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We've had tents but never had a caravan/trailer tent so unsure about a few things.

Any help with the following questions is grately received.

how do we get a registration plate for the van and what do we do for picking up the van when first purchased.

Does a van need to have MOT's/Tax

Apart from the extension wing mirrors is there anything else we need to make sure we have before picking up the van?

Also if anyone know of any good vans for a couple of newbies upto £400 that would be great! Willing to travel up to 3hr drive.

Oh and does it need to be insured by us previous to taking it home.

A Van should be servcied every year. It does not need an MOT but the gas and electric equipment in the van should be checked and certificated (as safe) every two years

If you buy from a dealer they may do the number plate for you.

The van does not need to be taxed

You do not need insurance for the van as you do for a car on the road, but it is wise to have it. Your car insurance will cover you if you hit someone with the van (whilst towing) but will not, generally, cover you for any damage sustained to the van by you or any uninsured third party. Your car insurance does not cover the theft of the van or its contents either.

You may also like to consider something like Green Flag brakedown insurance which will tow your van to your destination should you brake down en route.

It would be prudent to get a Milenco noseweight guage so that you can be satisfied that you have loaded the van correctly and that the noseweight is not in excess of that for the tow ball. A tyre pressure guage and pump would also be useful. Garages do not always put their air in the right place to get in with a van. Try a Michelin one with built in digital tyre pressure guage from Halfords.

A Torque wrench is also useful as you are supposed to check that your vans wheel nuts are secure before each journey. They can wobble out as you trundle along if they are loose.

Gas cylinder and battery are clearly a must as is an EHU cable. You may get those thrown in if buying second hand.

Fire Blanket and extinguisher are musts; levellers and chocks as many sites are not spot on level; Water hog and waste water tank and water pump are necessities (you may get these thrown in when buying second hand); Wheel lock and hitch lock (apart from not wanting your van stolen these are usually required by insurers); Watering can (Bet way to fil lthe loo cistern

Have fun searching

Phil

thank you to you all thats very informative!

Thank you as well phil you reminded me about the towbar. can anyone recommend some good deals.

if i go and collect a van from a seller would he/she take their number plates off the van and i would put maybe a 'homemade' one on the back for the journey home?

thanks for the advice guys,

I am extremely serious and the handmade jobbie for the number plate was just my idea as naturally the back of a van or trailer wouldnt have a 'proper' number plate if i had just bought it.

any ideas about what to do when taking a van home from the seller for the first time would be gratefully appreciated.

any ideas about what to do when taking a van home from the seller for the first time would be gratefully appreciated.

1. Can you get the car and van into the street? Will there be cars parked i nthe way?

2. Can the van sit on the drive and still leave space for the car to get in and out of the garage? 

3. How will you get the van into the drive? Will you be able to push it...will you need a motor mover fitted?

4. Are you legally allowed to have a van on the drive? Restrictive covenants/tenant conditions?

5. What security will you have for the van on the drive? They know when you are away if you have the van o nthe drive!

Just drive it nice and steady...take wider turns round islands and corners...better still go on a towing course before you pick it up

Phil

Do make sure that the van is suitable for towing behind your car, and that your driving licence allows it.

Jim

Look here (seven posts down) for some tips on buying a caravan, particularly on how to protect yourself, which you may very well need in view of the budget you have. Problem with buying at so low a budget may mean an expensive time putting defects right if you don't take the time to spot them before you part with your cash.

Once you have a towbar fitted don't forget to tell your insurers as your car insurance requires you to tell them about modifications to your car.

Phil

That lots scary isn.t it, but all of it is sound advice, other than that once your 'Vanning' its 'THE' way to holiday,    I wish you good luck .       John.