Hi, Yep....this fool rushed out after having a crazy idea, Having a 16 yr old & 8 yr old sharing a room become unbearable esp as oldest studing and we live in a 2 bed....a caravan was my fabulous idea, oldest hangs out in van with friends, studies etc, which allows me to settle younger 1 allowing for a peaceful evening, It was a FAB idea......Anyway 24 hours later i came home with a used caravan,Yes, a Bailey Senator California 1998 model....didnt even haggle?! Totally implusive purchase!!!
My problem is my van is in stunning condition cost, a small fortune (savings) and i refuse to allow it to sit merely for the kids uses, i want to become a tourer.....not to far tho lol.
Yet i know nothing....NOTHING about A. Owning a caravan and B. Towing....where do i start with my many silly questions, below are a few,
Gas......How do i get this checked? Gas bottle was supplied but i havent attached it!
Do Caravans require mot? If so where?
Stabilisers. ...are they necessary, read many opinions?
Leisure battery how do i charge it?
I have a 3ltr engine car so i know i have the weight to legally tow this van but having never towed in my life any tips?
I thank you in advance for taking the time and possibly providing knowledge to a novice.
Just because you have a 3L car doesnt mean its suitable to tow the weight of caravan that you have bought.
You need to check the vehicles max tow weight. Also when did you pass your driving test? Before or after 1997?
Caravan dealers will be able to service the van and do a safety check on the gas and appliances.
Or you could get a mobile caravan service and get his to show you the basics.
No MOT needed. But you can be prosecuted for having an outfit with dodgy tyres, brakes and lights. So check before each journey.
Overloading the van is easily done. The items soon add up. Check the caravans max laden weight and take it to a weighbridge, before or after loading and make sure you dont exceed that.
I have towed lots and lots of vans without stabilisers. Properly loaded with a suitable car then you may not know if you had one fitted or not.
There's a caravan book I've seen a few people on here mention that is an invaluable thing for caravanners to have - lots of great information and tips apparently. Lobey I think is one forum member who has it. Hopefully, he, or someone else will come along with the name of it for you. Happy caravanning.
You've come to the best place to find out, search back through previous posts to find answers, anything you can't find out then ask, no question is a silly question if you don't know and can't find the answer.
Both Caravan Club and Camping and Caravanning Club offer towing courses that are meant to be excellent. That may be a good place to start.
Congratulations on your purchase. You can look forward to some lovely holidays in your new caravan.
i dont think the ball gripping (almost universal) type of stabilizers do much good anyway.. the old fashioned leaf type do a better job..
tis all about the friction gripping area.. ball grippers (ouch) dont have enough pad area to do much..
i recently fitted a leaf type and a pair of shock absorbers to my van.. they do cut tail wag at higher speeds even when my van is loaded as well as it can be which in my case is all the loose stuff at front of the van..
the OP has a lot to learn.. asking forum question isnt the way to do it though.. just google around and do lots of reading.. the information is all there
don't be put off by all the technical talk that some peeps are or will come out with,ive only just started caravanning and trust me its a doddle,im not saying you don't need to know certain stuff,but once you get the hang of it,you will wonder what all the fuss is about,and you will luv it,so good luck and happy caravaning
I dis agree with the comment on stabilsers that are built in dont do much.Its called technology and it moves forward.my alko hitch is brilliant.Not sure if a 1998 van wouldhave one so then godown the leaf type mentioned above,they are good also.Towing is a breeze and nothing to be afraid of.Go a few miles and you will soon get the hang of it.Non of us on here was born to know everything.You live and learn and get your own way of doing things.Just relax and enjoy it.I would recommend you have it serviced first so you know the gas and brakes etc are all good.
------------- i dont sell cheap tat.I sell tat cheap
good choice of Caravan, but just cos you have a 3.0 litre car it dont mean you can legally tow it, its the weight of the car and not the size or engine, what car is it, if you want to sell id be interested as its the type of van im after, but it will have to be in excellent condition, no damp, or dents etc,
I don't hold out much hope of the OP getting back to you, as the post is 18 months old and the OP has never posted since then.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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Topic: Fool Rushed In!!
