Got it at last!

[Countrylass]

Hi everyone

We got our new Bailey 460/4 home yesterday. My husband said it towed effortlessly. It's sitting in the driveway right now and I can't help glancing out at it occasionally. The couple at Wallace Caravans were so helpful and friendly.

We've only one problem in that the hitchlock for our old van won't fit. We'll just include it in the sale of our old van and get a new one. Does anyone have any recommendations on what will fit?

Lastly, thanks to everyone who gave us advice on our purchase. Off now to load all the stuff (I never knew we had so much!) into the Bailey.

April

 

[Damian]

Hi April,

Congratulations on your new purchase, now is the time to look forward to many happy times away in it.

As for the hitchlock, if it has the Al-Ko 2004, 3004 or similar then there is a specific lock for those, available from your dealer, or should be!

 

[nick_374224697]

Hi Country Lass

Congrats on the new van.....exciting innit??

We got our new Abbey Vogue 600 on Saturday too and we're thrilled with it. Currently staying on a CL near Strathkinness (Fife)for the week although not off work I'm afraid.

Enjoy your van and get out there and do some winter vanning, but wrap up warm!!

Cheers

Nick

 

[Pat_374304630]

Bet you can't wait to get away.

Welcome to the caravanning fraternity.You will now find that some people who you thought were your mates,suddenly begin to shun you.

Why?

Because lots of drivers hate caravanners,even though we are the most friendliest of motorists.

But!

You will make loads of new friends and see lots of different places,but most of all you will enjoy the freedom that caravan holidays give you.

Join some clubs and read the magazines....

ENJOY

 

[Countrylass]

Hi again

Thanks Damien, we've compromised and bought an insurance approved wheel clamp in the meantime whilst we research hitchlocks.

We're kitting the van out for our winter season at Braemar which begins in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to not having to pack up the bed every morning. We'd have tried a few days away in the van before that, like you Nick, but family committments have prevented that but we've connected everything up in the drive and it seems to be OK. I'm still at the stage of finding the best place to store things as it's a very different layout from our old van but I'll get there.

April

 

[nick_374224697]

Hi again April

We've done the opposite from you and have gone from a fixed bed to not having one.So far we aren't having too many dramas with making and unsetting the bed, thankfully it's quite easy in this van - but time will tell. After 3 weeks in europe next year we may have tired of the novelty!

Just a quick question about Braemar, we're up there for New Year and I'd be interested to know whether there will be snow or not.If you've had a seasonal pitch there for a while are you able to say whether or not there is snow at that time of year in general or does it tend to come later in an average year. One worry I really have is that the gates close before we can get through, that would be awful.

Cheers now

Nick

 

[MalcolmL]

Nick,

In general, Braemar doesn't get a lot of snow so you'll probably be OK. The problem usually is that any small amount of snow is accompanied by strong winds and the police are very quick to close the snow gates in Tayside and at Braemar because if the worry about drifting.

Hopefully everything will be fine. It is certainly magical when there is snow on the ground. We were there one year when it warmed up to minus 10degC. It had been minus 16C overnight!

 

[nick_374224697]

Thanks Malcolm, sounds like I may be needing my jumper with me this year!

Nick

 

[Countrylass]

Hi Nick

Sorry to take so long to get back to you but I've been a bit under the weather.

Malcolm is right, the main problem is drifting when there is snow and the police close the road if there is any risk. If it's likely to be snowing then your best bet is to come via Aberdeen as the snow gates are right outside the site in the Tayside direction.

The coldest I can remember is waking up one morning a few years ago to ice on the inside of the windows, but under a good duvet it's not a problem. Pack lots of layers and you'll be fine.

April

 

[nick_374224697]

Thanks April, at least there is a way to get there if the gates are shut.

Cheers

Nick