def,get the tyres checked we thought ours were fine untill service this year and wen he took em off one of them had a 4 inch slit on the inside wall,very lucky we were not to have hit a pothole n blow out...
dont forget to check that your ok to tow on your licence,if past test after a sertain year your not aloud to tow.dont forget to let insurance know your towing also,some do get a bit narky about it.
dont over load your tow weight your van will only carry a sertain weight so try and stick to the weight guid for your van....
welcome to the tin tent world,and trust me once you have got into it you will have a newer van in no time
welcome to caravan land ,you will learn as you go ,its more comfort for you and you just make sure your near a toilet when you go on a site!!!!!!!!!,just take what you think you will need and also a pen and paper to write down what you do need and what you forgot! enjoy
spongy wood spells damp ,have a look at the fix it club and how to fix it,when you do get it sorted some nice bedding and cushions and throws ,it does the job nicely ,there have been some caravans done up nice on this site im sure you will find the links to them somewhere ,
We have an old caravan and we love her. Keep saying we will upgrade but haven't got round to it yet. We spruced ours up with new curtains - took old ones down and used them as a pattern, throw overs on seats and some funky cushion covers. That makes a difference to start with. Enjoy your season with her.
------------- Smoke me a kipper ............ I'll be back for breakfast!!!!!
Hi louisepardoe1971,Welcome to the hole new world of caravaning, should consider a mobile fitter, to check out van ,brakes/wheel bearings/hand brake. There are loads of things to keep you legal, here are a few for now, when loading van do not exceed the max weight load for van,(should be on a plate by door or on A frame,load heavy items low in van and over axles or as close as possible to them, and secured(helps in stability), make sure tyres are in good condition(5 years old or less, min 6ply radial, and at correct press for your van), Car must have audible relay or (illuminated light) for indicators, must have extended towing mirrors, make sure hitch is properly locked onto tow ball,must have brake away cable attached from van to towbar,(will apply van brakes if you have van brakeaway from car.Speed limit 60mph max on dual carrigeways and motorways,and you can not use the outside lane on motorways (unless one or more lanes are blocked) Max 50mph on all two way roads,even if speed of road is higher than 50mph.unless speed limit is lower. Do'nt be tempted to carry water in van as it will surge while you drive and can make van unstabile(snaking effect), As for the damp patch you may have (Have a few trips out in van first to see if caravaning is for you,if it is then take it from there),thats all for now, there will be others along shortly, with more advice and links that you need. Hope this was of help to you.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
Once you've had it serviced, it may be a good idea to take it for a weekend somewhere fairly local to you to try out...that way you can iron out all the small niggles that will inevitably show up and you are not too far away from home to pop back for all the "essentials" you forgot to pack.
Ask your service engineer to check out the damp patch you mention (which should be part of the service anyway) and get it fixed ASAP...damp travels quickly.
Most important - GET THE GAS PIPES AND SUPPLY CHECKED BY A 'GAS SAFE' MAN = USED TO BE 'CORGI'! Also fit a good smoke alarm!
Re-seal roof and corner joints.
My old Buccaneer Elan has no damp patches as I re-seal all joints regularly whether they need it or not - prevention is better than cure. Once water has entered it travels along inside. If you then seal it in it just rots the woodwork.
Here endeth the lesson of the day!
------------- "To be born Welsh is not with a silver spoon in your mouth but with a song in your heart and poetry in your soul"
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: Caravan newbie
