Hi, new owner, excited but scared

Hi there, I have just purchased a 1996 ford duetto auto sleeper automatic. I am a bit scared but also very excited. Not been anywhere yet as had a few little issues.
I have some problems due to rheumatoid arthritis but wanted to try doing something before it's too late! I know nothing about camper vans and their workings so hopefully no more problems and if I do I am hoping you kind people on here can point me in the right direction.
Laney lintel

Hi! I and Mr L have recently joined this forum and it took some days to read through all the previous posts etc, but we have found it to be very informative and helpful.  Are you on your own?

Welcome from N.E Wales   

Welcome from West Mids. Don't be scared, have fun and any queries there is a wealth of info. on here and really helpful people

Hi LaneyLintel, like you I am new to motorhoming and for no credible reason once I got one found it a scary experience. 

Main thing I have learned is not to be put off by anything negative that you read or to worry about problems that other people have. If it works on your van then all is fine.

If something is a problem with your van then someone on here will most probably be able to help you and will certainly try.

Good luck with your van and enjoy it. 

Norman

Hi and welcome to the forum from Bridlington 
Boaby

Hello and from Leicestershire, do not worry, I travel on my own, the first ten minutes, I had to drive 2oo miles home, hadn`t even test drove it, and it did seem huge to me,  I thought what am I doing, then I really enjoyed it and still do, best thing I have bought, just wish like many others I had  done so years ago.

Hi there and a big welcome to the forum   As soon as you get away, relax, meet like minded people on sites and members on this forum who will be more than helpful you will be fine  Enjoy.

Hi and welcome from the Cotswolds. I have a Duetto, lovely and easy to drive, you will soon be exploring and enjoying it all!
Jollywalker 

Welcome from Durham.

Hi and welcome to the forum from Leicestershire .

From a hot and sunny N Ireland

Hi and welcome.

Only natural to be a little scared at first, you'll soon get used to it.  
But hopefully the excitement will last.

Most folk on here and on sites don't bite so always feel free to ask for help, you'll probably find most of the things that you come across first time around will have already been experienced for the first time by others, so don't worry.

Common sense and taking time rather than rushing always helps, especially when pitching up and more so when preparing to leave.  A check list is helpful to ensure you remember things like unplugging the hook-up cable, turning off the gas, checking the steadies are up (if you have them and use them), checking all the cupboard latches are closed, etc.

You'll learn by experience but we all still make mistakes. A friend of ours recently forgot he was on levelling ramps until he drove forward off the sharp end; on our recent trip to France we thought the lorry driver behind us was flashing to complain we were holding him up - but when we found somewhere to pull over to let him past, we worked out the gesticulations he was making were to let us know we'd driven off with our hab door fastened open!

Embarrassing but not a disaster!

So just relax and enjoy.

cheers
Roger

Oh wow, I have only just noticed all your kind messages.  I am on my own lancky.  Have not been anywhere yet as a few problems to sort including leaking tap on fresh water tank waste.
Hdv.......what type of van do you have? I live in the West Midlands as well.
As soon as I get my problem fixed I will be off.  Looking forward to visiting archaeological sites as I studied archaeology and have not even seen Stonehenge!
Thank you for all your messages
Elaine

Welcome to the forum . I am sure you will soon be travelling without fear and even visiting Stonehenge- (  though my first sight of it left me a little disappointed:smile!:)

Yes Crisp, I can understand that.  You can't walk around the stones anymore and have to keep to a path.  I will call into Avebury when down there as went on a field trip there and it was lovely.

Hello & welcome from S/Yorks. 

Re Stonehenge:

I slept on the big-centre stone in the 60s, with my motorbike resting against it.

Ha ha model man, I bet you'd get arrested for that now a days!