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Quote: Originally posted by allypally1967 on 29/8/2010

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sorry guys but i would have my tent every day of the week!!!
if you get electric you can have the warmth you get in your tins!!!!
we have a fridge /toaster etc just like in a caravan..it can be done!!!
we have just bought a tunnel tent,lovely and roomy and no danger of tipping over on the motorway!!!!..or that matter holding up all the traffic!!!

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You can get some good buys in the local papers, may get awning, aquarolls etc with the van. A dealer will be more but they normally carry out safety checks on even the cheapies. Remember it is a vehicle and needs servicing -brakes etc! I

A van is much warmer than a tent as you are off the ground and you don't have the hassle of pitching it!

We used to camp when we were younger! Bought a cheapie basic van and loved it.

Other option is a trailer tent? Some are much bigger than a caravan when put up.

Quote: Originally posted by Esther1 on 29/8/2010

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Pop to your local dealer and ask him what weight you can tow, the weights of every van are on a little plate by the door so get him to show you that too & explain it.

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Some dealers can be very helpful, but be aware of others.  Especially be aware of those who say things like...'Oh! You can pull anything with that car' etc.  It usually means they are guessing and have absolutely no evidence to support their claim.  Remember that the Caravan Club (and others)  recommend that to stick to towing a van that has a no more than roughly 85% of the kerbside weight of the car.

To find out more details about what weight you can tow, look here.  A really useful site.

When you have worked ot the weight, then you can start looking for a van - unless, of course, you decide to change the car as well.   Do let us know how you get on - hope it works out well.

Do not listen to the dealer concerning what you can tow.  They are usually wildly optimistic.

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 10/9/2010

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Do not listen to the dealer concerning what you can tow.  They are usually wildly optimistic.

Jim

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I certainly would check all the facts independantly.  After all, the dealers main concern is making a sale.  Sadly, some will do this at any cost and possibly some will do it out of ignorance.  It surprises me that some have a lack of knowledge about aspects of caravanning/ towing - I suppose some of them are salesmen who have never been caravanning.  When we bought our first van (many years ago now), we hadn't a clue about what we could tow etc so we relied upon the advice of the sales person.  On reflection, and having gained some understanding over the years, I wouldn't mind betting that, all those years ago, we were pulling too heavy a load.

On the other hand, it's the same when you buy a car.  Many salesmen can't answer questions about kerbside/towing weights etc., and some consider it an inconvenience that you have even asked the question.  Although many may offer good advice, check all the facts independantly.

Definitely the caravan.  It's sooo much warmer than a tent, even with the electric heater.  So much easier, so much cozier, so much ...

As for the awning, we have a sunncamp thing we bought for £100 and it's great.  Does the job and is easy to put up, aproximately 15 mins.  Keeps the dogs lovely and cosy too. 

agree with most what has been said...we are ex-tenters

As a tenter, I was bemused as to why anyone would lug a tin shed around, want TV in their van....

Now I love my van, it's soooo comfy especially at night.  I even have TV and Sat dish.

To the OP, an awning is useful, for storage space.  But as I found out on a really windy site, the van was more settled without the awning and we managed fine without.  I have a lightweight awning but recently got a proper porch awning (steel frame) which is much better.

Spend what you can afford, look at many vans, speak to the dealers who should be looking to move stock over the coming months !

Don't forget costs for essential bits, insurance, storage, towbar....

I agree with mister g. A damp meter is a must! I bought an older van because it was exactly what I was looking for and it looked in really good condition and there was no smell of dampness.  I even looked under all the seats and into all the nooks and crannies and saw no sign of dampness. The seller had it sitting in thier driveway and said that when the grandchildren came over they stayed in there with gran.  When I got home and started cleaning it out there was a section of wall that was soaking and had the consistency of a sponge! 

I lost out on £500 on that van just because I felt embarrassed about using a damp meter in what seemed like a well loved family caravan.

DONT BE PUT OFF BY USING THE DAMP METER OR ANY OTHER FORM OF CHECKING THAT THE VAN IS SAFE AND SECURE.

That includes checking windows, doors etc all work properly and ask for proof of gas and electrical checks.  If its genuine there wont be a problem.

Not meaning to scare anyone off just a word from someone whose paid the price lol

PS  Camping next wkend

I have to agree with the people on here saying go private. We have just picked up a fantastic 2nd hand van for 2k with everything with it. The dealers will sell you the van then you have the cost of the extras that go with it..Just watch for the damp and dodgy floors...i went on my own to look at 2 caravan as hubby was working, now i'm no expert but i could tell the condition of them wern't good and the floors were awful.

3rd time lucky and to be honest you can tell as soon as you pull up at the house and meet the people what the van will be like.

Some good bargains to be had on ebay..if you are careful..

I wouldn't go back to a tent for anything..but i do admire the people who do holiday in a tent :0)

Definately check the weights you can tow with your car yourself by looking in the owners handbook, but it is perfectly possible to tow with a small car - it just means your chioce of van will be more restricted.
I tow a 41 year old caravan with my 28 year old classic Mini so it can be done!!

I paid £450 for my little 2 berth van and spent last winter upgrading her and doing her up.
She came with a small porch awning and then I bought a larger Bradcot Portico Plus porch awning for £31 which actually covers almost the entire van so it looks like a full awning! I also have a sun canopy too which was £25. I can erect all of these on my own and I'm a short, unfit mum of 3 so it is do-able!!

I love my little van and setting up/packing up is much quicker than pitching the tent (especially if it's raining!)
I still have my 4 tents and have no intention of selling them but I don't regret adding a caravan to my little collection!

Take your time when looking and don't feel pressured - if a seller (dealer or private) gets too heavy and is really pushing for a sale then I would say walk away - only part with your hard-earned cash when YOU are happy!!