Hi, after almost a year of searching we have at last purchased our first caravan. It's a 2004 Sterling Europa 500 which is a credit to it's previous (and only) owners.
We are due to pick it up later this month and we hope to go to a reasonably local site for a couple of nights just to get us started.
Can anyone recommend a site in Lancashire or South Lakes that would be good for a first trip (with a 4 year old child)?
I have no experience of towing but the dealer has said that he'll teach me the basics & take me out on local roads & motorway when we pick it up.
Also, any other tips/advice etc would be more than welcome!
My tip would be to make yourself a check list of things to check before setting off.
We have a check list of things to make sure we have packed before we leave home and the kids enjoy going through the list.
I also have a another list of things to check before setting off. i.e - handbrake off, rooflights closed, windows closed, fridge on 12V, etc.
It might seem a bit daft, but it's so easy to forget something when you have so many things to think about.
Flookborough, a Haven site. Great for kids with all the comic characters and facilities. Not so good for shore access though there are plenty within reasonable walking distance.
------------- Peripheral people don`t have as much excitement but they sure live longer
Just got back from Park Coppice Caravan Club, Coniston. 5 minute walk to the water, very clean site and facilites, 3 play areas (which can be avoided if desired). as you are a new tower definitely only approach from the South NOT the north. Beautiful area and 3.5k walk or cycle to village and great pubs with even better ale. We also took kayak which you can drive down and drop off to save carrying it but you can't leave your car down there. Def recommend and going back asap!
Oh yes we got our 2004 sterling eccles amethyst this year and love it so sure you will be pleased with yours
Just some additional questions:
Which gas bottles do you recommend & where's the best place to buy from?
I don't think the caravan has a leisure battery, are they essential or not?
Congratulations & welcome.
You have found a nice dealer willing to join you for the first tow.
Gas bottles will depend on Regulator if one fitted to van.
Blue is cheapest but Red is the one for winter use. Blue can freeze so should be removed from van if stored outside in Winter. Buy them at your Dealer's - price does not vary much & he will problably show you how to connect/disconnect etc.
Battery would be good to have in case of Power failure. Your Toilet flush may be manual or powered so handy to have it working enroute.
Has your van an Alko hitch if so you need an Alko ball on your towbar - Dealer should give you one with the van - if you are lucky.
Have you got Waste & water containers plus a water pump,
EHU lead, some bits of wood for levelling?
Others may remember more essentials.
I would recommend you get a leisure battery.
Most vans are not supposed to be used without one as they also serve to smooth out the electrical supply to the van.
Thanks for all the advice!
I'm having a towbar fitted to my Volvo S60 on Thursday - i've been quoted £219 for twin electrics & alko ball. Does this sound reasonable?
Hi very much so on the cost of fitting, where are you getting it done. Just make sure they fit the correct plugs if your van has 7 or 13 pin plugs (could have been changed to 13 pin).
As for equipment, take from home pots and pans etc, and stock as you go along.
If you have an awning you will need steel rock pegs for hard standing and a three pound lump hammer to knock them in and a claw hammer to pull them out. The weedy pegs supplied with awnings are just about ok for grass and no chance for hard standing.
Make sure you have a 25m orange power cable, water container and waste water container, along with connectors for waste water etc.
Toilet fluids, Blue and Red, Blue for Toilet, and Red for cistern/flush.
Gas bottle Red Propane and Blue Butane. Might cost abit if you have to buy a bottle and gas as well then its just the price of gas. Bottles can often be located at the local tip or car bootsales etc.
Oh and dont forget a corkscrew and bottle opener the most essential part of any kit.
The tow bar is being fitted by Advanced Towing UK - all tested & guaranteed.
They haven't mentioned the different type of plugs, i just assumed there was only one type!
Put an ad on your local Yahoo Freecycle group for a gas bottle. Doesn't matter what size, you just need a bottle to exchange when you get one for the first time.
It's possible the Dealer has removed the battery, so factor in getting one. An 85Ahr is fine for a few days with no mains. Expect to pay no more than about £75.
Personally if I was having a tow bar fitted for caravaning I would go for the single 13 pin connector, as the connection is more secure than the old 7 pin type, if your caravan is running two 7 pin plugs it's a simple job to replace those with a single 13 pin plug, or you can simply use an adapter, twin 7 pin sockets to 13 pin plug.
Also on modern cars, especially if still in warranty, you need to be thinking about having the dedicated wiring system fitted, this will interface with you cars on board management system, and integrates the car alarm to the electrical socket. And also involves having the electrics coded to the tow vehicle.
This will negate any future warranties issue should a fault develop with the car,.
The cheaper electrical systems use a bypass system, whilst lashing into the cars wiring.
They of course work, but why have such a system fitted, when the real deal is available, the firm I use for having tow bars fitted, now refuses to fit the bypass systems, due to some car dealers using them as an excuse to riggle out of warranty disputes.
The coded wiring systems typicaly add £150 to the fit, over and above that of a bypass system.
Don't forget to tell your car insurance company that you have fitted a towbar. It may cost up to £25.00 admin charge for the privilege though, so be prepared!!
Post last edited on 19/08/2012 15:38:16
------------- Anyone who says something is foolproof hasn't met a determined fool!
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Topic: First Caravan - at last!!
