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Subject Topic: OMG I`ve done it....scared Post Reply Post New Topic
21/4/2011 at 9:03pm
 Location: cambs
 Outfit: Roller Team Zafiro 696
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The title says it all- we have put a deposit down on a 6 year old Elddis firestorm 505 (aparently its like an avante)

Whilst I've surfed for ages the main problem was trying to persuade hubby. We went to look at one today that was hideous and then saw the one... totally not what expected, I thought we wanted bunks but this layout seemed so much more adaptable - seats/beds each end with a door to pull across for our son.

We put the deposit down without a second thought, no checking or thinking. Now if you knew me you would understand just how out of my comfort zone that is. I mull over the best chicken in Tescos.

So now I am panicked - both at the finance in this current econmic climate and the thought of all i need to learn as a complete novice. HOW DO YOU DRIVE ROUND A ROUND ABOUT???

Anyway we also got a starter pack and awning included so what else do we absolutely need? Any other tips



21/4/2011 at 9:46pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles SR 636 Nissan Navara
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get towing lessons or go on a towing course we did a couple of lessons which were really helpful
depends what you have in your starter pack :)
and congrats

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hello


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21/4/2011 at 10:00pm
 Location: cambs
 Outfit: Roller Team Zafiro 696
View CatieB's Profile View Profile   Reply to CatieB Reply   Quote CatieB Quote  
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Definately included is the waste and water carrier. Mirrors, battery, hook up lead, toilet chemicals....everything else seemed a blur.

Where can you organise towing lessons other than through the CCC



21/4/2011 at 10:03pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger 510 4 Vectra 3.0 V6
View WendleC's Profile View Profile   Reply to WendleC Reply   Quote WendleC Quote  
Joined: 19/5/2009

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Lol - I don't worry about the driving - leave that to the other half but to be honest, he just takes it cautiously and plans the journey throughly (has been known to check google earth for the roads near sites to see any potentional 'risks') and we leave plenty of time for the journey.

What you will need depends on what you get in your starter pack and after that you could go on forever!

You will want some sort of security (wheel and hitch locks etc). If you are insuring your van, your insurer may have conditions on what security measures you have on.

When we got our van, we went straight to a local campsite for a couple of days to try it out, and to work out what we else we needed. Definately needed a small kettle as water takes ages to boil on gas!

Welcome to the gang - enjoy!


-------------
Wendle
Outlander Diamond
Vectra Estate 3L V6
Bailey Ranger 510/4
1 husband
1 son


21/4/2011 at 10:03pm
 Location: Nottinghamshire
 Outfit: Sprite Alpine 2 Caravan
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Joined: 19/9/2003

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Congrats on your purchase, you will love it.

-------------
David
Chillax, you're caravaning


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21/4/2011 at 10:24pm
 Location: Shopshire
 Outfit: None Entered
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Congrats on your new van.

-------------
2013.
Time to say goodbye















21/4/2011 at 11:11pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Bailey Ranger 510 4 VW Touran
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Joined: 29/5/2010

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Very exciting stuff, drive carefully around corners, roundabout trying not to mount curb or cut up other lane. 60mph on motorway etc...

Take it away as soon as poss, while the weather is still great!!

Try everything out, gas and electrical appliances

Familiarise yourselves.

ENJOY!!!

or and ask lots of questions on here, theirs great support!



21/4/2011 at 11:26pm
 Location: Manchester
 Outfit: Vango Inspire 600
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Joined: 27/1/2007

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Congratulations!  Our 1st van was a 1999 Firestorm 505 - gave us the perfect start & got us truly hooked.

Your starter kit sounds similar to the one we got.  It covered the essentials except when we came to put the awning up it was filthy, full of mildew & had more holes than a colander (spelling?).  That went straight in the bin & we bought a small, lightweight porch instead.

Does your invoice list what's included in the pack?  If not you could phone the dealer & ask for a list tomorrow.



-------------
Vanessa
x



22/4/2011 at 7:42am
 Location: barnsley south yorks
 Outfit: 2012 coachman amara 550 5 ford kuga
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congrats on your new van hope you have many happy holidays

-------------
Sandringham 22nd mar - 30th mar
thorpe park 27th apr - 1st july

thorpe park 1st sept 2015- 1st nov 2015
clumber park 29th dec -4th jan


22/4/2011 at 8:05am
 Location: Wales
 Outfit: Abbey Expression 5 berth 1993
View J+K + 3 KIDS+1 DOG's Profile View Profile   Reply to J+K + 3 KIDS+1 DOG Reply   Quote J+K + 3 KIDS+1 DOG Quote  
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Congratulations on your new addition to the family

-------------
I hope caravanning is as much fun as camping!


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22/4/2011 at 9:10am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles SR 636 Nissan Navara
View bobsbabes's Profile View Profile   Reply to bobsbabes Reply   Quote bobsbabes Quote  
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We used a local driving instrutor that does towing

-------------
hello


22/4/2011 at 10:20am
 Location: Suffolk
 Outfit: Hartford xl and Bailey Olympus 624
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well done on your new van, don't forget the Cork Screw

-------------
Buy a V8 save the planet


22/4/2011 at 11:07am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
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Important thing when towing it to turn less sharply. Example, when exiting a side turning you might need to wait until main rd is clear in both directions in order to steer straight out & then turn to allow caravan to clear kerb.

Similarly, when turning left you might need to steer out to the right & then turn left to get 'van around corner.

When negotiating roundabout you might need to use all the road to avoid putting 'van wheel onto kerb. Sometimes onto approach of roundabout you need to straddle both lanes to allow yourself room to get round it without other cars trying to squeeze past.

Don't forget you will need towing mirrors. best not to cut costs on these, most folk find the Milenco Aero mirrors best.



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