Gone and done it

[PETERA]

Hello all.

Well we have finally gone and done it. For years we have enviously watched you all travelling the roads of Britian and Europe towing your little homes behind you never really having the time to justify having one of our own. But, this year, August, we both retired and so we are on the way to joining in with the fun. Gone is the petrol CRV to be replaced with a 06 manual Discovery 3. Following a recent visit to the NEC we now have a slot allocated on the Vanmaster production schedule with estimated delivery date at the end of April 2011 for a twin axle Occasion. I know it seems a little bit extravagant but we have worked hard and saved for this for years and the wife's view is if were going to do it we'll do it in comfort.
So this is now were I ask for your help.
Never having had a caravan before I'm still a little lost in the way they operate. Pulling one around won't bother me as I drove trucks for 18 years in the 70's and 80's. It's all the rest of the stuff that I need to get my head around. TV's, satalite, water, gas, pitches, awnings, europe, etc, etc, etc.
So I apologise upfront if some the questions I ask in the coming months seem a bit daft to you but please bare with me and with your help I'm sure I'll get there.

I'm sure it's going to be fun.

PeterA

 

[raccoon]

Hi Petra and welcome to the forum. Its always nice to hear from a new member. You can post as many questions as like and will more than likely recieve a good answer. Hope you enjoy your time with the new caravan and relax into it.

 

[ChristineandAlan]

Hi Petera,
Welcome to the forum just to say you can ask as many questions as you like we all be happy to answer them.
by the way you only need a satellite abroad you will have a digital aerial on the caravan because its new,i suggest you by a tv with built in freeview that way you have lots more stations thats providing you are a tv addict like us.dont forget to ask as many questions as you like.well All The Best for know Alan P/T
kia sorrento 2008 outfit Abbey 620 Gts 2009 Twin Axle

 

[emmerson]

hello Petera, and welcome. As has already been said, ask what you like, there's always someone who has the answer. And don't be afraid of sounding silly; we've all been beginners, and all made the mistakes that you are about to make! Herself and I have been caravanning for over forty years, and we still make mistakes, so just get on and enjoy.
The only thing that bothers me is that you're investing a huge amount of money in something that you've not yet tried! Would you not have better to have bought a cheaper, secondhand van, or even hired one for a couple of occasions before laying out many thousands of pounds on a hobby which you may not like? Cos, believe me, not everybody takes to caravanning! I cannot understand why, but it does happen!
Please don't think I'm trying to put a damper on your high spirits, but it's just something to think about.
Personally, I go for older classic vans: my current one being over thirty years old, but gives us a great deal of fun and relaxation. We're retired and so can get full use of the van. Twenty four weeks this year, so far, with two more to come!
However, to each, his own, and enjoy, whatever you do.

 

[PR]

Hi Petra.

We made the same decision in the summer and treated ourselves to a caravan when I retired. My only regret is we did not do it earlier. Your Disco will make an excellent tug. Take care.

Paul and Liz

 

[DianneT]

Hi Petera,
Welcome to the Forum I know you will get a lot of help from the members. With regards to Satellite Dish mentioned by someone. We use ours in this Country and all over Europe all of the time. The Digital Aerials they put on Caravans are OK but there are hundreds of places where you can get literally nothing through it even if you have Freeview built in the TV We have pulled a twin axel, for over 4 years now, all over Europe and love it never had a problem but always check ahead with that the next site will take it and that entrance and pitches are suitable.

If you go to Europe have a look at our tours there on my website as below in my signature. It is a wonderful life.

 

[PETERA]

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement.

PeterA

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Peter
Welcome to the forum. That's one mother of an outfit you have ordered.

What layout have you chosen?
I think it may be prudent for you and SWMBO to go on on one the specialist towing courses run by the Caravan Club. I think the C&CC also do them. It is a good safe way to enter the world of caravanning . Enjoy your new baby.There's plenty on here to keep you amused.

 

[PETERA]

Hi Dustydog
It's the Occasion TBEW. Can't wait to get rolling.

Hi DianneT

Had a look at your website. Looks good . Just the type of trips we are planning, I look forward to reading about your travels. We have also travelled quite a bit around Germany over the years. Looking forward to doing so again but now with the van.

PeterA