We had a list of a few more things that we wanted so that she would be fully equipped for all eventualities. We were particularly hoping to be able to get a good price deal on a satellite navigation system and a Vango drive away tent.
We had been to a few places and looked at the drive away tents and decided that the Vango Airbeam was the one we were after. In the event we were able to get an excellent deal on it saving ourselves around a hundred pounds. Over the course of the day we also got great deals on a Snooper Sat Nav especially for motorhomes so it has a comprehensive database of camp sites etc.
We also purchased a MIFI unit to enable us to get Internet wherever we are (In theory)! Several other bits and bobs were purchased such as a travel mug for Simon so he can have tea whilst driving.
We came home tired but happy with our purchases.
The following day we were keen to try out the awning but it was a case of finding somewhere suitable to do it.
In the end we chose a campsite from the camping and caravanning club book and gave them a ring to see if we could just go for the afternoon to test our tent. They were more than happy to agree.
The site was Sissons Farm at Peakirk near Peterborough. A round trip of just 36 miles. We arrived about 3pm and stayed all afternoon. It was warm and sunny so very pleasant. I entertained myself testing out the new MIFI thingumy to use the Internet and indulged myself in a glass of the red stuff. I was also entertained by Simon getting to grips with the tent!
The tent is a drive away Vango Airbeam which attaches to the side of our van via a strip that threads into a channel on the van awning and then threads through a gusset thing on the tent, if that makes sense? I think the strip things are called figures of 8. Of course they come in different sizes and we had been sold a 6mm x 4mm and we actually need a 6mm x 6mm. This meant that we couldn't actually attach it to Tallulah!
In theory the tent should be very fast to erect as it works on a system of air beams that are blown up with a pump and once up it is then pegged down for extra security although that is not necessary. In practise it took a fair bit longer than the quoted 10 minutes but to be fair to Simon it was the first time and it took a while to realise that we had the wrong figure of eights.
Here are some photos of the process.
Unpacking. The van awning is half out in readiness.
The puzzle of those pesky wrong size strips.
Laying it out ready for pumping.
It's a fun game!
Getting there,
More high jinks behind the fly screen.
Done except for the fact it isn't attached to the van!
It was a shame not to be able to see it fully attached to Tallulah but it couldn't be helped. We just need to change the fixing kit thing for the correct size. (3 months on we have yet to do that)! All in all we were very pleased with it and it will be easier to erect with experience.
We wanted the tent so that we would have somewhere to sit outside but under cover so that we would not have to be confined to Tallulah in the event of rain. Also we need a space where we can wash and dry a muddy dog before it goes back in Tallulah. We don't want her covered in paw prints. Although we are never going to be able to take Loulou with us we do plan to have other dogs in the future and part of the dream is to have them along with us.
We didn't want a separate tent so when we heard about these drive away ones we knew it was what we needed. You simply detach the fixing kit and zip up the back and off you go leaving your tent behind. When you return you simply line the van up with the tent reattach the fixings and voila an en suite tent again!
Expect to see many photos of it in the future.
Sissons Farm is a very small and quiet site, basically consisting of a field with a washroom block and a few electric hook ups. It takes 5 caravans and 10 tents. There was no one else there when we visited. It is a good spot if you like peace.
Check it out here: Sissons Farm.
Jilly
Oh, I wish I could have been there with you! I could have told you some of our stories about our motorhome. No tent attached, but there was the time (early on!) when I forgot to raise the steps before driving off. There was a lot to remember about hooking / unhooking, preparing to stay then preparing to leave. In between was lots and lots of fun. You'll love Tallulah and where she'll take you.
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