Hi all, thanks so much for the calming words. As Savanne says, I am having a bit of an adventure this year. After 30+ years in a very conventional office-based career I am going to be living fulltime and working part time on a campsite. Much as I love camping there is no way I could spend six months in a tent on a clifftop in Cornwall. Just not practical. Hence the van. Thinking about it now, I'm sure it will be fine day to day. Its the thought of setting it up for the first time, and then ongoing maintenance issues that's boggling me. Although I have got pages and pages of notes which I made when the dealer explained the van to me. And the Caravanning Handbook.
Reading your posts though, I guess its like owning a car. Some people love all the technical aspects and are always faffing about doing something or other. Others just work out the basic safety stuff that needs to be covered,get in and drive it.
Cheers all, wish me luck
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
We service our girl (its gotta be a girl lol) every other year in the 'caravan garage', but i look at it 2 or 3 times a year. I check the grease nipples, corner steadys, brakes, hitch, broken or damaged parts etc and rectify as needed. Always check the condition of the gas and electrics, check tyres for damage and pressure every time we use her, plus anything thats a bit dodgy gets fixed as soon as noticed (replaced the toilet manual pump flush last year for example). Service centre tested for damp this year and the old girl is fine - no worries! So we use and enjoy her, keep a watchfull eye on her when we go camping and service her every 2 years unless there is something we are not sure about - than it would be done quicker. If you can do a bit of basic maintenance do what i do. If you cannot or if you tow your van thousands of miles a year go for a service every year. Whichever way you go, remember to enjoy your van and pay whatever you need to in order to keep it in great mechanical condition because you will then have peace of mind which is priceless :-)
------------- Why am i doing this instead of camping??!!
Having purchased our van at the end of last year I know what you're saying Merry - if you're anything like me you want to know all the ins and outs of caravanning and all the things you should and shouldn't do to your van - it's not necessarily a good thing to research to that level of detail (if you're a worrier) but I know I do. The worry and concern soon fades once you get into a routine above everything enjoy your summer!
Hi Merry , you wont regret changing from canvas to the van. We purchased our 1st caravan last year and its just had it 1st birthday after camping for 25 years. We have no worries because I have got good insurance , good security products... wheel clamp, tow hitch (tracker alarm ) . Its had a service and wash and it ready to go .. We have had no problems , whats so ever. I do love this community because I was worried about what to do about winter, the batteries etc and here the advise is free and balanced.
So have fun and put the kettle on and watch the rain whilst being warm !
I think it's a similar situation to when you have an illness and you look at a medical site on the net, you end up thinking you have everything imaginable.
When you look at caravan forums most of the posts are about peoples problems, but just think about it this way.....
if you have a problem, no need to stress, just come on here, ask your question and help will be at hand before you know it, ....
the only time to get stressed is if there is no solution, ...now thats very very rare.
Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 29/3/2011
Don't panic, it'll all be fine, in a couple of weeks you'll wonder what you were worrying about
Did the van arrive OK?
The campsite have just rung to say that my van has arrived, they've put it on the pitch and ......... levelled it!
Phew.
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
Quote: Originally posted by Alphonso De Lard on 30/3/2011
Enjoy your new purchase Merry! Will I be bumping into you again this summer then?
Well, as I don't know your holiday plans I couldn't really say. But I am v keen to avoid this being the first year since 1997 that I haven't stayed at Dornafield at least once, so who knows?
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
I need to check with them that I can pitch the new trailer tent on the camping field pitch we have booked... Sure it won't be a problem, but it's polite to ask... Sounds like you're going to have an idyllic summer in your new career move... Congratulations are in order!
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: Reassure me, please!
above everything enjoy your summer!
