Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by towedyears on 07/10/2019

---

Having a few old caravans still going is no indication of general reliability. Most leaky old caravans have long since gone as shelters on building sites, stables , allotments Etc. The odd old caravan is a very small percentage of the thousands and thousands that have rotted , been scrapped , discarded or too old to be of value. Caravans are all much the same and share many of the same components. Some new caravans will still be around decades from now some will not. There are posts on this site of leaky rotten old caravans still being used and repaired as they go. I was on a CL this year when the adjacent caravan was being revamped on the pitch. The refit was looking good but major damp was evident and wall panels rotted.   

---

Quote: Originally posted by towedyears on 07/10/2019

---

Yes from rubbish to little gems. I was taught when buying caravans never offend the seller if the vans rubbish say you are still looking. If the van has faults dinks or wear simple touch it don't offend the seller by commenting. I have bought in little gems and resold them instantly to waiting buyers. The people who bought my last van had been looking for months they had viewed so many worn tatty vans they had almost given up. The couple happened to visit our local pub and heard of our van a compass corona. The couple bought it on the spot and a happy teary lady left with their first van.

---

Quote: Originally posted by woodcock_s on 06/10/2019

---

All,

Many thanks for the comments, this is all great stuff and invaluable. We have towed trailers for years (big trailers) so no problems on the logistics front, and I’m afraid neither myself o my wife are spring chickens, so license is not an issue :-)

We are looking at second hand at first, non dealer as we have heard a few ‘horror stories’ of dodgy dealers. We are looking max about the 5K mark, 4/5 berth. We have looked at a few, all private, and the people look genuine. This all helps me in knowing what to look for in more detail before I spend.

Does anyone know any good insurance companies? I need to get some costs for this as well.

Thanks.

---

Quote: Originally posted by navver on 07/10/2019

---

I would say a 2 berth would be best cared for especially if owned by an elderly couple.
Next a 4 berth where mum and dad have a fighting chance of controlling the kids.
Worst a 5 or 6 berth where they don't.

---