New, excited and slightly scared!

[Sue147]

Hi, I pick up a Fiat Ducato Stimson La Mediterranee next weekend. First van, doing this solo and very excited for what awaits.
Have spent a few hours looking at You Tube videos and now feeling slightly overwhelmed by how much there is to learn!
I guess I just research the important stuff, make sure it's safe and then just get out there and really start learning!
Thanks in advance, I know this group will teach me so much

 

[WESTY66]

You will be fine, we’ve all been there, there’s loads of help on here if you need it

 

[Puddleduck]

 

[scousebird]

 

[Gingernuts]

Hello from Scotland

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[meanders]

Just make absolutely sure that the seller gives you a really good walkthrough and hold back the desire to get in the driving seat. Make sure everything works and you know how to use it. A good handover should take approaching an hour to go through everything.

 

[Jim]

Hi Sue, you'll never be stuck on your own as a member here. Any time, day or night; help is just a mouse click away. Enjoy your new adventures and welcome to the fun

 

[rosalan]

It is a great adventure (welcome by the way), however any technical problems tend to arrive one at a time. Solutions can almost always be found in the handbooks that come with the van. If this proves to be confusing, FUN members will be happy to help, just ask!
I have been a member for many years and still need to ask questions here and have always had helpful answers.
It is a learning curve owning a Motorhome, with heating, cooling and water systems which may be new to you. The van, its layout, idiosyncrasies and mechanics may also be unfamiliar but taken one at a time, anything is usually easy to understand given a little time.
Enjoy the adventure!

 

[Janine]

Welcome to the Fun, Sue

 

[ambulancekidd]

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[Lenny HB]

 

[scotzsue]

Sue don't worry if you don't get handbooks for your appliances, they are all available to download, less weight to carry and a memory stick takes up so little room.
There are quite a few solo motorhomers on here should you wish to meet up. Can usually find a few at the Fun rallies.

 

[rolosroller]

 

[Sue147]

Just make absolutely sure that the seller gives you a really good walkthrough and hold back the desire to get in the driving seat. Make sure everything works and you know how to use it. A good handover should take approaching an hour to go through everything.

Great advice . I've asked the garage about a handover and they've promised it will be thorough. I'm going to act like I know nothing (no acting required!) and I'm not afraid to ask all the stupid questions so hoping that will help.
Thanks for the welcome!

 

[Sue147]

Hi Sue, you'll never be stuck on your own as a member here. Any time, day or night; help is just a mouse click away. Enjoy your new adventures and welcome to the fun

That's wonderfully reassuring!

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[Sue147]

Thank you, I'm welcoming the learning and hope that by the summer I'll feel more confident to just set off and have some fun! Thanks for the welcome

It is a great adventure (welcome by the way), however any technical problems tend to arrive one at a time. Solutions can almost always be found in the handbooks that come with the van. If this proves to be confusing, FUN members will be happy to help, just ask!
I have been a member for many years and still need to ask questions here and have always had helpful answers.
It is a learning curve owning a Motorhome, with heating, cooling and water systems which may be new to you. The van, its layout, idiosyncrasies and mechanics may also be unfamiliar but taken one at a time, anything is usually easy to understand given a little time.
Enjoy the adventure!

 

[Sue147]

Sue don't worry if you don't get handbooks for your appliances, they are all available to download, less weight to carry and a memory stick takes up so little room.
There are quite a few solo motorhomers on here should you wish to meet up. Can usually find a few at the Fun rallies.

Sounds like a plan!!! (To both, download and rallies!!!)

 

[meanders]

On a few rallies we have a solo ladies parking area where they gain mutual support so always ask if that's of interest to you. I also don't know where in the country you are but the Swaffham Bash is a good one to meet lots of people as its a big one and plenty going on. However have a look at the Rally Calender and see what interests you. You can be assured of a friendly welcome from the marshals who should help you to integrate quickly.

 

[xsparks]

Perhaps you could record the walk through on your phone and refer to it later. If you've never had a caravan etc there's a lot to take in, water , heating , fridge ,12v and mains. After a trip out it'll be second nature.

 

[Go_buddy_go_]

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[Ingwe]

Great advice . I've asked the garage about a handover and they've promised it will be thorough. I'm going to act like I know nothing (no acting required!) and I'm not afraid to ask all the stupid questions so hoping that will help.
Thanks for the welcome!

Video the handover if possible using an ipad of phone. There’s a lot of stuff that is swiftly forgotten. You then can refer to the recording as necessary.

Anyway, welcome. Huge fund of knowledge on this site, freely and warmly given.

 

[Puddleduck]

Anyway, welcome. Huge fund of knowledge on this site, freely and warmly given.

And some may even be useful!!

Also I noticed you have run out of free posts so if you need to ask more questions you'll need to become a paid member which opens up a lot more information and resources.

 

[Lee Fryer]

 

[Nanniemate]

Sounds like a plan!!! (To both, download and rallies!!!)

I think you've used up all your free posts to keep asking questions you need to pay your subs, it's the best £20 you'll spend

There some great people on here and don't worry about being solo

Get out there and enjoy yourself , one piece of advice , close the water valve

Don't ask why i suggest that .....

 

[Bill-H]

I might sugest you spend your first night or two on your own or a friends drive before you venture out into the great blue yonder.
That way, if you've forgotten anything or run into a little problem, you only have to walk into the house to sort it.

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[steve69]

The learning process is all part of the fun.
Just focus on the bare essentials at first:
Food & drink
Clothes
Bedding
Full gas bottle & does heating work.
Cooking utensils/kettle.
A few others I'm sure but go for it and keep a pen and writing paper handy....

 

[westhamman]

As already stated, just pay your money to join, it is very good value. Then ask away or search away, we all are learning everyday.

 

[Brize]

Hi Sue, welcome

Enjoy your travels - always happy to help!

 

[68c]

I second the suggestion to spend a night in it parked up at, or very near, home.

 

[Nanniemate]

The learning process is all part of the fun.
Just focus on the bare essentials at first:
Food & drink
Clothes
Bedding
Full gas bottle & does heating work.
Cooking utensils/kettle.
A few others I'm sure but go for it and keep a pen and writing paper handy....

Your solo raid the house , buy as little as possible don't fall on the 'must have' trap just look at the classified adds on here

Bedding towels plates you already have them in the house only buy if you need it.you won't be home so take them with you
Rule of thumb
How much fuel to travel will that buy me? Buy stuff or have a jolly.
Take your time most things I use towels Bedding, teatowels are all from home, however , I have found now I have designated van stuff

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