Tired of camping

Philosifer replied on 06/05/2018 16:22

Posted on 06/05/2018 16:22

Hello everyone,

We're looking at getting a caravan soon as camping is becoming a bit too much of a chore these days. We marshal for motorsport events a lot so we're looking around for suitable smallish caravan to do for 3 or 4 night long weekends mostly.

As luck would have it my Tiguan already had a swivel tow bar fitted when i bought it so that's one item i won't have to shop around for. How quickly do people find they get the hang of towing? I assume a beginners caravan course is worth doing to avoid any mishaps.

Any tips on dealing with muddy fields would be appreciated as we probably won't be using official sites very much.

Philosifer

richardandros replied on 10/05/2018 06:32

Posted on 10/05/2018 06:32

Any tips on dealing with muddy fields would be appreciated as we probably won't be using official sites very much.

If it's the 4WD version, I think the Tig will cope with 95% of situations you are likely to encounter but you could invest in a set of All Terrain tyres to be absolutely certain. I've just put a set of BF Goodrichs on my Touareg and am confident it will tow the van out of anything!

 

Pippah45 replied on 10/05/2018 17:17

Posted on 10/05/2018 17:17

I sold one of my caravans to someone like you who wanted it for motorsport weekends!  I believe everyone enjoys the Towing Courses - I must admit I have been towing since 1966 so have skipped further learning although it could be an ideal time for a refresher! 

My guess is that your car will manage pretty well and if it's really bad there will be tractors around?  However I advise knowing where your towpoint is on the car - I keep mine in the glove compartment.  Luckily for me a fellow driver of a Skoda which I had at the time - asked me if I was prepared as everyone was being towed off the Bakewell Showground.  He also tipped me the wink that the thing was reverse thread which may well apply to yours as well.  I had to tow a VW out of a ditch and his was reverse thread. 

Some years ago at one of the shows I bought a pair of kind of rope ladders which had plastic grips - one of the pluses was that you attached them to the car with a long rope so that once you were out of the mud you could drive a distance to drier ground before you stopped to pick them up.  I think I only used them about twice in 10 years though - however I don't do motor events.  I didn't have them at Bakewell but the tractors were ready!  Enjoy!

Philosifer replied on 10/05/2018 20:53

Posted on 10/05/2018 20:53

Thanks both, that's what i'm hoping which is why i swapped from the Golf i had before. I made sure i got the mid-range Tig with 18" wheels and not the R-Line with 20s as there's not so many tire options.

We've got some plastic snow mats that sound similar to those rope ladders but we've never had to use them yet. It was touch and go at Goodwood in the snow a month or so ago though.

And yes I've fallen for the reverse thread tow hook thing before, I've never manage to work out why they are all like that.

DSB replied on 24/05/2018 15:23

Posted on 24/05/2018 15:23

Welcome to Club Together, Philosifer.  All the best in the search for the right caravan for you.  Hope you manage to get a 'van soon.  Do keep us up to date.

David

NickyKnix replied on 29/05/2018 15:32

Posted on 29/05/2018 15:32

Welcome Philosifier!

 Caravan and Motorhome Club provide Practical Caravanning Courses throughout the UK.

Please click here to view the course information.  The beginners courses run for a day and a half at a cost of £175.

You are able to do the course prior to purchasing your caravan.  All you need to take is yourself and the car, complete with tow bar.

The courses are available to Members and non-Members so you do not need to join the Club.

As David said, all the best with your caravan search and keep in touch.

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