The title says it all- we have put a deposit down on a 6 year old Elddis firestorm 505 (aparently its like an avante)
Whilst I've surfed for ages the main problem was trying to persuade hubby. We went to look at one today that was hideous and then saw the one... totally not what expected, I thought we wanted bunks but this layout seemed so much more adaptable - seats/beds each end with a door to pull across for our son.
We put the deposit down without a second thought, no checking or thinking. Now if you knew me you would understand just how out of my comfort zone that is. I mull over the best chicken in Tescos.
So now I am panicked - both at the finance in this current econmic climate and the thought of all i need to learn as a complete novice. HOW DO YOU DRIVE ROUND A ROUND ABOUT???
Anyway we also got a starter pack and awning included so what else do we absolutely need? Any other tips
get towing lessons or go on a towing course we did a couple of lessons which were really helpful
depends what you have in your starter pack :)
and congrats
Lol - I don't worry about the driving - leave that to the other half but to be honest, he just takes it cautiously and plans the journey throughly (has been known to check google earth for the roads near sites to see any potentional 'risks') and we leave plenty of time for the journey.
What you will need depends on what you get in your starter pack and after that you could go on forever!
You will want some sort of security (wheel and hitch locks etc). If you are insuring your van, your insurer may have conditions on what security measures you have on.
When we got our van, we went straight to a local campsite for a couple of days to try it out, and to work out what we else we needed. Definately needed a small kettle as water takes ages to boil on gas!
Congratulations! Our 1st van was a 1999 Firestorm 505 - gave us the perfect start & got us truly hooked.
Your starter kit sounds similar to the one we got. It covered the essentials except when we came to put the awning up it was filthy, full of mildew & had more holes than a colander (spelling?). That went straight in the bin & we bought a small, lightweight porch instead.
Does your invoice list what's included in the pack? If not you could phone the dealer & ask for a list tomorrow.
Important thing when towing it to turn less sharply. Example, when exiting a side turning you might need to wait until main rd is clear in both directions in order to steer straight out & then turn to allow caravan to clear kerb.
Similarly, when turning left you might need to steer out to the right & then turn left to get 'van around corner.
When negotiating roundabout you might need to use all the road to avoid putting 'van wheel onto kerb. Sometimes onto approach of roundabout you need to straddle both lanes to allow yourself room to get round it without other cars trying to squeeze past.
Don't forget you will need towing mirrors. best not to cut costs on these, most folk find the Milenco Aero mirrors best.
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Topic: OMG I`ve done it....scared
but to be honest, he just takes it cautiously and plans the journey throughly (has been known to check google earth for the roads near sites to see any potentional 'risks') and we leave plenty of time for the journey.
