After many years of thinking about getting a caravan we have finally taken the plunge and pick our 2006 Challenger 530 up tomorrow. I am very much looking forward to the season and the challenge of towing but was wondering if any "old hands" out there have any tips for towing or things to get that we might have forgotten?
Welcome to UKCS and congratulations on your caravan! Does it have a name yet? all the best have names!
We've only been towing a caravan for a little over a year and it was daunting to say the least but it's really not too bad, just keep to the speed limits (60mph motorways) and take it steady, plan routes to avoid tiny lanes!
Check your noseweight, loading and (you probably have already) your towing weights you don't say what car you have but the general rule of thumb to start is to tow around 85% of your maximum.
Fresh/waste water containers. Corkscrew. Usual plates/mugs etc. Levellers of some description. The list is endless really and only dependant on your needs!
Just wanted to say congratulations and I hope you have many happy holidays in your new van.
First trip out should just be treated as a learning curve, getting used to how everything works etc so maybe not too far from home in case you forget to pack something. Just remember the corkscrew and your sense of humour!
I would say, your 2006 Swift has a 6 year water ingress warranty which can be changed into your name, although I realise it only has a year to run. If buying from a dealer, make sure they do it. If not, phone Swift customer service yourself (you'll need the long VIN number which will be on your paperwork) and they will do it over the phone. Your van will need to have been serviced annually by a swift approved dealer/servicer for the warranty to still be in force.
When I first started caravanning I found that the 'Caravanning Handbook' by John Wickersham very handy as it covers just about everything you need to know about caravanning with numerous links such as noseweights, loading the caravan, gas, 240 volts electric, 12 volt supply, fresh water supply and how to sterilise etc. A book well worth keeping and easy to store in the caravan for easy reference shopuld you need it. There's far too much to explain what you need but this book will help tremendously.
Hi and welcome to UKCS congrats on your new caravan!
There's loads of information on here that you can have a read through and if you have any questions there's lots of experienced caravanners that will help I'm sure.
Congratulations , we bought our first about 4 years ago and were really excited about going on our first ever trip down the m4 , once youve done it you cant wait until you go again , best of luck and just take it easy your on holidays .
Hi Nescafe84, Congratulations on your new van,And welcome to the forum, Just a few things to remember when towing apart from all the other advice, When towing on Motorways Max Speed 60 MPH, Caravans not allowed in outside lane(unless inner lanes blocked). 60 Mph Max on Dual carriageways, and on all other two way roads Max Speed 50 Mph(even if speed of road is higher), Van tyres should be changed after 5 years old, Caravan Brake away cable must be attached to tow bar, Car must be fitted with audible signal(or some other indication,depending on make and year of car) when indicator lights in use, this should have be fitted when tow bar fitted. Brake earlier, take turns a little wider, and allow extra room for the van overhang at rear, Sounds a bit scarry, but you will get use to towing very quickly,and will feel much more at ease after a few miles. The very best with your new van,and let us know how you get on.
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We too have just purchased a caravan after years of camping. We thought the time has come for us to promote ourselves. We can't collect it for a few weeks, hope you have a brill time learning all about caravaning.
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Topic: First Caravan
all the best have names!
congrats on your new caravan!
