We recently decided to make the move from a tent to a van.
I had a brainstorm this afternoon and decided to rent a van for next weekend, just to see how we get on. It's all booked up and to say we're excited is an understatement!
We're collecting an 18' 4 berth 2010 Swift Charisma on Friday next week and it's all ours for the weekend. Only problem is, we have to give it back at the end of the weekend.
It apparently comes with all the kit, but as I've never been 'vanning before, it's gonna be a steep learning curve.
Any tips for a TOTAL beginner??
I do have one quick question too: The site we're going to doesn't have EHU(we'd already booked and planned to take the tent). Will we have to take it really easy to get the leisure battery to last Friday and Saturday night?
Hopefully whoever is towing the van has towed before... that would be a big plus! :))
I know a lot of folks who routinely do without EHU. Personally I like all my little luxuries that EHU brings, but you will have no probs cooking (gas), heating water (gas), keeping your food cold (gas). Operating your mobile cinema with surround sound may prove problematic but the Radio/CD will work fine. All you are dependent on the leisure battery for is the lighting, the water pump and loo (if 12v), so your battery will be fine for the weekend. Unless you are taking other 12v equipment which you will have to account for, (there are all sorts of wonderful sums for working out the capacity of a battery with various equipment) you should be fine. The big danger for you of course is that you are going to have to buy a caravan after the weekend, without a doubt!!
Hopefully whoever is towing the van has towed before... that would be a big plus! :))
I know a lot of folks who routinely do without EHU. Personally I like all my little luxuries that EHU brings, but you will have no probs cooking (gas), heating water (gas), keeping your food cold (gas). Operating your mobile cinema with surround sound may prove problematic but the Radio/CD will work fine. All you are dependent on the leisure battery for is the lighting, the water pump and loo (if 12v), so your battery will be fine for the weekend. Unless you are taking other 12v equipment which you will have to account for, (there are all sorts of wonderful sums for working out the capacity of a battery with various equipment) you should be fine. The big danger for you of course is that you are going to have to buy a caravan after the weekend, without a doubt!!
I've towed lots before and some big ol' twin axle trailers too, so not too bothered about that bit. That said, I've never actually towed a caravan before and I plan on taking it VERY easy.
Thanks for the info on the leisure battery. Sounds like we should be fine then.
I know you're right about buying a van after the weekend though. We have a few tenting trips booked up and I have a feeling they'll turn into vanning trips.
Only problem there is, I'm looking to spend about £3-£4k and we're probably gonna be spoilt with this new van.
It'll be great for you to have a 'try before you buy' weekend in a shiney new van but I don't think you'll be spoilt - it'll only do the same things your very own £3-£4k van will do when you find her!
We have a new van & whilst it's lovely, it's very 'beige'. No character. Our old van had a bit of colour & felt more like ours rather than a clone of every other new van out there. We really need to inject some character into the new one.
Have a great weekend but don't switch your other bookings from tent to caravan just yet - take your time looking around & find the one that's just right for you. Happy hunting!
Make sure the battery is chaged before you go. Plug it in at home if possible. Only problem on EHU is the telly, but limit it to a 3 or 4 hours a day and youwill be fine.
Good idea renting because you will have a much better idea of what you need when you do buy,
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: Renting a van next weekend - excited!
