Newbie from Wiltshire (1 Viewer)

[postic17]

Hi people. I've just purchased a 1988 LMC Liberty (560?) with the intention of touring Europe next year as I've just retired. Still have lots to learn; I'm intending to trace all the electrical wiring and plumbing to ensure I know how it all works, and to add another solar panel and a few Cameras. I'm also trying to find how these 'Aires' work and what the regulations are, as I'm intending to Wild Camp when possible but use Aires if I can't find a decent place, with a once a week stopover at proper 'paid for' sites. I'm looking forward to the adventure.

 

[David and Sally]

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

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[postic17]

and to clarify, my name's Steve and I'll be travelling alone, so the small MoHo should be sufficient for my needs.
Many thanks for the welcome!

 

[ambulancekidd]

 

[wigster]

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[Janine]

Hello and welcome to the Fun, Steve ?

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[Popeye]

Hello and welcome from another Wiltshire boy, currently living in Hampshire though.

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[Mark and Mindy]

 

[Revolvor]

Hello, and Welcome from Wiltshire!

 

[Baldeagle7470]

Hi and another big Enjoy.

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[jollyrodger]

Did a 5 week tour around France and Belgium in exact same model wilding everywhere
Have fun

 

[buttons]

Hi and Welcome…..

 

[Rob and Val]

Steve, and a warm welcome from us.
The majority of 'aires de service' are free to stay overnight, though it's becoming more common that some will ask for a fee.

Most will offer:

• An off-street parking area
• A means of waste water disposal (i.e. chemical toilets and grey water)
• Rubbish disposal (poubelle)
• A water fill point (eau potable).

Waste disposal almost always seems to be free. Water refilling, when charged for, is usually a flat fee for a specific amount or time e.g. 2 Euros for 100 litres or 10 minutes of fill.
Sometimes there is a low amperage electrical hookup available, again usually with a fee.

If staying during the day, you should not put up awnings or chairs outside your van. The aire is for parking only and for sleeping during the night. Don't confuse these aires, which are usually within walking distance of villages or small towns, with the aires alongside motorways. These motorway aires are for a quick trip to the loo or to buy a sandwich etc or to stop to make a cup of tea/coffee but are notorious for thefts overnight. Look for this sign: -

which indicates a village/town aire. Hope this helps.

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[postic17]

Thank you all for your advice and comments.
One worrying thing, having looked at all the posts on axle weights etc, is my Maximum Vehicle weight is just 2800Kg. Should that be enough for a single person and kit (2 solar panels and 2 leisure batteries, plus all the usual stuff). I intend to get it through a weighbridge at some time soon - but it does have me worried as it is an old vehicle and probably didn't have the lightweight technology we now see deployed.