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Subject Topic: New to towing - what else do we need? Post Reply Post New Topic
07/3/2016 at 9:34am
 Location: West Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Oakland Outwell XL Freedom Sunseeker 4
View LLCJ's Profile View Profile   Reply to LLCJ Reply   Quote LLCJ Quote  
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Just about to take the big step from camping to small caravan (which we haven't bought yet). New car has single electrics tow bar on, so that's one step closer. Obviously rear registration plate for the caravan, and towing mirrors... but anything else? Looking on line and there are all sorts of widgits and connectors and things, and not at all sure if we need all of them or not? Can anyone just give me the basic list? We are trying to find a nice little Freedom caravan as our first.
Thank you x

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Lynne

"Not all those who wander are lost"


07/3/2016 at 10:01am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4
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You have everything for the car, once you find a van, fit car mirrors, connect up the electrics to make sure they work, fit number plate, strong double side tape, make sure the van legs are up and the tyres are ok on it, hitch up and let van hand break off, then take it easy for the first time.


07/3/2016 at 10:59am
 Location: West Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Oakland Outwell XL Freedom Sunseeker 4
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Thanks Skoda Bob. Its like you are standing at the side of me with the van What about things like chock blocks - should we get some of those? I suppose there is the chance they may come with the van though. Our first trip will be on roads that we know and no more than an hour and a bit probably so that we get used to it before doing any long trips.

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Lynne

"Not all those who wander are lost"


07/3/2016 at 12:33pm
 Location: Aberdeen
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 460 VW Tiguan Moti
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Welcome to the world of towing. Use the search option of this site and you will find many helpful tips and answers to most of your questions.

Here is one of many useful links https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P_q_kno-jw

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Robert (BoB)


07/3/2016 at 12:41pm
 Location: West Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Oakland Outwell XL Freedom Sunseeker 4
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Thanks Robert (BoB). We have a lot of reading (and watching) up to do, but that link is very useful. Thanks again. Lynne


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07/3/2016 at 12:53pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
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Bobmels video link is good, but you are only going to become experienced when:
    
     (1) You drive off with the jockey wheel down

     (2) Fail to check that the door is firmly shut, so it swings open when cornering.

      (3) Try to drive off with the motor mover still engaged.

       (4) reverse the car too quickly to the hitch and thereby having a a dent always to remind you ( or more importantly for your partner to keep pointing out).

Good luck



07/3/2016 at 12:57pm
 Location: West Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Oakland Outwell XL Freedom Sunseeker 4
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Haha, Thank you Stuart - I imagine it will some of the above at some point. Thankfully the freedom is so light (we have heard) that we may not need a motor mover other than ourselves, so we can remove No.3 but all the others will undoubtedly happen.
Thank you for the good luck - we will need it.
Lynne


07/3/2016 at 2:01pm
 Location: SHROPSHIRE
 Outfit: Swift Conqueror 560 Shogun tug
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Quote: Originally posted by LLCJ on 07/3/2016
Thanks Skoda Bob. Its like you are standing at the side of me with the van What about things like chock blocks - should we get some of those? I suppose there is the chance they may come with the van though. Our first trip will be on roads that we know and no more than an hour and a bit probably so that we get used to it before doing any long trips.



Yes chock blocks all ways a good idea as is a leveling ramp. You may want to think about wide pads for the steadies as well.
regards
F


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No matter where you go....there you are


07/3/2016 at 3:01pm
 Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482
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When it gets hot inside the caravan, a good door stop is required to keep it open to get some fresh air in!



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Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)


07/3/2016 at 3:22pm
 Location: West Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Oakland Outwell XL Freedom Sunseeker 4
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Yup, pretty much a given on our trips. Tried to use it to keep tent open too but didn't work as well as kept tripping over it.

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Lynne

"Not all those who wander are lost"


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07/3/2016 at 4:22pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: lunar ultima 525
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Hi there Make sure you have some sort of jack to change the wheel if you ever have a puncture.as car jacks will not always do the job.I use a kojack which have specially made brackets that fit onto the alko frame making the job a little easier.Also if you do have to change a wheel make sure the van is hitched to the car to stop it hopping.
    Good luck    GCB


07/3/2016 at 4:25pm
 Location: The foot hills of no
 Outfit:  A full biohazard su
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Quote: Originally posted by greasychipbutty on 07/3/2016
Hi there Make sure you have some sort of jack to change the wheel if you ever have a puncture.as car jacks will not always do the job.I use a kojack which have specially made brackets that fit onto the alko frame making the job a little easier.Also if you do have to change a wheel make sure the van is hitched to the car to stop it hopping.
    Good luck    GCB



Freedoms do not have the normal alko chassie it's just a box steel framework without holes for that type of jack.

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David

    

I've stood on Lego and didn't even cry!!


07/3/2016 at 5:12pm
 Location: Near Alton Towers
 Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H
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Quote: Originally posted by Octavia4x4 on 07/3/2016
When it gets hot inside the caravan, a good door stop is required to keep it open to get some fresh air in!





Now these door stops seem a very good idea, almost essential kit I would say.

Dave

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Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day,
Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.



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