New To Caravanning...need loads of help

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Linda_374367718

Jul 25, 2008
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Hi

Just bought a second hand swift rapide 12/4.

Lovely caravan but not sure how to do a few things.

How do I connect to water and how does it work? looks like Ive got some form of pump thing.

Also where does gas connect? what do I need for waste water etc and where does this go?

Also its 12v electrics/hook up ...will I need leisure battery? and will the hook up run the sockets etc and what appliances will they run?

Sorry for sounding stupid but really could do with some advice

Many Thanks !!!!
 
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Linda_374367718

Jul 25, 2008
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GeorgeB

Jul 31, 2006
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Linda,

It sounds like an older model but a great place to start would be Swifts them selves & ask if in their archives they have a handbook for your particular model, you'll have to give them the vin number off the plate thats either by the door or on the a frame at the front of the van.

In the meantime here's a great place to start http://www.swiftleisure.com/Caravans/uploads/handbooks/caravans/2008/04-Services.pdf although its a modern handbook, essentialy a lot of the basic services remain the same.

The other way of finding out what does what is to either ask the seller to show you, or find out where your local touring caravan site is, mossey on down there, tell the site wardens that you are a complete novice at this caravaning lark & if you can wander round and chat to some of the owners with older vans.

When you come across a likely candidate, explain your predicament & ask if they would be so kind as to show you what goes where & what does what, 99.9999% of vanners will help you & the odd, & I do mean odd!, .00001% may not, you've got nothing to loose, but you'll probably pick up more by seeing it than by reading about it.

Good luck & welcome to the wonderful world of caravaning
 
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MikeJE

Feb 17, 2007
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Don't think of sounding stupid - just imagine what it would be like if you had always lived in a caravan then moved into a house and everything you are used to now was new and strange.
 
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MagsAlan

Apr 30, 2008
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Hi Linda. We are also new to the world of caravanning and another book which we found to be of valuable assistance is Teach Yourself Caravanning. Think it cost about
 
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swpostie

Mar 21, 2008
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Hi Linda,

To get you going, I'll try and answer your questions.

For your fresh water you will need a suitable container such as an Aquaroll (which holds 40 litres). You connect one end of the pump to the inlet on the side of the 'van and drop the other end in the aquaroll; when you turn on a tap it switches on the pump and water flows!

The Gas normally lives in the front locker. The bottle (or bottles) are secured to the bulkhead and there should be some flexible piping that connects to the regulator on the gas bottle.

For waste water you will need a suitable container, such as a Wastemaster (which holds 38 litres) and probably some plastic piping and a Y-piece (available from any caravan accessories shop). You will find the waste water outlets (generally one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom) underneath the 'van on the side or rear edge - they tend to have little hinged lids on them. Anyway you stick a bit of pipe on each outlet, a Y-piece on the end of those and a single length of pipe from there to the Wastemaster! Just remember - when the Aquaroll needs filling, the Wastemaster needs emptying!!

Electrics. Generally, you will need a leisure battery. You will probably want a mains hook-up lead as well (25 metres). When you are hooked-up the mains will run your battery charger, any 240v lights you may have, your heater, your water heater, your fridge and your plug sockets. I believe (I'm sure someone will put me right if I'm wrong) your 12v lights and water pump will still run off your leisure battery, which is being charged by the charger - although they are probably running straight off the charger.

As to what appliances you can run when hooked up, it depends on the amount of amps you are getting off the hook-up. Hopefully you will get 16 amps, but it depends on the site and you can get a lot less. So, really you should be able to run most things that you are likely to want to take away with you - you probably won't be overrun with plug sockets anyway!

I hope this helps but don't hesitate to ask anything else.
 
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nineteen4ever

Mar 14, 2005
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Hi Linda,

I know it may sound strange, but where are you? If someone lived near me and needed advice I'd quite happily pop round and give some (hopefully) good advice. Me? Live in Leics, Work in Essex and stay in van when away, and have done so for 8 years!!

Reading advice is great, actually being shown is better!

Regards, Gary
 
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RayS

Mar 14, 2005
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Linda - "nineteen" has got the right idea. An experienced caravanner would be able to give you all sorts of help in about half an hour.

I appreciate the problems for Data protection and not wishing to disclose your address etc. Have a walk round your neighbourhood and see who has a caravan parked in their drive. Look to see if it has a Caravan Club or CC&C badge on it - this may indicate a reasonably experienced caravanner (but may not) - make yourself known and explain your situation without divulging your address.

Most long-term caravanners I know would be very happy to help you out. If you don't like the look of them then just break off the conversation and go away.

The Caravan Club has local centres you could contact ( and CC
 
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Reg

Jan 12, 2008
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Our best source of information was the first rally we attended..... OK it was back in the seventies but I'm sure it hasn't changed!

It really proved useful. People were prepared to show us their vans, awnings etc and to see it done was a great learner.

We don't attend rallies these days but go off for several weeks abroad and keep the weekend for relatives..... mostly grand children.

Hope you enjoy your new hobby (way of life really!)
 
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