I've finally bought one :-) .. general help needed (1 Viewer)

Teresa

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Jul 13, 2014
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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 :)
 
Apr 13, 2012
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Hi
Just get used to driving it first

Stick to A roads to start with

Maybe try reversing/parking in an empty car park

I am having electric power steering fitted to my 1991 van tomorrow - will post the results

All the best(y)(y)(y)
 

DP+JAY

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The Lake District is a big area, Give us a clue where? South Lakes, Western Lakes etc.
also what type of site eg. Quiet, with enternainment, with pool, lakeside etc?

As for insurance AiB at the top of Fun page are as good if not better than anyone. I know a few who are switching to them.
 
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Teresa

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Jul 13, 2014
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thanks for your replies.

Brilliant advice, I'll stick to A roads and aim to get used to it in a aid open space asap. Any sites off an A road are greatly welcomed :)

Yes I have been told that having power steering fitted is relatively simple job.. would just need to save up (apparently £1500) for that additional bonus so hopefully get that done by the end of the year.

Hmm to clues on areas - good point! General plan is to work way there from York.... and hopefully end up near Centre Parc's in Penrith at some point.. so sites along that route and near to that destination would be greatly welcomed - thanks in advance (is that as a reply even helpful?? - eek I feel like a total novis here)!
 
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Teresa

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Re type of site - no children on our trip so someone pretty (lake side, forests, scenic views etc), nice and relaxing is our basic aim :)

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Apr 13, 2012
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thanks for your replies.

Brilliant advice, I'll stick to A roads and aim to get used to it in a aid open space asap. Any sites off an A road are greatly welcomed :)

Yes I have been told that having power steering fitted is relatively simple job.. would just need to save up (apparently £1500) for that additional bonus so hopefully get that done by the end of the year.

Hmm to clues on areas - good point! General plan is to work way there from York.... and hopefully end up near Centre Parc's in Penrith at some point.. so sites along that route and near to that destination would be greatly welcomed - thanks in advance (is that as a reply even helpful?? - eek I feel like a total novis here)!


I've been quoted £600(y)(y)(y)

What base vehicle do you have?
 

DBK

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The CC site at Troutbeck Head, near Ullswater is reached by main roads. Their site at Kendal is nice but the approach is single track roads and the site itself is a bit of an obstacle course. The CC Barnard Castle site is close to a main road but there is a narrow bridge to negotiate, but sooner or later you are going to have to deal with these things, so I wouldn't let it put you off. I would recommend joining the CC although of course not everyone does.
 

DP+JAY

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Centre Parks with a motorhome? It takes all sorts.
In that area ( not actually in "The Lakes")try "the quiet site" or "park foot"both on Ullswater.

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Teresa

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Hehe to be fair I have my eye on their Aqua Sauna ;-)
thanks for the replies an dingo, please keep them coming, the more the merrier please?

Good point about avoidance.. hmmm, but I want to opt for later vs sooner to I can at least face those things with confidence :-S!

Re what base I have... hmmmm a metal one?! (I'm a massive girl!)
 

pappajohn

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Hehe to be fair I have my eye on their Aqua Sauna ;-)
thanks for the replies an dingo, please keep them coming, the more the merrier please?

Good point about avoidance.. hmmm, but I want to opt for later vs sooner to I can at least face those things with confidence :-S!

Re what base I have... hmmmm a metal one?! (I'm a massive girl!)

Meaning what van chassis is your motorhome built on.....fiat, transit etc.
 
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Teresa

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Does 'Talbot Express' help?

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DP+JAY

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If you are not bothered about being near a lake then ther are not many with easier access than Tebay or Lowther.
 

Hymie

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

Hi Teresa, I bought the 7" satnav from ebay that was recommended on this site, about £45, Nozatec I believe, although other brands are available. :LOL:

No Satnav is foolproof as far as I am aware, as witnessed by the amount of lorries that turn into the road near my house that has 7' width restriction, but I drive a fair bit for work and have tested this unit by using it in the car on known routes and it has so far taken me the route I would go if driving a truck.

I would also recommend a reversing camera for if you do end up having to get out of a tight spot. Never used one before Harriet but they are a godsend when reversing several tons of wagon and I wouldn't be without one now

They were offering a reduction on a reversing camera on the satnav website when i bought mine as the saynav as video in and can be used as the screen for the reversing camera, saving you a few more shillings.

The screen fitted in Harriet cost more than the satnav, so ebay here it comes once i get the satnav set up in Harriet.

>>>>General tips and tricks for making the most of it all<<<<

I have only been MH'ing for 8 months this time but i believe some good advice is to go with the flow, don't set rigorous timetable for being at set locations if you do not have to.

Make sure to take regular breaks on a long trip and don't try to drive too far in a day, getting tired causes mistakes and can ruin your holiday, don't rush, you have your hotel room sitting just behind you.

HTH,

Hymie
 
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Apr 13, 2012
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Does 'Talbot Express' help?


£600 for a Talbot Express at the place I'm going to(y)

Will not recommend until I have mine fitted:)

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Puddleduck

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Make sure that Centre Parcs will let you park your MH in their car park. If you are staying at the parks they are a bit funny about motorhomes.
 

Hercules

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CCC site in Keswick takes some beating, my favourite location in the Lake District.

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We went to Lowther a few years ago. Just off a main road and not far from Centre Parks, nice site, close to the scenic castle and you can easily walk into the village for shopping or a pub meal.

As regards not going down narrow roads, when you know where your going look at Google maps and using sat view you can see how tricky any approach roads are likely to be.
 
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Teresa

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again - thanks so much for all the information! Please keep them coming, you're contributing to our route as we speak :)

£600 for power steering isn't too bad at all is it? Please do let me know how you get on.

A lot of you refer to CCC.. is it worth joining? What are the benefits?

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Best tip when reversing get your partner to walk behind before you start as there is always one D..k Head that wants to drive or walk behind you.
Laurie.
 
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again - thanks so much for all the information! Please keep them coming, you're contributing to our route as we speak :)

£600 for power steering isn't too bad at all is it? Please do let me know how you get on.

A lot of you refer to CCC.. is it worth joining? What are the benefits?

A good breakfast in the morning is all you need, not power sterring.
just get the vehicle rolling before turning the wheel. Save yourself £600.
Laurie.
 

DBK

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again - thanks so much for all the information! Please keep them coming, you're contributing to our route as we speak :)

£600 for power steering isn't too bad at all is it? Please do let me know how you get on.

A lot of you refer to CCC.. is it worth joining? What are the benefits?

There are two main clubs, Caravan Club (CC) and the Camping and Caravan Club(CCC). We are members of both but will probably drop the CCC as we have mostly stayed at CC sites. You can get discounts on ferry tickets with the CC and no doubt the CCC as well although we haven't used them for that.

The benefits of the CC we have found are spotless facilities for under £20 a night.

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Apr 13, 2012
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Yes I hold my hands up,
but drove lots of Army 4 tonners with no power steering fo 18 years.

I could do lots of things in the past that I can't do now :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

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Teresa

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Best tip when reversing get your partner to walk behind before you start as there is always one D..k Head that wants to drive or walk behind you.
Laurie.

thanks for the handy tip! For driving alone though I'm going to get a reversing camera fitted so I can at least see the d..k Heads and beep my horn :)
 
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Teresa

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What are other people's thoughts on the club front ... CC or CCC... with either/both help me find easily accessible sights?
 

PP Bear

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Hi Teresa and a MASSIVE WELCOME to the best motorhome site there is :LOL:

Think you've got all the advice ref power steering, The Lakes etc, so all I have to say is this.....get out and enjoy the life, it's awesome :party3:

Are we to take it that you're a lone lady motorhomer, there's other on the site, so you'll fit right in :inlove:

See you at a bash at some stage :blusher:

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