HELP....... New to caravanning

[Christine_374454459]

Hi there.

This is the first time that I have ever done this forum type thing, so hope it's ok. Please be patient withme.

As described above, I'm new to caravanning and am due to go away next week. We have a 21 year old avondale, Mayfly... in very good condition and a Citroen C3, 1.4i, 2002, which I am begining to realise is legally ok, but a poor match, so the race is on to find cheap, older and bigger engined car, which brings me onto my first question.

1) Is it the size of the car, size of the engine or size of both which dictate what you can tow and how easy it feels? I have read many, many, many debates on forums and most of it is way to technical for my head....so plain speaking appreciated.

2)We have been given an aquaroll, but cant get the water pump thingy to fit in the opening... do the openings come in different sizes? Or do we have to transfer the water from the aqua roll to the water container with the bigger opening, which is hard work.

3)Is there any particular order for putting the legs down and how do you know if they are down enough and even?

4)Also, Should the legs take most of the weight when not in use for long periods, or should the wheels take the weight, as the wheels look as though they will degrade with all the weight on them? Or this just my paranoia.

Sorry for all the questions, but I am fed up reading magazines and searching the internet, just need some good reliable advice... to help me sleep at night. So excited about going away, but also terrified and cant think about anythng else.

Look forward to your responses. Cheers.

 

[ThePlotter]

1/ In basic terms get the heaviest car with the biggest engine.In the first instance you need to aim for a car that with a kerbweight that is 117% of the laden weight of the van (MPTLM)

In other words the van is 85% the weight of the car.

2/The smaller 23ltr ? aquarolls have a smaller opening than the 40ltr you can with care open up the opening with a file.

3/Legs can go down in any order,I do back first but it matters not,just use the jockey wheel to level front to back (use spirit level on the floor of the van just inside the door)lower them so that they just start to lift the van but do not take the weight.

4/The weight should be taken by the wheels and jockey wheel,the tyres will degrade if it is parked for long periods without rotating the wheels and will develop flat spots also the side walls will crack with age and the effect of sunlight.Change the tyres when five years old.

 

[Christine_374454459]

1/ In basic terms get the heaviest car with the biggest engine.In the first instance you need to aim for a car that with a kerbweight that is 117% of the laden weight of the van (MPTLM)

In other words the van is 85% the weight of the car.

2/The smaller 23ltr ? aquarolls have a smaller opening than the 40ltr you can with care open up the opening with a file.

3/Legs can go down in any order,I do back first but it matters not,just use the jockey wheel to level front to back (use spirit level on the floor of the van just inside the door)lower them so that they just start to lift the van but do not take the weight.

4/The weight should be taken by the wheels and jockey wheel,the tyres will degrade if it is parked for long periods without rotating the wheels and will develop flat spots also the side walls will crack with age and the effect of sunlight.Change the tyres when five years old.

Thanks for your response. Will start to look for car over next few days, otherwise will be taking it very easy on our first trip, which is 97 miles... dont sound too far, but when going very slow it could take some time. I will try and sell my aqua roll and put it towards a replacement one with the money.

Thanks for the information regarding the legs, sounds like common sense but there is so much to remember.

thanks again.

 

[ThePlotter]

Thanks for your response. Will start to look for car over next few days, otherwise will be taking it very easy on our first trip, which is 97 miles... dont sound too far, but when going very slow it could take some time. I will try and sell my aqua roll and put it towards a replacement one with the money.

Thanks for the information regarding the legs, sounds like common sense but there is so much to remember.

thanks again.

No problem just take it east and enjoy.

Any questions just SHOUT.