Hello!

[DJMilly]

Hello

We're newbie caravaners, well at least we will be when we take delivery of our new 2015 Swift Challenger Sport 524. Our towing vehicle is a VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI 4Motion.

The only experience I've had of caravanning was with my Grandad many years ago before the advent of warm air heating, toilets and showers! I recall having to use a foot pump to operate the kitchen tap and I think the bunks may have been canvas?

We've so much to learn so we thought what better way than from experienced caravaners here on this fantastic forum!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello DJ,

I really hope you will enjoy your caravanning. I'm pretty sure you will. the forum members have a vast experience of caravanning issues, and I am sure if you have a question, someone somewhere will have the answer or be able to point you in the right direction.

If this is your first experience of towing, then DON'T RUSH, take time to ease yourself through the new experiences. If your unsure, then ask, There is no silly question, just 'silly' people who don't ask them.

Happy days.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Welcome to the forum DJMilly :cheer:

 

[mealsonwheels]

Welcome to the forum, where there are several knowledgeable members to give advice.
Don't forget, if you have any problems whilst away on a CL or CS, one of your fellow caravanners or the owner, will be sure to offer help or give advice, or if you are on a CC or C&CC Site, the wardens are there to help you.
Happy and safe caravanning.

 

[DJMilly]

Thanks for the warm welcome and great advice from ProfJohnL and Mealsonwheels! I'll be going on a towing course in the Spring and we've booked tickets for the Caravan & Motorhome Show in Manchester. We've a tonne of equipment to set ourselves up for our caravanning!

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

We've a tonne of equipment to set ourselves up for our caravanning!

A tonne will be way over your permitted payload.

Seriously though, do remember to stay within the van's max load.

 

[DJMilly]

Thanks WoodlandsCamper, I'll certainly keep a close eye on the permitted payload figure!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Just a note about payload etc. The figure given for the permitted payload is not necessarily accurate.Basically the pay load is the difference between the unladen weight and the MTPLM. The MTPLM is fixed and is a legal maximum, so if the manufacture uses a slightly heavier weight of metal skin or the wood framing is denser and heavier than usual then actual payload capacity is reduced.

Can i ask if you have checked your licence entitlement to tow? When did you pass your test?

 

[Dustydog]

Welcome to the forum DJ.
I hope you managed to negotiate a starter pack with the supplying dealer.eg a quarrel wastemaster battery etc?
SWMBO did a Caravan Club towing course some years ago. They are excellent.
Even I learnt a lot from her.

Why not take your other half on the same course? Could be very useful

 

[Mel]

Hi DJ welcome to the forum and to caravanning.
Mel

 

[Len_Cuff]

Hi DJ,
Welcome to what I consider to be the font of all knowledge for caravanners
I've always found this forum extremely helpful no matter what the problem is !!

 

[LizziePope]

Hi DJMilly and a warm welcome to the Practical Caravan forum!

 

[brian_c]

Hello DJ and welcome to the Forum
Best wishes.
Brian

 

[DJMilly]

Hi ProfJohnL Yep I checked my license before embarking on this journey. I've been driving many years

 

[DJMilly]

Thanks for all the hello's is comforting to know that you're all there to answer our newbie questions!

 

[Beachball]

Hi DJ this is a belated welcome to the forum ( I have been ill ) i hope you enjoy it M8

 

[DJMilly]

Thanks Beachball, I hope you're fully recovered!

 

[Beachball]

Thanks Beachball, I hope you're fully recovered!

I better then i was but not from my long term illness Thanks .....