New to all this....

[colinbal4]

Hi All, just inherited a 2004 Elddis Crusader Typhoon from my parents, who have decided to buy a smaller van. We are first time caravanners, albeit experienced campers. Towing with a 2016 Mercedes GLE 250d, which has just had a TowTrust detachable bar fitted (no Westfalia stock anywhere in the UK).

So sorry, prepare for stoopid questions

Thanks

 

[Niall_McIntosh]

As others have said before, there are no stupid questions. It's not asking them that is stupid.......

 

[Parksy]

Hi Colin, welcome to the forum.
Whatever you're not sure about - just ask :cheer:

 

[audiorob]

Hi! Wonder what choice you made about the electrics for towing - presumably the Elddis has twin black and grey 12N and 12S sockets, where newer vans have the 13 pin system. The latter is less prone to problems and has a twisting outer that pulls the plug and socket together as it is connected. You can get adapters between the two systems, often on used marketplaces. For example my car and van have the 13 pin, but my trailer (for the local rubbish tip journeys) has a 12N, and I leave a 13 pin adapter fitted - about 5cm tall. I also keep some brake cleaner spray to ensure the ball is entirely grease-free for the stabiliser hitch head on the caravan.
Enjoy!

 

[Anseo]

Welcome colinbal4

 

[colinbal4]

Thanks for the welcomes
I went 13 pin electric and I have a splitter cable

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Colin,

Congratulations on your caravan, but I do have ask you to check your driving licence. My concern lies with the fact the GLE is a big car, and that means it will also have a very big Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), and when the caravans MTPLM is added into the equation its almost certain the combined MAM will exceed 3500kg in which case you must have entitlement Be or B+E on your licence.

A quick google using the search term "Merc GLE weights" tells me the GVW is 2950kg, that would leave 550kg for the MTPLM of the caravan.

If you passed your basic driving test on or after 1 Jan 1997 you will only have received cat B for cars under 3500kg MAM. If so you will have toi undertake the+E extension test

If you passed before 1:1:97, then you will have automatically been awarded entitlement "Be" so you'd be ok.

 

[colinbal4]

I have grandfather rights, thanks John

 

[Hutch]

Your good to go then, so ask away, someone should have an answer for you.
Hutch.

 

[CustardAvenger]

I have grandfather rights, thanks John

If you've never towed before, getting some coaching may be a good idea... either from the Clubs or a BE course provider.

I found some towing guides online and read them before towing for the first time with a small (3m/10') caravan. I took the BE test (Post 97 licence ) before upgrading to a 7.5m/24' caravan. Even after 5 years of experience, this was a totally different beast and the coaching paid off but still did not prepare me for the effect of HGVs/Coaches on a long caravan when they displace the air.

 

[Raywood]

Welcome to the forum and hope you enjoy the new to you caravan. If you have any problem it is almost certain some of us will have had it before so do not be afraid to ask.
If you are concerned about things like hitching and pitching then have a look on You tube for some very helpful very helpful videos.

 

[Beachball]

Welcome to the forum colinbal4

 

[colinbal4]

Bye folks, been nice helping some of you where I can, and sincere thanks for the help you've given me, but internet forums aren't for me. Happy caravanning!

 

[Craigyoung]

Ha ! It might not be but wait till something goes wrong you'll be back !!

 

[Niall_McIntosh]

Bye folks, been nice helping some of you where I can, and sincere thanks for the help you've given me, but internet forums aren't for me. Happy caravanning!

I wonder if this is related to another (now locked) thread?

 

[Parksy]

Quite possibly.
The original query was answered and the thread was so far off topic because of an earlier problem that I locked it.
If people really have to post industrial language online perhaps this isn't the platform for them, Facebook caters to that sort of thing.