hi everyone

[jimmymac1]

hi to you all, new to these sort of forums, and as yet still to buy a van but thought i would look and see advice and whatever else i could gain from experienced caravanners.
I am 57 years old and its just me and wife at home now but wish to take our grandkids away mostly so they experience other nationalities, cultures and ways of life , rather than let them just become used to holidays in britain.
looking for ward to chatting to members on the forum.
jimmy

 

[Gagakev]

Hi jimmymac, welcome to the forum, ask all the questions you want on here dont be shy we all started some where, take your time choosing a van there are so many variations the mind boggles, when you find one you like go away, think about it then go back again and I bet you will find something you didnt think about the first time. I doubt you will find the perfect one so a few small compromises will have to be considered, but have a great time looking for it

 

[nickmac73]

hi jimmy,
welcome,
i joined this forum for the same reason as you, to find out the basics and get an idea of what in a van we would want.
for various reasons we still haven't got one but our list of requirements gets longer/shorter with the info we pick up as we go along.
it is for sure a minefield but one i'm happy to hop about in. ive learnt tons from here it is a wealth of knowledge.
get stuck in!
nick

 

[Parksy]

Hi Jimmymac, welcome to the Practical Caravan Forum.
A touring caravan is a great way to share good times with your grandkids, you have the freedom to go when and where you want to and the outdoor life will benefit the youngsters and add to their education.
The first thing to do is to find out what you can tow with your vehicle, you must not exceed any legal or manufacturers limits

Click Here for information on vehicle towing weights.

Click Here if you passed your driving test after 1st January 1997

Click Here for the Caravan Buyers Guide which will give you lots of very good informaton to help you avoid buying a faulty or damp caravan, there are lots of great caravans for sale if you're buying a used model but it pays to know what to watch out for.
Have a browse and if there's anything that you don't fully understand, especially about the legalities, just ask on the General message board and you will find out what you want to know.
The only daft question is the one that you should have asked, but didn't.

 

[ValA.]

Hi Jimmymac
Welcome!
If you're intending to take your caravan far and wide, and into Europe, then this forum has a good 'Overseas' section - where you'll usually get an answer to all your questions.
Caravanning in Europe can be very different too - it's rarely necessary to book, except during peak holidays, which don't always coincide with our school holidays, so you can take your grandchildren and just tour, going as you please, and staying as long as you wish. Roads in some countries (France for instance) are much more caravan-friendly, with plenty of places to stop free of charge for picnics and comfort stops, and there are some fantastic campsites - everything from 'five-star, all singing, all dancing' to just half a dozen vans in an orchard somewhere. You can find sites with direct beach access, sites alongside beautiful rivers, or overlooking fantastic chateaux - and the wildlife in France is plentiful - we've seen wild boar whilst on a walk from a site, and there are many more birds of prey. France alone is a very big country, and could keep you occupied for many holidays with the grandchildren, but if you want to venture into the rest of Europe then there are people with plenty of experience who should be available to help with tips and wisdom!

 

[kopite]

Welcome jimmymac
Into our third season now and one of the best things we`ve ever done,we have 2 young`uns and they love it to,haven`t done france yet but penciled in for 2013.good luck

 

[gazzers1]

Hi jimmymac. just to say wecome to the forum, any questions you have somebody will have an answer or some advice for you. Also if you want some help on buying a caravan or some tips on a tow car pick up a copy of practical caravan its a good magazine and a good read as well.