dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
  
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| Done it - bought a Tin Tent - ADVICE PLEASE!!!! |
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As you may have gathered from my posts looking for a site to go to for Easter it was on the cards 
Missus and I have discussed eventually living in the country and absolutely love Cornwall - really enjoy camping but with a dog, toddler and the inclement and rather unpredictable British weather we find it too difficult to get out and do it.
As we want to see some of the UK over the next few years (both from a possible living location but also to enjoy the many areas that still seem reasonably undiscovered to those of us stuck in the 'smoke'!!) and not be hampered by the economics, weather, etc., of it all we decided to hit the go button and have bought r500sac's van (picking up next week!)
Never drive with a tin tent, just bought a huge twin axle one!!
Should probably go on a course!!
So any advice on:
1. INSURANCE - who with, ways to reduce it, things they ask for that aren't worth bothering with, etc.,
2. STORING A VAN IN SE LONDON KENT - safe and insurance friendly
3. GENERAL TIPS - obvious newbie errors and traps I'm bound to fall in!
4. CLUBs/Forums - I've joined CC as seemed good for access to sites and only £40, should I do CCC too? MY15 DIY Black Pack (Better than factory and half the price!)
Prospeed rock/tree sliders w/steps
HSE Winter wheels
TransK9 B24
Travall Cargo Guard
Hatchbag
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 28th Feb 2014 2:57 pm |
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Russell
Member Since: 24 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
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We joined both when we started but now just belong to CC. As for insurance we currently have ours with CC insurance as they offer 5 years new for old, will be looking at A plan site sponsor when it comes for re-newal. Most insurance want wheel clamp nd hitch lock. storage we are fortunate to have a large area at home where we can keep it securely MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
MY15 D4 HSE Kaikoura Stone
MY12 D4 HSE Nara Bronze Sold and gone
MY11 D4 HSE Stornaway Grey Sold and gone
D3 S spec Silver Sold and gone
Tow bar, full length roof bars, side steps, tow bar storage unit, surround camers.
D4 camera club
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| 28th Feb 2014 3:11 pm |
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maplecottage
Member Since: 01 Feb 2011
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3171
 
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Depending on where in SE London, site member Ted Newman may well be able to provide you with some local advice
Last edited by maplecottage on 28th Feb 2014 3:21 pm. Edited 1 time in total
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| 28th Feb 2014 3:16 pm |
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nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1344
 
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In the latest edition (April 2014) of Practical Caravan magazine, which is out today, there's a section on starting out with a caravan. I don't know whether it would help you?
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| 28th Feb 2014 3:18 pm |
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Gazellio
Member Since: 09 Jan 2011
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 4130
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Best advice is "Light Fingers" do not attack window latches, cupboard latches etc as everything will break a lot easier than household equivalents. If you cannot figure take your time and don't rush a job because you will regret it afterwards.
Once on site take your time pitching and don't rush because your embarrassed at being a newbie and are being watched by onlookers!
ALWAYS open a beer as soon as you arrive.
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| 28th Feb 2014 3:32 pm |
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dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
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Now THAT is the best bit of advice I've heard  MY15 DIY Black Pack (Better than factory and half the price!)
Prospeed rock/tree sliders w/steps
HSE Winter wheels
TransK9 B24
Travall Cargo Guard
Hatchbag
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| 28th Feb 2014 3:43 pm |
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dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
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nigel - do I need to by a newspaper to slip the magazine in to?   
Will pop out and buy that as bound to have useful tips thanks MY15 DIY Black Pack (Better than factory and half the price!)
Prospeed rock/tree sliders w/steps
HSE Winter wheels
TransK9 B24
Travall Cargo Guard
Hatchbag
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| 28th Feb 2014 3:44 pm |
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jimbojay
Member Since: 01 Dec 2008
Location: Wet & Windy West Coast (Ayrshire)
Posts: 157
 
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You will have a great time, the kids will absolutely love it, no sure about the 17 year old though, if you ever get stuck trying to hitch up on site, just ask as pretty much most people are only too willing to help!!!
We are awaiting delivery of our tin tent after being out the game for three years!!!
And beer as said above is a must!!!
Jamie
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| 28th Feb 2014 4:33 pm |
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highbayrack
Member Since: 09 Jul 2008
Location: Northamptonshire
Posts: 2776
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Dubbs, I'd definately reccommend you doing a CC course, I did one about 9/10 years ago as I refused to put my family at risk by having never towed before. actually I looked at them only yesterday for a friend in the same position as you and it's 1 1/2 day long course for £145.00 (im sure thats the same price I paid back then) they have centres all over the UK. Go for it you wont regret it On a mission to find the perfect Pork Pie. Just Found it (I think)..(Yes I have)
Official product sponsor for "Bloodhound SSC" 1000+ mph world land speed record
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| 28th Feb 2014 4:45 pm |
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nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1344
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dubbs wrote:nigel - do I need to by a newspaper to slip the magazine in to?
Will pop out and buy that as bound to have useful tips thanks
No, just be brave! They're not top shelf stuff yet!
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| 28th Feb 2014 4:45 pm |
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dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
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Went and had a look - confusing as it said ti was the APRIL edition?!?! Had something about brand new swifts and things but nothing on cover about first timer tin tenters...
it was in a sealed package so couldn't tell if this was the right one or whether you're were referring to the March edition (which I guess was being sold in late Jan?!) MY15 DIY Black Pack (Better than factory and half the price!)
Prospeed rock/tree sliders w/steps
HSE Winter wheels
TransK9 B24
Travall Cargo Guard
Hatchbag
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| 28th Feb 2014 5:41 pm |
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dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
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Aside from knowing what to do if the van sways what risk are you putting family in?
Doubt I'll be able to get on a course before I pick it up so will have to do some reading first
Luckily it's a twin axle which'll be a bit more stable MY15 DIY Black Pack (Better than factory and half the price!)
Prospeed rock/tree sliders w/steps
HSE Winter wheels
TransK9 B24
Travall Cargo Guard
Hatchbag
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| 28th Feb 2014 5:42 pm |
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Rpp999
Member Since: 31 Aug 2013
Location: Bexleyheath
Posts: 64
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Hi, I purchased my caravan last year and it was kept in storage on a caravan/campsite over Hatfield way North London. I live in Bexleyheath and it was about half an hour.. Looked quite sequre and the owners were very helpful. Used it last year and loved it.
Beer and awning assembly definitely go together.
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| 28th Feb 2014 5:44 pm |
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discomarkie
Member Since: 09 Jan 2013
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 136
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dubbs wrote:Aside from knowing what to do if the van sways what risk are you putting family in?
I don't think you are suppose to tow with the family in the van, now I might be wrong......
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| 28th Feb 2014 6:04 pm |
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