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Subject Topic: Complete beginner! Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonJamEcc
via mobile 16/3/2020 at 8:55am
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Hi. I would like any advice and tips please. I have never owned or towed 🙈 a caravan before. I am about to purchase a Swift Danette Diamond 1992 caravan. I have camped before so I know about electric hook ups, but that is the only thing I know about. I know nothing about toilets, towing, awnings, water, gas, nothing, so no tips will be patronising!
Thanks in advance


PersonRob and Tina
via mobile 16/3/2020 at 9:35am
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Welcome to the forum.
The first thing to consider is the tow car and what it can tow safely. You need to know the MTPLM of the caravan and the kerb weight and towing limit of the car. You also need to check your licence as you may need to have a B+E licence.

Rob


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woodman2
16/3/2020 at 10:04am
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Hello, and welcome.

Many of the questions you have will have been asked and answered many times before on this forum, so their is a wealth of information built up over the years.

To access this you need to use the search facility.

type in a question for example "empty toilet"
make sure you select "all forums" under search forum
and forever under "search for answers in the last"
In this example you will see two replies
The linked video from the first reply will probably put you off, but it is very funny.

If you can't find a specific answer, we will try to help.

Good luck


PersonJamEcc
via mobile 16/3/2020 at 11:29am
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Thank you very much 😊


Person664DaveS
via mobile 16/3/2020 at 12:07pm
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If you are considering purchasing a van of 92 vintage, you will need to check it thoroughly for damp. A damp meter is relatively inexpensive and could save you a lot of grief!
If the van smells musty or floor is spongy walk away!

If it has been well cared for there may be some history.
If its from a dealer I would expect it to have had a gas and electrical safety check, as well as running gear checked.

Tyres are recommended to be replaced after 5 years, look carefuly for cracking in the sidewalls and between treads, if present negotiate price down!
Good luck.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


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PersonBennythebal
via mobile 16/3/2020 at 2:38pm
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I've not been caravaning for long but I few things I found when I first started number 1 go somwhere that is close to home incase you forget anything or something doesn't work properly on your van your not to fare away from home also make sure your rig is save and legal and what license you hold.
I watched loads of YouTube videos on the wastemaster and aqua roll on how to use it ect.
Also damp make sure you are 100% clear of damp, you can somtimes smell in vans.
But other than that as long as you bring all your main stuff like food cutlery and every thing works on your van then your good to go.
Like I said I'm no expert but this was my experience.
Good luck 🙂


PersonHacksaw Bob
16/3/2020 at 3:07pm
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Also see these articles from the Camping and Caravanning Club.


PersonRainbowsend
via mobile 16/3/2020 at 6:25pm
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Hubby and I went on a towing course before towing. It was really helpfull and informative. Would definitely recommend.

-------------
Jean

Sometimes a little rain must fall before you reach a rainbow.

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work.


Persontango55
16/3/2020 at 7:31pm
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When I started caravanning 16 years ago I was in exactly the same situation but what I did was to purchase the 'Caravan Handbook' by John Wickersham as it tells you everything you need to know which is priceless especially for a novice. No asking numerous questions with different replies as it's all there to hand.
The link shows the first edition which is what you need for a 1992 caravan as the second edition is for later models. However, don't get confused with the Haynes 'Caravan Manual' as that's just for DIY repairs only.


Caravan Handbook (First Edition)


PersonJamEcc
via mobile 16/3/2020 at 8:21pm
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Thank you! I will look into a damp checker 😊


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PersonJamEcc
via mobile 16/3/2020 at 8:24pm
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Thanks everyone! I have tried to reply to you individually but I'm not sure if it's worked out of its just gone on as a comment 🤷‍♀️. I am also a novice when it comes to forums too haha. I've got lots to go on here! Thanks again 😍


PersonColin21
17/3/2020 at 2:24pm
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1992 was a good year in my opinion. I have a 1992 Elddis and its fine. By the sound of things these older caravans may have been better made than some of the newer ones from what I hear on here.

Enjoy your caravan, and if you have any specific questions I'm sure that someone on here will try and advise you. Just ask.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


PersonJamEcc
via mobile 03/4/2020 at 10:11pm
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Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 16/3/2020
When I started caravanning 16 years ago I was in exactly the same situation but what I did was to purchase the 'Caravan Handbook' by John Wickersham as it tells you everything you need to know which is priceless especially for a novice. No asking numerous questions with different replies as it's all there to hand.
The link shows the first edition which is what you need for a 1992 caravan as the second edition is for later models. However, don't get confused with the Haynes 'Caravan Manual' as that's just for DIY repairs only.


Caravan Handbook (First Edition)




So I ordered the book! Thank you for the tip. It arrived this morning and I'm looking forward to reading it. I think it's going to be invaluable. Thanks again 😊


Persontango55
03/4/2020 at 10:14pm
 Location: Lichfield
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Quote: Originally posted by JamEcc on 03/4/2020
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 16/3/2020
When I started caravanning 16 years ago I was in exactly the same situation but what I did was to purchase the 'Caravan Handbook' by John Wickersham as it tells you everything you need to know which is priceless especially for a novice. No asking numerous questions with different replies as it's all there to hand.
The link shows the first edition which is what you need for a 1992 caravan as the second edition is for later models. However, don't get confused with the Haynes 'Caravan Manual' as that's just for DIY repairs only.


Caravan Handbook (First Edition)




So I ordered the book! Thank you for the tip. It arrived this morning and I'm looking forward to reading it. I think it's going to be invaluable. Thanks again 😊




You're welcome. Even after 16 years of caravanning I still refer back to the book ocasionally when I need to. Happy caravanning and thanks for your reply.



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