Nervous restart

asl1956 replied on 01/11/2016 09:46

Posted on 01/11/2016 09:46

Hi from an ex CC member some 20 years ago returning to vanning now that I and my partner are retiring (early!).  Made the mistake of going to the NEC earlier this month and ended up ordering a new Swift Fairway 635 TA just for the two of us, mad or what.  Even just swapped out my Disco Sport for a Merc GLE to get better towing ratio.  Looking forward to the spring when the van turns up.  In the meantime busily trying to put back together all those extra bits I got rid off all those years ago. Biggest headache is deciding what mirrors to get now that car mirrors are such weird shapes.  

Bod replied on 01/11/2016 10:08

Posted on 01/11/2016 10:08

Hi we don't think you are mad at all - great to buy a new outfit - lifes too short just enjoy!!! You must have bought your van from Broadlane Leisure - great company to deal with we have bought a new van this year from them. We use Milenco Aero mirrors on our Touareg they are very stable and should fit your mirrors.  Happy caravanning!!!

Milothedog replied on 01/11/2016 10:09

Posted on 01/11/2016 10:09

Hi, same as you we have come back to caravaning after 25 years and are also retiered earlyCool

I bought a pair of Milenco grand areo's. for my Freelander 2 and they are excellent.

 

Is that a TR6 in your Avatar? I have a 73 Stag I restored in 2009Cool

Ian.

richardandros replied on 01/11/2016 10:19

Posted on 01/11/2016 10:19

asl - Welcome and I don't think you're mad - on the basis that you have done virtually exactly what we have done.Laughing I was a member in the early 80's (in a former life) when I had a Swift Pirouette - then yachting took over for 20 or so years - then a brief interlude back to caravanning for a couple of years - then back to boats again.  Finished with those expensive toys two years ago when, now retired, we also bought a new TA just for the two of us. We like our luxuries and can afford it - so why not.  Was a bit apprehensive about towing a large TA van to start with but after a couple of trips away, soon got my confidence back. In terms of mirrors, I use Millenco Grand Aeros and find them very good - large rear view vision and no vibration to speak of.  Bit more expensive than many but worth it, in my opinion.  Another piece of kit I would recommend is the Lock 'n Level system - both for levelling and fitting the twin wheel locks.  I am sure you will have lots of enjoyment selecting your equipment before the van arrives.

Tinwheeler replied on 01/11/2016 10:45

Posted on 01/11/2016 10:45

Welcome back, asl, and enjoy your new rig.

Milenco Aero or Grand Aero are very good mirrors. 

asl1956 replied on 01/11/2016 21:16

Posted on 01/11/2016 21:16

Thanks all for your encouragement and advice.  Milenco Mirrors on order and have looked at the Lock n Level on You Tube but so many posts on here about the merits of 'decking' cut to length, minefield!  Oh and yes Milothedog that is my '6' and belong to the TR Register local group who also have a couple of Stag owners as members - Classic Car show this month?

Pippah45 replied on 02/11/2016 14:22

Posted on 02/11/2016 14:22

Welcome back ASL - I too am a "born again" caravanner and loving it.  With the first trips under my belt it was quite easy to get back to it.  The milenco mirrors are the best I agree - and I have just invested in the LocknLevel but not used it yet.  Fiddling around with bits of wood on my own doesn't appeal at all and I have had too much uneven caravanning this year.  I suspect you got the deal complete with Motor Mover - since all dealers at the show seemed to be including them - but I wouldn't want to be without mine.  I have just helped a friend's daughter out with her caravan - she knew nothing and has just returned from Scotland and couldn't even unhitch - to make matters worse she got stuck on the grass so was in a bit of a pickle - with movers we could have just unhitched and moved the caravan away from her van and sorted her out!   Luckily we managed to unhitch and had just enough space to turn the caravan so I could tow that out - then go back and rescue her van! 

Its a steep learning curve with all the modern bits and bobs and frills so I would take a recorder with you to record the handover or a notepad if you prefer! 

Enjoy

hitchglitch replied on 02/11/2016 16:43

Posted on 02/11/2016 16:43

I wouldn't worry about being nervous, it's probably a good thing. I always got a bit nervous before each trip with the caravan (but not, incidentally, with the motorhome). You always wonder what you might have forgotten and what minor mishaps might occur; there is usually something that goes wrong although usually easily fixed. The very last time I collected the van from storage (to trade it in) I drove 5 meters with the wheel lock still on!

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