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Subject Topic: What should we look out for? Post Reply Post New Topic
via mobile 27/7/2021 at 8:09pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman Highlander (Amara)
View feeblecat's Profile View Profile   Reply to feeblecat Reply   Quote feeblecat Quote  
Joined: 04/4/2005

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Never thought I'd say this, but we are starting to think about buying a static (due to ongoing health issues). We've found a site we like in an area we like and, to be honest, want the space and plumbed in facilities of our own holiday home - we're getting past cleaning out cassette toilets and lugging barrels of water in a tourer. We sort of want to settle now in our forever holiday home. I already know about the differences re the flexibility of selling a tourer versus the restrictions of selling a static so don't need advice on that. And we are aware of the hidden costs.

But what should we be looking for in a static ? For example a biggie with a tourer is damp. Is it the same with a static? What about construction or layouts to avoid? Things we might not think of?

Other tips will be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance.

Post last edited on 27/07/2021 20:18:42


28/7/2021 at 8:02am
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View MisterB1959's Profile View Profile   Reply to MisterB1959 Reply   Quote MisterB1959 Quote  
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we have found its all about layout, then layout and finally layout. they all have bedrooms, kitchens and lounges. all have hot water (though some have central heating)

we prefer a van with proper internal doors, not just 18mm melamine ones. double glazing is useful as is just having one single entry door (no need for two doors a few feet away from each other)

depending on location of site and intended length of stay/time of year, the more insulation in the walls and underneath the better.


via mobile 30/7/2021 at 8:25am
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman Highlander (Amara)
View feeblecat's Profile View Profile   Reply to feeblecat Reply   Quote feeblecat Quote  
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Thanks. I've been trying to get an idea of best manufacturers (I.e best make of van to buy) but the info isn't very forthcoming.


30/7/2021 at 9:02pm
 Location: chesterfield
 Outfit: Mazda CX 5 Auto Amara 520 4
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We had a pemberton verona 38x12, 2 bedroom and the quality was very good, ie double glazing, c/heating , internal doors,the layout was what we wanted, fixed bench seating with a very large corner sofa which stretched around the large front window and down the side,not free standing furniture as seems to be the style nowadays. remote electric fire and large fridge freezer. 4seater dining table with 4 chairs(not stools). Many current static have french doors at the frontwhich means you cannot have the layout on the Pemberton we had.


31/7/2021 at 10:05am
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View MisterB1959's Profile View Profile   Reply to MisterB1959 Reply   Quote MisterB1959 Quote  
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im not sure there is a 'best' manufacturer - all sites that sell new vans will have their own preference, usually determined by PRICE they can buy at.

The two we've owned (and shipped out to France) were a 2001 cosalt rimini - which was and still is in fantastic condition and a 2014 ABI Tebay Platinum which has everything we need and more besides and is a quality build

as you're already aware of the pitfalls of buying a static in the UK, try to visit a few sites and stay for a night or two and while you're there speak to as many owners as you can, we all like to chat about how good or bad our van is in terms of design, tweaks, changes that we've made etc.

its a massive financial investment with very little capital return, so don't be in a rush, take your time and view as many sites and vans as you can !

i agree with the previous comment re french windows/patio doors on the front. they prob work well when overlooking a great view, but impact massively on the layout. i don't think you can beat wrap around lounge with dining area (bench seats and stools) in one corner, open kitchen (not a galley kitchen) and enough bedrooms to save you making up temp beds ever night. ours also has small ensuite to the master but its a very tight squeeze and im not sure its a practical solution, but the boss likes it - so thats all that matters .......

Post last edited on 31/07/2021 10:10:27


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via mobile 31/7/2021 at 7:00pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman Highlander (Amara)
View feeblecat's Profile View Profile   Reply to feeblecat Reply   Quote feeblecat Quote  
Joined: 04/4/2005

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Thanks for all your good advice. I had been thinking patio/French doors to front was a key requirement. Will think of the layout consideration now too.


08/8/2021 at 2:20pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: 5m Bell Tent & Olpro Pop Tent.
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Having owned and sold 4 statics.I will give my suggestions on things I would go for in just pure caravan terms as I assume you will have checked the site and all its tenure times and age restrictions on your van. If money allows 1st thing is get one with double glazing and central heating. have proper doors inside, not the ones that click when you open them,you may not think it will annoy you but it does. On our 3rd van we had the luxury of free standing furniture which we much prefered, so we could change our settee etc when it suited us. The fixed seating is ok but you are stuck with it. Check what ampage your site runs into your van, this will help when choosing electrical appliances you can run in the caravan.As for makes of van, all the well known vans are much the same as far as I have seen, 3 of ours were Willerby & one was Cosalt. Check underneath the van to see if it has been insulated as this gives a good indicator on how well the rest of the van has been insulated too. A pitched roof is also far better and looks classier too. There are so many things you find out once you are in that you wish you had thought about but being able to change and adapt it to your style later on is the key. So check curtains and if it has those pelmet things above them and can you change them to suit your changing taste. Happy to give more advice if wanted. Good luck with it. We loved every minute of having one, even if it did cost a fortune. Think of it as owning a car, you will never get your money back, well not in this country anyway.


via mobile 08/8/2021 at 2:38pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Coachman Highlander (Amara)
View feeblecat's Profile View Profile   Reply to feeblecat Reply   Quote feeblecat Quote  
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Thanks Geoff. All very helpful. Especially about fixings.



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