stripeyfox Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 OK. I've always been somewhat "negative" about caravans in the past but in a rather sudden turn of events, my missus decided last week that we should "think about" getting one. This all escalated rather quickly and whilst I was at my FA Coaching course on Saturday, she has purchased one! Not only do I now need to go and buy a new car suitable for towing a pikey palace (although the car needed to be changed soon anyway), I also need help with the whole "concept" I assume that among the caravan haters on here there must be some people who own one. I am a complete novice (although am an experienced camper) so any advice on cars, towing, emptying containers of piss etc would be much appreciated!
Steven Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 Change your wife. Surely easier than dealing with all this caravan malarkey.
stripeyfox Posted 31 August 2015 Author Posted 31 August 2015 Change your wife. Surely easier than dealing with all this caravan malarkey. Whilst that may well be sage advice, and probably the correct course of action, it is not particularly practical, unfortunately.
Brenfox Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 I'm a huge fan of caravanning so ask away. It can be a bit daunting at first but it's just all about practice & preparation.
Buce Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 There are certain necessities if you are going to really embrace caravan life: 1) Buy a pack of mangy dogs. 2) Buy detailed street guides showing the location of all traffic islands. 3) Forget the car; you require a medium-sized truck, open-backed, and large enough to take an assortment of scrap metal objects. 4) Said vehicle must not have road tax or MOT; insurance is an optional extra. 5) Toilets are unnecssary: you will find ample room in the immediate surroundings. 6) The need for carrying food is overstated - shoplifting opportunities abound in the local Asda/Sainsburys/Tesco etc. 7) If - God forbid - you, or any of the family require the attendance of paramedics, view this as an opportunity to dispose of solid toilet waste. Hope this helps.
Mint23 Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 I was in a similar spot 2 years ago, we love to holiday in England but found houses to rent very expensive during school holidays so on a whim bought a caravan without really planning/thinking about it! Towing was a bit daunting to begin with especially down small lanes in cornwall but we love it. I'm no expert yet but what do you need help with buddy?
Unabomber Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 If I was towing a caravan somewhere you can guarantee it wouldn't be on my car when I got there.
stripeyfox Posted 31 August 2015 Author Posted 31 August 2015 Thanks for the offers of help. I am really not sure where to start. I have done a bit of towing trailers but it does seem a bit daunting to be towing a caravan. Have got a budget of about £5K for a car - was thinking of a Mondeo estate or similar (not interested in winning any fashion competitions!). Is it necessary to insure the caravan? Do I need a motor mover? (bloke who sold it said motor movers were "for homos") Is turning/reversing a pain in the arse?
Mint23 Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 Mondeo diesels are supposed to be great for towing with, unless you're going to park in some really tight spots don't get a motor mover as they're quite expensive. You should be insured to tow the caravan with your car insurance but always check first, it will only cover uou on the roads though, not for fire or theft. Reversing is something that just takes practice but try to avoid having to do any 3 point turns as they're a real ball ache!
Smudge Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 Understanding the weight of the caravan at the hitch point is paramount (i.e. down-force on the hitch), it cannot exceed the tongue weight specification of the car. The loaded caravan cannot exceed the specified towing weight of the car. This isn't about pulling power, going downhill the caravan tends to "push" the car. The car needs enough mass to stop it getting out of control. Weight distribution is very important as the caravan will sway violently if not distributed evenly.
Miss E Twisk Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 Kenneth and I would often be seen on the swanage coast poring over car to caravan weight ratios
stripeyfox Posted 31 August 2015 Author Posted 31 August 2015 Understanding the weight of the caravan at the hitch point is paramount (i.e. down-force on the hitch), it cannot exceed the tongue weight specification of the car. The loaded caravan cannot exceed the specified towing weight of the car. This isn't about pulling power, going downhill the caravan tends to "push" the car. The car needs enough mass to stop it getting out of control. Weight distribution is very important as the caravan will sway violently if not distributed evenly. So is it best for the missus to sit in the car or the caravan?
Smudge Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 So is it best for the missus to sit in the car or the caravan? I suppose that much depends on your conjugal expectations. My mother-in-law never thought much of the roof rack.
Smudge Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 Kenneth and I would often be seen on the swanage coast poring over car to caravan weight ratios I can see why bending moments would be your thing, Kenneth having so many foot pounds and all.
Guest Posted 31 August 2015 Posted 31 August 2015 So is it best for the missus to sit in the car or the caravan? That depends on her weight distribution.Photo needed.
Saxondale Posted 1 September 2015 Posted 1 September 2015 Understanding the weight of the caravan at the hitch point is paramount (i.e. down-force on the hitch), it cannot exceed the tongue weight specification of the car. I once saw a Vauxhall Nova towing a huge four-wheeled caravan in Cherbourg. The owner was either mental or it was some sort of practical joke. An excellent case study to illustrate your important point.
DANGEROUS TIGER Posted 2 September 2015 Posted 2 September 2015 I own a caravan of camels, that I am happy to rent out.
Vlad the Fox Posted 2 September 2015 Posted 2 September 2015 I'm a huge fan of caravanning so ask away. It can be a bit daunting at first but it's just all about practice & preparation. Exactly the advice I was given before my first swingers meeting.
Rob1742 Posted 3 September 2015 Posted 3 September 2015 OK. I've always been somewhat "negative" about caravans in the past but in a rather sudden turn of events, my missus decided last week that we should "think about" getting one. This all escalated rather quickly and whilst I was at my FA Coaching course on Saturday, she has purchased one! Not only do I now need to go and buy a new car suitable for towing a pikey palace (although the car needed to be changed soon anyway), I also need help with the whole "concept" I assume that among the caravan haters on here there must be some people who own one. I am a complete novice (although am an experienced camper) so any advice on cars, towing, emptying containers of piss etc would be much appreciated! I admire the spontaneity of your wife popping out to buy a caravan whilst you were on an FA course. My missus for some strange reason came home with a sewing machine the other week, but a caravan, now that is impressive.
Webbo Posted 3 September 2015 Posted 3 September 2015 My missus bought me a tent for my birthday once. The faked delight on my face should have earned me an Oscar. We went away for a weekend once and haven't used it since.
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