We are keeping an eye on a caravan on ebay, which is old, but seems structurally fine (going to check tomorrow for sure before bidding). The sale is for caravan and awning only. We are tent campers at the moment, and looking to extend our season. We are wondering what equipment we need in addition to caravan and awning. We've come up with the following so far, has anyone got any more ideas?
Towbar, number plate,portapotti, gas, towing mirros
Any suggestions would be gratefully received!!!
------------- April 10 - Kelvedon Hatch
May 10 - Bulphan,Kelvedon Hatch, Boro Waters
June 10 - Barmouth, North Fambridge
No other trips booked YET but that will change :-)
gas bottle, loo chemicals, crockery/cuttlery upgrade perhaps, spirit level, check your insurance and breakdown cover, blocks of wood for levelling, EHU.
Caravan step. Battery, leg brace to wind the legs down . hitch lock/ wheel clamp.
Check the awning carefully for holes,rot or mould see if all the zips work properly ,is the skirt with it, check all the poles are there and ask for instructions /diagram if possible.
They should be able to show you the layout of the poles on the ground , explaining what goes where. Most people mark the poles with tape to make it easier, its a nightmare trying to work out with no instructions and no markings . Take some with you and mark them while you are there if you intend to bid on it.
If the awning is in poor condition, bear this in mind when bidding as they are not cheap to replace.
Ask to see everything working . If they are keeping all the equipment then they should be able to demonstrate that everything does work.
I viewed one which was on a seasonal pitch on a site, where the seller was upgrading to a bigger van , but didn't provide gas to show that the cooker worked, no water to show taps/pump working.
When I asked about the awning , he said , Ah, it need s a little repair,theres a rip in it . and said the awning was in his shed at home, and he'd have to sort the poles out for it, because he'd taken some out to use on his new awning as storm poles..
he must have expected us to just take his word for it that everything worked . It was also damp,had a very soft wall, even though he had assured us on the phone that it was dry as a bone .Luckily it was local, I'd have been annoyed to have travelled for such a waste of time.
so before travelling any distance check that they are definitely going to show you everything working even though the equipment isnt included in the sale.
Find out your car's kerbweight and the MTPLM of the van so that you're certain your car can tow it. The clubs recommend not going over 85% of your car's kerbweight for a newbie tower. There is nothing in law about this, but IMHO I reckon this is sound advice. (Others disagree, don't shoot me down in flames)
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: Advice for complete newbie please
