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Hi from Morecambe

M

Mark_374475586

Hello all

I have just bought my first caravan after enjoying many camping holidays this year. We have bought a 2004 Bailey Pageant Auvergne 5 berth. I did a fair bit of research and this one seems to suit our family needs.

My only worry is towing as I have only experienced towing medium sized trailers in the past but sure I'll be fine. Tow car is a Mazda Estate 2 litre petrol.

So far bought water carriers, electric hook up, car DVD player (to replace tape stereo fitted).

What other things will I need (essentials and non essentials). I'd also appreciated any othe tips or advice.

Great forum by the way - I've gained some valuable info already.

Mark
 
Hi Mark

Welcome to the forum and to the world of caravanning.

Obviously you will need crockery and cutlery for your caravan, most of us leave these items in the caravan and some including us use real crockery and glasses whilst others prefer lightweight melamine wear.

You will of course need a step if you don't already have one and don't forget that many items such as steps, levelling blocks etc can be bought second hand from fleabay or local newspaper adverts.
 
Hi Mark,

Greetings from cold Northampton, and welcome to the forum. One little piece of advice is that when you think you have everything you need, make a list. Include your clothing ( by name )e.g pants, socks, bras (not for you of course)etc,crockery, cooking utensils,tele,charging devices, toys for kids, in fact everything you are loading. As you put them in the van and car, tick them off, that way you won't forget anything.
 
dont worry towing is ok

go for a spin wiyh van along dual carridge way so the dweebs can over take.go bt the book speed indicate mirrors take your time be slower but smoth not fast and crapp go to industral est to try reverseing.

on a sunday is good the worst is if you panic and think you are to blame for everthing on the road
 
Hi Mark,

We started caravanning about 18 months ago and tried hard to think of everything for our maiden voyage.

One thing we didn't consider was a gas bottle spanner!

Another useful item is a spirit level to level the 'van.

Good luck!
 
Hi Mark

we have just bought our new {old} van, my husband has never towed before he was a bit nervous im a bad passenger at the best of times,so I was really nervous, but to our suprise it was fine even when lorries were passing, we had been told the van would wobble a bit but it was ok. Dont forget the towing mirrors, and take the cushions of the seats and put salt out, or buy special pots you can buy for keeping moisture levels down for over winter
 
Well just got back from our 1st weekend in the van. Really loved it and amazed how comfy we were.

Towing was fine - a lot of worrying about nothing. I even managed to reverse into the parking space where I store the van - 1st time luck I guess!

Thanks for the help guys. Can't wait to go away again....
 
Do you mind me asking where you store your van Mark? I can't seem to find anything local and suitable which is why mine is at Kirkby Lonsdale. Thanks, Dan
 
get rid of your mains hook-up lead and buy a solar panel then you can join the world of cheaper holidays without electrics
 
Do you mind me asking where you store your van Mark? I can't seem to find anything local and suitable which is why mine is at Kirkby Lonsdale. Thanks, Dan
Click to expand...
Mine is stored at Middleton although I hear that Callendars at Carnforth is a good place and easy access to the motorway.
 
Mine is stored at Middleton although I hear that Callendars at Carnforth is a good place and easy access to the motorway.
Click to expand...
We did enquire at carnforth but the caravan could only be accessed within their opening hours. Along with the high fees I decided to keep it where it is. Thanks anyway, Dan.
 
Mine is stored at Middleton although I hear that Callendars at Carnforth is a good place and easy access to the motorway.
Click to expand...
We did enquire at carnforth but the caravan could only be accessed within their opening hours. Along with the high fees I decided to keep it where it is. Thanks anyway, Dan.
 
We did enquire at carnforth but the caravan could only be accessed within their opening hours. Along with the high fees I decided to keep it where it is. Thanks anyway, Dan.
Click to expand...
You could try Greendales farm at Middleton. They may have a space if your caravan is not too big.

Access whenever you need although fairly tight parking!
 
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