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Subject Topic: Small van. Small budget. Advice please. Post Reply Post New Topic
28/4/2010 at 11:09pm
 Location: Derby
 Outfit: Bailey Pegasus II Milan & Honda CR-V
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Hi. I'm posting this on behalf of my folks (just about retirement age) who are looking at the purchase of a two berth caravan, but only have a budget of £1,000, and also require a van no wider than 6 foot 6 inches (to enable them to store it, "up their drive")... They owned a van back in the 70's when I was knee high, but times change and they are coming to this as novices... I'm trying to offer them as much advice as I can, but as I canvas man this is quite limited, other than if it's too good to be true, it probably is, view before you buy, and check it for damp.

Any advice I can pass onto them from those of you who know what you're taking about, when it comes to purchasing an old van would be most welcome. Also, any recommendations or "stay aways" for 20 year old vans that might fit the bill.

Cheers! ADL



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2019:
Wye Meadow Camping
Dornafield
Wyatts Covert
Chestnut Meadow


29/4/2010 at 12:03am
 Location: Sunny Greater London
 Outfit: Outwell Arizona L Coleman chimney rock
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My Silverline Nova Princess GT is 20 years old & 5'7" x 14' (overall width & length) interior body length is 9'10"

Must admit that we haven't used the awning which came with the 'van yet and have managed quite comfortably for weekends away.





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29/4/2010 at 12:13am
 Location: Derby
 Outfit: Bailey Pegasus II Milan & Honda CR-V
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I was worried that for 1k they wouldn't get much for their money... (Not knowing the price of older vans - something I've never looked at before). However, having spent the time since posting the OP I've been browsing fleabay and can see there are some nice looking vans out there for this price...

My OH tells me that my folks are going to view an Elldis Wisp tomorrow (she talks to them more than I do lol)...

Thanks for the reply... I'll do some googling and ebaying of that model...

ADL



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2019:
Wye Meadow Camping
Dornafield
Wyatts Covert
Chestnut Meadow


29/4/2010 at 5:51am
 Location: Stoke-on-Trent
 Outfit: Compass Kensington + Octavia 4x4
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For a moment there ADL I thought you were coming over to the 'dark side'!!! Good luck on their hunt!

Andi x


29/4/2010 at 6:00am
 Location: Cannock
 Outfit: Freedom sunseeker and Delta Heron static.
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How about a freedom caravan .And it just so happens ours is up for grabs albeit a little over £1000.check the ads section

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Those that danced were thought to be quite insane to those who could not hear the music. Angela Monet              


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29/4/2010 at 7:46am
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Nissan 2.2 DCI & Sterling Europa 520
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Dont forget Caravanfinder and Autotrader websites.  Had a aquick look myself just  now (as you do!) and there's some lovely looking vans out there for that money or a little bit  more. Think the width is going to be an issue with some of them. Happy Hunting.


29/4/2010 at 8:31am
 Location: 
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Whatever you get pleeese make sure it is dry. there are so many sorry stories of people buying older vans and finding damp.

At your price range you are probably going to buy private - get a damp meter and check it out thoroughly



-------------
Who's the black private dick
That's a sex machine to all the chicks?
SHAFT!
Ya damn right!




29/4/2010 at 9:33am
 Location: south yorkshire
 Outfit: 1992 Elldis Whisp Conway Countryman.
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Hi we have a elldis whisp 350/2 and love it cost £850.look for damp near front corners where it can be hidden with cusions.ours had damp there but we sorted that.i think you have to expect to do some work in this price range.
Good luck


29/4/2010 at 9:38am
 Location: Derby
 Outfit: Bailey Pegasus II Milan & Honda CR-V
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Thanks everyone. They are thinking of going to view a Whisp later today, so that's good advice zac thank you. Off to the ads sections now to check out Dreadnoughts Freedom...



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2019:
Wye Meadow Camping
Dornafield
Wyatts Covert
Chestnut Meadow


29/4/2010 at 10:08am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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do not forget the car size,so as to be safe the caravan should be no more than 85% of kerb weight to be safe on tow.most modern vans are about 7 foot or more.not easy to find a narrow one.

www.caravanfinder.co.uk

http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravan_2berth/50/page30.html



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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


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29/4/2010 at 10:10am
 Location: Derby
 Outfit: Bailey Pegasus II Milan & Honda CR-V
View Alphonso De Lard's Profile View Profile   Reply to Alphonso De Lard Reply   Quote Alphonso De Lard Quote  
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I think they should be ok on this - altho they only have a small car - Fusion2 1.4, they are only looking at v small vans? Top advice though...

-------------
2019:
Wye Meadow Camping
Dornafield
Wyatts Covert
Chestnut Meadow


29/4/2010 at 10:12am
 Location: Derby
 Outfit: Bailey Pegasus II Milan & Honda CR-V
View Alphonso De Lard's Profile View Profile   Reply to Alphonso De Lard Reply   Quote Alphonso De Lard Quote  
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Back in the 70's (when they had their first van), you just bought a van and towed it..

We weren't so H & S back then... Times change, so my folks feel like novices even tho they owned a van 20 or 30 years ago...



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2019:
Wye Meadow Camping
Dornafield
Wyatts Covert
Chestnut Meadow


29/4/2010 at 10:13am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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Quote: Originally posted by Alphonso De Lard on 29/4/2010
I think they should be ok on this - altho they only have a small car - Fusion2 1.4, they are only looking at v small vans? Top advice though...
even two berth can be overweight for there car.look at MTPLM of each one.

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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


29/4/2010 at 10:59am
 Location: Whitburn Scotland
 Outfit: 1976 Thomson T-Line Glendale
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You could go older, some of the Thomson caravans pre 82 wher very light compared to many others, the Glen or miniglen would be ideal, the mini glen was designed to bepulled by a 1000cc mini and even had a WC, You can see more about them on my website www.thomson-caravans.co.uk You will need to check with a damp meter but there are many examples of these that are still dry as much as 50 years old! Built to last and easyto do DIY on too, handy if your dad is a diyer, andthey are welcome at almost all classic steam and car rally's too!

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Still alive and kicking!


29/4/2010 at 11:15am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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6foot4in

http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravan/Trade/D9E642D604A6FAF8802577120052216E/

Abi Monza 350 2 £1,495

(Ref: 11093)

Berth
2
Year
1993
Internal Length
3.51m / 11'6"
External Length
4.57m / 15'0"
Width
1.93m / 6'4"
Unladen Weight
590 kg
MTPLM
850 kg


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the only silly question is the one you do not ask.



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