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Subject Topic: Living in a caravan full time Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonAnna19
06/6/2016 at 10:37pm
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Hi there,

My name is Anna and I'm a new member here <wave>

I am planning on living in a caravan full time and would love some advice from more experienced people as to the practicalities.

I spent ten years in Tasmania to find when I got back to the UK that no-one would rent to me. I'm self-employed, with an online business, and have no UK based references.

I can't get a mortgage either as I haven't been self-employed for long enough.

I've spent the last 12 months living in holiday lets, trying to find a place to rent, and moving every month. It is expensive, plus it is beginning to tire me out packing everything up and moving every month. I am thinking it might be best to buy a caravan and live in it 10 months of the year (and spend Jan & Feb overseas in Spain.) Save up more money for a deposit and buy a house in a few years.

I have a bit of money put aside and could afford a new caravan and would need to trade in my Mazda 3 for something that can tow a heavy caravan I guess.

Any tips for full time caravan living?

I understand you can get seasonal pitches which makes it cheaper. I would like to split my time between sites in Central Scotland (Perth & Stirling)

I would need a good enough internet connection to reply to emails.

I also really love peace and quiet. Not sure if caravan sites would be too noisy for me (lots of kids?), as I would also be working from my caravan some of the time.

To be honest, I'm not too excited by the prospect of full time caravanning but I'm sure I would get used to it. I can't see any way forward other than moving from one holiday let to another.

Thank you.

Post last edited on 06/06/2016 22:41:03


PersonAnna19
06/6/2016 at 10:40pm
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Also, any advice on what type of caravan to get would be really helpful.

I'm currently looking at Fendt ones, twin axle, 2 berth. I guess I would need something that is insulated well.


PersonAVON EAGLE
07/6/2016 at 6:01am
 Location: Blackpool
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Hi Anna - no need to buy a new caravan - there are lots of good second hand dealers out there. Find a reputable dealer though.

If you are going to live full time - size really matters. Get a good warranty and have the van serviced every year. If you are winter caravanning you will need to use propane - not butane.


PersonOpensauce
07/6/2016 at 7:43am
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First thing you will need is a permanent UK address to 'live' from. This can be a friend or relative. Without that you will not be able to insure your car or have a bank account. Anybody living full time in a caravan has to do that, the usual way is to 'pretend' you are living at the address of friend/relative.


PersonUsher4566
07/6/2016 at 8:15am
 Location: Suffolk
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Could u not pay the rent in advance on a property ?


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PersonAndyDW
07/6/2016 at 9:50am
 Location: Lincs
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Hi Anna

My son had the same problem when he came back from NZ. He was earning 60k pa,   and couldn't even get finance for a car. It had to be done through me.

Anyway, as an alternative to a van, have you considered a houseboat?

...........
Andy

Post last edited on 07/06/2016 10:04:31


PersonAnna19
07/6/2016 at 4:16pm
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Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply.

Opensauce - My ex sister-in-law offered me the use of her address for post. I already have a UK bank account that is linked to that address. So got that covered.

Usher - I have applied for many rental properties over the last year, offering to pay 6+ months rent in advance and been turned down for every one. It is frustrating.

I have some great Tasmania based references, but the Australia/UK time zone difference makes it difficult to check them and I think because of the housing crisis, there are always going to be other applicants whose references are easier to check. I didn't have this much trouble renting in Tasmania. It was so easy over there. Here, you have to provide so many documents, like bank statements, letter from accountant, etc it's almost like applying for a mortgage.

Andy - I couldn't get finance for my car either. Had to buy it with cash. I don't like being on boats (don't like the water much!) Also, I would be going down to Devon to visit my nieces so think a caravan would be easier to take down there.


PersonAnna19
07/6/2016 at 4:17pm
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Avon eagle - if I get a large caravan, would that mean I would need to get a different type of driving licence and take a test? I agree I don't want to be living in a small caravan, as I may be in it for 2+ years. Thanks.


PersonUsher4566
07/6/2016 at 4:59pm
 Location: Suffolk
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I feel for u not easy to find a place ;((


PersonOpensauce
07/6/2016 at 6:11pm
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Are driving on a UK driving licence & did you pass you test recently or after 1997? If so you will have only B licence which allows you to tow a car & caravan with combined maximum allowed weights(not actual weights)of under 3.5tonnes.

If you want a large caravan, say 1500kg & car big enough to tow that you will need a B+E licence if combination goes over 3.5tonnes combined. However with careful choice of car/caravan you should be able to get one big enough to live in keeping under 3.5tonnes.


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PersonAnna19
07/6/2016 at 9:50pm
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Yes passed my test after 1997. Good to know. Thanks Opensauce.


Personiank01
08/6/2016 at 8:43am
 Location: Worcestershire
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We lived permanently in our caravan for 2 1/2 years. The hardest part is insuring caravan and car as you have to state where either is kept overnight.
In Scotland your biggets problem is feezing water in the winter and finding a site that is open all winter. Your waste water will also freeze if left too long so maybe a caravan with an onboard tank would be better.
If using gas to heat the caravan a 6kg bottle will empty within 5 days so maybe better to have a 45kg bottle to use. We kept ours in the awning with the hose connected to the gas regulator in the caravan.
Very few sites will let you stay permanently on a seasonal site as they normally shut down for two months of the year due to council regulations.


PersonSkoda Bob
08/6/2016 at 9:36am
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There is a site in Galashiels in the Scottish borders, you can rent a full size van all year
http://www.parkhome-living.co.uk/park-homes-for-sale-and-rent/view/26568-kilnknowe-park


Personblueexpo97
08/6/2016 at 10:32am
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Still not got it yet Boab.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


PersonSkoda Bob
08/6/2016 at 10:59am
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Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 08/6/2016
Still not got it yet Boab.


Considering this is about the only site that doesn't convert the links automatically, no


PersonCyberCynth
12/6/2016 at 12:18pm
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Anna, have you thought about a campervan or a motorhome instead? If you are planning to stay in Scotland most of the time it is much easier to 'wildcamp' there, and not have to pay any site fees!   You just have to take care to leave the space where you've stopped, clean and tidy. There's a forum called 'Smallmotorhomeandfriends.co.uk I know there are some folk who wild-camp in their vans who might be able to pass on some advice.

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Life without dogs? I don't think so!



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