Decent Caravan for approx £2000?

Anoneemoose

Hi everyone!

Not sure if this is in the right place but feel free to move if somewhere more suitable.

As the title says, I would like a 4 berth caravan and am aiming to save approximately £2000 over the next year for one. Is it possible to get a decent one for this price or am I being unrealistic? I realise it wouldn't be a new model or anything close but obviously wouldn't want totally ancient.

Also, what kind of things would I need to look out for when considering my purchase?

Any hints and tips greatly appreciated!!

Thank you.

vaio

damp is the killer

Anoneemoose

vaio wrote: »

damp is the killer

I'd heard this! How can a novice like me ensure there isn't any??

marlot

Either pay a professional to test it for you, or buy a damp meter and google where to test.

There are some lovely older caravans out there, but many will be damp. The manufacturers make lots of holes in the aluminium skins to attach the aluminium to the wooden frame, and it only needs a small amount of sealant to go and the water gets in.

The awning rails will need to be taken off and resealed about every 7 years or so. Many don't get done!

Rolandtheroadie

Use your nose. And a damp metre. Poke about all the hidden areas using a torch (under seats etc) and have a good press at the walls. Walls that have/or have had problems, will proabably have more give than ones that have not.


Finally, do you really need one? I've had one in the past, but never really got to use it as much as I had thought I would. Paid £1000 for an older but fully kitted one.


Just back from a 6 berth static @ £250. A touring pitch would have been £190. £60 difference. Additional fuel, purchase cost of van, less room, need to put up awning (or have a LOT less room), empty chemical toilet or go to the site ones. Somewhere to keep it, servicing, gas etc.

Anoneemoose

Thanks for the replies. When you put it that way Scotsman4th, it probs wouldn't be as good as I thought!

I did have ideas about slipping off for weekends with the kids but it is probably more effort than I imagined. My friend bought a 4 berth for £600 and although not the best, is in good shape! And she has a husband, 4 kids and a dog to take!! They have an awning but really only use that in the summer.

Maybe my little dream was too far out!

Rolandtheroadie

Don't discount it just yet, look at the big picture and see what's best for your situation.

I never found the camping and caravanning sites too cheap but occasionally got good deals through Haven (£23 for a week at Haggartson once, others had got it for £7, but the grounds were soaking).


I could park it in my drive, but it was just a pain as it cut off the rear of the house. If it wasn't for great neighbours allowing me to wheel motorbikes and wheelie bins down their drive, (no fence) it would have been impossible.


Just in case, did you pass your test before 1997 or have passed an additional test to tow?

Anoneemoose

scotsman4th wrote: »

Don't discount it just yet, look at the big picture and see what's best for your situation.

I never found the camping and caravanning sites too cheap but occasionally got good deals through Haven (£23 for a week at Haggartson once, others had got it for £7, but the grounds were soaking).


I could park it in my drive, but it was just a pain as it cut off the rear of the house. If it wasn't for great neighbours allowing me to wheel motorbikes and wheelie bins down their drive, (no fence) it would have been impossible.


Just in case, did you pass your test before 1997 or have passed an additional test to tow?

No, it would be my hubby who would be driving and had heard that he would need to sit a test although admittedly haven't checked that out yet.

For the last few years, we have been renting a cottage in the peak district however that is £560 for the week which is actually really good. The cottage is amazing.

I am not greatly keen on holidaying in the sun because I am not good in the heat so the UK hols we have had have been fab with lots to do with the kids.

I thought if we used the money we saved plus what we would spend on the cottage, we would be able to get the van and still go somewhere nice. I hadn't thought of all of the additional costs. Storage is £15 per month at the site my friend uses but would look around in case.

In fairness, we bought a whole lot of camping equipment years ago inc tent and everything imaginable. That is currently stored in my mum's garage in the bargain of a trailer we got! Alas it has all been untouched since I was pregnant 5 yrs ago!!! :eek:

paigesaunt

Ah caravanning with kids is great, so lovely sitting watching the little ones run and play with the other camp site kiddies, eating outside, playing cards, and the lovely restful sleep all cosy and warm, Cant beat it.

£2,000 should get you a fairly decent caravan, best time to start looking is at the end of the season, around about October time.
Damp has been mentioned, a squishy floor, definite no go! Usual places for leaks is around front windows in the corners.

Some don't have ovens, but you will need one, so that's a must IMO.

Have fun!

Nebulous2

I think it depends on what you are used to. If you have never really caravanned / camped then people often don't take to it.

We've done the lot; several tents, caravan, folding camper, campervan. We would probably rather be in a tent than a hotel. we've taken a tent to France several times.

Yet there is so much about it that puts some people off; the campsite toilets, the limited space, the rain, the insects.

When we had our caravan we were managing about 60 nights a year. That's two months out of the year we were not spending in our own house.

I think its possible to get a caravan for £2000 but it is a bit hit or miss. You definitely need to get one that is well looked after. This is not a good time to look either as prices are highest before the summer and lowest in late autumn.

Anoneemoose

Thanks for the additional replies!

Mr Anon gets his bonus in sept so we could look then onwards. I enjoyed camping however my little girl was only 1 and it was a tiny bit stressful. She is now 7 and my youngest, 4. I do have the lovely image of what was mentioned. Cards, bbq's, board games and cosying up.

I admit I have a terrible phobia of worms (don't ask) and the tent was a nightmare because of all of the wildlife stuck to the groundsheet!

I was hoping that wouldn't be as much of an issue in a van. Not too bothered about the chemical loos/site facilities. We had some decent ones when we camped. Am sure there will be other places with similar.