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Hi everyone, this is my first post here as a newbie!  I have just bought my first van and am very excited about getting out and about in it with my daughter, aged 11.  I just wondered whether anyone can give any helpful hints and tips generally please.  It's done 115,000 miles and I have just given it a major service.  Unfortunately, it needs new shock absorbers, a small hold in the rear wheel arch welding, a new bump stop, rear shoes and wheel cylinders and will eventually need a new exhaust (which is modified).  The sliding door has also started sticking shut.  I asked the garage owner if I'd bought a lemon(!) but he said no, once the jobs are done, it is sound.

Could I ask if anyone has any tips please for a couple of things I want to do - arrange a reversing sensor - camera or beeper, TV installation (for the daughter for when I get I'm bored Mum',

Thanks, CG x

For reversing I usually send a passenger out to direct me, cheaper and more reliable than a camera.

If you want a reversing beeper the easiest way is to change the reversing bulbs for ones with a built in buzzer. I have these but they are not very loud though.

I bought a TV about a year ago off ebay for about £150. Its 12 volt, LCD and plays DVDs and movies from a USB stick too.

For TV reception you will need either an aerial or a sat dish. Digital aerials cost about £35 for an Avtex brand on ebay and a sat system for camping costs about £75. If you use an aerial you will also need a set top box for Freeview. A satellite kit (from Maplins or Aldi or Lidl) comes complete but you may need a mounting bracket to fix the dish as I find the suction cups which are provided just do not work. Get a TV which fits and suits your van and a built in DVD is worthwhile , we find  I would personally get a sat system if you feel you can cope with learning how to quickly set it up. It should not be a big issue and you can get brilliant reception. You do need a clear path view to the south/ south east for the dish so some planning when parking up is needed.   You can get a reversing sensor kit which gives audible warning as you approach an obstruction when  parking. The retro-fitted kit on our last motorhome was superb and gave very accurate warning. Best wishes and happy camping

Many thanks for your replies Bestyman and Dinkum.  Often don't have a passenger though to get out and watch me reversing though - but yes, would be the far cheaper option!  Just had a quote for £400 for a sensor and fitting - ouch!  Also just found out at the same time that the indicators seem to be working via the Clifford alarm somehow and the hazards don't work - gawd, more spend...

Cheers for the advice re the TV and will look at the kit you suggested.  Can't wait to get up to scratch maintenance-wise and off on the road on our travels!

All the best guys.