have chosen to fit them but as they came with the van I have them. I have towed extensively this year since I got the van and I can honestly say they make a huge difference. The van seems to float along and so much more stable. they are not expensive and easy to retro fit so I would reccomend them.
Hi both please keep the tips and hints videos coming. Well worth sharing with seasoned and new to caravans.
Hi Paul, Many thanks for your kind words & your continued support 👍🏻 Delighted you’re finding them useful, thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
As a seasoned caravanner I have learnt a few bits and bobs - thanks!!
Hi Stuart, Delighted even a seasoned caravanner can still learn a few new tips 😀😆😀 Many thanks, as always, for watching 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Another tip which my brother told me about is when reversing your caravan either onto a pitch or drive etc always drive forward a few inches before unhitching so the spring doesn't go into your car.
Love the small screw ip with gorilla glue as our two year old has managed to "remove" the bin on the outside door and the pop up working area next to the sink. 👍
Hi Jonathan, Thanks for the tip, we have actually covered this on another video called 5 Simple Caravan Tips 👍🏻 Sounds like you’ve got your hands full with the little one 😀 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
At 20:19 - I laughed and laughed - I have only just seen your videos starting yesterday and I mentioned about the sweets - soooooo funny and you replied to me - what a lovely couple - what great video's - thank you for your time in making them and all the emails you read and follow up - stay safe and well - take care!!!
Many thanks for your kind words Wayne, we’re delighted you’re enjoying our videos & finding them helpful & entertaining 😀 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.
To reduce Air awning weight remove all panels from side and front. I have Camptech Kensington air awning and by removing the panels this reduces the weight by at least a third. Bonus, the panels with windows can be folded allowing plastic windows to be folded neatly so prevent creasing them.
Hi Andy, Great tip, Many thanks for sharing with everyone 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Love all these tips as we have just brought our first van, love watching this vlog! Thank you so much for doing these videos. We get our van on 12th October, go away on 18th for four nights. Looking forward to it
Thanks
Sean and Kerry x
Hi Sean & Kerry, Congratulations on your new caravan 😀 Have a fantastic first trip away. Please feel free to email us if you are unsure of anything: info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk We’ll be happy to help 👍🏻 Many thanks for your lovely words & for watching, Keith & Michele.
Binge watching in our 'new to us' caravan, bought just before the lockdown so we have not been away yet but this is all great advice for when we can get away. Thank you
Hi Maria, Welcome to our channel 😀 Delighted you’re enjoying our videos & finding them helpful. Congratulations on your new caravan 🎉 Hopefully you’ll be able to get away soon & start making fabulous memories 🤞 Sending our best wishes, stay safe, Keith & Michele.
Great tips, towels ordered! Thank you both for sharing.
Hi Vince, Delighted you’ve found our video useful 😀 When you get the towels, you’ll probably think (as we did) that there is no way they’ll work as they’re so thin & lightweight 😀 They’re unbelievably effective! You’ll be amazed! Many thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Norwex bath towels and tea towels and hand towels
Thanks for the recommendation Pauline 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.
I am having a tourer caravan on a seasonal pitch next March I have had a static caravan for the past 20 years but just widowed just me and dog and guinea pig now so moving on a site near where my daughter lives and love listning to you both made lots of notes.
Hi Susan, Many thanks for your lovely words. Sorry to hear of your sad loss, wishing you every happiness with your new caravan. Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.
Hi guys
only recently came across your site and am enjoying.
I have been towing vans for just over 30 years Bought our second van only 2 years ago ( gave up our marauder when it reached 29). Have been holidaying in tourers since I was 2.
It is always a good idea to check the noseweight before travelling.Our marauder was only 50lb on the nose when empty and we had to front load it to get it to pull nicely with sufficient weight on the ball .Our new Bailey madrid when collected from the dealer was 110lb , way above the max for our towbar (car tows at 80%) so to get the noseweight to a safe weight we have to move the front cushions to the middle of the van.
I watched the video on what you take on holiday , did you weight that lot . Its amazing how fast that max weight creeps up. I used to carry the awning in the van but I if did that with our new van most of the normal comforts would have to go.
keep up the good work.
Hi Stephen, Many thanks for your great advice 👍🏻 It’s very important that people check their noseweight. We’re absolutely fine with ours. Thanks for watching, best wishes to you, stay safe, Keith & Michele.
Thai you for all the amazing advice and information. I got my first ever van last month and will be setting off on my adventures at the end of September. This channel will come in very helpful for someone like me 👍👍
Hi Creative Caravanner, Many thanks for your kind words, wishing you many happy adventures in your caravan 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
For the problem of normal hangers being too big I use trouser holders, the ones with two clips. The can be used to hang shirts and skirts as well as trousers. Just hang them from the shoulders and the waist bands.
Hi Jacqueline, Many thanks for your help 👍🏻 Great idea! We will pass your advice onto Graham. Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi guys. Another fantastic informative video. I have picked up a great tip aswell regarding releasing the alko stabiliser handle when reversing onto pitch. I never gave it a thought!! I will try it on our next adventure!! Keep the videos coming, I love watching them!! 👍👌
Hi Gareth, Releasing the stabiliser when reversing just gives you so much more control over the caravan. As we said in the video, the hardest part is remembering to do it! Many thanks for your kind words & thanks for watching 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
@@keithandmichele I will definitely try my best to remember!! 👍
Keith, Michele. Hangers ! Try getting the type you find in hotel rooms. You could fit the parts on the rail and the hang clothes on the hangers as they swivel unlike normal ones. Nick T.
Many thanks Nick, We’ve passed all these tips regarding hangers onto Graham & he would like to thank everyone for their tips & recommendations 👍🏻 Thanks for your contribution, Keith & Michele.
Hello Keith and Michele.
Seen this vlog before, but just seen a vlog by someone else and it's to do with what you were saying regarding don't believe what the dealerships say all the time.
They bought a camper van and it looked fabulous from the outside, but boy did they have a nightmare. It was a case of this dealer trying to pass the buck. They took it to a reputable garage and they said it should be condemned.
This comment is more for motorhomers that are thinking of buying secondhand.
If you would like to see the vlog I'm on about they are called Travel Beans.
Always love your vlogs pleasure to watch, Michele be careful Keith might have withdrawal symptoms with the sweets.😃
Keep safe you two.
Pete and Su.
Hi Pete & Su, Many thanks for sharing this, they had a shocking experience but thankfully they got all their money returned to them. Definitely, a lesson to be learnt! Sending our best wishes to you both, not long now before we can get back on our travels & the Sweetie Jar can return 😀 Take care, Keith & Michele.
liked the loft stilts idea and will try taking the alko hitch as well when reversing
Hi Pete, Delighted you’ve found the video useful & taken some tips from it 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Thanks for another great vidéo Keith and Michèle 😉
Thanks for watching Gaetan 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Keith, the Kampa awning puller is the best £30 I have ever spent on caravan gadgets. I usually put my awning up on my own, (blue job I am afraid) and it makes it so easy. Nick T.
Thanks for this recommendation Nick, another item for the shopping list 😆 It’s a blue job with us as well 😀 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi from Naples again - binge watched all three video's - invaluable - going to make lists and laminate them as per a suggestion - great team - but no sweeties!
Hi James, Delighted you’ve found our videos useful, Many thanks for your kind words & support 👍🏻 The sweeties are not up for discussion 😆😂😆 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
I've used smooth and ridged rock pegs. smooth don't bend like the ridged ones did. And a small claw hammer is all I use to knock them in and get them out.
Thanks for sharing your experiences Steve, hopefully others will find this helpful 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Hi to you both just wanted some further info from you about the lady who bought the duff caravan, Tina I think her name was. We are about to buy a tourer, second hand and would like to know what to look out for. Thank you for your time Theresa n Shaun xx😀
Hi Shaun, apologies for our delayed response this has only just shown up! Tina did get it sorted out FOC through the dealer who offered them an added warranty for piece of mind. They were delighted with the outcome and now are enjoying holidays away in there pride and joy. Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele
Great part 3. Never thought of “micro fibre” towels. Will look those up. 👍👍😎🐘🦒
Aldi have micro fibre bath towels from time to time for €3.99 here in Ireland. Some strange colours though orange , grey, blue or red. They should have the same stock in the u.k.
Hi David, lovely to hear from you 😀 Since filming this video we have received & used the towels. They are incredible!!! So thin & lightweight yet superbly effective at drying you off. When we actually got them we didn’t think they could possibly do the job.....how wrong we were! Definitely recommend getting them. Thanks for watching 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Hi Paul, Many thanks for that information 👍🏻 Great price!!! Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
One thing which can be very helpful, if you have a cordless screwdriver on board, which I use for the supports.
Instead of using tent pegs in different versions, I switched over to plate head screws, measurement 8 x 280mm with Torx head, this works in any underground.
inside and outside with cordless screwdriver in seconds 😁😁😁
All the best
Carsten
You two are awsome and we all learn from each other. the best micro fibre towels I have purchased are the Mountain Warehouse ones you mentioned and a great price. (Fantastic for drying dogs as well). Try the lock and level and Colpaz waste pipes if you get the chance...
Hi Steve, Hope we pronounced your name correctly in the video 😀 We do now have the Colapz waste pipes, excellent purchase 👍🏻 Will look into the lock & level. Many thanks for your kind words, our caravanning community is great, it’s wonderful that everyone, including yourself, can use this platform to share their experiences, tips & advice 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hiya, you did well with the pronounciation, Im sure even I pronounce it wrong if a Dutch person heard me. I proniunce it like de Burrr. The tip of the loft support was spot on and got some yesterday from Screwfix, great tip www.screwfix.com/p/diall-loft-storage-stilts-210mm-12-pack/243gf. Pleased to hear you finally got Tyre Pal and agree with you about Tyron bands because if you need the bands to stop the tyre coming off, its already too late and unsafe.
Great tips, even for ´someone that have been caravaning the last eight years.
We have toured Europe in our 31 year old caravan for the last four summers, driving around 4-5000 km per vacation.
It has been 45 different campsites in 9 different country's. All this with three kids :)
Being from Sweden, some of the tips may not apply to me, like the tips about the aquaroll.
We simply don't have them here in Sweden. We almost always have the water tank built in to the caravan.
Often under one of the seats. Most practical if it is below 0 dgr (C) or if you stop and make lunch on a parking lot.
You always have some water with you.
My practical tip for you is (if you have an older caravan as we do) Always have a small toolbox with you.
Some pliers, screwdriver and other small tools. And duct tape, electrical tape, zip ties, velcro bands, fuses, cable connectors, light bulbs for in- and outside. We have also had an extra water pump. Just a small one for about 10£ so you can manage until you can get a proper replacement.
I figure that many that want to start traveling with caravan will buy an old used caravan and then this is a must :)
Thank you for a very nice YT channel!
Best regards from Sweden
Hi Alex, Welcome to our channel 😀 Lovely to hear from you. It sounds like you’ve had some amazing adventures in your caravan! Excellent tip regarding the tool box, very good advice, thank you for sharing 👍🏻 You must send us some photos of your European adventures, we’d love to see them 😀 info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk Many thanks & best wishes, Keith & Michele.
Thank you so much for your answer.
I will certainly send you some photos and stories about our adventures in Europe to your e-mail.
Best regards, Alex with Family
Ref the awning carpet, we put a cheap awning membrane under the main carpet, this keeps its undamaged & extra insulation, also makes it softer under foot 😁
Hi Guys, Thanks for that, great tip 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
I nearly fell of my chair laughing at 4:20 !!
Hi Dzidris, Delighted it made you laugh it nearly made Keith choke!!! 😂😆😂 Thank you so much for watching 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
RBS t piece connector is pointing in the wrong direction, otherwise a great idea
Love all the tips 👍🏼👍🏼. Just one query about a puncture, surly if you roll the caravan onto a leveller you still have to jack the caravan up the same amount to get the wheel off the leveller, I can understand that it would be easier to get the jack under as sometimes when the tyre is flat the caravan is too low to get the jack under so this would help 👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Sid, Pulling a caravan with a puncture onto a leveller will obviously raise the caravan up by 4 inches or so making it easier to put a jack under & pump/wind it. You would only have to raise the jack by a few pumps/winds to remove the leveller. When the wheel is replaced you could put the leveller back at a slightly lower position, then release the jack by a few turns. Hope this makes sense 🤔 Thanks for taking the time to comment & for watching 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Hi Sid, the Alko jack and jacking points allow you to raise the van from a very low point. Worth the extra money.
Another great vlog from you both 👍
Morning Bren & Jules, Many thanks for watching 👍🏻 Delighted you enjoyed our video 😀 Have a great weekend, Keith & Michele.
Thanks for the mention. Love your vids. Den 🤣🤣
Hi Den, Thanks for your kind words & your contribution 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Keith, Michele, take a look at the "Colapz" waste pipes. They can be supplied with raisers for the pipes to overcome the drainage problem. I have them and are a real bones. Expandable up to 4 metres, supplied with a cleaning brush, storage bag and are vwry lightweight. Nice gin glass Michele, I have got two of them but unlike yours mine are always full of gin or wine !!!
Hi Nick, We do use the Colapz waste pipes which we think are superb. Haven’t got the raisers though so will look into getting these 👍🏻 Excellent choice in wine glasses 😀 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Thanks for the reply guys about taking stabiliser of I thought with the brakes being electric I thought you would be better to take it of when reversing
Love the info and very funny
Hi Rebecca, Delighted you enjoyed the video & found it useful 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
actually love you guys!
Many thanks for your kind words Paul, delighted you’re enjoying our videos. Thanks for watching, stay safe, Keith & Michele.
Great tip with the waste.👍
Wholeheartedly agree Andrew. Many thanks to Rob Floyd for that tip 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Must be fate. There are 108 comments as I put my penneth in. I lived at 108 for 27 years.... Anyway...
Wanted to say your videos have really helped my anxiousness when I bought my new caravan two weeks ago and our first outing last week. Little tips and reassurances can make such a difference tonus newbies. Fabulous. Could you do a tip on using Thetford Cassettes - specifically the flush filler. I spent two days thinking it had broken because the filler cap was full of water and yet the water level tube was showing empty. Not one video or manual anywhere says that the filler arm will stay full and you just have to let the water overfill in effect. I think it would really help newbies to be able to find something on this.
Hi Paul, Many thanks for your lovely words, delighted you’re finding our videos useful 👍🏻 Congratulations on your new caravan 🎉 Wishing you many happy travels & adventures 😀 Will definitely look into covering this topic for you in the future. Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi from Florida - haven't even seen my caravan yet (not until next June) - but I do have experience of punctures - suggest always place a chock under the good wheel when changing a tyre.
I have a request - 'Travelling K' Karen from NZ just made some videos of her trip in England - completely new to caravanning which interested me, really good and she's the only youtuber I've watched who has dashcam of her journeys. As a newbe before I tow I'll take the Caravan Course run by the CC and as my family is in Romsey, my nearest is Winchester. What Id really like to see is a youtube of an actual journey - the driver drives and doesn't get involved in the film making, but the passenger makes the video of actual points of concern - corners, roundabouts, changing lanes, narrow roads, streets with parked cars and motorways. Basically narrates what the driver is doing, shots in the mirrors etc. I've bought a wifi camera which I'll fit on the rear of the caravan to also record and monitor traffic behind me (Amazon 275 pounds) - I'm sure this type of video would be well received - particularly by me - apologies for long winded suggestion.
Hi James, You May want to take a look at Bob Earnshaw on TH-cam, he covers a lot of road/driving footage. He is in a motor home, but we’re sure you’ll find his videos very useful. If we can help further please feel free to contact us directly: info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk Great tip re chocks 👍🏻 Thanks for sharing & for watching, Keith & Michele.
Wardrobe rail could be off centre 🤔
Rock pegs, drive them in with a 13mm driver then out the same whey 👍
Hi Kevin, We don’t use the screw in rock pegs but definitely something we will look into 👍🏻 Thanks for the tip & thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
To Graeme, re coat hangers. turn the hanging bar around the other way.
Thanks for sharing Helen 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Great video with very helpful tips....many thanks, are the white and black boxes behind you cooling fans..?
Hi, Thanks for your lovely comments, when filming this video the temperature inside the caravan was almost 30 degrees so we had the two cooling fans & another two standard fans working 🥵 It was hot!!! Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Put your clothes on the thin plastic hangers then use washing line pegs to hold the clothes on the hangers
Hi Keith and Michelle,im caravan wullie
Great tips, i find winding the steadies by hand part of the caravan experience plus the drill adds weight. My channel isnt all that interesting due to lack of equipment lol,,but please like and subscribe, much appreciated caravan wullie
Keep up good work
Many thanks for sharing your tip Allen 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi Caravan Wullie, Totally understand you using the winder, we just like the speed of using the drill 😀 Thanks for watching & good luck with your channel 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Hi, great video again. We are intrigued to understand what the two grey boxes are in shot behind you. Storage or portable coolers?
Hi John & Al, These are portable cooling fans. The temperature was nearly 30 degrees in the caravan so we had these plus two other standard fans going! It was very hot! Thanks for your kind words & for watching, hope you found it useful 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together. That’s some great tips. We are beginners so all these tips really help
Hi AKS, Many thanks for your kind words, we’re delighted you’ve found it useful 👍🏻 If we can help in any way please feel free to contact us directly: info@carefreecaravanning.co.uk Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi guys good video just wanted to ask you said lift the stailberliser up when reversing do you think you should unplug power lead so caravan brake does not come on
Hi Jeff, You don’t need to unplug the caravan electrics from your tow car when reversing as these only illuminate the tail lights on your caravan, mirroring the rear tow car lights. The electric cable doesn’t have any connection with the breaking system on the caravan. The breaks on the caravan are activated when the tow car slows down, the hitch on the caravan compresses which then activates the breaking system on the caravan. This operation only works when the caravan is travelling forward. Hope this helps, thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.
Hi both. Thank you for all your advice it has been really useful. Slightly off topic but what is your opinion of a fixed island bed caravan like yours? We are considering changing to one from a side dinette as setting beds up is a bit of a faff! We were worried the bed may be a bit small. Hubby is 6ft 1! Thanks
Hi J, We really like the fixed island bed. It does retract to a shorter length when not in use & you extend it for night time. To be honest, we’re not as tall as your hubby, so can’t really give an opinion as to whether it would be suitable for someone over 6 feet 🤔 Hopefully others will comment on this here with their experience & we will ask our viewers for their opinions in a future video. Hope this helps, Keith & Michele.
OOhhh. So excited we've just bought a Swift Challenger 580 SE with island bed and am so thrilled. Pick up next week. We have always dreamed of having one....
Absolutely delighted for you 😀 Wishing you many happy travels 😀 Keith & Michele.
Hello guys , I want to buy a caravan but I have one question : there is any caravan that I can tow it if I have just B and B1 categ on my driving license? Thanks alot
Hi Alec. Yes there are some caravans you can tow with your license. You just have to be aware that the maximum permitted weight is 3500kgs (3.5 tons) including your car, caravan and all you are carrying. Our advice would be to find a caravan dealer who would show you what would be within your legal limits. Hope this helps, Sending our best wishes Keith & Michele
@@keithandmichele thanks you so much for your help . I decided to get the B+E categ just to be on the safe side. Thanks ones again for your videos , really helpful
Hi, we have just got home and left our caravan on site but forgot to switch the fridge off, will it go straight to battery? We are new caravaners and worried now we will drain the battery, we turned the master power box off, thanks
Hi Dawn, Certainly with our Swift caravan, turning the master switch off, turns off everything including the fridge (excluding the solar panel, alarm & tracker). We believe this the same on most manufacturers. Hope this reassures you 👍🏻 Keith & Michele.
Carefree Caravanning thanks so much for replying, also loving watching your videos x
Not read, show us please.
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