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Topic: New Owner!

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ClubmanGT

23/6/2024 at 12:53pm
Location: West Sussex
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi all,

After almost 1 year of reviewing and working out our lifestyle we finally took the plunge!

We are now owners of an older van as we felt this is a good starter.

We are a family of 5 (2 adults 3 children)! (6th due in September)
We purchased a 7 birth 6 belts 2005 Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD Chausson Flash 5.
It has the bunk beds in the back and still a smaller garage. Before buying we took all the kids and gave it a good test!

The interior was completely modernised 3 years ago with USB sockets, bathroom, Solar and leisure batteries etc. We are VERY happy with the van and look forward to some adventures soon!

Usually issues with the Fiat of that age (headlights decided to stop working, so will check relays and stalk etc) but the main thing with the water ingress via the windscreen and scuttle had been rectified some years ago preventing any damage to the gearbox and glow plugs!

We have also signed up to the camping and caravanning club (mixed reviews received on this)

The first job for us to do is to deep clean and tidy up some bits including the minor faults, re sealing some bits etc after sitting for over 1 year.

Is there anything you would recommend is an absolute MUST for a new camper owner that we may have overthought? Any accessories etc? Mirror protectors for example?

Thanks all in advance.

Fiona W

via mobile 23/6/2024 at 1:42pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: A2DS+Nuevo

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You’re going to get a long list!
I’ll only say: you may need a blackout / silver screen if the front window has curtains. You’ll know if you wake up at 0400… And folding seats for outdoors. Oh and chocks, some models can take up a lot of room, but not all sites have level pitches.
Never had mirror protectors (might regret that), never missed having a driveway awning.
In short - go out for a few weekend trips, and you’ll soon find out what would make it perfect for you all.

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2026: 14 sites / 33 nights. 2025: 13/27. 2024: 20/41. 2023: 9/23. 2022: 13/35. 2021: 11/29. 2020: 4/20. 2019: 13/35. 2018: 20/33. 2017: 10/22. 2016: 19/33. 2015: 15/27. Didn't count sites/nights 1985 to 2014.

Ancient Uncle

via mobile 23/6/2024 at 3:02pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Coachman Festival

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Good luck, hope you have some great adventures.

I know many on these forums complain about the cost of club sites, but they do represent a good starting point.

When we first started with a trailer tent, many years ago, we joined the c&cc. What a lovely introduction to this pastime. Whatever site we visited in those early days, there would always be somebody able and willing to help and advise. Just as it is on this forum.

Wendyhouse

23/6/2024 at 5:33pm
Location: Staithes
Outfit: Vantage Neo

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Just an idea. If you can park it next to your house then have a couple of days / nights in it. That should give you a good idea of what you need and remind of the little things you didn’t know you needed.
Good luck.

Fiona W

via mobile 23/6/2024 at 5:53pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: A2DS+Nuevo

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If it hasn’t had a Habitation Service for a few years, it’s worth getting one done for peace of mind. Our gas fire flue was blocked by a bird nest, the CO alarm was defunct etc.

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2026: 14 sites / 33 nights. 2025: 13/27. 2024: 20/41. 2023: 9/23. 2022: 13/35. 2021: 11/29. 2020: 4/20. 2019: 13/35. 2018: 20/33. 2017: 10/22. 2016: 19/33. 2015: 15/27. Didn't count sites/nights 1985 to 2014.

Paul Burton1

via mobile 23/6/2024 at 8:52pm
Location:
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Good luck
We out first time in our campervan...
Do a list what you need and take pen and paper what you think of when sited.
We have gone too far from home and enjoying it

Capt Lightning

24/6/2024 at 9:48am
Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens

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I'm not a fan of habitation service as most of it can be done yourself, though a gas and mains electric safety check might be wise.

You will possibly find as we did, that you start off taking far too much 'clutter' with you, but you will soon get to know what you REALLY need.
We're pretty 'minimalist' in that respect.

I'd also recommend a 'Silver screen' for the windscreen / cab windows. It's remarkable how much light gets in, even with curtains.

Best of luck. Hope you have many great outings in your van.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.

ClubmanGT

25/6/2024 at 10:25pm
Location: West Sussex
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Thanks all for the Welcome and lovely messages.

We are fortunate enough to have enough room on our drive so a sleepover sounds fun!

Never thought of a silver screen etc as it has curtains but great idea and added to the list.

I am slowly going over our "niggles" and making it just right for us.

We just booked a pitch at a local holiday village only 20 mins away next month for a couple of nights :)

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