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but dont know where to start!!!!!!!!!! i have got 2 boys aged and a hubby just over 6ft tall. I want an end/middle kitchen and  loo, shower sink, etc, 1 double bed and 2 singles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My hubby would like one with a double wheel axle ( what ever that is!!!!!! I know this is a tall order but we have a tent at the mo, and i have been brought up on holidays in a caravan.

Please help,

kind regards

Vicky

get ya budget and then scour the dealers for different layout, find one that is suitable and then decide dealer or private sale, if private get someone who knows summat about vans to go look at them with you, good luck P.S E-bay is good for looking at vans ......................

Look here:

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=10

And layouts can be found in the back of The Practical Caravan magazine.

We are new to caravanning - in fact if you'd told me 3 months ago, I'd own a caravan, I would have laughed.   However, finally taking the plunge last week, was the best thing we've done.  It did however, take a while to get there (about 3weeks in fact) of intense searching, changing our criteria and then finally settling on something we hadnt been looking at in the the beginning.  We looked on-line, gathered brochures and visited various dealers - then ended up buying secondhand from a dealer around the corner to where we live!

We went from fixed single beds, single axle (one set of 2-wheels) to fixed bed across the back, to separate shower to finally - and I think we've made the best choice - seating both ends, where the back end can be converted into a full size double and left down if preferred, or put back to seating, which we like - then you have a choice of seating.  We also opted for a twin axle (4 wheels) in the Lunar range.  These are more lightweight than some.  This gave us a longer van.  Our kitchen and bathroom are in the middle and having just had our first weekend away - we absolutely loved it.

We are glad we bought from a dealer as the van was serviced and a couple of things were replaced.  It also comes with a warranty.  You wouldnt get this with a private sale.  We also had excellent instruction before taking it away. 

So my advice would be, based on very recent experience and knowing absolutely nothing about caravans - is visit some dealers, look at all the layouts - look online - weigh up what you think will work for you.  Work out your car towing weight - buy a couple of caravanning magazines. If you buy secondhand you are likely to get some extras with the van as opposed to buying new.  We got a motor mover (remote control motor than moves the van independently of the car) and airconditioning which was an extra bonus.

Good Luck and enjoy the search!

Yes, the Luna is a good lightweight caravan, we got our first on in Feb.

The kitchen is in the middle with dining areas front and back, the front dining area changes to a double bed and the rear area changed to a double bed and bunk bed (hence it's a 5 birth)

Our children are only 8 and 5 so on short trips we don't even make up the proper beds for them, we just turn the cushions the other way up, put the back back rest cushions on the floor and they sleep either side - like twin beds.

We also liked this design because the caravan came fitted with a privacy panel which closes the children off from the rest of the caravan at night, giving us a bit of peace with the telly!!

Happy hunting!

Ellie x

Vicky,

I am new to caravanning and went for a cheap second hand one to start. Only been out once with it but already saving for next one. Depending on your budget there are local dealerships to start with and give you some ideas of what you want.  Set your budget, consider costs of storage if you do not have anywhere to keep it and insurance. I got mine off E bay, contact the seller and view before bidding. Another site that currently has over 600 adverts for caravans is called Preloved. This is a site dedicated to mostly private sellers of all things second hand. Good luck

http://www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-channel.default/sec-Health%20and%20Leisure/cat-Caravans%20and%20Camping/d094353f.html

Harry C

O.M.G i didnt think there was sooooo much to think about.

Well my budget will only stretch to 2 thousand, and had a look and my head hurts now! i know what i want in a caravan ::: my list is ::::::     5 berth, oven, grill, fridge, freezer, loo, shower, 2 dining tables or 1 one big enough to get 4 people round as i cant eat off my lap, awning.

So i think i am not going to find one as i demand toooo much.

I have looked on ebey but too scared to buy anything as you cant see or smell the inside and everywher is too far away from where i live. 

Oh well i suppose i am just going to have use up the weekend and go round caravan shops with 2 vey boistrous boys aged 7 and 10 Aarrrgghhhhhhhh.

I have just got my first van was over the budget of £3000 went  to  £3950 but the advantge of it was got  everything needed waste hog  dorema awning two gas bottles  etc etc .

Ended up at a local  dealers one of the salesmen there  had his own up for  sale and it  is  immaculate always serviced  and  well looked after  4 berth only wanted  2 berth but  was such a good  deal after a few looks  and a second opinion i had it .

Had look at one dealers  second hand  vans in my price  range was eye opener i see mouse droppings in  one  ,swollen  chip board around window so left that place  fast.

Quote: Originally posted by vicky10 on 27/7/2007

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O.M.G i didnt think there was sooooo much to think about.

Well my budget will only stretch to 2 thousand, and had a look and my head hurts now! i know what i want in a caravan ::: my list is ::::::     5 berth, oven, grill, fridge, freezer, loo, shower, 2 dining tables or 1 one big enough to get 4 people round as i cant eat off my lap, awning.

So i think i am not going to find one as i demand toooo much.

I have looked on ebey but too scared to buy anything as you cant see or smell the inside and everywher is too far away from where i live. 

Oh well i suppose i am just going to have use up the weekend and go round caravan shops with 2 vey boistrous boys aged 7 and 10 Aarrrgghhhhhhhh.

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MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM there is alot to think about there. Thanks everyone for all your valuable advice. looks like i'll have to up my budget. 

Thanks again

kindest regards

Vicky