We posted up on this forum about 2/3 years ago..(messages now gone) when we were considering buying a TT. Things overtook us (not the trailer!) and we never got around to doing it.
We are now back on track... and our Cabanon Jupiter DL has just arrived at the dealer. We hope to collect it some time next week.
We thought it would be a good idea to get a post going with just general advice items on it. Sort of "Do's and Dont's and Tips and tricks to make life easier.
We know for certain that as time goes on we are going to have lots of questions that need answers and this could be a good starting point.
One thing that has us thinking at the moment is electricity. A lot of sites show "hook up's for tourers". Does this just mean Caravans or are they generally happy for TT's to hook up too? Is this possible?
My car has an existing bar on the back with a double socket. (tested yesterday and working) I've seen mention of differences between the "starting battery" (the one on the car) and a "leisure battery". Now the leisure battery I'm happy is an additional battery that can be charged when the engine is running and used to provide power later. How long does a leisure battery last for? Will it run lights for you during the whole evening... or will it drain to nothing in no time at all? What can it power suitably well and is it's "power" time considerable.. or not?
Thanks for your help and advice and we look forward to all the Do's and Dont's
Hi folks...I have leccy hookup for my TT and never had a problem getting leccy on site(but do ask to make sure sites accept H/up for TTs)For 12v lighting I carry a small 12v battery which I charge at home...lasts approx 3 nights....Never done this my self...but suppose it could be charged form your car battery via jump leads in an emergency...For main awning lighting I use a small bulkhead type light(60watt bulb) plugged into H/Up..Always remember to check the amppage of each of your items when using so you dont overstep the sites amp rating for their leccy by using too many leccy items at same time or you will trip the sites supply???
Jelboy.
------------- Campers of the storm,Into this world are born
Our leisure battery is 110 amp hour. It will run the little fluorescent tubes "forever" The colour tv at 4amps for 27hours the fridge flattens it faster than you would believe possible. Certainly for a three day weekend our battery has always held up but for a weeks real holiday we have always gone on hookup.
------------- Good friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget.
The big day is first thing tomorrow morning. An hour demonstration with the dealer and then bring it home
We've pulled off the checklists from the site and are really looking forward to having a practice before picking a weekend to run into North Wales/Anglesey and give it a try.
We have a Pennine Pathfinder folding camper (like Jan P does!), but we only have a 85 amp hour battery - prior to a long weekend (3 nights) on a site with no hook up and no facilities, we bought a second battery 'just in case'. The battery in the trailer powered the lights, water pump, toilet flush and the occasional use of the blown-air heater (heated by gas, but the fan is electric) - we were amazed to find that not only did the battery last all weekend, it still had enough 'umph' left when we packed up to turn the trailer and hitch it to the car using the PowrTouch mover we have fitted! We will continue to take the spare battery with us (you can never be too careful) when we have no mains hook-up, but I think I can safely say that the battery will last you a weekend of normal use. Just remember to use a fridge (if you have one) on gas - as Jan P says, they flatten batteries in record time! Enjoy your trailer tent.
We use a hook-up and have never had a problem with booking an electric pitch. We also use a leisure battery for the water pump and flourescent lighting. When going away for a week or more, we take a small battery charger and plug this into our mains supply to recharge the battery. We have never needed to do it more than once a week, and just pick a time when we are not using much power for other equipment.
Thanks again for your thoughts everyone. I think we are probably going to have the 3 point hook up cable and throw a battery in as well at some point... making sure the site has a hook up for us first though
We picked up the TT on Wednesday morning. A very informative demo by the dealers and in absolutely perfect conditions.. beautiful sunshine and not a spot of wind. Made it all seem rather easy!! Even having walked in and around many on the dealers site it was still rather surprising to see how long it made our little convoy! (gallery image uploaded with our eldest posing
Practice time now follows.. just got to find someone with a big enough garden or field we can borrow! Lots and lots around us but all full of cows... and we don't want that on our new canvas!!
Just as a thank you really.. can't recommend Caseys Outdoor Leisure nr Chester enough. They have been very helpful, very friendly and gave us a good deal. They are a family run business and it shows through... a very comfortable and homely place to go and do your shopping! Give them a try. We don't think you'll be disappointed.
Well we have been out and bought lots of bits and pieces for our first short trip. Primarily this will be our first practice at getting everything up and in place. We have chosen a site in Worcestershire that is near to the inlaws who will have the children whilst we get to grips with the tent without any interuptions....
So here's to hoping for some nice weather and no wind!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: New TT.. Your thoughts and Suggestions
We have an electrical hook up for our T T but also carry a spare battery in the front box. 
