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JOB-BLACK-RAT

MB Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 17, 2010
Messages
1,125
Location
Near London
Car
BMW 5 series 'ahem'
Hello folks!!


Well me and the other half have gone and got married, we almost......we've brought a caravan!, its our first, sniff!


All shed dragging jokes to one side, and believe me I'm gonna hear ALL of those from the boys at work!, I need some guidance.


We have brought a 2000 model 4 berth Pegasus caravan, awning and all the bits for a song from a friend, now for a couple of questions.


My two question are:


1) What tow bar/electric do I need. loads of types, pins and jacks etc (and do I need to cut some of the bumper of my '56 plate BMW 5 series to do it? seem to recall a tow pack preparation being an option on BMW's).


2) Can anyone recommend a caravan cleaning service in the South East Essex area? it has been sat for two years and has marks/mould etc)

I plan to get the tow bar fitted early next week on the advice here.

Thank you in advance
 
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Congratulations Simon. :thumb:


As soon as Bobby Dazzler and BTB500 see this thread, I'm sure all of your questions will be answered.
 
A reputable specialist towbar company will keep you right and do the install for you unless you have the facilities --lift / big drill/welding facilities / knowledge of BMW electrics etc If the caravan has been sitting a while get the tyres and wheel bearings/brakes checked carefully- they tend to degrade a bit sat around. You don't want a wheel coming adrift at speed on the motorway.
 
I think I am congratulating the hitching of him, not the hitching of the caravan.

Although, perhaps all traffic cars should tow them, evening up the odds a bit...
 
Ah, you see with my nephew still being poorly and most of our funds going towards the family, funds are a little restricted.

So...thought to get the van, Tbar up my motor then HWMBO and I can have cheap couple of days out every now and then and my Bo and his family can do the same whenever the feel the need to chillax a bit.:D
 
Hello

Nice one !!!! Another caravaner...

I get greif at work but hey, I'm away more than they are !!! and the kids love it.

1) Towbar, you have either a fixed or removable option. Depending on your bumper would depend if a cut is needed. I prefer removable so when not on you don't even see it. I've had a BMW and two Mercs now both with Westfalia bars (. Removable and lock onto car. Also depending on your park sence if you have them this can affect a fixed type.

The electrics you have single or twin. Single will work the caravan lights but not charge the fridge or caravan battery when driving. Twin will mean you can run your fridge when towing. (most caravaners have twin).

My eletrics swing down so when not in use you don't see them. You will need bypass relays which the fitter should know what's what. It means that light out warning and a buzzer will sound when you signal also with van on back.

2) Long brush, steps, buckets and sponges with a few products from here will have it looking smart again.

Fenwicks

other things to consider.

1) Tyres, if its been stood for 2 years maybe worth checking, also check the spare (if it has one) if it hasn't consider getting one. Maybe get new all round - safe.
2) Gas pipe in locker, I change ours each year, its only around £3 and a jubilie clip, they get brickle and worn. Gas leaking - not good.
3) Check the battery keeps the charge.
4) Check the fridge works, most work on Gas, electric (mains) and , 12V


Other things...

Join the caravan club (only around £30) Join The Caravan Club | The Caravan Club
Insure your van (I use the caravan clubs own for this)
Check your break down cover, covers the van if you break down.
hitch lock or wheel lock (maybe needed for insurance anyway)
Caravan service, maybe worth this for your piece of mind, many are mobile now and come to you.
You will need some towing mirrors.


Good websites..

Welcome to Towsure - Discount Camping and Caravanning Equipment, EC Approved Towbars, Trailers and Trailer Parts from Towsure::www.towsure.com
Towequipe - UK's best value towbar store - Towbars and Towbar Wiring


Lots and lots more info I've missed but other will add bits.
 
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Sounds like a cunning plan, worthy of Baldrick himself. Remind me of your success rate with vehicle reliability? :eek:

Still keeping fingers crossed for your nephew, good to hear he is hanging in there.
 
Hello folks!!


Well me and the other half have gone and got married, we almost......we've brought a caravan!, its our first, sniff!


All shed dragging jokes to one side, and believe me I'm gonna hear ALL of those from the boys at work!, I need some guidance.


We have brought a 2000 model 4 berth Pegasus caravan, awning and all the bits for a song from a friend, now for a couple of questions.


My two question are:


1) What tow bar/electric do I need. loads of types, pins and jacks etc (and do I need to cut some of the bumper of my '56 plate BMW 5 series to do it? seem to recall a tow pack preparation being an option on BMW's).


2) Can anyone recommend a caravan cleaning service in the South East Essex area? it has been sat for two years and has marks/mould etc)

I plan to get the tow bar fitted early next week on the advice here.

Thank you in advance

So your first little one is quite a big one. A four birth, most people just go for a single birth or twins at most!!:D

I think you are very brave coming out and telling us this. You could easy have hidden it in the other "caravan" thread. Silversaloon will be along with the others and you will be talking nose wieghts before you can say awning.

Have some great weekends in it. However I thought most police officers were quite sane and did not have caravans.

CHEERS
 
Funny you should mention, spent ourall 'wedding day' dosh on the van!:D

I read your post as "Well me and the other half have gone and got married, well almost... we've brought a caravan!"

So spill the beans: have you actually tied the knot... or not?
 
Depending on your bumper would depend if a cut is needed.QUOTE]

WHOAAA!!! :eek::eek:

Bumper cut!! No one mentioned that!!!!!

OK, if thats needed can I pull a single axle van with a golf 2ltr GTI?? not going to cut my pride and joy! (not eh time for anti BMW jokes gents, IM in shock!)
 
Couldn't you have kept the caravan in the closet? I know this is the 21st century, but a caravanner...

What's wrong with a bit of camping?
 
I read your post as "Well me and the other half have gone and got married, well almost... we've brought a caravan!"

So spill the beans: have you actually tied the knot... or not?

Ah ha, I might have been assuming his unique style of delivery had taken me places that might not be supported by a close textual analysis.
 
I know, I have a friend who is a caravaner, it's OK now in this day and age. Just I dont think they should premote it in schools.

MOCAS no we're not civil partnershipped up yet, spent the dosh on the caravan, needs of the family bigger than just at the moment.
 
Congratulations :)

The first things to check are the legalities ;)

First, read this:

http://www.campingandcaravannin***u...gettingstarted/newtocaravans/towingandthelaw/

Then this:

http://www.campingandcaravannin***ub.co.uk/helpandadvice/gettingstarted/newtocaravans/whatcanitow/

Re. towing electrics UK caravans traditionally have two 7-pin plugs - a black one (called "12N") that has all the essential connections e.g. the mandatory road lights, and a grey one (called "12S") that has optional things like reversing lights, battery charging, and power for a fridge.

So you can tow fine with "single electrics" (just a 12N socket) fitted to your car, but "twin electrics" (12N and 12S sockets) doesn't usually cost an awful lot more and is normally worthwhile.

Having said that, newer cars tend to have a single "continental" 13-pin socket for the towing electrics and that provides everything. You can get a converter lead that splits it into 12N and 12S sockets to suit UK caravans.
 
Er, you did!



:confused:


Ye gods it;s the wine dear boy, and no Charles nothing flash, just abottle of plonk!

Somebody who knows about Cvans confirming that Imight need ato be 'cut', was a bit of the shock..never thought it might really be the case!
 

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