A happy hello

[host25]

I'd just like to say a big hello to everyone on here. I managed to convince my husband to try caravaning rather than camping which he hated! Then we saw a bargain caravan for sale in the local village from a retired couple giving up caravaning. A piper 1100t 1982. We decided to go for it and update it to see how we get on with a view to upgrading in a year or 2.
We've only had it for 2 weeks and I've already changed the curtains and cushion covers we've changed the carpet and ripped out the old heater the previous owners took out all the gas stuff as old and worn ,we were set for our first adventure we wanted to see how we got on before doing anything else.
My husband drives a van so no worries with him towing (although I would like to see if we can use my little Volvo later as probably more cost efficient) anyway we went to the new forest which was only an hour away for our first adventure and even my husband loved it! So brownie points to me.Some of our friends laughed as were only in our 30s but it was so easy to get away I can foresee a lot converting :lol: the new forest was amazing so now we just have to fix a few other bits like gas hob and put in taps I will be avidly reading the forums and looking for more advice so we can tour Devon and Cornwall where I can't wait to go sorry if a bit long winded but very excited with our new adventure

 

[brianjw47]

Welcome to the Forum and good for you going for it.

Any van can be like home from home, put in the love and it will repay you in spades.
Just a note of caution, you need to ensure you meet legal criteria with regard to towing when you update.
Buy Practical Caravan magazine for the best advice and there is plenty here on the forum from very experienced caravaners.

Best Wishes,

Sir Brian of Stevenage. B)

 

[Gagakev]

Welcome to the forum nice to have more of the female species on here
Now then you want to Visit Devon, lovely down there,
I live here :lol: :lol:

 

[Dustydog]

Welcome to the forum host25.
You have made a life changing decision which will give you many years of relaxing holidays and travels.

 

[host25]

Thank you sir Brian I bought practical caravan for our first adventure and it was very helpful with the cheat sheet at the back for towing I have now worked out I can legally tow our little van when I get a tow bar fitted to my Volvo c30 although for now I'll just let my husband with his grandad rights do it
even my husband loved the magazine with the article on solar panels keeping him captivated and then nosey at all the setups on site to see which he liked best!
Gagakev lucky you I'm from Cornwall but Devon is closer to me for those surf weekends you can't beat the beach

 

[brian_c]

Welcome to the forum Host 25.
I'm sure you will have many happy long, and short breaks in your caravan.
Starting with an older van without all the mods and cons of the new generation of caravans is also the best way.
That way you will be able to decide exactly what level of equipment you will need when you finally come to upgrade.
My advice is to stick to your plan of giving it a couple of seasons/years.
Then you can look for a more expensive upgrade with the benifit of experience.
The main danger is visiting the dealers showroom for bottle of toilet fluid or some other basic bits and bobs then thinking "I'll just have a quick look at the vans whilst I'm here"
Our latest van us the result of popping into the dealers for a "clock battery"
All the very best wishes.
Brian

 

[mealsonwheels]

Welcome to the forum

Many years of happy and safe caravanning to you!

 

[Parksy]

Hello, welcome to the forum and congratulations on buying your caravan
If there's anything that you want to know about caravans just ask and someone on here will know the answer

 

[intransient1]

Hi and welcome to the open road and great holidays.
It is great that you are revamping an older caravan they allow you to design your own home from home.
It sounds like you are good at diy and if your other half is looking at solar panels have a look at www.bimblesolar.com they have some really good offers on systems.
Enjoy your van.

 

[CyberCynth]

Hi Host25, great to have you on board, and to read of your enthusiasm for all things caravanning! I was just a little bit concerned on reading your posting, that the Piper is quite an old 'van, that's fine if it has been well looked after, but I wonder whether you can find out how old the tyres are? Apparently best to change them every five years, even if they are not worn, because the rubber can perish. However, I'm sure there will be other postings to add to or improve on this advice! Happy caravanning!

 

[LizziePope]

Hello host25, welcome to the Practical Caravan forum!

 

[Mel]

hi, welcome to the forum.
mel

 

[host25]

Thanks Cybercynth one of the first things my husband did after getting Pip was take her to a tyre place one tyre was 14 years old and the other 8!! So a good job he checked needless to say we replaced all tyres before our first adventure .
The one thing we do need to check out for next time is weight adjustment as the tyre man (who was also a caravaner ) said it was back heavy as that's where the kitchen is and no gas over hitch just the battery ! That's my next research and challenge any tips gratefully received