pepsicola Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 Hi we are new to caravanning, but we did a little some 30 odd years ago !!!. We are now looking to buy a new van from the Senator range, possibly a Louisianna. We like the fixed bed idea and the toilet/shower available for our grand daughter, the other possibility is a Bessacarr Cameo. We are in the fortunate position of not having bought a tow car yet, but we have been looking at the Sorento 2.5 CRDI. We don't know what to do about a manual or automatic gearbox, all the books and magazines don't seem to give an opinion. Living in the far North of Scotland we are also looking at leaving our van in storage down in England ( say Lancashire ) and then just picking it up and dropping it off after touring England or France for the summer. Anyone else doing this??.I think the saving on diesel would nearly pay for the storage. The Sorento would really just be for towing, and then returning home, as we already have a Polo which we would use for our general runabout. Any thoughts on the above would be very useful. thanks Val & Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 With the usage you invigage for tow car (and caravan) have you considered buying a campervan instead? Then you could have a base vehicle that has electronic autobox so no worries as to wheither its up to job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 I think your 'storage' question would get better exposure on the Caravan Chat part of this website. As far as manual-v-automatic is concerned, you might want to check with a Kia dealer whether a Sorento with auto-box would be OK for towing a large caravan just in case there is a transmission cooling issue. Otherwise it's really a question of whether you think the extra initial cost for auto and the (probably) higher fuel consumption are outweighed by the greater ease of driving. It's not as if you are planning to take the Sorento off-road where manual transmission might be technically advantageous. There are some Sorento reviews on www.reviewcentre.com/reviews8361.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingpete Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 I use a storage facility called "Norsted Manor" which is (don't laugh ) at Pratt's Bottom, near Bromley Kent. Highest security rating for such stores, most 'vans under cover, but open air siting available at less expense. Covered with CCTV and floodlights. Wash down bay for most sizes vans. Off main road, on private access road, former farm buildings, all clean and well maintained. Has a CCL field to practice/prepare. Owner very helpful. Only 2 hrs to Dover ! Could prove an answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepsicola Posted May 17, 2006 Author Share Posted May 17, 2006 Thanks for your input to my questions it is very much appreciated thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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