Just got back from picking up our first caravan - Conqueror 630.
Never towed before, never caravanned before, never slept in a field before etc etc etc.
Handover from dealer went ok, I took notes and got the dealer to repeat things to make sure I understood what he was teaching me. I also spent some time prior to collection reading the online handbooks on the Swift website. Did not get on one of the towing courses prior to picking up the van as they were all booked, so I sort guidance from friends and family for tips and advice on towing. We also chose a site in a familiar place so I knew the roads.
Towing was easier than I expected and the traffic jam on the M25 gave me time to get used to the width and length of the outfit, as we were travelling at slow speed. I was actually grafeful for the jam! Once underway I soon got used to the pitch, suck and blow and all the other bumps and sways. Took it very steady going between 50 and 60 depending on the road conditions and incline/decline.
By the time we arrived on site the rain had become torrential and the light was fading so myself and my partner bit the bullet and just got stuck in.
The first obstical was the jockey wheel which I unfortunately wound the wrong way. After about 30 mins I managed to get the two bits back together and will never do that again!
We then got the (much loved) motor mover doing its thing and once we released the handbreak (dur) we were off and running. Loved it, it makes moving such a heavy and large rig easy and above all fun!
Once that was done, we plodded through all the levelling, chocks, wheel locks etc. Which took us another good hour. A time I know we can improve on - especially by throwing the Swift scissor jack in the next river we come to (any advice on what to replace it with would be great).
Then we set about setting up the services, all went ok and all pretty much self explanatory. Although, standing in the pooring rain, soaked to the skin filling things with water bought about a fit of hysterics. But at least our spirits were still high.
We have read so many times on this site that our fellow campers would appear from now where to help newbies - HA! They all sat in their vans, drinking tea and watched with glee. But who could blame them it was abismal out.
Once we had loaded the van with all our lovely new bits and pieces and found homes for everything it was about 11pm. The van is great; central heating, air-con, lighting, bed all of it is wonderful.
We then spent the next couple of days getting used to everything and making sure it all worked. The weather improved and we had a great time. Just booking our next trip away in 4 weeks time!
I can recommend to anyone doing this for the first time to do as much research as possible. This site is absolutely invaluable and we are grateful for all we have read and the advice we have been given. The internet is a goldmine of information so get stuck in - we had no suprises along the way as everything you need to know is on the web somewhere.
If you are getting a new caravan read the online handbooks - bit boring but so worth while. Make check lists, read safety advice, take you time. We did and all went well.
We are back now and I am reading through all the information and making a maintenance guide - all long winded but worth the effort.
Good luck to all beginners out there and thanks again to all who posted on my topics and gave great sound advice.
Cheers,
Bj and Justin
Never towed before, never caravanned before, never slept in a field before etc etc etc.
Handover from dealer went ok, I took notes and got the dealer to repeat things to make sure I understood what he was teaching me. I also spent some time prior to collection reading the online handbooks on the Swift website. Did not get on one of the towing courses prior to picking up the van as they were all booked, so I sort guidance from friends and family for tips and advice on towing. We also chose a site in a familiar place so I knew the roads.
Towing was easier than I expected and the traffic jam on the M25 gave me time to get used to the width and length of the outfit, as we were travelling at slow speed. I was actually grafeful for the jam! Once underway I soon got used to the pitch, suck and blow and all the other bumps and sways. Took it very steady going between 50 and 60 depending on the road conditions and incline/decline.
By the time we arrived on site the rain had become torrential and the light was fading so myself and my partner bit the bullet and just got stuck in.
The first obstical was the jockey wheel which I unfortunately wound the wrong way. After about 30 mins I managed to get the two bits back together and will never do that again!
We then got the (much loved) motor mover doing its thing and once we released the handbreak (dur) we were off and running. Loved it, it makes moving such a heavy and large rig easy and above all fun!
Once that was done, we plodded through all the levelling, chocks, wheel locks etc. Which took us another good hour. A time I know we can improve on - especially by throwing the Swift scissor jack in the next river we come to (any advice on what to replace it with would be great).
Then we set about setting up the services, all went ok and all pretty much self explanatory. Although, standing in the pooring rain, soaked to the skin filling things with water bought about a fit of hysterics. But at least our spirits were still high.
We have read so many times on this site that our fellow campers would appear from now where to help newbies - HA! They all sat in their vans, drinking tea and watched with glee. But who could blame them it was abismal out.
Once we had loaded the van with all our lovely new bits and pieces and found homes for everything it was about 11pm. The van is great; central heating, air-con, lighting, bed all of it is wonderful.
We then spent the next couple of days getting used to everything and making sure it all worked. The weather improved and we had a great time. Just booking our next trip away in 4 weeks time!
I can recommend to anyone doing this for the first time to do as much research as possible. This site is absolutely invaluable and we are grateful for all we have read and the advice we have been given. The internet is a goldmine of information so get stuck in - we had no suprises along the way as everything you need to know is on the web somewhere.
If you are getting a new caravan read the online handbooks - bit boring but so worth while. Make check lists, read safety advice, take you time. We did and all went well.
We are back now and I am reading through all the information and making a maintenance guide - all long winded but worth the effort.
Good luck to all beginners out there and thanks again to all who posted on my topics and gave great sound advice.
Cheers,
Bj and Justin
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