We are new to caravans. We have an old but lovely and well maintained Abbey GTS 215 which we took out for the first time this weekend.
I have a few questions so I hope it's okay to ask them all in one go!
We have an awning, which we didn't erect this weekend but will do next time. Is it legal/acceptable to sleep in there? I looked at a few sites which said "no sleeping in awnings" but wasn't sure if this was site specific. I was thinking if we left the caravan door open, my teens could sleep there on the rare occasions they want to join us!
Can I load the caravan with our stuff, or should I keep the weight as low as possible? I just read through the towing forum and am now concerned about all the towing weights. We are towing with a 2.0l petrol Mondeo.
There is a cupboard at the rear end of the van, which has some damp. Not very much, but what is the best way to treat it? Again, I read through and there was some conflicting advice.
We've been very lucky, to get this van and want to look after it. There are a couple of tiny things wrong, we need a new vent in the shower, how do I go about sourcing one?
I'd like to buy a cover, is there a universal one?
Sleeping in the awning is site dependant ,but to be quite honest if the curtains are drawn who the hell would know anyway .
Keeping the weights balanced it's more important ,slightly nose heavy ,main weights over the axle ,plenty to read up on about loading available .
I also tow with a 2.0ltr mondeo estate petrol ,and while it knows it on hills it does the job we recently went trans Pennines and got 29.5 mpg towing .
First find the source of the damp and treat it usually dried out sealant and never where you expect it .
And covers are fine and I would say essential on a older van ,will also help with the damp problem ,you just need to measure the body length of the van and size it that way ,great outdoors are fairly cheap for them .
Vents and spares from caravan shops
Thank you very much or your help, I shall start with repairing the damp today. It's a lovely little caravan and was great taking it out for the first time but I just want to make sure we do everything correctly.
I used to tow with a Mondie Zetec 2 lt petrol older Lunar Clubman MTPL 1100 kg car towed a dream,ok had to use the gearbox and revs more but a fantastic reliable motor.If you click on features and tips on top of this site plenty of good advise for beginners and experts alike happy caravaning
If by vent in shower you mean the opening rooflight its probably this type. MPK available in several sizes. To change just the hatch only requires the 4 tiny screws to be undone, 10minute job.
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Topic: Caravans, laws & newbie help required!
