We have just converted from the canvas side of the parks and recently bought our first van... an Ace supreme Twinstar 2004. We thought it was time for a little luxury in our lives instead of arguing everytime we set up and packed away the tent!!. We are though really pleased with our new purchase.
We bought it 2 weeks ago and have been away in it twice already. Think we are getting on ok but if anybody has any major tips, it would be appreciated.
I have one question though! regarding having the van serviced. Im thinking about having this done and have been quoted £165+vat+parts. Is this a good price. Also when do you recommend this should be done...before the winter or after.
Thanks for any help
Paul
------------- Caravanners do it with a stabilizer!
service cost sounds about right to me, although its always worth having a ring around. If your planning on parking it up for the winter then may be wise to wait till next year.
if its got a regular service history leave it until its due again. If not get it done as soon as poss - just to make sure everything is good. Just for your own safety.
Service quoted is about the average! someone will of course tell you you can get cheaper, but go for nearest, most reputable instead of cheapest. Happy days, you'll be looking forward to winter trips now - I did, first thing I wanted to do after camping, was to go away in the van in pouring rain. Heater on, telly on, laid on sofa feet up and wine on chill in the fridge.
as its 6 year old check with your insurance co. on service as it may be a requirement to have it done once a year.we lost our new for old with CClub because we were not able to get it serviced on time.we now have a value only policy.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
its better to have it done before your of jaunting that way you know its all okay,gives you the peace of mind,happy caravaning price you were quoted sounds about right
Welcome to the life. And this certainly is the life!
My main tip would be to take a towing course and so learn how to hitch up, reverse the van and generally understand the "science" of towing. The general standard of even long-term caravanners at these things is poor.
I've been on a site for the last couple of weeks, on a cul-de-sac line of pitches, which is too narrow to easily turn a unit around. On three occasions people have driven down the (full) cul-de-sac of pitches in error and we've had to help them unhitch their van and turn it round, so it can be hitched up again, because they didn't know how to reverse a caravan. Most didn't really know how to safely hitch-up, either.
Take a course run by the Caravan Club or Camping & Caravanning Club. It's worth every penny.
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
I would say that as the van has not been serviced for some years wait until just before you go away unless your insurance policy requires it to be done earlier. Book in early as many workshops have waiting lists. I have to book in April to get in in July!!! Any problems which may arise over winter can then be picked up. You may find that your first service costs more as it has not been done for some time and perhaps there may be hidden problems.
On service costs, a caravan assured workshop, will tell you up front just what that sevice covers and the cost. Normal servicing does not usually include checking the gas and electrics for safety. As the van has not been serviced for some time then it would be advisable to have that work done. The bill is going up, but its better than electrocution!
In the meantime properly winterise your van to give it the best protection you can. See here
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Thanks everyone. I am learning something new every post.
I drive for a living and feel confident in my towing capabilities. But saying that a refresher course can only but help.
And thankyou phil for those tips. I presumed gas and electric checks would be normal procedure in any service
------------- Caravanners do it with a stabilizer!
No, they tend to do those every three years and then only by recommending that they be done and wait your instructions. Odd, but that's how it seems to work
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
I presumed gas and electric checks would be normal procedure in any service you will feel safer as its new to you and pay for this to be done if not on the list for service.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Quote: Originally posted by Dorset Paul on 07/9/2010
Thanks everyone. I am learning something new every post. I drive for a living and feel confident in my towing capabilities. But saying that a refresher course can only but help.
And thankyou phil for those tips. I presumed gas and electric checks would be normal procedure in any service
Me too ! Shocked to see gas & electrics not done (I check over & mantain our caravan myself) can anyone tell me just what they actually do do in these services ?
------------- Fools and charlatans know everything and understand nothing . Anton Chekhov
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Topic: New to caravanning so any tips!!!
