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Subject Topic: Brand new, not a clue.
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Personthejollyboys1970
via mobile 29/7/2021 at 7:22pm
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Hi everyone. Hope you are all keeping well and safe.

Apologies, I’m guessing you get lots of posts similar to this.

We are thinking of getting into caravanning for the first ever time at 50. We have been camping in a tent a few times years ago, but have no clue about caravanning.

I’d appreciate anything you guys can share from what to think about when selecting a caravan and any pitfalls to avoid as rookie newbies.

There maybe a post you can point me at please, or helpful web site.

Appreciate any help.

Thanks.


PersonWendyhouse
29/7/2021 at 8:01pm
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This might be a start point. Lots of advice
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/advice-for-beginners/caravans/


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Personthejollyboys1970
via mobile 29/7/2021 at 8:52pm
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Thank you, I’ll take a look over there.


PersonTheHeadGardener
30/7/2021 at 7:16am
 Location: Lake District
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#1 Check for damp, then check for damp, then check for damp. Did I mention damp?

#2 Just because the caravan you choose has one hundred and eleventy-seven cupboards do not assume you can fill them and then tow.

Get up to speed on payloads - saw a good video recently from Andrew Ditton which you might find interesting: Motorhome & Caravan Payloads

#3 Relax and enjoy yourselves! We started about the same age as you are and just wish we had done it years earlier.


Personthejollyboys1970
via mobile 30/7/2021 at 7:25am
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Thank you.

Something tells me to check for damp.


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PersonGeorge-Mildred
30/7/2021 at 8:04am
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https://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravans.html - loads of useful info on here, good luck in your search but perhaps this year is not the year to dive in and buy.

What are you towing with? check weights etc. At least you'll have the B+E on your licence so that's a help as you are of a certain age.

I would consider going to the NEC show next February for a look at all makes/models on show it really is a good day out. Just leave the wallet at home!


PersonPickled Onion
30/7/2021 at 8:37am
 Location: Near Alton Towers
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We were all newbies at one time or other, lots to learn but don't worry, there are loads of good videos on YouTube that will keep you entertained for hours.

Get the basics right, it will save time and money in the long run.

Find out if your licence allows you to tow without a test.
What car and weight of caravan you can tow with.


You did right to ask questions, there is no such thing as a daft question, otherwise you don't get an answer and learn. Don't be frightened about making the odd mistake, we all have, but usually only the once.

Enjoy yourselves and the relaxed lifestyle.

Dave.

-------------
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day,
Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.


Personthejollyboys1970
via mobile 30/7/2021 at 8:50am
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Thank you for your answers, it’s really helpful.

I normally do ask the most mundane questions.

We have a Honda CR-V 2.2 diesel so will check it’s capabilities.

Thanks.


Persondk168
30/7/2021 at 8:58am
 Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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Get a sat nav programme that is designed specifically for vans, as you don't want to get stuck in narrow country lanes.

I too would suggest to visit a big show like the one in NEC, and check out as many vans as you could, to get an idea of the different layouts so as to find one that suits you.

Have fun spec'ing your van.

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *


Person664DaveS
via mobile 30/7/2021 at 9:17am
 Location: Shropshire
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A crv is quite a popular tug and should tow a reasonable size caravan.
Good luck with your search.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


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PersonTheHeadGardener
30/7/2021 at 9:17am
 Location: Lake District
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And if your budget/location/inclination allows I would always try to buy from an established dealer with a good customer service record.

I thought I had done that with our very first van but I was wrong, and when damp was discovered after a year (and at a level that common sense says must have existed when we purchased it, even though it was sold with a clean bill of health) the "dealer" was about as much use as a chocolate teapot, and far enough away that trying to push the issue with him was just too hard/stressful.

We were very lucky and found a dealer closer who was prepared to help us and utilise the manufacturers warranty, but that is not the norm - usually dealers will only help if they have sold you the van in the first place.


Personthejollyboys1970
via mobile 30/7/2021 at 9:44am
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Thank you, that’s really good to know.

We are based in North Wales so have some but not many dealers in the area. But having said that maybe there are and I don’t know it yet.


Person664DaveS
via mobile 30/7/2021 at 10:18am
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Salop leisure at Shrewsbury and Cosford Caravans are good dealerships and not too far.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


PersonBob61
30/7/2021 at 10:19am
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Just a couple of pointers from my experience buying a caravan some years ago.

The damp issue is very common and very expensive to get repaired or time consuming if you are able to repair it yourself. Never take the word of a seller that it is 'damp free', 'No damp as far as I know', 'I have never found any damp' and in one case, 'I put my clothes in the cupboards under the bed and they are always dry'

The inside of a caravan, if wet for some time, will go like soggy cardboard, so press your hands on every square inch of the panelling. If it has dried out (i.e. in a very hot summer) it will feel and sound 'crackly' when you press on it.

A damp meter will be a very worthwhile purchase.

Check the roof all over for soft spots...skylights and joints can leak and the water runs all over the roof.

Check around windows which are also areas that regularly leak.

Check all the corners and below the beds and seating.
Check the area around the grab handles.

Check the floor for a spongy or bouncy feeling and also check that the caravan steadies have not been abused and have cracked the floor where they are bolted on.

Then there is the chassis and the brakes and the tyres (have I put you off yet? ). You may have to check out loads of caravans until you find that special one but don't let your heart rule your head...a lovely looking caravan can be hiding lots of expensive secrets...always check and be prepared to walk away despite having fallen in love with it on first sight.

I did find a nice one eventually although didn't enjoy towing that much so went back to a tent again. I sold it for the same price I paid for it because it was in good condition and dry.

Good luck in your search.



Person664DaveS
via mobile 30/7/2021 at 4:12pm
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Caravans should be serviced annually, if they are a damp test is included and results shown on the service report.
It's worth asking to see it.
It also covers mechanical parts and gas / electrical safety checks.

A mobile caravan technician might carry out a check of a potential private purchase for you. Could save you £££s but of course they would have to be paid!

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


PersonRainbowsend
via mobile 30/7/2021 at 5:05pm
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Don't rely entirely on any satnav, even if it's specifically for caravans. Use a satnav and map together, it's stopped us getting into some difficult situations.

-------------
Jean

Sometimes a little rain must fall before you reach a rainbow.

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work.



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