Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning

Topic: Thinking of buying my first ever caravan,

Page: 1 2

binka

13/1/2014 at 7:52am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/8/2005

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 136
Tent Reviews: 4

Site Reviews Total:	11

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

Any advice would be very welcome.

Any makes which are best avoided?

Am looking for a two berth for my daughter and myself. I can tow, I used to tow a large water jetter for work. Never got the hang of reversing so I'd probably go on a towing course.

When I get to a campsite if I need to unhitch the caravan and push it onto the pitch could I do that on my own? Don't want the weight and expense of a mover if I don't need one? Or can you normally just drive it onto a pitch ok?

Am looking at dealers in the midlands to buy one from. I'm looking to spend 3k max and at that price quite a few seem to be sold as seen. Is that a problem?

If I buy a damp meter can I check for damp myself? Is there anything else I should be looking for?

Thanks

millermicm

13/1/2014 at 8:05am
Location: west country
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/3/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4665

Site Reviews Total:	15

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

The sin gle most important thing about your caravan is that it is dry. You should test it yourself with a damp meter.

£3k should get you a decent van but it will be at the bottom end of what dealers hae to offer. You may get better from a private deal.

Nothing wrong with "sold as seen" as long as it is not damp.

Inevitably you will need to reverse it at some time. The location may prohibit a push onto a pitch. If you don't have the confidence then take a course but it really is not that difficult.

-------------
Steve

Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!

UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

Jack+Jon

13/1/2014 at 8:13am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/1/2010

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1224

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

I'd look at ebay or other private ad's for that price. You will pay more for less from a dealer & it will still be sold as seen. As stated take a damp meter & also budget for a service & new tyres if tyres are old. If you get it serviced yourself & fit new tyres as neccessary then you will know its ok to tow rather than take the word of a dealer in cheap caravans who's idea of a full service is greasing the hitch.

A smaller caravan can be pushed by one person but if its uphill or rough ground it will be more difficult. Usually there are people around to help though. Reversing it with car takes a bit of practise & you need to avoid overheating clutch.

-------------
Regards, Jack+Jon.

Frannyvan

13/1/2014 at 1:19pm
Location: Dorset
Outfit: Swift Classic Corvette 1998

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/7/2013

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1129

Site Reviews Total:	17

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

We've just done our first summer in a 4 berth caravan. Most sites we have had no problems and just pushed it into the pitch. You and your daughter guiding you (if she's not to young) should be fine. We did have to reverse it at the club site at Swanage as although the pitch was flat, it had a little ramp up onto it and simply wouldn't push. Have you ever seen the Austin Powers movie where he does the 3 point turn? Well it was rather like that. So glad the neighbours were out when we arrived as would have been hilarious to watch. I'm hoping that you get better with experience??? Also we've booked ourselves onto the free towing experience at the Caravan and Camping show in Feb.
We did get a lot more for our money buying privately, although that did include damp, but we've fixed that and now the caravan is worth more than we paid for it.

-------------
xxxx

jayc001

13/1/2014 at 1:58pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: 1996 Bailey Senator 5000

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/5/2012

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 501

Site Reviews Total:	3

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

If you're worried about reversing onto pitches then as long as you a physically fit you can push a 2 berth no problem. I can push my 5 berth twin axle without braking a sweat.

I watch people struggling for what seems hours but more likely 10 minutes trying to reverse and I could have pushed it on to the pitch in 30 secs.

If I was spending 3k with a dealer I'd want some kind of damp report. I'm not talking warranty here but I'd have want it checked and a documented damp report done to list any areas which need attention.

Manty

13/1/2014 at 4:39pm
Location: East Anglia
Outfit: Swift Kia Sorento XS

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/1/2005

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 486

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

I would get a professional to carry out a damp check. It might save you hundreds of pounds. They will check much more thoroughly than you and give you a written report. DONT let the dealer do it for you! Also applies if you buy privately.

HEJC72

13/1/2014 at 5:09pm
Location: North Yorkshire
Outfit: Holi * Perran 4 * Airedale 5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/9/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 5798
Tent Reviews: 8

Site Reviews Total:	13

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:	1

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:	1

Do it - you won't regret it.
I bought a small 2 berth 1969 Fisher Holivan for £450 and I am now entering my 3rd full season in her.
She is tiny and extremely light so I can shove her into position on the pitch by hand on my own as my reversing skills still aren't great!

There are plenty of older vans out there within your budget. You will get more for your money buying private as things like hook up cable, waste and water containers and awnings are often included. However, a private sale will not include any warranty, so if possible, take a caravan knowledgable friend along to any viewing and learn how to haggle!

The important thing is to find a layout that suits your needs.
Is a 2 berth going to be large enough or could you look at 4 berth vans so you and your daughter have a bit of space and privacy?

As already mentioned, check for damp and floor delamination.
Buying from a dealer will give you a bit of protection as they often have some sort of warranty. Even their older, "sold as seen" vans will have undergone basic safety checks.

I would suggest you get to a few dealers and just have a look to see what is on offer in your price range and to find a layout that suits your needs. DON'T feel you have to rush into buying - it took me nearly 18 months to find my caravan!

Once you know what you need and have found a make/model that you like, haggle like crazy to get a good deal and then enjoy caravanning!

-------------
Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum

binka

13/1/2014 at 5:51pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/8/2005

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 136
Tent Reviews: 4

Site Reviews Total:	11

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

Thanks for the advice.

I feel reassured about been able to push it if I need to!

Will consider a private sale. It would be ideal if I could find someone finishing caravanning or upgrading. If there's old service reports, damp reports, etc. where would I find someone to do a damp check for me if its a private sale? Just the local caravan place? what if the seller doesnt agree to taking it for an inspection?

So I need to test for damp with a meter or ideally get a report done. Check for delamination, check the outside for scrapes, holes, etc. check everything inside works such as lights, fridge, loo, cooker, blinds.

Anything else I need to check/inspect?

welshwyn

13/1/2014 at 6:28pm
Location: essex
Outfit: Abbey Vogue 460

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/7/2006

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1400
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	8

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:	1

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:	1

Just to add also look in auto trader, there are many smaller dealers selling vans through that, and sometimes you'll be amazed what you can find, and at this time of the year they are desperate to move some of the older models before the summer. I bought my two berth at the end of October, from a small dealership in Cambridge, and got a real bargain.

Manty

13/1/2014 at 7:46pm
Location: East Anglia
Outfit: Swift Kia Sorento XS

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/1/2005

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 486

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

I think a CaravanMedic might do a damp check for you. They are all over the place.

Frannyvan

14/1/2014 at 6:42am
Location: Dorset
Outfit: Swift Classic Corvette 1998

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/7/2013

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1129

Site Reviews Total:	17

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

My local caravan repair centre said the would send someone out to check over the van for £50. Wish i had known that before we bought our van, as would have saved a lot of grief. Well worth £50 in my book and if we bought again would definitely ask them. Ask your local repair centre if they provide that service.

-------------
xxxx

Jax365

14/1/2014 at 12:25pm
Location: south cheshire
Outfit: VW Caddy Maxi

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 07/9/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4034

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
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:	7
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

good article here

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

jules070603

15/1/2014 at 9:57pm
Location: Manchester
Outfit: 2005 Bailey Ranger 550 6

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/2/2009

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 95
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	3

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

Hiya,

We bought our first caravan at the end of last year and managed a couple of trips out before winter set in and we LOVED it.

We bought privately, I think the ad was on eBay. We went to see the caravan and then came home had a chat and decided it was perfect. We did get a presale check done which was £75 and the mobile engineer was very accomodating, managing to fit us in within a couple of days and provided verbal feedback and a written report. Highly recommend this. Due to this we got all contents of the caravan as the guy was selling up completely, we had everything to just hitch up and go on holiday.

The caravan had a small amount of damp around the awning rail in the rear but this was easily resolved by removing and resealing/refitting the rail so not all damp is a complete no-no. Not too costly either.

We got a motor mover with our 'van which we had thought was a nice to have but it really is fantastic for positioning on the drive and on site. Not a replacement for reversing but definitely helpful (and fun!)

-------------
2014 - First Year in our Caravan

Derby-Dave

15/1/2014 at 10:15pm
Location: Belper
Outfit: Elddis tornado xl

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/4/2013

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 62

Site Reviews Total:	4

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

Do it. I bought a 4 berth Elldis tornado xl last spring and we have not regretted it at all. Towing is not at all as bad as we thought. I am still green but picking it all up fast.

this is definitely the place come for good useful and genuine advice.

mark26

15/1/2014 at 11:41pm
Location: Southport
Outfit: Touring Caravan

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 01/5/2013

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 35

Site Reviews Total:	22

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
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:	7
Site Nights 2018:	0

look out for damp and springer floors

binka

28/1/2014 at 8:19am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/8/2005

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 136
Tent Reviews: 4

Site Reviews Total:	11

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

Thanks, I've been to look at a few now.

Seen some awful ones and then yesterday saw one I really liked. Its 92% on weight ratio though so am thinking hard.

I bought a damp meter and that's been great. Feel really reassured that the van I like is as dry as I'm going to find.

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

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

7619 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

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder