Picking up on Thursday

[B4ssy]

Hi all

New to MH, only previous close experience would be boats and camping ( tent ).

Attended Lincoln show with intention of buying nearly new Carthago and ended up buying 2014 Hymer B680 Starline. We are picking it up on Thursday, driving back to Kent and spending a couple of nights in it.

Any hints/tips on handover, or things we will need to buy immediately will be very welcome.

We have 2 young children ( 10 and 6 ) and 2 weimaraners and initial plans are to see the UK before venturing abroad, so would also welcome advice on good venues to suit.

Thanks in advance

 

[Potty]

Take notes during the hand over and,if possible, video it. When you get home, read all the handbooks to familiarise yourself with all the fixtures, eg fridge, heating.

You might need to get immediately a gas bottle and a water filling hose. You should get an electric hookup cable with the van, If not you will need that. Also toilet chemicals

 

[Jev88]

Good advice above..... Test EVERYTHING.

 

[bigtree]

As has been said write everything down and /or video the handover, you should get a gas bottle if not ask them to chuck one in. If you live in Kent I would book a ferry and go to France, much more motorhome friendly than Britain.

 

[GMLS]

Buy a couple of folding chairs and a decent bottle of red so you can bask in that warm (slightly smug) glow of van ownership your first evening once the kids are sound asleep. (PS Hope the weather is kind or get a golfing umbrella as well)

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[B4ssy]

Take notes during the hand over and,if possible, video it. When you get home, read all the handbooks to familiarise yourself with all the fixtures, eg fridge, heating.

You might need to get immediately a gas bottle and a water filling hose. You should get an electric hookup cable with the van, If not you will need that. Also toilet chemicals

Thanks for your good advice

 

[B4ssy]

Good advice above..... Test EVERYTHING.

Will do, thanks

 

[B4ssy]

Buy a couple of folding chairs and a decent bottle of red so you can bask in that warm (slightly smug) glow of van ownership your first evening once the kids are sound asleep. (PS Hope the weather is kind or get a golfing umbrella as well)

Can't wait, thanks

 

[B4ssy]

As has been said write everything down and /or video the handover, you should get a gas bottle if not ask them to chuck one in. If you live in Kent I would book a ferry and go to France, much more motorhome friendly than Britain.

With Folkestone only 45 minutes away, I'm sure it won't be long until we pay a visit, thanks

 

[Anthea M]

Congratulations and enjoy your new adventures!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Masman]

Could you stay close to where you are getting van from for a couple of days. Then you will have time to try everything and make sure all is working before you go on your big adventure. There's nothing worse than finding out when you are away.

 

[Kirsten]

Take kids to legoland- stay in van overnight in one of the lovely nearby campsites or just go for day and have tea in van before you go home. That will test the seating/ driving for kids and cooker / fridge / loo use / heating etc and if one of is bold - the shower ! Use Tesco vouchers to get in cheaply xx hope you enjoy the van.... and you will LOVE. France ..v family friendly

 

[Jake Royd]

Why not try a go at camping locally.

Campsite – City of Lincoln Council

Hartsholme Country Park campsite

www.lincoln.gov.uk

 

[Cheshirecat57]

With Folkestone only 45 minutes away, I'm sure it won't be long until we pay a visit, thanks

First advice, completely ignore the “France is better than anything/everything” nonsense
Enjoy exploring for yoursely
Good luck

 

[B4ssy]

Thanks for all your words of wisdom/encouragement. For reasons too many to explain involving kids and dogs, we were unable to stay locally after picking it up but have spent 2 days staying in a site local to our home.

Pleased to report that everyone loved it and can't wait for our next little trip

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[csd4t]

Make sure your insurance covers the full cost of a windscreen, they are very expensive as are headlights and mirrors.

 

[B4ssy]

Make sure your insurance covers the full cost of a windscreen, they are very expensive as are headlights and mirrors.

Thanks for the heads up ?