Hints & tips

A guide to motorhomes and caravans

Thinking of purchasing your first Caravan or Motorhome? Take a look at this handy First-Time-Buyers Guide.

Whether you're planning the adventure of a lifetime or quiet weekends away in the countryside, we are sure we have a caravan or motorhome that will suit your needs. Here at Wandahome, we understand that buying your first leisure vehicle can be an exciting but daunting venture.

Take a look at this helpful guide produced by The Swift Group, which aims to point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing your first Caravan or Motorhome. There's also detailed information on there on how to store your new vehicle, which driving licence you'll need and a handy Jargon Buster.

Caravans -  https://www.swiftgroup.co.uk/buy/first-time-buyer/caravans/

Motorhomes - https://www.swiftgroup.co.uk/buy/first-time-buyer/motorhomes/

Mornings in bed, afternoons at the beach or evenings in a restaurant: thanks to the Truma iNet System, you can control your Truma appliances conveniently with the App at any time, no matter where you are.

The Truma iNet Box is the smart interface that allows you to control your Truma appliances with the App. The iNet Box is easy to install and can be retrofitted for all iNet-capable Truma air conditioning systems and Combi heaters.

Truma iNet System Step-by-Step Guide

1. The first step you should take is to download the Truma Application onto your phone. This can be done on iPhone or Android.
2. Once this has been done you need to be situated in your caravan and in view of your Truma iNet box which should be fitted in one of the top lockers.
3. On the Truma iNet box, press the Bluetooth button on the side and the blue light will start to flash. (You must have the app open at this point)- once the app states that you have connected then the blue flashing light will turn to a solid light.
4. The Bluetooth will connect to the box up to 10 meters away from your device.
5. If you would like to manage your heating from a further distance away, then you will need to purchase a SIM card.
6. You need to install the SIM into the side of the iNet box. However, to use the SIM card device on the iNet box, you MUST have connected up to the box previously via the Bluetooth.  This works as a safety device.
7. Once you have done this you need to go to ‘configure GSM’. Once you have clicked onto that it will ask for a GSM SIM code, your name and the phone number that has been provided with the Sim card you have purchased. You DO NOT need to enter the GSM SIM code, just Simply skip the step and move on to the name and number. (the number must be entered internationally, i.e. +44).
8. Once you have finished this, you can either connect up to the caravan using the Bluetooth and change the heating settings (if within 10 meters), or alter the settings from a distance using the SMS method.
9. IF using the SMS texting method, therefore not connected via Bluetooth, once you have altered the heating settings to as you require there is a text box which appears saying ‘Send SMS’. This SMS will send directly to the caravan, provided there is a leisure battery connected and will take action on the settings you have selected. Once this has taken place, you will receive a text informing you that the action is complete. You will be charged around 15p for the text message for every update that you send.
10. If you have purchased one of our 2018 Swift Corniche special edition caravans, then you will have the air conditioning unit fitted as standard inside the caravan. The process is exactly the same for changing the air conditioning settings, and you will be able to manage these in the same way as the heating from the ‘remote control’ section on the application.
11.  An additional section on the main screen on the app is the ‘status control’ section. On here you are able to view the levels of your leisure battery and additionally, if you have purchased a Gas level control device, you may check the levels of your gas in your bottle.

Congratulations on purchase of your new Swift caravan or motorhome. 

Swift Group are continually looking for ways to enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors. Swift Command is a real innovation designed to make your touring experience even more carefree.

Available across the entire caravan and motorhome ranges, this convenient technology makes it easy to manage, monitor and control your onboard systems leaving you free to enjoy your precious leisure time.

Before Handover:

• Log onto www.swiftcommand.co.uk
• click on 'register' in the top right hand corner
• select the 'customer registration' box
• complete the form and tick the 'accept terms and conditions' box

At Handover:

• Give the email address you used when registering the above account to the dealership.
• The dealership will link your van chassis number to your account registration
• Log back into you account to activate it.- This part of the process is crucial to complete the linking process

Please note: Sargent electrical provide technical support for Swift Command. Contact 01482 881655 or Support@swiftcommand.co.uk

As an owner of a Swift Group leisure vehicle you have access to great aftercare thanks to Connect Direct.

Connect Direct is a facility available to all Swift Retail customers. you can read about it here: https://www.swiftgroup.co.uk/owners/connect-direct 

All you have to do to sign up is click on the link in the email sent to you after you have collected your van. The features and benefits are as follows

Features:

• Online- Based System
• Personalised customer account tailored to the customer's product
• Direct contact with the manufacturers retail team.
• Email alerts from manufacturer. 

Benefits:

• 24/7 access to information
• No need to trawl through irrelevant information
• Bespoke service history reminders
• Facility to upload service history
• Ability to give feedback on the product, customers experiences etc via surveys
• Access to information from experienced customer service operatives via live chat facility until 10pm Mon-Thurs and 5pm Fri.
• Report minor faults directly to Swift, whilst keeping the dealer informed.
• Product upgrades and notifications.

Whether you have a caravan, a motorhome or perhaps a different kind of leisure vehicle, its always important to get the right insurance on your home from home. 

Caravan Guard

Caravan guard's friendly Yorkshire- based team of expert advisors complete a comprehensive training programme, making sure you always receive excellent customer service and importantly, a great deal on your insurance. Caravan Guard offer many discounts to reward careful owners. As a dealer customer, you can get all the discounts you deserve. Simply Quote 'Wandahome South Cave' when calling or select our dealer name from the list online to secure your offer. Visit http://www.caravanguard.co.uk or call 0800 148 8568

SafeGuard

SafeGuard provides a range of insurance products to suit the needs of caravanners and motorhomers throughout the UK. Their knowledge and expertise spans insurance for motorhomes, caravans, static caravans and park homes. At Safeguard they understand everything, from the detail of discounts available for security fixtures, to the variety of vacations you might want to take. Their years of experience will really help you when you are looking to insure your second home. Visit http://www.safeguarduk.co.uk or call 0800 588 4986