Brand new to caravanning

[wilfandrowlf]

Hi All

I am in the very fortunate position of just being given a caravan.
I know nothing about the activity of caravanning so I thought I'd ask some people that do.....

As far as I know its a Bailey Ranger but I don't know the model.
Can anybody recommend some good web sites to point me in the right direction please?
I need to start right from the basics including tow bars, car suitability, weights and no doubt a million other things that I wouldn't have thought of.

I'm told its a turn key outfit (haven't seen it in the flesh yet) and all I will need to find is a TV, microwave and cutlery! so any suggestions gratefully received.

One thing I do know is that it means no more nights under canvas so that must be a good thing!

Many thanks

Mark

[wilfandrowlf]

Brilliant, that's a great start.

Thank you.

Looks like I've got lots to learn.....
I will find out the exact model and post some more questions when I know.
Good tip about the legs though....

[wilfandrowlf]

Ok, so I've found out more details.
It's a Bailey Ranger 500/5 apparently.
I emailed the factory earlier this week and I got this reply.

The MRO is 1044kg this is the dry weight of the van as it leaves the factory.
The MTPLM is 1268kg this the maximum permitted weight .

I think my current car would be ok (ish) to pull it but will have to try it and see.

I'm genuinely looking forward to trying it out for the first time.

[wilfandrowlf]

R0G said:

If you passed car test after 1996 and have not taken a B+E test then you have one extrs law on top of all the usual towing laws

That extra law is that if towing a trailer over 750 kg plated MAM / MTPLM on a B only licence then the vehicle GVW added to the MTPLM / MAM must not total more than 3500 kg

3500 minus 1268 = 2232 so 2232 is the maximum your vehicle GVW can be on a B only licence

Good point, I passed my test in 1986 (eek, Ive been driving for 28 years!!) so I'm guessing none of that legislation applies?