Message Forums

welcome to the tin tent world.i can beat ya tho.i went to cut a friends hair and came home with a van on the back of my car ,best thing i did.

1.yes i would

2.only third party

3.join the caravan club there insurance is fab.

4.storage is good idea if you havnt room at home.

5.you will love it

6.deffinatly get a service done

7.yes someone who as done it before ,altho i only had the 2 kids for support but got it home no probs.

8. keep reading posts on here and asking questions there a gr8 bunch.

again welcome ,im sure there will be more along to tell you different but enjoy x

OH my that’s worse than when I took my car in for minor repair and ended up with new car!

Can’t answer all your questions but it’s a good idea to have caravan insurance we are with caravan club.

Have you checked it for damp and CRIS to make sure it’s the right van and no outstanding credit?

Welcome Ian

Lots of us started as tenters, but at some point the old bones demand a bit more comfort so don't lament changing you canvas bag for a shed!!

Your car insurance will usually already cover you for towing.  In addition to this, you need seperate insurance for your van in case of accident, theft etc.  If the service was carried out in November by a registered service engineer then probably no need for another now unless for your own peace of mind.  First outing- it is a good idea to have someone experienced with you but I would recomend you sign up for a manouvering course like the ones run by the CaravanClub.  The main thing you need to know is take your time and enjoy!!!!

Brain

Enjoy your new toy!!

You might like to consider a stabiliser if you do not have one. If you don't have the towbar fitted as yet you will need the twin electrics with it.

Don't rush into buying a stabiliser until you have some miles under your belt.  It doesn't make it any safer, and can mask some problems.

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by micky666 on 14/2/2011

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 You must inform car insurance that you have fitted a Tow bar, its classed as a modification

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Thanks for all the responses everyone.  I am looking forward to it although a little nervous about how much there seems to learn.  One step at a time I suppose.

  Bought the caravan - done; tow bar being fitted Friday (with twin electrics 664DaveS); storage being booked (thanks Tentz); insurance company notified of tow bar - they weren't really interested but I have asked them to make a not on my account and sent them a letter as well - just in case it comes back to bite me!)

Picking it up at the weekend so will take all of your advice onboard and have secured a mate who has had a van for a few years to come and do the journey with me.

All docs, finance, CRIS and everything checks out so hoping everything is in place.

Any other advice will be greatly recieved and I will update on my journey nback after the weekend then start posting again whilst I try and work out everything else!

Thx, Ian

do not want to spoil your enjoyment, at the service was it damp tested? may be worth asking if it was a private sale.the service will be ok until next november 2011.

congratulations on your new van.

Hi Michael,

No spoiling at all - I appreciate you being concerned enough to qualify the question.

Having read some of the stories I wasn't taking a risk on it.  The van was purchased from new by the current owner (I have all the receipts etc proving the fact).  It shows a damp check being completed every year and again at the last service by  the local authorised distributor.  To be doubly sure I also borrowed a damp meter from a friend of mine and took that with me and the readings were fine.

From a visual aspect as well there were no spongy floorboards, no lumps or patches on the walls/re-covering, under the seats, round the pipework etc.  I also looked at all the cushions both sides to see if there were any patches on them.  Finally there was no musty or damp smell which I now is only a small point, but again something I was looking out for.

I feel I have taken all the precautions and obtained all the evidence I can in that respect so  fingers crossed.

Please though, if anybody can think of anything else i should check or do then I would love to know.  Buying first time out is a little intimidating, especially when you go private with no recourse at a later date!

Thx, Ian

Quote: Originally posted by ian220476 on 14/2/2011

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Hi Michael,

No spoiling at all - I appreciate you being concerned enough to qualify the question.

Having read some of the stories I wasn't taking a risk on it.  The van was purchased from new by the current owner (I have all the receipts etc proving the fact).  It shows a damp check being completed every year and again at the last service by  the local authorised distributor.  To be doubly sure I also borrowed a damp meter from a friend of mine and took that with me and the readings were fine.

From a visual aspect as well there were no spongy floorboards, no lumps or patches on the walls/re-covering, under the seats, round the pipework etc.  I also looked at all the cushions both sides to see if there were any patches on them.  Finally there was no musty or damp smell which I now is only a small point, but again something I was looking out for.

I feel I have taken all the precautions and obtained all the evidence I can in that respect so  fingers crossed.

Please though, if anybody can think of anything else i should check or do then I would love to know.  Buying first time out is a little intimidating, especially when you go private with no recourse at a later date!

Thx, Ian

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