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When we were novices, like you we knew absolutely nothing about caravans, all we knew was we liked camping life, but not the weather.

I found buying the Practical Caravan magazine, or the Caravan magazine gave is loads of knowledge, and it explains in every edition about the weights and explains how it works, and about the 85% rule.  It also covers useful information about buying second hand caravans, plus all the vans layouts, so I would start by buying that every month, then I used to visit the caravan dealers, and they have software that will tell you what van weight you can tow with your car, and I used to ask loads of questions, the rest was learning as we went along, any caravanner on site, would help if you weren't sure of anything, and of course you have this fantastic forum.

I am sure you will really enjoy the caravanning way of life.

Quote: Originally posted by daddyalfa on 05/8/2009

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Hi

I'm sure this has been covered before but;

We currently have a trailer tent for the holiday jolly's, but with 3 children, two of which are under 4 it's hardish work. Having just got back from the summer hols we thought about a caravan as it should be a little easier to set up camp.

I know nothing about caravans! We wouldn't have a huge budget, say 4-6k. We would need a 5 birth and appreciate with only this amount it would be an older caravan, but as long as its clean and tidy I don't really care. If I'm being <FONT face=Calibri>unrealistic for the price, then please say so. 

<FONT face=Calibri>What I would like some ideas on when looking is;

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Twin or single axel, is one better than the other?

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Any makes or models to avoid?

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Do they suffer from damp, and what should I look for in the corners, would it bubble up if damp?

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>How would I avoid a stolen caravan, I'm sure these are stolen as much as cars?

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>We have a newish 2.2DCI Renault Grand Espace which I think would tow a bigish van, but any pointers on how many feet of van could we tow

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Sorry to ask all these things, but I know everyone always gives a broad overview of opinions which would be helpfull. What I didn't want to do is spend money on a heap of rubbish

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Thanks to everyone in advance for any help

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Regards

<FONT size=3 face=Calibri>Craig    

<FONT face=Calibri> <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>

   

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If your Espace is the current model the kerbweight of your car is about 1820kg's - 85% of this is about 1550kg's so you ideally want to be looking at a caravan with a MTPLM of about this weight or lower (MTPLM = 'Maximum Technical Permissable Laden mass' - i.e the maximum your caravan can weigh with all your kit in it!).

When you view a caravan at a dealer it usually quotes the MTPLM on the data sheet in the window so gives you a good idea whether suitable.  It may also quote the MRO ('Mass in Running Order' = weight of empty caravan as it came from factory including fixtures & fittings but no gas bottles).  Your Espace is a big car so can tow a failrly large van - e.g this new Bailey Ranger GT60 6 berth has an MTPLM of 1350kg, well within your capability.

When we were on hol a few years back in our caravan, a little girl in the tent next door fell ill, during the night, and was shivering with cold. Luckily we were able to take her in for the night and give her a bed.

It is comforting to know that the caravan is almost as good as home, warm & dry with hot & cold water, central heating, toilet, shower, proper cooker & fridge etc.

We had a tent for many years but much prefer the caravan and use it a lot more.