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Subject Topic: Deposit done - what do i need
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28/9/2014 at 6:51pm
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So we have put down a deposit on our first ever caravan - a Lunar Zenith 6 2007 model.

Now that we have made that step, I'm quite nervous. Is this a good age for a first van? It was pretty much the limit of our budget.

We collect in 4 weeks - just in time for half term and our first ever trip. So, what do I need to know and what do I need to take!!



28/9/2014 at 7:05pm
 Location: Blackburn
 Outfit: VWT6 campervan
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aquaroll and waste...wine...ehu lead...wine...food...warm clothes...bedding...wine...cooking stuff...waterproofs adn boots...wine...toiletries...wine.

You can substitute wine for beer...or maybe take both.

Have a great time...you'll love it...we love ours and really wishing we were going away in it at half term instead of bloody tenerife!


28/9/2014 at 7:33pm
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Just equip pots with 3 tier steamer, frying pan and milk pan. You will find this plenty for cooking. I also have a 2 litre plastic jug for microwave and mixing. And don`t forget corkscrew / bottle opener


28/9/2014 at 8:00pm
 Location: seaham co durham
 Outfit: elddis hurricane astra sportstourer
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half the house


28/9/2014 at 8:20pm
 Location: west country
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Alcohol is not an essential item of equipment. I would expect your caravan to come with battery and water pump. Also a step. Suggest you check.

You will need electric hook up cable if you intend to use mains. Aquaroll or similar fresh water container and a waste water container.

You will also need appropriate chemicals for your toilet if you intend to use it. Note some sites insist on green fluids.

You will obviously need a towbar on your car and a spare number plate to attach to the caravan.

You will need towing mirrors.

Other than that you will need the domestic items - cooking, cleaning, wearing eating & drinking, utensils, crockery, cutlery, washing & showering.

You don't need but may want a caravan hitch or wheel lock and a stabiliser. If you have an alko stabiliser you will need an alko towball.

-------------
Steve




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28/9/2014 at 8:26pm
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The dealer is 'throwing in' a starter kit which has step, water container, electric cable, aquaroll, battery, mirrors, wheel lock - and other things i think. He said basically it's ready to use, just add personal items.

He said it doesnt have an alko stabiliser so the tow bar we have is fine - but what is an alko stabiliser anyway - is it something we should consider?

Loving all the replies - the help is really appreciated.

Tenerife sounds fun - I am sure you will enjoy it.


28/9/2014 at 8:46pm
 Location: Blackburn
 Outfit: VWT6 campervan
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Quote: Originally posted by millermicm on 28/9/2014
Alcohol is not an essential item of equipment.



Oh dear me...perhaps you should try a bit? OP didn't ask for ESSENTIAL equipment!

Having a couple of glasses of wine, whilst sat outside or in the awning of an evening, is part of our holiday...appreciate it's not the same for everyone.

Oh...and I forgot to mention fairy lights! Get yourself a nice set of solar fairy lights to sit under whilst drinking your wine!


28/9/2014 at 9:09pm
 Location: Northumberland
 Outfit: Knaus Sudwind 550 TK
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If it doesn't have an Alko stabiliser type hitch, what kind of hitch stabiliser does it have, and does YOUR car have the right matching part for it?

-------------
Damned if I do...

Damned if I don't!!!!


28/9/2014 at 9:44pm
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I have no idea what a hitch stabiliser is - I better go look into it. The dealer just said the van didnt have one and so my tow bar was fine.


We do like a bit of wine when camping - I am sure caravan holidays will be the same! :)


28/9/2014 at 10:14pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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Insurance? Breakdown cover?



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28/9/2014 at 11:19pm
 Location: norfolk
 Outfit: Compass Lynx 1991
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Like your style Veema...some people just don't have a sense of humour

-------------
billyboggins


29/9/2014 at 10:07am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75
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An Al Ko hitch stabiliser hitch is a special type which incorporates friction pads which grip the hitch. This helps prevent swaying. You can get them retrofitted,£3-400 I think.
You can also get a blade type stabilizer such as Bulldog which are cheaper. Some people don't have either and there have been debates about them on here!

Its worth taking some leveling ramps and a spirit level (there is a free phone app one!)

This is to get the van level, alternatively some blocks of wood can be used.(big enough to go under wheel) I also have some small blocks to put under the corner steadies-useful if ground is soft.

If the van has a spare wheel, you will need a jack which can go under the chassis. Also a wheel brace.(Car one might not be correct size).
A small watering can or empty water bottle is useful for filling the toilet top tank.
Most vanners are pretty friendly, first time out if you have a problem, don't be afraid to ask.
Have fun

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


29/9/2014 at 10:08am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75
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Oh don't forget the kettle and tea/coffee!

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


29/9/2014 at 7:21pm
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hi just a little bit of advice just buy little as poss then after time get little bits go to pound land buy sealed boxs pots and pans other wise it gets to exspensive just take your time we done that 20 years ago but now we are back to the bare minimum now its a lot better done away with big awnings there a waste of time just got a porch awning to put the chairs and a small table away at night hope this helps cheers and have great stressfull hols .tom    


29/9/2014 at 8:10pm
 Location: Weardale
 Outfit: Flares and a flowery shirt
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Ditto Billy. Veema for quartermaster.


29/9/2014 at 8:47pm
 Location: essex
 Outfit: Abbey Vogue 460
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You didn't say how many of you would be using the caravan, which can make a difference to how you need to kit it out, and what you'll need to take with you. As well as all the real essentials, you need to sort out kitchen utensils, cutlery, cups plates dishes etc. Toiletries. most of which can be bought from pound shops to start with. The bedding, sleeping bags or duvets. the list is endless really, depends how much or how little you want to take.



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