Thank you - is it possible to test all of the electrics, how do we do this? Sorry for the naive question, but we are totally new to this. We can connect to mains and just switch everything on - does this include water heater, etc...?
The dealer will do a hand over of the van with you tomorrow. They will show you how everything works then. I would recommend taking your caravan away for a weekend somewhere local just to get use to how everything works etc.. I hope you have a fab time
Thank you. We will be pleased to arrive home and get it on the drive - that will be our first achievement! Then we are going to sleep in it on the drive tomorrow night as our girls (8 and 5) know nothing about this! They will come home from school and see it on the drive! I know they will be sooooo excited! Then we plan to get used to things and have a short trip away in a few weeks - really busy so can't go before mid July :-(
Quote: Originally posted by thefourwoodys on 20/6/2011
We pick up our new caravan tomorrow! Very excited, but nervous as well!
What must we do before we leave the dealer with it tomorrow?
Many thanks, Emma.
Hi Emma we picked up ours on saturday and the dealer connected it all and gave us a very thorough run through.... so much so my mind has gone blank.
I had a baptism of fire as I drove home through a terrible storm and I really couldnt see but made it home safe and well. I even reversed the van to park it (although I did a few attempts but no where near as bad as I thought)
What sort of van are you having, Emma? Whatever van it is, make sure they explain everything, and have a good look around yourself - get them to demonstrate the mover if there is one fitted - often batteries don't come with a new van, so you may have to buy one, unless you're lucky. Check simple things like hinges on the cupboards and make sure nothing is broken. Check the outside for any marks/dents - if it's a used van, make sure that any dents are superficial only. Have the retailers promised a spare wheel/tyre (most new vans come with them anyway) ask where it is (check to make sure it's there). Make sure they give you keys to all doors/lockers. I think all vans are supplied with an electric hook up lead (check to make sure it's there).
If they have agreed to supply a number plate, you will need to take the car log book (not sure about car insurance documents, but best to take to be on safe side), I think you will need another proof if identification too - don't know this for sure, but take more than you need. If you have not talked to them about a number plate, it's worth ringing up before you go in case you need to get one made up yourself.
You will need to sort out the paperwork for CRIS registration - caravan log book. Be clear about any warranty - especially water ingress/damp. Check to make sure that a pre-owner van is damp free - ask them. Maybe they have a report, maybe you're in a position to check it yourself (either with a meter, or by smelling, or checking to make sure the walls aren't spongy, including in cupboards). Make sure the floor doesn;t feel spongy (delamination). If it is a pre-owned van, is the warranty transferrable to you. Do all the electrical appliances work and the electric connections to the car.
Have you insured your van? Personally, I would do this before you pick it up, although I bet there are some who don't.
Sorry, if all this sounds a bit fiddly, but it's best to have peace of mind, especially if the van is pre-owned. They are my initial thoughts.
Have a really nice day and I hope the handover goes well. Let us know how you get on. I'm sure the kids will be delighted.
Check to make sure the windows are secure and shut properly - no cracks/marks on the windows. Just came to mind after the problem Savanne1 had recently.
Thank you all, really useful information. Making a list of things to do before we leave. Don't want to discover something at home and be unable to prove it was there before we took it home.
Quote: Originally posted by thefourwoodys on 20/6/2011
Thank you all, really useful information. Making a list of things to do before we leave. Don't want to discover something at home and be unable to prove it was there before we took it home.
Hello! Well, we have our new van and made it home and parked it ok!! Yippeee! Then, we slept in it for 2 nights in a row on the drive - yes, we are mad!
All ok, although couple of niggles which didn't see in the dealership, first a small hole in the wood effect side of the kitchen and one of the blinds doesn't come down without a kink in it.
Other than that, all great and can't wait to get away! Thanks for all of your help.
Quote: Originally posted by thefourwoodys on 23/6/2011
Hello! Well, we have our new van and made it home and parked it ok!! Yippeee! Then, we slept in it for 2 nights in a row on the drive - yes, we are mad!
All ok, although couple of niggles which didn't see in the dealership, first a small hole in the wood effect side of the kitchen and one of the blinds doesn't come down without a kink in it.
Other than that, all great and can't wait to get away! Thanks for all of your help.
Emma.
That great Emma. I was wondering how things were going. I'm sure you'll get over those couple of small things. For the little hole, you could try a bit of woodfiller or sometimes imperfections are covered up with wax. Alternatively, put something over it, depending on where it is/ it's position. A protector/guard of some sort? With regard to the blind, it might just be possible to adjust it - I would ask the service department where you had the van from - it could be a tiny job. They might even tell you what to do over the 'phone if you give them a call. Someone on here might also know what to go. If that's all the problems then they are comparatively minor.
What did the kids think of the van? I would have loved to see their reaction when they saw it. So you had two night on the drive - - great stuff. Now you really must gey away soon and tell us how you got on.
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: Collect new van tomorrow!
- great stuff. Now you really must gey away soon and tell us how you got on.
