Greetings from Donegal

[Donegal_TDI]

Hello all
I'm new to caravanning and will be using an X5 3.0D to tow.
I have 2 small kids 11 & 10
and I want to spend time with them at this important age
and as my lifestyle is busy
a caravan seemed the ideal solution to grab a few days here and there
to get away from all the distractions.
Searched for the last year to find a suitable caravan layout
that I liked and suited my needs.
This resulted in a radical decision.
I have just bought a Dethleff Pacific 530SK from a dealer in Germany.
It has the layout that I wanted,
at the pricepoint I was prepared to spend,
from a quality manufacturer.
I will be travelling there early November to collect.
Route: Donegal-Larne-Cairnryan-Newcastle-Ijmuiden-Koln.
Looking forward to trading stories,
and will post an account of the trip.

 

[Beachball]

Hi Donegal Welcome to the practical caravan forum it sounds like you thought this throughly and X5 3.0D is a brilliant tow car and Dethleff Pacific 530SK is a nice caravan you must have got a great deal buying it from a dealer in Germany are you having a holiday, to try it out before you bring it home (. Me and wife have been to Germany it a great place we have a cousin who lives there,) look forward to your stories in the future ...........

 

[Donegal_TDI]

Hi Beachball
I have a number of different professions,
one being part time farming
so it limits how long I can disappear for a few days.
1st week in November corresponds to school mid term break,
so myself and the little fella only are going.
I've done a lot of research on this,
but theory is theory,
and a little bit of advice from a hardened professional is worth more in my book.
Which is why I am here
I got a good deal from the dealer,
he has to retrofit and fit battery/charger for 12v autonomy,
supply spare wheel and dual bicycle carrier on A frame.
Other than that the Pacific 530sk is pretty well equipped,
and getting very rare as they were a limited run
that contain many extras.
This was his last,
and if you try googling
there are precious few left anywhere.
I have a Dethleff dealer right beside me in Donegal,
he doesn't do caravans, only motor homes,
but he told me he can service and get any bits I need.
When I pick up the Dethleff from the dealer I will be staying that night,
and the following night at a campsite in NL.
I'm just looking for some general advice of things to be careful with
while I'm finding my feet on the continent.
Any advice would be appreciated and thanks.

 

[Robtel]

Hi Donegal and welcome to the forum. You sound like someone who knows exactly what he wants and how to go about getting it, well done on sourcing the caravan of your choice and good luck with the collection and journey.

Robert

 

[Donegal_TDI]

Thanks Robert.
I have a good navigation system in the vehicle with recent maps,
and I have the waypoints and ferry ports programmed in already.
However, the first time I go around a roundabout legally anti-clockwise,
I will be wishing I had one of you guys sitting on for comfort
The Pacific 530 is a really pretty caravan to behold,
and breaks from the norm by having the seating area in the middle,
bunks at one end and a fixed double bed at the other.
The kitchen is basic but sufficient for purpose.
There are several projects I will be carrying out over the winter,
and you can be sure I will be calling here for advice from the pro's.

 

[kenf]

welcome donegal !!! i'm only here a week my self , i'm not far from you ? just north of the border (strabane area) the guys here are very helpfull !!! good luck on your venture !!

 

[Donegal_TDI]

Thanks Kenf
I forgot to say the dog's coming as well,
unusual Schnauzer/KCS cross called "Dinky.2",
if the pet passport comes in time.
The vet lost the paperwork first time around,
so they were resubmitted a few weeks ago.
Day 1
Travel Donegal to Scotland where I will stay overnight
with my cousin near Carlisle who owns a very big dug
unlike my canine specimen.
Day 2
Report to Newcastle to board ferry 3pm
Day 3
Arrive 9am Ijmuiden NL and travel southeast
to arrive near Mulheim around noonish.
Collect caravan from dealer and check all is well,
and chew the fat awhile.
Travel 1/2 way back to Ijmuiden turn off north near Arnhem
and get to campsite before dark
Day 4
Take little fella to monkey zoo Apenheul,
spend quiet day relaxing here.
Day 5
Arrive Ijmuiden 3pm board ferry for Newcastle and relax
Day 6
Arrive Newcastle approx 9am,
and head for Cairnryan for boat back to Larne.
Larne to Donegal and home that evening.

Well, thats the plan.

 

[Robtel]

Day 4
Take little fella to monkey zoo Apenheul,

Well, thats the plan.

Hi Donegal, a little concerned that after mentioning you're taking your son to the monkey zoo he never gets a mention again, you're not planning on leaving him there by any chance??

 

[Parksy]

Hi Donegal, welcome to the Practical Caravan forum. You have done the right thing in researching to find out which caravan is suitable, your towing vehicle is adequate for the job and you've looked into your forthcoming trip to collect your caravan.
If you add a post about your trip to collect the caravan in the Overseas Parks & Touring section of the forum I'm sure that you will have plenty of support and advice from fellow members who are seasoned European caravanners.
You will be running light on your return trip but it's important to ensure that you reach as near as possible to the correct noseweight (te load on the towing hitch / towball)for your caravan so that you achieve a stable tow, too little noseweight can be as bad as too much when it comes to motorway journeys.
Good Luck and let us know how your trip goes please

 

[Donegal_TDI]

Thanks Parksy and Rob-T
Incidentally, there is a bigger chance of ME being kept at the monkey zoo,
thank God the little fella took his looks from his mother.
I will keep a log and pictures of the trip will be posted.
BTW Parksy, love the Avatar of Fr Jack,
a personal role model of mine,
and really he should be running in the current Irish Presidential elections.
The only colourful character we had here Senator David Norris, a mental giant,
was running and would have won, because he was, and is hugely popular,
but he was assassinated in the press by powerful factions that didn't want him elected,
because certain aspects of his personal life didn't conform to the norm.
Still there is talk that he might come back fighting yet!

 

[Parksy]

Thanks Donegal, Fr Jack Hackett is a hero of mine, he's lived the life and loves his pet brick but he steers clear of politics except to vote for candidates who promise not to raise the price of a drink

 

[Olive1]

Great to see another caravanner on the good side of the irish sea!! Like others have said this is a great forum to get advice from. Hope you have safe journey to get your new caravan and many happy days touring

Olive

 

[pippah45]

Hi - I am newbie too and will introduce myself later. Only thing I can suggest is that you double check that you have a wheelbrace that fits your caravan wheels - and any other tool that may differ. Many years ago we travelled to Germany with a new Landrover and found the wheelbrace supplied didn't fit the vehicle! Luckily the Polizei in Bremerhaven had one that fitted! Probably all standard now but worth double checking!
Hope you have a great trip

Pippah

 

[Donegal_TDI]

Just returned from the epic trip Pippah,
see post here.....

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/forum/new-members-say-hello/made-it-germany-and-back-my-new-dethleff-pacific-530sk