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Hi

We bought ourselves a caravan yesterday after deciding camping isnt for us (only went 4 times) now we have a baby. Having never been caravanning and knowing nothing at all about what we are doing (my husband didnt even know what a electric hook up was) I was hoping you could give us a few pointers.

The caravan is a 1995 Swift, in really good condition but only comes with a awning so I guess the first thing I need is a list of things to buy......

This is my list so far:

Electric hook up lead, Towing Mirrors, Waste & Fresh water, Hitch & Wheel Locks.....

Any advice greatly received and if anyone could give us an idea of a good price to pay second hand that would be brilliant.

This is also going to make everyone think we are a danger to fellow caravanners but could somebody please explain the electric to us as I though we needed 'special' appliances ie TV & Kettle but OH disagrees

Thank you!

Well done on both baby and caravan.  My son was 3 weeks old on his first caravan trip.  He's 9 now and still loves it; he's also the best at guiding me "hooking on" the van to the car!  Everything you'll need available from most caravan accessory shops.  You do need mirrors for the car as you must have a rewards view when towing.  Ideally you'll get yourself low wattage electric equipment, eg. kettle.  Domestic kettle can work in van, but if anythinig else is turned on you'll probably trip the electric circuit.  If you've got an old portable TV at home will do for now but you might want to find a 12 volt one in due course.  You'll need a mains cable, fresh water carrier, and waste water carrier; if money's tight don't need the expensive stuff.  You should get yourself a wheel clamp and hitch lock for your own peace of mind. 

Once on site, just ask for help and I'll think you'll find us vanners always happy to help.

If you are only caravanning in the UK you can use all the things you have at home kettle and TV will work fine on the electric hookups here. OH is right. Suggest you see what the van has got on board before you buy anything. Should already have a hookup cable as they come supplied.. If it, hasn't do a deal with the dealer. Waste & Fresh water can be got cheaply at first but if you want the Aquaroll type they do come in different prices from dealers. Shop around on the internet.

Hope you have checked that your car will tow it???????? Don't take the word of the dealer. Check it out yourself http://www.whattowcar.com/

Good Luck.

Quote: Originally posted by Sean P on 03/4/2009You dont need any special TV

And for the insurance you will need a lock on one wheel.  Have you ever noticed that caravanners always put a wheel lock on their caravans even on site?  I used to wonder why they did that until i phoned to insure our caravan and was told that a wheel lock always had to be on the wheel even on sites!

I agree with everyone else try to get a discount on the other stuff you need from the dealer or try to get him to throw them in.  And don't forget that alcohol is a legal requirement on any campsite so don't forget your favourite tipple's.  You and your growing family will love caravanning, have fun..

Hello, we only started caravanning last year and I still find things I could do with and things I could do without on every trip.  I always forget a measuring jug (need for packet soup/pasta etc) and a cheese grater.  A dish cloth and anti-bac spray.  I don't worry about an electric kettle, I use a whistleing kettle on my hob.

One good piece of advice is try your caravan out in your garden first, we camped the night in our garden with the kids the first time, it's less stressful working everything out at home than on site.  And our first trip away was to a local site 6 miles away so that we could nip home if we really needed to!

Hi and welcome, we only started caravaning last year and we went to a local site 25 mins away just to get used to it all and if we forgot anything we had not got to far to travel back.  We made mistakes and had a great time learning the basics on our first outing.  My tip would be make sure you have your van keys when you set out, all your lights work when towing and dont forget your corner steady brace.

Most other vanners on site will be willing to help you and dont be worried about asking the most basic of questions on this forum as there is a vast wealth of knowledge on here.

Most of all have fun with your new van!