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Subject Topic: Virgin caravaner!
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18/8/2015 at 8:20am
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: None Entered
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Just bought our first caravan, and booked our first weekend away.... Any tips greatly appreciated !

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I'm new to all this...be kind!


18/8/2015 at 8:52am
 Location: Blackpool
 Outfit: Elddis Supreme
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If you have never towed before - keep your speed down.
Double check you have connected it up correctly (Perhaps have a check list) Check your lights every time you hitch up the van.
Put anything on the floor that may fall on the floor.
Carry most of the weighty things in the car - if you can.
On the motorway just follow wagons Most are governed to about 56 mph.- don't try to overtake them - unless they are going very slow.
Make sure your mirrors on the car look outwards at a wide angle. Then the extra mirrors (Which are compulsory) should look backwards down the side of the van.
The list goes on.


18/8/2015 at 8:59am
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Print off a checklist to make certain you have not missed something on hooking up.

Take your time.

Remember how long your unit is when turning corners, the caravan wheels run closer to the kerb than the car wheels.

Leave lots of stopping room in front and keep your speed under control.

Take your time.

Stick to main roads until you are comfortable with the width and length of your unit.

Take your time.

Have fun.


18/8/2015 at 9:09am
 Location: teesside
 Outfit: lunar
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Be aware of air turbulence if following car transporters, keep well back.
Tips for keeping 'van clean.
Lay beach towels on floor carpet, then just shake and chuck in wash on return, also throws on upholstery.
Sew tabs on towels,hand towels for easy hanging and drying.
Milton or equivalent to put down sink drains at end of trip.
Last tip - ENJOY


18/8/2015 at 10:00am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4
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After hitching up, check jockey wheel is right up out the way, check all lights, make sure the van legs are up, all windows closed, especially roof vents, do not shut blinds or curtains, put electrics to car , so that the fridge runs, make sure gas is off by disconnecting it inside the locker,lock the van door, attach mirrors to car and adjust, just leave extra room for junctions by moving over to the right slightly for left turns, try to keep a steady speed, if you find you have a load of vehicles behind you, pull into a layby and let them pass, or if the road is clear ahead indicate left and they should start to pass, unless they are blond


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18/8/2015 at 10:05am
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: None Entered
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Thank you all for the advice, It's much appreciated. I'm very anxious about the driving for the first time to be honest, but I intend on keeping it slow, steady and ill keep to main roads as much as possible to start.

Is it better to load my car up with weight more than the caravan? I know i have a powerful enough engine power wise. does it make it more stable to have a higher car to van weight ratio?

thanks again for all the advise.

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I'm new to all this...be kind!


18/8/2015 at 10:53am
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View Motobiman's Profile View Profile   Reply to Motobiman Reply   Quote Motobiman Quote  
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Yes put all the weight you can in the car as far forward as you can and all weight in the caravan as near the axle as you can and as low down as you can.

Get yourself a nose weight gauge (some people rig up a bathroom scale and lump of wood) and check when the caravan is loaded that the load on the tow ball is within the car, tow bar and caravan chassis limits.


18/8/2015 at 12:32pm
 Location: Blackpool
 Outfit: Elddis Supreme
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Yes - nose weight is important - it should be about 60 to 80 lbs but some are different.
If you can lift the van using the towbar but it is a bit heavy - then you are probably about right.

If you can't lift it - it's too heavy and if it lifts easily - it's too light.

Make sure you release the handbrake - add this to the check-list.

PS - The car has to be heavier than the van. There is an 85% "Rule" for new caravanners - Not law but worth sticking to.


18/8/2015 at 6:16pm
 Location: Northumberland
 Outfit: Knaus Sudwind 550 TK
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Pounds AVON?? Please say you meant kgs??

My advice..

Don't rush - you're GOING on holiday, not going to be late for work!

Don't checkcheckceck (said fast) everything, but...

Check   Check   Check (nice and slowly) everything as you do things.

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Damned if I do...

Damned if I don't!!!!


18/8/2015 at 6:29pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: None Entered
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Thanks again for all the tips.... I'll be honest I'm a little befuddled by this nose weight concept.... Can anyone simply explain it please!?!!

-------------
I'm new to all this...be kind!


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18/8/2015 at 7:39pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75
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Take it easy, use your mirrors, especially turning corners so you do not clip the kerbs.
You have a ton or more of weight and maybe an extra 7 meters, so acceleration and braking take longer.
There are tips on the Caravan Club Website, you may be able to access as non member.
When you first use the van, if you aren't sure of anything, most vanners are friendly and will help!Welcome aboard!

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DS-There's more to life than football!!!


18/8/2015 at 8:30pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636
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Quote: Originally posted by noobcamp on 18/8/2015
Thanks again for all the tips.... I'll be honest I'm a little befuddled by this nose weight concept.... Can anyone simply explain it please!?!!



Nose weight is the weight the hitch places on the tow bar. Place heavy items near the axle. As a rough rule if you can't lift the nose off the ground by hand it's too heavy.


18/8/2015 at 9:44pm
 Location: Stafford
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Burgundy + Discovery 2
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If you have a puncture, do you have a jack that will lift the van and a suitable wheel nut brace rather than relying on breakdown services?


18/8/2015 at 9:49pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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If you want to know how to use a noseweight gauge then this short video explains in detail.
However, you need to know what your vehicle towball weight limit is then aim for that target weight with the gauge.


Here


18/8/2015 at 10:11pm
 Location:  Scotland
 Outfit: Bailey & Mondeo
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all of the above and remember to pack the beer


18/8/2015 at 10:17pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: None Entered
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Great tips, thank you! Especially regarding beef! Regarding nose weight however...... Surely if there's more weight at the back of your van it'll reduce you're nose weight???

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I'm new to all this...be kind!



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