Hi, First time here and getting organised for the next phase.
New Starcraft poptop is due off the Jayco line on Friday, so looking forward to getting it home and organised for the first 'shake down' trip. Only somewhere reasonably close to get familiar and organise the little bits and pieces we will need.
We are not new to caravanning as have had 2 vans before, but was only able to get away when work duties permitted.
Now we have more time, but still seem to be busier than ever......
Dougwe said
01:01 PM Aug 30, 2016
Welcome to the gang Peter and JudyH, enjoy here and out in the playground.
It is certainly an exciting time waiting for the arrival of a new baby (Den). I wish you all the best with your shakedown trip and hope there is nothing too serious gone a stray during the building process.
Keep safe on the roads and out there.
Tony Bev said
06:17 PM Aug 30, 2016
Hello Peter and JudyH
As Dougwe has already said, welcome to the forum
I also hope that you have a good shakedown trip, with no problems
There is plenty of information on this forum, and some very friendly members, only too willing to help with whatever expertise they may have
Peter and JudyH said
07:04 PM Aug 30, 2016
Dougwe, thanks for the welcome,
I have seen some posts elsewhere regarding the quality of build of the Jayco product, but I feel wherever those issues have been looked at by a Jayco Dealer have far outweighed the negatives...........
Looking forward to it....................
Peter and JudyH said
07:08 PM Aug 30, 2016
Thanks Tony Bev,
Have been looking at the forum for a while as a guest and can only say the knowledge/experience displayed through a number of posts is quite enlightening.
I am sure if I have any questions, a post here will get some great advice.
Woody n Sue said
10:15 PM Aug 30, 2016
And it's welcome from us two 2 peter and JudyH n misty as well
You will find much info here
Woody
The Belmont Bear said
01:32 PM Aug 31, 2016
Welcome Peter and JudyH, I already replied to a post of yours in another section. Unlike you guys we have never owned a caravan as we have always flown to our destinations in either Oz or OS then hired a car, motorhome or stayed in hotels/motels. Now that I have recently retired we want to travel at a more relaxed pace see Australia and meet people who enjoy doing the same thing. Towing a caravan is going to be our biggest challenge so any advice that we get from the many seasoned campaigners on this site is really going to help us out.
Peter and JudyH said
03:49 PM Aug 31, 2016
Belmont,
I can only suggest that you take it easy for the first few trips to get used to the bulk and length. It wont take long.
I have been fortunate and have driven some heavy vehicles and machinery during my working life, but still take a great deal of care and concentration driving tow vehicle and caravan.
Maybe even consider enrolling for a driving course if you think you need it. I don't even know if they exist, but I'm sure some of the members here may be able to point you in the right direction. A small investment in that should put your mind at ease.
Thanks for the great advice Peter and JudyH, I have already been on the website and looked at the dates the courses are being held in Newcastle (Maitland Show Ground) around the delivery time of our van. I have had some experience in the past towing a 16' boat and also dragged a fully laden trailer from Dampier back here to the lake. I think that I should be ok towing on the highway under normal conditions but the areas I really want to brush up on are reversing, towing in adverse weather conditions and what to do if something does go wrong. I don't want to put either ourselves or anyone else out there on the road in danger through my inexperience.
Hi, First time here and getting organised for the next phase.
New Starcraft poptop is due off the Jayco line on Friday, so looking forward to getting it home and organised for the first 'shake down' trip. Only somewhere reasonably close to get familiar and organise the little bits and pieces we will need.
We are not new to caravanning as have had 2 vans before, but was only able to get away when work duties permitted.
Now we have more time, but still seem to be busier than ever......
It is certainly an exciting time waiting for the arrival of a new baby (Den). I wish you all the best with your shakedown trip and hope there is nothing too serious gone a stray during the building process.
Keep safe on the roads and out there.
As Dougwe has already said, welcome to the forum
I also hope that you have a good shakedown trip, with no problems
There is plenty of information on this forum, and some very friendly members, only too willing to help with whatever expertise they may have
Dougwe, thanks for the welcome,
I have seen some posts elsewhere regarding the quality of build of the Jayco product, but I feel wherever those issues have been looked at by a Jayco Dealer have far outweighed the negatives...........
Looking forward to it....................
Thanks Tony Bev,
Have been looking at the forum for a while as a guest and can only say the knowledge/experience displayed through a number of posts is quite enlightening.
I am sure if I have any questions, a post here will get some great advice.
You will find much info here
Woody
Belmont,
I can only suggest that you take it easy for the first few trips to get used to the bulk and length. It wont take long.
I have been fortunate and have driven some heavy vehicles and machinery during my working life, but still take a great deal of care and concentration driving tow vehicle and caravan.
Maybe even consider enrolling for a driving course if you think you need it. I don't even know if they exist, but I'm sure some of the members here may be able to point you in the right direction. A small investment in that should put your mind at ease.
As they say - "keep the shiny side up"
Belmont,
A quick Google turned up the following link:
http://www.tow-ed.com.au/venues/
and here's one that asks the question - Are they worth it?
http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/advice/2010/the-truth-about-towing-courses-22419
Hope it helps......