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I'm not sure it's the make/model which will determing reliability but getting the caravan checked over first.  If you buy from a reputable dealer who has some second hand vans as a result of trade-ins they should have serviced the caravan and provide some sort of garantee.  Have a look on the caravan club /practical caravanning websites and see if they have any info on what to beware of (eg damp) when buying a second hand van.  I think you may be a month or too early.  The shows are on just now so folk will be thinking of upgrading and when they take delivery of their new vans will be looking to sell ...  In part you will be limited by budget, your tow car therefore size and weight of van and the layout you prefer - fixed bed 2 or 4/5 berth etc.         

If you find your car's kerb weight and braked towing limit that will help.  I think the caravan club recommend that your caravan (fully laden) is no more than 85% of the kerb weight of your car and unless you have a lot of experience towing I would follow this advice.  It is certainly illegal for it to be more than 100%!   Some cars have a braked towing limit which is lower than this - e.g. PT cruiser.  The lower of the two limits should be adhered to (does this make sense)?    

I think you need to find out what your car can tow, it should be in the handbook and that will give you a guide as to the heavest caravan you can tow. Its not a bad idea to have a bit of power in reserve as that makes towing easier. There is a recommendation that new comers to towing limit the weight of the caravan to 85% of kerbweight to allow you to get used to towing. If you are intending to tow for long distances its also worth thinking about the tyres on the caravan you buy. If you are uncertain about their age I would suggest buying new ones.

David

Hi there

Our first trip with a caravan was to France last year, loads of people thought we were nuts not getting a "few years" in the UK under our belts first but frankly it was a doddle.

The layout and type of caravan you need are purely personal but i would say its better to stay well below the max towing weight of the car (say about 85% max). we did and it made life simple and stress free.

take a good Sat Nav, it takes all the hassle out of travelling. (The Garmin Nuvi 250 is a goo one and Motorworld are doing them at £120)

DONT take to much stuff. the amount of gear I took out of the caravan when we got home which had never been used was enormous. Take what you would consider taking if you packed the car for a camping trip........its plenty.

Arrive at the ferry in plenty of time.........and watch the seasoned caravanners do their stuff. Copying  the preperations they make for the ferry loading, i am convinced, saved my jockey wheel.

And if in doubt ASK someone. 99.9% of caravaners are only too pleased to help out. We had so much friendly help whilst in France and at Portsmouth that the idea of going back to the Costa packet, everyman for himself bun fight of a package deal holiday chills my bones.  Never again.

Hi,

Also have a look at auto-trader caravan section for used vans.

We sold our old van on there and had a good result from positive buyers.

E-bay is Ok but you could find yourself paying more than you want if you are up against two or three others who also want it. Good for the seller but not you as a buyer.

There are plenty of layout styles in caravans, I would recommend going to your local dealer, looking around ALL the vans they have. Decide on the layouts you like and then whittle them down until you have a hit list of models you like. Look at autotrader and see if there are any about locally and then go and have a good look around.

There are also the "extra's" to consider looking into.

Do you want an awning? gas bottles etc. etc. If you're lucky somebody selling up for good could well offer you everything you need and for one price.

Hope this helps??

Nigel