9 days and counting!!!!!
Hello all ... first introduced myself way back in September when we purchased our first ever caravan a Swift Challenger 570 (2010) 4 berth fb - I have found this forum absolutely invaluable and at times very funny (Woosie Club!!) and shall continue to read and contribute for sure. Anyway, only 9 days to go until our caravan arrives (massive thanks to Pearman Briggs in Longlevens for towing it to ours as we have not yet purchased a larger towcar). I can honestly say that these last 4 months would not have passed so pleasantly if it weren't for the fact that I have been in my absolute element making list upon list upon list (I am a Virgo) of things we need for the caravan (some completely unnecessary but hey, that's what it's all about!) ... we now have an attic that's full to bursting.
Still waiting to see if we can purchase next door's Kia Sorento which means we can't yet book first week of Easter hols, but I am sure that it will sort itself out! Booked a week at South Lytchett for June holiday (I work in a Primary School) but hope to get away for weekends in between then. Anyone out there ever slept in their van on their drive to see what it's like before going away for first time in it??? (Husband thinks I'm nuts).
Looking forward to our first ever trip. Will keep you posted. Lisa.
Hi lisa, welcome. A mate of ours recently bought a new van, a lovely little 2 berth. We went around to see it and 6 of us ended up sitting in it, on his drive, having tea. You can only imagine what the neighbours thought.
have fun
mel
Hi Lisa, sleeping on the drive whatever next, that could qualify you for membership of the Woosie club
Go on girl just go for it then you can pop back indoors and get the cork screw you forgot to take with you
It will also give you more time to check and log any faults you find with it (if any)
See you in the Woosie club section in the chit chat section
Oh how I love this forum ... thanks for your replies. Latest news is just taken a call from the Dealer, could they deliver a day earlier? Of course you can I said (thinking even more time for me to 'play' in the caravan then!). Going to put a bucket on drive charging entrance fee the amount of friends and family visiting next weekend to view the caravan. Neighbours on both sides well aware of impending new arrival ... other neighbours been scratching their heads wondering why tonnes of gravel and 'pods' and slabs been moved around on drive - all will become clear. One things for sure, if you fitted 6 into a 2 berth then imagine how many we can fit in a 4 berth for 'tea'!!!! Thanks again. Lisa
Well you have waited for the caravan,and it will be worth waiting for the Sorento,excellant towcar.
Hi Lisa, not long to wait now!
It's surprising how often we see posts from people who have slept in their caravan at home when it's on the drive and it's a sign that you've definitely been bitten by the caravan bug.
I don't want to dampen your eager anticipation in any way but whatever you do please make sure that the new caravan will be totally secure and fully covered by your caravan insurance policy from the day that it arrives because your neighbours may not be the only ones who have noticed the gravel etc.
Having said that, have a great time showing the neighbours around your caravan and don't do what I did when we bought our first ever caravan and put it on the drive.
Our lovely neighbours from both sides and across the road came over to have a look at our Eccles Topaz 2 berth and they all trooped inside with Herself.
It's a shame that I hadn't thought to lower the corner steadies and when Herself was proudly displaying how nice and clean the oven was in the end kitchen the caravan tipped back, the hitch went up into the air and Herself, who is not very big, was sandwiched between the generous matronly figures of the neighbours.
I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, light a fire or run off, all that I can say is that it's a good job that I'd remembered to apply the handbrake 
Hi Lisa
Welcome to this Forum.
A lot of people on here have loads of knowledge so never be scared to ask anything no matter how trivial.
Have you got the Sorento yet.?
An excellent reliable tug. I've had mine from new, now on 101k miles.
Glad you are enjoying the Woosie Club which started purely by accident, well I think Sir Gagakev removed his trousers first. LOL.
Splitting my sides laughing (but in a nice way) at the image that has conjured up! I am certain that my other half will have 'all that' sorted as he's ex-Navy and likes to cross all the t's and dot all the i's. Luckily when I got our caravan insured I'd got it covered from the day before the caravan was originally supposed to be delivered so it will be covered when it arrives and we have all the necessary security instruments of torture to put in/in/around it ... fingers crossed it will be OK but if someone wants something bad enough, they'll get it! Good job for new for old insurance I say.
Hi Dustydog ... we were all set to go round to neighbours last night with a 'cards on the table' offer for their Sorento but they were out! Leaving to my husband to see them this weekend as we'd like to crack on and get a Sorento ready to go away first week of Easter holidays ... looked at other tow cars but heart set on Sorento. Sadly not a new one, nowhere near but they seem to hold their price and some on net have over 234k miles on clock and still going strong!!! We would like one about 60-70k but will have to see what is out there ...
Certainly been enjoying reading everyones hints and tips on here and everyone is sooo friendly and full of advice which, as first-timers has been useful and will continue to be useful. I just can't wait for next Thursday now and the warmer weather to come so that we can get on and get gone!
Glad you are enjoying the Woosie Club which started purely by accident, well I think Sir Gagakev removed his trousers first. LOL.
It was'nt me in there guv honest
Hi Lisa.
All the best with the new caravan, 9 days will pass in a flash. Nothing wrong with sleeping in van when on the drive, i know a couple who do it all the time when they are not away to a site. Enjoy your new purchase.
Dougie....
Olympus534 and Jeep Patriot crd