new member

Welcome to the forum Michael.

Here are my tips...
  1. The handover can be a blur of information overload, so I'd recommend you to capture a video on your mobile of the whole process. If you're unsure about anything, ask - and ensure you capture your questions and the answers in your footage.

  2. Have someone accompany you during the handover to act as a 2nd brain/pair of eyes - particularly useful if they're less passionate about the camper than you, as they'll be less inclined to get caught up in the moment.

  3. Hopefully your convertor will provide comprehensive conversion documentation, but, before you leave their premises, ensure you understand the systems they've installed - especially the leisure power system. What kit have they used (brand, model)? Where is the kit physically located? Have they/can they provided a schematic? Where are the consumable items (e.g. water filter) located? Where are the items you may need to access for maintenance (fuses, isolation switches, etc.)?

  4. Before your first outing, ensure you're familiar with your conversion and the van. Read the van's Owners' Manual, read the conversion documentation and try "camping" in your driveway (or at least somewhere very local and familiar to you).

  5. Whilst campers are a friendly bunch and will usually offer assistance if they see someone struggling, no-one relishes being the campsite entertainment whilst setting-/packing-up, so practice erecting and packing away the pop-top/awning/canopy at home before venturing out.

  6. Resist the temptation to buy ever piece of equipment up-front. Think about a typical day's camping and buy the bare essentials to cover that scenario. As you become more acquainted with your needs (and work your way through the many informative threads on here), then you can make informed purchase decisions.

  7. Start with short, local trips and build up the duration and distance of your camping trips. This way, if you have an issue with the van/conversion or if you forgot/haven't yet acquired an item, it becomes less of a hassle to pop back home or abandon the trip.

  8. There's an informal campervan rule that says everything you pack should have at least 2 uses - a nod to the fact that, even in LWB guise, space is very limited in a Transporter.

  9. This forum is an invaluable resource of knowledge and really helpful folk - if you have an issue, reach out and someone should be able to offer assistance/guidance.

  10. Above all, ENJOY - it's bloody brilliant!!
 
I can totally relate - also took us nearly 30 years, from renting a small motorhome, to at last owning our own camper; but hey, you can't rush these kinds of decisions!
My top tip:
What BAV said :waving:

(wish I'd landed here before buying, but thankfully found it pretty soon after, and it's been invaluable)
 
Bav said:
Welcome to the forum Michael.

Here are my tips...
  1. The handover can be a blur of information overload, so I'd recommend you to capture a video on your mobile of the whole process. If you're unsure about anything, ask - and ensure you capture your questions and the answers in your footage.

  2. Have someone accompany you during the handover to act as a 2nd brain/pair of eyes - particularly useful if they're less passionate about the camper than you, as they'll be less inclined to get caught up in the moment.

  3. Hopefully your convertor will provide comprehensive conversion documentation, but, before you leave their premises, ensure you understand the systems they've installed - especially the leisure power system. What kit have they used (brand, model)? Where is the kit physically located? Have they/can they provided a schematic? Where are the consumable items (e.g. water filter) located? Where are the items you may need to access for maintenance (fuses, isolation switches, etc.)?

  4. Before your first outing, ensure you're familiar with your conversion and the van. Read the van's Owners' Manual, read the conversion documentation and try "camping" in your driveway (or at least somewhere very local and familiar to you).

  5. Whilst campers are a friendly bunch and will usually offer assistance if they see someone struggling, no-one relishes being the campsite entertainment whilst setting-/packing-up, so practice erecting and packing away the pop-top/awning/canopy at home before venturing out.

  6. Resist the temptation to buy ever piece of equipment up-front. Think about a typical day's camping and buy the bare essentials to cover that scenario. As you become more acquainted with your needs (and work your way through the many informative threads on here), then you can make informed purchase decisions.

  7. Start with short, local trips and build up the duration and distance of your camping trips. This way, if you have an issue with the van/conversion or if you forgot/haven't yet acquired an item, it becomes less of a hassle to pop back home or abandon the trip.

  8. There's an informal campervan rule that says everything you pack should have at least 2 uses - a nod to the fact that, even in LWB guise, space is very limited in a Transporter.

  9. This forum is an invaluable resource of knowledge and really helpful folk - if you have an issue, reach out and someone should be able to offer assistance/guidance.

  10. Above all, ENJOY - it's bloody brilliant!!
Click to expand...
Sound advice and thank you Bav
 
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Reactions: Bav
Welcome Michael , when do you get it ?
I'm sure you'll love it , had ours 10 years now still love it ...and probably still learning what we need :rolleyes:.
 
Saturday! :grin bounce:........not long noooow!!
Although it's probably gonna feel like the longest few days ever 😩
Is this gonna be your daily run around? Replacing what ?
 
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