Petromax Lanterns

Wow, at last these great lanterns have arrived all the way from Germany.

Paraffin powered, they give a great light, a little heat and even a nice sound!

They last forever and they look really great.

Have a look here on the Hitch-n-Pitch website and see what I mean.

A really great Christmas present for the camper or caravanner.

Simple Security Tip

If you are leaving you van or motorhome away from home, then try this simple security tip:

When you leave your van, take out all the visible soft furnishings. Have you seen how much they cost to replace? Mr opportunist criminal wont want to steal a van with so seats and pillows!

Flushed away?

OK so how do I say this? I found some really great toilet fluid! Its called OneChem. It comes in a 1 litre bottle, with a measurer on the top that makes it really easy to get the right amount so as not to waste any.

It is bio-degradeable, so no formaldehyde, and its kinder to the environment than those other loo chemicals.

Now I never had an issue with the smell of the other fluids I have used in the past. but this stuff smells great, fresh, in a way that I haven't smelt before.

And probably the best thing, the lable says ....... Manufactured in the UK!

Its in our Poole shop now!

Try it and see what I mean.

What is an RCD or an MCB

What is an RCD / MCB?

All outdoor electrical distribution equipment is required by law to include some form of safety device for anyone using attached equipment. The type of device depends on where and how the distribution system is being used. Here we explain the different types of electrical safety devices as well as what is required by law and is optional.

What is an RCD?

An RCD (Residual Current Device) monitors the volume of electricity (Current/Amps) that flows in through the Live and out through the Neutral. If everything is safe and running as it should do then the Current will be the same on the way in as it is on the way out. If by accident the situation becomes critical and someone or something comes into contact with the flow of electricity, the flow of Current going through the Live and Neutral drops as some of the Current is now travelling through the person/object receiving the electric shock.
It is the RCD's job to see this change and rightly assume that electricity is leaving the circuit in a dangerous manner. The RCD then automatically trips and breaks the electrical circuit completely.

An RCD has a "time" rating. This time rating is generally 30ms (or 0.030 seconds). This is the time it takes the RCD to respond to a problem. The RCD then requires someone to manually reset it so it can continue operation. If the problem is still present then the RCD will trip again instantly. You cannot reset the RCD if the problem still exists. These devices are considered a must for almost all outdoor/environmental power applications.

RCD's required by law to be included in any fixed wiring application.

What is an MCB?

An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) is a device that is pre-configured to allow a maximum amount of Current (Amps) to flow. To give an example, every UK plug has a fuse that acts in a similar fashion to an MCB. If you plug in a device that uses too many Amps for that circuit, the MCB will trip.

Some form of MCB is required by law whereby part or whole of the distribution unit is at risk of being exposed to a higher Current rating than it is able to handle. This is typically governed by the plug and lead coming into the unit. These components govern the overall energy that can be accessed and therefore the MCB is rated to match the lead and plug.

Overall, RCD's and MCB's compliment each other nicely. It is an RCD's job to prevent fatal accidents due to electric shock whilst it is the MCB's job to prevent damage to plug/sockets/wiring and connected equipment by being exposed to too many Amps.

I found this on the internet and have out it here for your information. It gives the main things that you need to know and do. It is extracted from the Highways Agency website.

Fit To Tow?

Keep your trailer ready to go.

If you’re taking to the roads with a caravan, trailer or horsebox, don’t set out without a final safety and maintenance check, especially if you leave it standing for most of the year.

Before setting out, make sure your trailer is properly serviced and fit to be on the road. Your trailer should be given a regular service by a reputable dealer.

Fit to Tow Video

To raise awareness of the safety risks involved when towing a caravan or trailer and the importance of ensuring you are towing safely, the Highways Agency has issued a new safety DVD, Fit to Tow, presented by Carol Smillie.

Please select the video file below. Different video file formats will be made available shortly along with a full text transcript of the production. If your PC does not have the necessary plug-in you should be prompted to install it.

High quality MPEG View (48MB)

Here is a simple checklist for you to download and print off: Fit to Tow Checklist (84KB PDF)

Before you set off:

Carry out a final maintenance check before you set off.
Is the load correctly distributed and firmly secured?
Are all the lights undamaged and working correctly?
Are the tyre pressures correct and all tyres in good condition?
Is the trailer correctly coupled to the tow ball or pin?
Is the coupling height correct? It should be level.

On the Road

Driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably affect the vehicle’s performance:
Moving off needs more effort.
It will take longer to slow down and stop.
You need to take extra care when negotiating sharp bends.

You need to check:

That the vehicle and trailer are loaded securely and correctly distributed in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications.
Are you adequately covered for recovery and breakdown?
Most recovery agents won’t cover a trailer unless it’s specified in your contract. Make sure you have specialist breakdown cover. Standard trailer insurance does not automatically include breakdown cover.

Reversing with a Trailer

Make sure the area behind you is clear before reversing.
Be especially aware of children and pedestrians.
Try to get somebody to observe for you.
Practice makes perfect! Try reversing before setting off.

Have you got the Right Licence?

An ordinary category B licence allows you to drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes Maximum Gross Weight and to tow a trailer that weighs up to 750 kilograms Maximum Gross Weight, giving a Maximum Combination Weight of up to 4250 kilograms.
Drivers who have got a B category licence are entitled to tow a trailer over 750 kilograms Maximum Gross Weight provided that the gross weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen or kerb weight of the towing vehicle, and the maximum combination weight does not exceed a total of 3.5 tonnes.
If you want to drive a larger vehicle or pull a heavier trailer you will need to take a category B + E driving test.
For more information visit: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing

Speed Restrictions

Always keep within the legal speed limit.
30mph limit applies on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
50mph applies on single carriageways unless signs show otherwise.
60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways.
NOTE: You must not travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway with three lanes or more.
Avoid problems before they happen

Following these 4 simple rules could help you to avoid unnecessary repairs.
Avoid parking your trailer on long grass - moisture could damage it.
When you park up, you must not leave a detached trailer on a public road. If it is hitched up it must always be parked with lights on at night on any public road.
On a level surface if it is safe to do so, avoid parking with the handbrake on.
Grease all the greasing points with a grease gun, plus the brake cables or rods, and handbrake.

What if you break down on a motorway?

Remember it is illegal to stop on a hard shoulder except in an emergency.

If an emergency forces you to stop, then follow these top 5 personal safety tips from the Highways Agency:
Pull onto the hard shoulder and park as far to the left as you can.
Turn on your vehicle’s hazard warning lights.
Leave the vehicle via the doors furthest away from traffic and stand as far away from traffic as is safe.
Contact the Highways Agency using the emergency roadside telephone.
Follow the instructions from Highways Agency staff.

Hitch-n-Pitch attends South West Region Meet

Over the last weekend, we were most lucky to have been invited to the Camping and Caravanning Club's South West Regional meet, organised by the New Forset DA, at Budden's Farm, just outside Wareham.

We set our lovely old Bessacar 550 up on Thursday and then arrived with the stock on the Friday morning. The "Shop" was based under the fantastic Pa Ha Que Sun Shelter, shelves were assembled, the solar radio turned on, and the great new Isabella directors chairs were put out.



Friday was good and the weather not too bad, Saturday was a little different, the wind blew like it hadn't had any exercise for months and the rain fell as only an Atlantic front can drop it!



But spirits were high and everyone had a great time, especially on Saturday night when the party had a space theme. A member of the HNP team was a Space Cowboy!

Sunday arrived and was a little drier, and the sun when it shone was nice and warm, and aided by the breeze, the awnings and tents soon dried out.

Lots of stock was sold to appreciative rally people, and the atmosphere over the weekend was really great.



After the closing ceremony and the awards, all well deserved, peole started making their way home.

We look forward very much to the next one, and thanks to all those who had a hand in organising this great weekend.

Caravan Insurance .... again.

Caravan insurance is like a safety net for any mishap that might occur when out on a touring caravan.

Should the unfortunate happen, the insurance would cover most of the costs incurred, depending on your type of policy, leaving you with not having to pay up everything from your wallet.

Touring caravan insurance is not too expensive. You can get a specialist caravan insurance broker to quote and it is often possible to pay montly, but note there is sometimes interest to pay.

Get a couple of different quotes, I use the Camping and Caravan Insurance Service, Club Care Insurance, as it offered the best cover for me, but you do need to be a member.

You do need to check what level of cover is offered up to all the accessories in your van, ie awning (we have 2 in our van, TV, DVD, kitchen utensils etc can all add up to quite a lump if you need to replace them all!

The insurance premium also depends upon the level of security your caravan has fittted, froom wheel clamps, hitch locks, alarms and where it is kept.

New Caravan Cover

AA launches caravan essentials cover
Tue 24th Feb 2009



The AA has announced the launch of its new Caravan Essentials insurance policy, which it claims offers "value" insurance for Caravans worth up to £10,000.

AA said that the new, stripped-down cover still includes essentials such as cover for up to £2 million for public liability, damage or theft.

Karen Jakes, head of AA caravan insurance, said that because of the credit crunch, many caravan owners may be looking for a more stripped-down, cheaper insurance policy.

She explained: "With the poor exchange rate, high price of fuel and the generally higher cost of living, we believe many families are considering caravan destinations such as the Cotswolds or the Cairngorms this year, rather than say Carcassonne."

Recently, the AA conducted research which revealed that people are also cutting costs when it comes to buying cars.

According to the organisation's loans department, there has been an increase in the number of personal loans used to buy second-hand vehicles as opposed to brand new ones.

A tour of the Poole Shop

caravanning the most popular paid for holiday option in the UK

THE RISE AND RISE OF CARAVANNING IN THE UK – £183 MILLION BOOST FOR LOCAL ECONOMIES

Caravanning most popular paid for holiday option in UK…and growing

Caravanning is the most popular paid-for holiday option in the UK (19%), with even more Britons are planning to stay at home during 2009, instead of holidaying abroad. Last year one million took a ‘staycation’.

The Caravan Club has reported advanced bookings for 2009, which are up a substantial 40% on 2008, and with 1.5 million caravanners, motor caravanners and trailer tenters in the UK, Caravan Club members alone generated £183million into rural tourism economies when shopping, eating out, buying local produce and visiting local attractions. With value for money being a key criteria in the holiday decision-making process, caravanning can cost as little as £33.65 per person per weekend away (based on a two berth caravan costing £10,500 purchased at 0% finance).

Nick Lomas, Director of Marketing for the Caravan Club said: “We confidently predict that 2009 will be the year of the great British, value for money holiday. At a time of considerable economic uncertainty, tourism regions across the UK will continue to benefit from stay at home Britons and with thousands of campsites and destinations to choose from, there is no better time to plan and book holiday breaks in the UK.”

The great outdoors, caravanning, camping and boating take centre stage at this year’s National Caravan Boat and Outdoor Show at NEC, Birmingham, Tuesday 17 – Sunday 22 February 2009. The show is open from 10.00 until 18.00 every day and parking is free. Spread over five halls, visitors to the six day event will have the first opportunity to see the newest 2009 caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes, park homes and tent model ranges as well as a huge choice of tow cars, 4x4s, UK and European holiday destinations and outdoor leisure products.

Taking place during school’s spring half term, the event is packed with free activities for the whole family: from canoeing and kayaking lessons, scuba diving, climbing and mini-golf to caravan towing courses and motorhome manoeuvring lessons.

Tickets can be bought via the Ticket Factory on 0844 581 3000, online at www.boatandcaravan.co.uk (a transaction fee of £1 will be charged for card payments) or on the day. Full details on all aspects of the event, from exhibitors and entertainment to free parking and travel information, log onto www.boatandcaravan.co.uk.

Snow .... Snow ..... and more Snow!

The day it snowed in Dorset, Monday 2nd February! Here is the Poole shop ... with snow!

So how can us campers and caravanners be comfortable in this weather?

Campers, a quality tent, that is designed for all season use. Don't go buying a £9 tent from on of the food supermarkets and expect it to do the job. That sort of tent is great for a one night stand (or sleep) but not a lot more. You need to look at what you are sleeping on and in. A self inflating mat offers a bit of comfort and lots of insulation, stops your body heat escaping in to the ground and stops the cold from the ground invading your body. Layers of clothing, from base layers to top coat ..... thin layers trap air, and you body has the chance to warm it up. Good food ... always a plus!

Caravanners and Motorhomers, make sure that all your on-board systems are working, water, heaters, electric. these should all be checked in your annual service, and are very important this time of year. Make sure that you leave the floor vents open if you are using any gas appliances, both butane and propane are heavier than air and so will, if they are about, find their to the outside world via these vents.

Overall take care, be prepared and have fun.

Stay in Vegas?

This is really good, and I love the comments at the end.

Just click on the title and see what I mean

Why cant Bailey or Fleetwood have a go at this?

Caravan Channel TV show at NEC Outdoor show

The Caravan Channel TV show will be exhibiting at the NEC National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show, Feb 17 - 22

[UKPRwire, Tue Jan 27 2009] Caravan, motorhome and camping specialist TV programme The Caravan Channel is to have it's own stand at the NEC in Birmingham for the National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show, February 17th - 22nd. The programme's production team will be using Stand 5007 in Hall 5 of the show as a base for filming around the halls, and as a venue to film some important interviews and Q & A sessions with managers and personalities involved in the leisure industry.

"This stand gives us the chance to meet many more of the estimated 100,000+ people who watch our programmes, as well as helping us to promote outdoor leisure activities," said the programmes producer and presenter Chris Gosling. "Our fortnightly programmes are 100% aimed at the two million or more people who go camping or caravanning regularly, and they also help to provide an introduction for people who'd like to get involved."

"During this major and important show, we'll be uploading daily video reports and diary entries into our special show website, and we'll be adding live reports from the NEC into our shows that go out on Infrmation TV, Sky channel 166 and Freesat 406, at 7pm on Wednesday 18th feb, and Friday 20th Feb. The Caravan Channel is broadcast on Information TV, Sky channel 166 and Freesat 406, at 7pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings. It is also online via the Caravan Channel website at www.caravanchannel.tv

Security .... top tips from the Proff

It seems that now the credit crunch has arrived ... unless you are a top banker. Caravans and trailers now seem, more than ever, to be the target of thieves (and thats the polite word for them!).

So some simple ideas that are easy to implement.

1. Come to the shop, or the website, and have a look at the huge range of deterrents that we have for you to buy.

2. Have all the windows etched with a code, or vehicle registration number.

3. Have a big sticker made to put on the roof, might just say Hello! Easily visible from the air, and it makes life easier for the police helicopter to see you caravan! Don't use your post code, as this can be seen from bridges, and bad people will be able to see where you are not!

4. When you park your van or motorhome up, remove all the soft furnishings, pillows etc. Have you seen how much they cost to replace?

5. Do all the obvious things, fit a wheel clamp, hitch lock, remove all valuable things (TVs etc) from the van, leave a curtain open so that the opportunist can see there is nothing in side.

Tents & Hot Cakes.

Wow!!!! tents are really moving at the moment.

In the last couple of days we have sold Gelert Tornado 5DLxs, Meridian 10s, Sunncamp Vario 600s, and had lots of enquiries for large awnings and the great new range of lightweight SunnCamp awnings, the 2009 Ultima 260 and 390.

We are getting a little short of tents right now, but the new 2009 kit should be with us shortly.

Why not drop into the store and see what 2008 and older, but still new, tents we have to sell off at real sale prices.

Parking Tickets ..... Aggggggg!

Did you know, that according to various sources, between 60 and 70% of all parking tickets are issued incorrectly? Most of us just pay up!

So have a look at these 2 websites for help and information on how and when to appeal.

The Which site is free if you are a member and the ticketbuster site is free the first time and then you need to pay £9.99 for unlimited access.

www.which.co.uk/advice/how-to-appeal-a-parking-ticket

and ......

http://www.ticketbusters.co.uk/

Or the other way is to park sensibly and within time in the right place!!!!!!

Frozen Pipes and Taps

Winter came with a vengence last week! Freezing temperatures, frost and cold clear skies covered the Dorset campsites (as well as the rest of the country!).

One regular customer came in tot he store and asked " why should I leave the taps open on the motorhome when I drain the water over the winter?"

I explained to him about water, freezing and expansion. Although plastic pipes on caravans and motorhomes are less likely to split when under ice pressure than the copper pipes at home, the aditional air pressure that developes can damage the softer plastic and push fit seals found on most mobile water systems.

I also explained to him, that if his motorhome is a more modern one .... which it was ... and he had the lift up single lever mixer taps, then he should lift it up and leave the lever in the middle, as if he was wanting to mix both hot and cold water. this ensure that the air can escape out though the tap with no problems.

A modern mixer tap .... leave open and in the middle!

So ... drain the water and leave the taps open!

How Much Gas is Left?

We are often asked "how much gas is left in by bottle?" and "How can I check it?".

There are a couple of methods that can be used:

1. Buy a magnetic Speed Range Indicator. These are great! The Speedrange Indicator can be used on any Propane, butane cylinder or a mixture of gasses. It has a magnetic backing which attaches to the outside of the cylinder and shows the level of the gas. When your cylinder is empty, simply remove the indicator and place on a new tank. It is safe, reusable (it is magnetic, so can be fixed to any gas bottle) & reasonably accurate.

2. Use the Bathroom Scales! On top of the gas cylinder there should be an aluminium disc that has information about that specific cylinder. In two sections there will be a pair of numbers as in the picture below. This is the weight of the gas cylinder when EMPTY and its in Pounds and Ounces (Lbs and Ozs). So weigh the cylinder on the bathroom scales and check the weight in Lbs and Ozs and any thing over the weight on the Aluminium Disc is the amount of gas left in the bottle! In our picture the weight of the gas bottle empty is 18 lbs and 12 ozs.

Winter is here

You can always tell when winter has arrived in the shop. Its cold, gloomy and not too many people come in the doors.

Those that do are the hardy and brave, wanting toilet chemicals, leisure batteries and tie downs for their vans, and mainly windscreen covers for the motorhomers.

The campers come in looking for the new tent ranges, which are due in soon, and some new tents are listed on the website already.

And .... surprisingly ...... BBQs are selling like the proverbial hotcakes. Cadac gas BBQs, disposeable charcoal BBQs, and the wonderful Dorset charcoal. Its all selling!

The other big change in January is the shorter shop opening hours, we are now open in Poole from 9.30 am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and normal Sunday opening. Normal hours will be resumed on the run up to Easter (and that's not far away either!).

Rain Rain go away ...... please!

When most people hear they might end up camping in the rain they change their mind about their camping trip. But part of going camping is experiencing nature. And part of experiencing nature is going to be camping in the rain at some point in your camping life.

While many things about the rainfall are beautiful....the sound...the smell...the knowledge that the environment requires it, many things about camping in the rain are not so beautiful either. There is nothing fun about having a wet sleeping bag, wet clothing, or a puddle in your tent. Add some cool temperatures into the mix and you have a recipe for camping disaster....and a spouse or family that never wants to go camping again.

Rather than packing up and going home, or staying cold, wet, and miserable, here are some camping tips to help you be prepared the next time you are going camping and it rains.

Always pack a few extra items in case of rain

Since we are usually car camping, it is easy for us to throw in a few extra items to help us stay dry in the event of rain:

• 
  Rain Ponchos - One use ponchos are just 99p! A rain poncho will be invaluable to help you move around in comfort in the rain, and in case you end up setting up your campsite in the rain.
• 
  Tarps and Ropes - Extra tarps and ropes are a lifesaver when you are camping in the rain. Use these to cover your gear, put a rain fly up, or to put a rain fly over your tent.
• 
  Extra Large, Heavy-Duty Rubbish Bags - Many times I have the kids actually pack their clothes in these. Place the empty bin bag right into the ruck sack or suitcase, open it up, and push sides all the way out to the sides of the bag, using the rubbish bag as a liner inside your bag. Now pack all of your clothes inside the bag as you normally would. Don't forget to twist closed the top of the bag to make sure it is thoroughly closed. Now if your bag or suitcase should get wet, you still have dry clothes.
• 
  Extra Large Ziplock Bags - I love those jumbo-sized ziplock bags. Again, these are perfect for clothes. Pack your clothes by outfit (one complete outfit for each day per bag) or by clothing type (all socks in one bag, shirts in another bag, etc.). Good for putting the dirty laundry in as well! Also great for keeping your phones, cameras, and papers dry.
• 
  Umbrella - I don't think I have to explain this one!

When setting up your tent it pays to be prepared just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. It is much easier to take a few extra minutes to set it up properly in beautiful dry weather, then to have to move it or set it up in wet weather.

Make sure you don't set your tent up in a spot that will flood if it does rain. Don't touch, or indeed dont let your gear or air mattress touch the sides of the tent or water may start to leak in.

A gazeebo or nice sized shelter set up in the middle of your campsite not only keeps you sheltered from the sun during the day, but is a great place to congregate during a rainstorm. Pack some family games or other rainy weather activities to have on hand to keep you and your kids occupied. Or just sit back, relax, read a good book and enjoy the sound of the rain falling on the leaves around you and on the tarp above you.

Not too far from civilization? A last resort, and one I have used once or twice in my years of camping, if the rain turns to downpour and lasts for an unreasonable amount of time don't suffer. Pile into the car and explore some local indoor attractions, local towns or museums, see a film, or ten pin bowling.

So the next time you are going camping and the forecast calls for the possibility of rain, don't cancel, just prepare in advance, go ahead...go camping in the rain and enjoy a different side of nature than you were expecting, but one that is just as beautiful...especially if you are cozy, comfortable, warm, and dry while it is raining all around you.

This is really cool! (click here to see the website)

This just dropped in on the email.

I really want one! With more than 50,000 bookings already made for UK camping and caravan holidays already (and its only January) there may be enough people out there to get this sort of advanced concept car / motor home idea off the ground.

I know de-mountables have not been too popular in the past, but did look a bit like a "bolt on extra".

This looks like it is made for the job .... that's coz it is!

Credit crunch sparks boom in caravan holidays

More Britons are now choosing camping and caravans as their holiday choice.

The recession is giving the caravan industry a surprise boost as more Britons opt to holiday on home soil.

With the euro almost worth the same as the pound, people are swapping expensive foreign holidays for 'stay-at-homers'!

Caravan holidays enjoy a boom - Scotsman.com News

Caravan holidays enjoy a boom - Scotsman.com News Wow looks like we will have a great year!

New 2009 tents and awning info released

This the the fantastic new Gelert Corvus ... and what a tent!

At last the manufacturers have released some information on the new tents for 2009! With a few new colours and better hydrostatic heads, better fits of flysheets and more sewn in groundsheets, thses new ranges of tents will keep you drier and more comfortable than ever before.



If we get a season like 2008, then remember to have Noah's number so you can book a place on the Ark .... but the Met Office recons that this year is going to be the hottest for a while ..... I think that just means the rain will be warmer .... but lets wait and see




In the mean time visit the website to see the pictures of the new tents.

Great deals on Gelert Tornado 5 DLX Tents!

We need to clear out these big single roomed dome tents.

Made by Gelert, with good headroon and good living area.

Hydrostatic Head of 3000mm giving great water repellency and only 3 poles make it quick and easy to put up.

Now down to £49.99 but really limited stock is available of these 2008 tents (yes that is last year's tent!).

To buy on line click here http://www.hitch-n-pitch.co.uk/acatalog/Big_Family_Tents.html#a542

Or you vist us in the shop, at either:

Moor, Hitch-n-Pitch
12 Lagland Street
Poole, BH15 1QG
phone 01202 676 400

or

Hitch-n-Pitch
Merley House lane
Merley, Wimborne, BH21 3AA
01202 880 888

See you soon as my fingers are freezing up now!

What's the difference between Blue and Red Gas

Blue gas is Butane

Red gas is Propane.

Both gasses can be used on most gas appliances.

The main difference is that Butane flows slower in the cold. So if you are caravanning in the winter, you may have to come to the shop and exchange the blue bottle for a red one! It always happens just when you want a cup of Tea!

Technically propane does burn a little hotter, but most normal people will not notice the difference.

Note that if you do change gas type, then you will also need a new regulator or new pigtail fitting if you have a fitted regulator in your later caravan.

Prepare your caravan and motorhome for winter.

There is lots to do to help your van survive the winter time.

Obviously take out all the water from the toilet and water systems. If this freezes it can be costly to fix.

Make sure the van is clean inside and out.

Use a cover to keep the outside clean.

Move the unit ebery now and again to help prevent flatspots in the tyres. Or you can use Wheel Savers availble from our shop and website http://www.hitch-n-pitch.co.uk/acatalog/Towing_Security_and_Set_Up.html

Get the Bags out!

Now is the time to get your sleeping bags out. Take them out of the stuff sacks, or carry bags, and hang them over a chair to give tham a good airing and to give the filling a good chance to "fluff-up" (now there is a great technical phrase!).

Check out the bag for any rips or tears, and does it need a clean? If so take to to a specialist cleaner.