Posted on 24/01/2019 07:44
My wife Karen and I have recently returned to the UK having spent 12yrs in Cyprus. We liked the thought of caravanning and after much research, visited a dealer to look at some caravans. Some time later we left having paid a deposit on a Bailey Platinum 640! It arrives in a few weeks so looking forward to that (with a little trepidation!) and a new adventure...
4 people like this
Posted on 25/01/2019 13:50 by TonyandKarenMThanks for the advice. We are getting a starter pack included but I will check out the length of the mains lead. It's a Bailey, so plugs in on the "wrong side" I believe. Looking for a good site near Chipping Sodbury en-route back to south Lincs.
Posted on 25/01/2019 14:41
Chipping Sodbury caravans is not that far from the club site at Broadway,and if you do have a problem ,then I would expect them to come out to you on site,but I am sure there will be members on site who wiil help you just "advise "
the site staff it is all new to you as well,
Posted on 25/01/2019 13:54 by TonyandKarenMHi. We have a Qashqai 1.6dci auto. Max towing weight is 1400kg. I will be putting all the heavy stuff (awning etc.) in the car as there is just the two of us and there's plenty of room.
Posted on 25/01/2019 15:34
You will be very close to your max tow weight, the Bailey is MTPLM 1397kg it seems.
It would be a good idea to have the empty van weighed to establish the actual MIRO, as some vans can be heavier than stated in the brochure.
Paylaods in newer vans are very minimal these days so you will indeed need to have anything heavy in the car, but do check the weight of the added essentials, and when you have put in what you need, take the van to be weighed again to check you are still legal.
Also check nose weight and redistribute items if necessary.
Once you are happy with the result, always pack in the same manner then you will know everything is correct.
Posted on 25/01/2019 14:41 by JVB66Chipping Sodbury caravans is not that far from the club site at Broadway,and if you do have a problem ,then I would expect them to come out to you on site,but I am sure there will be members on site who wiil help you just "advise "
Posted on 25/01/2019 14:43 by TinwheelerTV - if you’re using mains hook up I’d buy a supermarket cheapie of whatever type/size suits. If using without hook up, you’ll need one capable of working on 12v.
Posted on 25/01/2019 15:34 by KjellNNYou will be very close to your max tow weight, the Bailey is MTPLM 1397kg it seems.
It would be a good idea to have the empty van weighed to establish the actual MIRO, as some vans can be heavier than stated in the brochure.
Paylaods in newer vans are very minimal these days so you will indeed need to have anything heavy in the car, but do check the weight of the added essentials, and when you have put in what you need, take the van to be weighed again to check you are still legal.
Also check nose weight and redistribute items if necessary.
Once you are happy with the result, always pack in the same manner then you will know everything is correct.
Posted on 25/01/2019 17:35
Yes Tudor Park is a good one, right by the canal for walking and the WWF centre down the road.
Depending on your route, another possibility is Plough Lane at Chippenham, an easy half hourish tow from Chipping Sodbury with easy access off the A350 but doesn't open until towards the end of March. 
Edit - ooh! Deja vu, all over again!
Posted on 25/01/2019 19:39
Why not take a modest sized mains TV from home?12V one
Don't bother with a specialised 12 volt one until you have seen how it all works together.
I found that a normal 230v TV is good enough for me as I tend to only visit sites with mains electrics available (EHU = electrical hook up.)
Good luck and enjoy your new hobby.
TonyandKarenM
Caravanner