Caravan Owners....Advice Please

12sapphire

We are looking to buy our first ever (used) caravan but not sure what we need to be looking out for and what questions we need to be asking when we go 'shopping.' It will either be a pop-up/folding/normal touring caravan. I've been looking online and most of them are about 12-15 years old (some not quite so old but out of our budget.) I'm thinking 'car' - I wouldn't buy a second-hand car that old. We have a budget of about £6000-£8000.

I've had some great advice on towing and so I'm sure someone out there can help me with this. Many thanks.

Sunny_Side_Up

Hi, we started caravanning when the kids were small 20 odd years ago and love it.

Not sure where you are or where you've looked online but a quick check on caravanfinder.co.uk shows you should be able to get something from around 2006 within your budget from a dealer. Private sales will obviously be cheaper.

We bought our latest from a dealer for the 1st time recently and found them very helpful, kimberleycaravans.co.uk. They are local to us which was a big advantage when we've had queries as we can just pop in.

I would recommend checking both the caravan club and the caravan and camping club websites for advice. Look at as many 'vans as possible to decide which layout suits you best. The caravanfinder site is good for this as they are all pictured.

The biggest problem with 'vans is damp - trust your nose on first impression when you go inside. Also check in cupboards/wardrobes for tell tale 'bubbling' up near the ceiling edges. Also if the floor feels 'spongey' when you walk on it.

When you have got your 'van the ukcampsite.co.uk website is good for site reviews (thinking about it there are also forums on there where you could post your questions).

Have lots of fun and enjoy - remember there are caravan sites to suit all, whether it's a field and a water tap right up to the all singing all dancing with clubs, swimming pools and restaurants.

chergar

We have a touring van and it is an older one, perhaps about 20 yrs old.

Comparing to a car isn't really the same as ordinarlily a car will be used almost every day, a caravan will only be used for a portion of that.

My advice for choosing the right one would be go to as many dealers, private buyers as you can and get a feel for what layout you like. Think practically, do you have children? Is there space for all of you, clothes etc and sitting playing games on rainy days. When the children go to bed is there room for you to sit and watch tv, read or whatever.

Do you need a shower in the 'van or will you use the on site facilities? If using the shower in the 'van is the cubicle big enough and how practical is it, will the loo get wet each time it is used?

Think about where you will keep the 'van when not in use, do you have space at your house or will you be putting it into storage? Will you have 'van stuff that you leave in all year round rather than bring form home each time, with a folding van it could be harder to do this, also there is the set up time, with a 'proper' van you can park and be inside in a matter of seconds (thinking of a heavy shower).

There will be loads of questions and things to consider the sites already given are a wealth of information and another I have used is http://www.touringandtenting.com/ they have loads of info and a forum you can join to ask questions as well.

Ich_2

Some good advice and forum here

http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/

12sapphire

chergar wrote: »

We have a touring van and it is an older one, perhaps about 20 yrs old.

Comparing to a car isn't really the same as ordinarlily a car will be used almost every day, a caravan will only be used for a portion of that.

My advice for choosing the right one would be go to as many dealers, private buyers as you can and get a feel for what layout you like. Think practically, do you have children? Is there space for all of you, clothes etc and sitting playing games on rainy days. When the children go to bed is there room for you to sit and watch tv, read or whatever.

Do you need a shower in the 'van or will you use the on site facilities? If using the shower in the 'van is the cubicle big enough and how practical is it, will the loo get wet each time it is used?

Think about where you will keep the 'van when not in use, do you have space at your house or will you be putting it into storage? Will you have 'van stuff that you leave in all year round rather than bring form home each time, with a folding van it could be harder to do this, also there is the set up time, with a 'proper' van you can park and be inside in a matter of seconds (thinking of a heavy shower).

There will be loads of questions and things to consider the sites already given are a wealth of information and another I have used is http://www.touringandtenting.com/ they have loads of info and a forum you can join to ask questions as well.

There's only the two of us. Not particulary bothered about having a shower - would be nice but not a priority as we could use site facilities and we have a portable loo and tent (for night time emergencies ). We've already sourced a secure, hard standing storage site if we go for a normal caravan, so I guess all we need to do now is go shopping after I've checked out the above website of course and booked my towing lesson :eek:

12sapphire

Ich wrote: »

Some good advice and forum here

http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/

Thanks Ich, will check this one out too.

keigcf

www.ukcampsite.co.uk

There are lots of helpful people, who could offer advice or answer any questions