Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: How to make caravan choice

Julie Meikle

25/2/2009 at 6:49pm
Location: North Norfolk
Outfit: TNFVE-25 Bear Lake 6 etc

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/5/2003

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 155

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

<SCRIPT type=text/javascript>_popupControl(); Hi

I am a tent camper, but am now considering a caravan....3 dogs now and getting all the kit packed puts me off going away.

Please is there a website or info to help make a choice about what type/plan/etc van to look for.....2nd hand and fairly cheap. What should I consider? What are the advantages of each layout?

Any advice really welcome

Thanks so much

-------------

Thwack

25/2/2009 at 7:31pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Bailey Pageant

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/10/2008

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 242

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Hi Julie

I think you've got to have a good look around Caravan dealers to see what kind of layout suits your individual needs.

For example Big Dogs? Small dogs? Will they live in the caravan with you or in the car? You don't mention a partner or children. The questions are endless.

You need to decide what weight you'll be comfortable towing too. This depends on the kerbweight of your proposed tow car and might restrict your choice of layout/caravan.

Also, where will you keep it. Most of us that keep caravans at home are restricted as to how big they can be.

Thwack

lyn hathaway

25/2/2009 at 8:51pm
Location: barnsley south yorks
Outfit: 2012 coachman amara 550 5 ford kuga

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 21/3/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1043

Site Reviews Total:	9

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

totally agree with thwack our caravan dealer checked on wether our car would tow the caravan wed picked .we got a bailey and they are pretty roomy for me, my oh, a red setter and boxer.

Fat Belly

25/2/2009 at 11:08pm
Location: West Berkshire
Outfit: Bailey Olympus 534

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/10/2003

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1138

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

You need to be fully up to speed on all the weights that are applicable to your car i.e. max tow weight, max train weight [car, caravan, passengers, luggage etc], max load on the tow ball (exceeding any of these will render your insurance null & void). In your favour; as you are looking for an older / cheaper van is that they tend to be much lighter.

Some of the dealers we went to were not strictly honest when telling us "of course you can tow that van"

JJEE

26/2/2009 at 10:56am
Location: South Lincs
Outfit: Coachman laser 6 berth

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/7/2008

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 80

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Try caravanfinder website...not sure if .com or .co.uk.

We used it and got a second hand bargain.Shows layouts and videos of different caravans.Then you could short list the ones you like to look at 'in the flesh'.

johnjory

26/2/2009 at 7:57pm
Location: Lowestoft Suffolk
Outfit: Skoda Superb DSG + Elddis Affinity 550

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/10/2003

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1604

Site Reviews Total:	124

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	2
Site Reviews 2019:	6
Site Reviews 2018:	4

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	9
Site Nights 2019:	23
Site Nights 2018:	4

With regard to layout. Personally, I find an end kitchen by far the best arrangement.

Otherwise, again a personal choice, other than ehu/gas hob/fridge and water pump, I like to keep my van as simple as possible.

Without any kids to consider, I do not feel the need for masses of space/on board hot water/blown air heating and toilet/washroom. (We have a toilet tent and thetford chemical toilet for the, relatively few occasions that our chosen site requires own sanitation.) This keeps the weight of the van down; minimises the setting up/management of the van and extends the choice of second hand vans available in the lower end of the price range.

Having been a camper, I like to retain some of the sense of adventure present in camping, but now we can always be dry and warm!

Hope this helps.

johnjory

26/2/2009 at 8:08pm
Location: Lowestoft Suffolk
Outfit: Skoda Superb DSG + Elddis Affinity 550

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/10/2003

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1604

Site Reviews Total:	124

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	2
Site Reviews 2019:	6
Site Reviews 2018:	4

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	9
Site Nights 2019:	23
Site Nights 2018:	4

Julie, just noticed that you live in North Norfolk. Go and have a look at Gobur caravans in Melton Constable. Apart from being bl**dy expensive, they are actually very good indeed. You will notice that this is what we have. See my Personal Gallery.

Also have alook at this ebay item.

Because they are relatively expensive, they tend not to attract top dollar on Ebay. If you can pick one up for around the reserve price, this is usually very close to the price Gobur will give you for it (MINUS AWNING AND ALL THE ACCESSORIES).

They are also quite rare and are genuinely sought after, so you are unlikely to loose money in the unlikely event you do not like it. Additionally you are in a position to get repairs done very conveniently by the factory which made it.

Post last edited on 26/02/2009 20:23:21

Post last edited on 26/02/2009 20:25:28

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

5803 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024