I've finally bought one :-) .. general help needed (2 Viewers)

[Edenside]

Caravan club CL at Carleton Hall Farm, Penrith. I have never stayed as it's just down the road, field not level but walking distance into Penrith where you can get train or bus to Keswick etc. the Lakes get very busy July & August so sometimes it's best to park near public transport and use that. Not sure of your age group but if lucky enough to have free bus pass then it makes sense it use it. Penrith also a nice town but I would say that as it's my home town. Supermarkets - Sainsburys (outside free parking for 3 hours not limited to using the store but limited space as it also has multi story) Booths, Aldi, and Morrisons parking for shoppers (Morrisons car park always busy) also Coop in town.

 

[Puddleduck]

One of the best things we got were walkie-talkies from Aldi. The driver leaves one handset switched on and on a handy shelf (or even the dash board if there is no shelf - use blu-tac to secure it temporarily) and the co-pilot can be outside the van and talk you through tricky maneuvers. Right hand down hand ---- no OTHER right hand . If you don't have a co-pilot then often the camp site warden will do the honours with the other handset (sorry of that sounds a bit rude, wasn't meant to be but I'm the queen of the unintended double entendres).

They are also handy when shopping if you go in different directions or even for calling for help on a campsite if you are alone as many motorhomers / campers have and use them - you just need to call on several of the bands until someone picks up.

 

[Barclaybasher]

Today I had electric power steering fitted to my 1991 Renault Trafic coachbuilt

Traveled to Stratford-on-Avon, it took 4 hours and cost £600

Makes all the difference to low speed driving and parking

Not sure if I should post a direct link on Jim's site but if you google talbot-express-power-steering you should find them.

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[Deleted member 29692]

-How to actively avoid narrow and/or steep roads?
(how do you guys find this out in general)

Invest in a

It has bridge heights, width restrictions and weight restrictions marked which you won't get reliably from any type of satnav.

 

[wingman]

Hi Teresa and welcome.

My advice would be, do plenty of 'armchair motorhoming'. Sitting at home in a comfy chair (whilst awaiting the insurance and doc's to sort themselves out) is a great place to start. Sounds like you're on a tight budget so you'll have to wait for the fancy truckers satnav gizmos.

As has been said, get onto Google Maps and Street View. You can then 'drive' down your route virtually.

As far as your van's dimensions go, have a bit of a measure-up. Type the dimensions out in a large bold font and clip them up in the cab where you can see them. If you haven't got any manual with the dimensions in it, measure the width with a standard tape measure (don't forget to add the wing/door mirrors). Then find somewhere quiet, put a stick in the ground level with the most forward point (bumper) of the cab. Drive forward until that stick is at the most rearward point, put another stick in the ground there and measure between the two sticks. You then have an accurate length of the vehicle ( be sure in include any bike rack or rear box). Measuring the height is a bit more tricky! Short of a major mathematical formula, place a piece of straight timber on the roof so that it protrudes out from the van's roof. You'll either need a mate to hold the tape and measure to the ground, or make a sort of inverted foot gauge (like when you're measured for shoes or like a hangman's gallows). Sounds complicated, but you only measure once. Don't forget to include and roof-top aerials etc. Oh and don't let the wood fall on your head!

 

[Teresa]

Thanks so much for all you're replies - this really is a lovely welcome!! All tips are firmly noted!
I'm off on my first adventure tomorrow and I feel like kid waiting for christmas - soooo excited!!!
I'm heading off to the lakes (Penrith) from Halifax, can anyone give tips on routes? I was hoping to cut across via a65 then the M6 vs going back towards Manchester to the M60 then the M6 or over to York for the A1.. is this a65 then M6 route suitable for a newbie driving a 22 footer? Has anyone got any warning to give?

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[Andy]

Hi Teresa, having gone from a newbie with a van conversion, to a newbie with an A class (LHD and 25ft long............and No power steering), just take your time,.............and Enjoy.
If you havn't already noticed Mh takes up more road space, (width), so something to keep in mind

Keep us posted on how your trip went.

 

[Tootles]

Yes I hold my hands up,
but drove lots of Army 4 tonners with no power steering fo 18 years.

Yes, but you cant put an RL against a Talbot Express for a comparison. And anyway, you could knock road signs down with impunity!

 

[Shazrick]

Hi and Welcome

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[tonyidle]

Hi all, having wanted one for years I have finally bought myself a motor home (1990, 6 berth coach built - no power steering).

I'm hoping to hit the road and possibly Lake District with her asap! As much as I can't wait, I'm slightly concerned about it's size, so I want to try and pre-empt any potential nightmares/stresser and prevent them from happening so I can just enjoy it!

Can any help with any of the following:

-Recommended easily accessible sites in the Lake District

-How to actively avoid narrow and/or steep roads?
(how do you guys find this out in general)

-General tips and tricks for making the most of it all

-Where to go for low priced insurance

Looking forward replies

Any pics of it? What make / model?