New to club and caravan

vetinari
vetinari Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited May 2019 in Introductions #1

Hello everyone

We have just bought our first caravan - done 1 weekend away as soon as we got it and have another planned for next week. My partner has retired but I still work but am very lucky in that I can work from anywhere with an internet connection - will probably add some form of satellite to the caravan to ensure I can always get access.

So far, things have gone well the only thing I am accused of being paranoid about is weight and making sure we dont overload. I am told I am being over concerned but everything I have read tells me how important it is.

This year we will stay in the UK and hopefully go to France for a month or so next year.

Looking forward to connecting with people and getting out and about :)

Mike

Comments

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,464
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    edited May 2019 #2

    Welcome , any questions ,just ask away and someone will be along to help 

    Just remember the two most important things when going away .1 a sense of humor ,2, plenty of cans of Cider cool

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member, Member Moderator Posts: 5,861
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    edited May 2019 #3

    Welcome Mike.  I too get concerned about the weight of the caravan and these days we tend to carry quite a lot in the car.

    I used to remind all new caravanners to remember to take a cork screw for the wine bottles, but these days it's quite common to get screw tops.  However, screw tops are less common in France so dont forget the corkscrew for your France trip next year.

    Do let us know how you get on with it all.

    David

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member, Member Moderator Posts: 2,485
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    edited May 2019 #4

    Hi Mike and welcome to the club. 

    Better to be 'over' concerned about weight than be blasé about it and risk damage and/or loss.

    Enjoy your new van.

  • vetinari
    vetinari Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited May 2019 #5

    First thing I packed - corkscrew and the G&T :)

  • Chrystal
    Chrystal Forum Participant Posts: 231
    100 Comments
    edited May 2019 #6

    Welcome, First thing to do is relax, oh no , that’s when everything is set up and the kettle is on, or better still the wine is nicely chilled.

    Enjoy a great hobby.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant, Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 8,295
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    edited May 2019 #7

    Hello and welcome from us too. As has been said relax and enjoy and ask away. We all were novices once! You'll also learn there's no one/right way to do things, it's what suits you 😉.

    There is a wealth of experience and knowledge among CT and members generally and we're a friendly bunch in the ether or on site 😂

  • Waffler
    Waffler Forum Participant Posts: 149
    edited May 2019 #8

    The official response would be to take your loaded van to a weighbridge. However what I did was to list everything I added to the caravan and use the list in the club handbook to find an approximate total. Don’t forget any mover. Two vans back we calculated if we put two small golf bags under a bed we went overweight. Microwave and table removed!  Just under weight! Next 2 vans we had plated higher and so kept table and microwave on board.  This option is only for first time owners.

  • redface
    redface Forum Participant Posts: 1,701
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #9

    Besides total weight there is also the matter of balance and nose weight. Know what your vehicle can tow and what its preferred nose weight is.

  • vetinari
    vetinari Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited May 2019 #10

    The car is not an issue for the noseweight - it has a limit of 128 K which is more than the 100k recommended for the caravan. Car is rated to tow up to 3.5 tons :)

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #11

    must be quite a big 4x4 so will pull most caravans without a problem, just don't go over the MTPLM of the caravan which should have a sticker somewhere near the door skirt.

  • Busyelf
    Busyelf Club Member Posts: 76
    edited May 2019 #12

    Load heavy items, Awning etc,over the Axle then other less weighty items can be evenly distributed over the close floor area, keep it all as low as possible and balance it out to get the nose weight right. This should be printed in the 'Van Specs section of the handbook. Everything should be fine as long as you stay within the MTPLM for the 'van. Extra items can go in the car boot.

    Don't forget to empty the flush tank of a rear Toilet, the 10 litres of water weighs over 5 KG and can make a difference to the handling of the 'van on tow

    Safe towing and enjoy your outings.

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