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If it were me, I would organise a short trip somewhere very close to home, mainly so that you can check the van out properly and to be sure that everything is working as it should be.   You will be able to make lots of lovely lists of the things you need (I love making caravan lists!) and to iron out any little niggles. 

We have in the past had a weekend away on a site that is less than 15 minutes drive from home, even in Winter (gave us chance to work out how to use the caravan heating and we were warm as toast). 

Sorry, double post as I clicked twice as I didn't think my first reply was going to send.

YES!

Try it out or you will spend all winter wondering...

Lovely to wake up in a new place in a new 'van :)

Quote: Originally posted by jaqugra on 05/11/2012

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Get using it!! Loads of people go all year around and remember most people won't mind being asked for help or advice. The only problem with weekends at this time of year can mean arriving and setting up in the dark which is probably better done after a few tries in daylight.

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   Agree.

Explain your a newbie and want to do it yourself as its the best way to learn./ If  they do it for  you,  you  will not learn anything much that way.

But ask, " if we get stuck can we yell for help and laugh it off." Could be the start of a good friendship..

During the course of our long holiday stretches you would be surprised of how many new vans are found with little niggles that can be fixed before next year by immediately informing the dealer and taking it back to them to get done. Your warrenty/guarantee time is going by all the time so if you wait till next year, something may go that had a short time on it and the time has already passed.

They were only on a site close to the dealer, not home just in case.,is there a local site from your pick up.

Yes - go away now. I don't believe in an off season - we shall be away in the van all over Xmas and New Year, and a few rallies before then.

Just make sure you are using propane gas (red bottles) and put some cheap thin rugs over the carpets and the caravan is as good as home (if not better).

Please remember to drain down between trips through very cold periods.