After camping since 2005 we finally bought our first caravan today!
We've enjoyed our 10 years camping but the last few years have seen us grow envious of friends (and strangers!) who pull up next to us, just wind the legs down, plug in and are done... while we spent 4 hours putting the Tigris 800 and kitchen extension up.
We are the new owners of a 2005 Sterling Europa 490. It came with a full awning, gas bottle, 2 water bottles, a leisure battery, hook up and free storage through March.
It isn't perfect, there are a few internal cosmetic marks that are unfortunate but either fixable or livable with.
I'm going to have many questions, so I'll apologize in advance, insurance, tow bars and hitch locks being top of my list.
We're already thinking about Christmas or New Year away.
congrats on your new purchase,im sure you will love the lavish life style.in my view you need one good quality wheel clamp and a bulldog hitch lock.There are many companies fitting towbars so shop around,depending on vehicle expect to spend around 250 to 350 quid.I had mine done at home by a mobile fitter.Cost me 300 on a chrysler 300c with twin electrics,so good i rekon.single electrics is not much cheaper.
------------- i dont sell cheap tat.I sell tat cheap
Hi
And welcome to the tin top club.
We only joined in September after camping in various tents,trailer tents and folding campers over the past 8 years.
We bought a 2002 swift challenger and just returned from our first weekend away in it.
It was great and so much easier (even with the porch awning).
We have booked 5nights over New Years and are enjoying winter camping. The van is toasty warm and can be used all year round although can't wait till summer next year when we can put our full set-up...up.
We have a full isabella awning with annexe/ bedroom for my daughter.
This is my van on site last weekend
Good luck with your van and don't forget to post pics.
Pen camper
Thanks for the replies and the welcome everyone... hoping to get sorted and get away for New Year, fingers crossed.
And the first question!
I mailed the caravan man and he says I have an ALKO 3004 type hitch. Do you recommend the yellow one or the purple one.
I'm on a budget and the cheaper the better, but not at the expense of the van, the yellow one fits my pocket better but if it's rubbish I would rather pay the extra.
Buy the purple one which is a Alko made hitch lock. state this when you insure the van and you will get a reduction.
or some companies insist you use ALKO.
Good luck and hope enjoy your van for years to come.
Picked up a nearly new Bulldog wheel clamp for £49, a brand new ALKO Type 1 hitch lock for £55 and just bought 2 second hand Aqua roll water carriers and a waste carrier as a bundle for £55.
Detachable tow bar being fitted by Hedley's on Thursday, £312 for double electrics fitted at my door, seem reasonable to you?
Shopping list of wing mirrors, step ladder, bedding, cook ware, a little microwave, fire extinguisher, water pump and a hitch cover still outstanding (shout up if I'm missed something glaringly obvious!!).
I'm still a little confused at what you do for waste pipes coming from the van to the waste carrier...
Here is a good video on setting up, and also explains the water system bits.
Not sure you'll need a microwave! I find a three tier steamer set of pans is more effective, but each to his own, I couldn't fit a microwave in my van, it's way too small! :)
Pity your not close to us.... As I have a pair of Milenco Aero towing mirrors for sale.
Only reason is they came with our van and I already have some.
Pen camper
Gosh you're getting everything sorted quickly - why do you need a step ladder ? I don't want to spoil the excitement but please watch your weight, microwave and two Aqua rolls, awning, it's already starting to add up. You might want to look for a thread on here about loading a van as well, that will help you when you start to tow it. I hope you get away at Christmas, we love winter away, only managing new year this year. Hope it all goes well.
------------- 2014 - 15 trips
2015
Jan - betws y coed
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: Done it
