Wish me luck!!

[PhilLord]

Well the day has nearly arrived for our first ever outing in our caravan. Both my partener and I have camped under canvas in the past, but after having two little ones we decided last year to purchase a caravan. We both want to give our children a fantastic upbringing with plenty of quality family time together and caravaning seemed to fit the bill.

We hadnt got a clue where to start when it came to purchasing a van. All last summer I researched different vans and manufacturers. We really didnt want to spend a fortune with us being new starters but I was concerned about us buying a lemon. After looking around the forecourts of loads of dealers we decided that for the price we wanted to pay would mean that we would have to buy private. In the end we settled for a five berth 1993 Avondale Perle Ullyseyes which was sited on a site in Blackpool. It was in fairly good condition for its age although we sent it to the caravan hospital once we got it back to have some serious damp eradicated and fixed. We have had a total reseal and service and I have just bought two new tyres for it which I am fitting tomorrow. All in all with all the bits and pieces included we have spent in the region of £2000 for the van. We also changed our petrol Vectra for a diesel Mondeo and have had a towbar fitted.

So after all this time we are having our first weekend away this weekend to Blackpool. We have also booked for Penrith for the weekend after and we cant wait!!!
Still not towed though, so my maiden voyage is going to be my first towing experience. I am a very confident driver as I do a lot of miles with my job, but any tips would be appreciated!!

Anyway wish us luck and I will report back how our first adventure went!!!

Phil

 

[stevewebb]

Hi Phil,
Nice and steady, get used to looking in the wing mirrors.
Have found loading the van with heavier items such as awning/poles/ etc low down and over the axle helps the centre of gravity. We hope you and your family have years of enjoyment from caravans.

Steve

 

[forestgump]

Nice and easy remember you have as much right to be on the road as any on els dont think you have to get out of the way so stay calm and enjoy.

 

[lunarbob]

good luck to you phil hope you and your family have a great first trip am sure you will
and you are so right about caravaning bringing the family nice and close
i would say keep calm and under 60 also keep an eye through the van to see how steady its running
remember and use a towing mirror and if you overtake give yourself plenty room before pulling in

all the very best

 

[GeorgeandAde]

Good luck Phil.
Once i have hitched caravan up to car,I spend a couple of minutes going round and checking everything is as it should be.
Door shut and locked.Windows shut.Roof vents shut.Lockers shut.
All lights working.
Cravan to car hitched up correctly,breakaway cable secured.
Then its off I go.
Nice and steady,no rush to get there.
Im sure your first experience will be fine.
Have a lovely break all of you

 

[Parksy]

Hi Phil
Have a look at tips for loading your caravan correctly Here
Don't attempt to overtake when travelling downhill on motorways,allow plenty of time for your journey,make sure that your route to the campsite is suitable for caravans (you can check by using Google Maps and print off directions if you need to).
Write a checklist of the things that you will need, steady winder, cutlery, bedding etc and don't worry if you forget something, everybody does at first as you will know from when you were a tenter.
Most importantly of all - Enjoy!

 

[Dustydog]

Best of luck Phil
Keep a close eye on your mirrors watching for a coach about to overtake. They can cause an air wave that can momentarily frighten you if you haven't experienced it before . Can feel a bit like being sucked in but in reality nothing tyo worry about. If I see one approaching I wait until the last moment and if safe moveas far over to the left of my lane as I can.
You may never experience this phenomenon but better forwarned.
Have you both thought about a Caravan Club Towing course?
SWMBO did one some years ago and is now a regular tugger

 

[John_374564913]

Phil
It sounds as if you are in the North West I am in warrington if you need to chat about something let me know

John

 

[PhilLord]

Thanks guys for all your advice, it is really much appreciated.
Had a little set back this week, decided to change the tyres as the caravan had previously been stood for a good while as it was sited previous to us buying it. Turned out to be a wise move as although the tread looked fine, the walls had started to crack and bulges had also started to appear. Anyway got them changed and was putting them back on when to my dismay I have found that one of the internal threads on the near side wheel drum has gone. I managed to get three of the locking bolts in but the last was just spinning. Not good!!
I have taken the wheel drum and I left it with my local caravan specialist Northern Caravans in Warrington. He is going to see if he can put a helicoil in the thread as as replacement, if that doesnt work then Im going to have to hunt around breakers for a replacement wheel drum. Still hoping to go away tomorrow but its cutting it fine.
I will report back and let you know how I go on today, fingers crossed!!

Phil.

 

[PhilLord]

Hi John,

Im in Lowton, we use Northern Caravans in Warrington for all our bits and pieces, Andy there is real star. Hopefully he will come good with my wheel drum today!

Phil

 

[John_374564913]

Phil
You can ask the moderator for my e-mail address that way if ever you want to talk I can always pop around as it is not too far from me I used to work in Newton Le Willows

John