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Our new caravan is just 2 year old now and up to now it has cost us £25 for a new ceramic mixer tap valve, we had to have the fridge replaced but that was done under warrenty and it still looks as it did the day we picked it up, we go to the staorage and give it a good wash and polish and we do the same when we go away which is as often as possible. we've seen some vans on sites that are in a right state so ours is our pride and joy, we love going away in it and we love keeping her clean and why not ??? after all she cost a lot of money and we aim to keep her as long as possible.

     atb Bill

We bought a new van 2 years ago which we do love. I take the point about those who seem to think only of the van and not its usage. We take care of it naturallu but we arent obsessed with maintaining its showroom condition at all costs. We use all its facilities, i.e. shower, cooker etc. we also have a dog who does make paws prints on the floor etc etc.

I think its sad when peoples main consideration is the potential resale value of the van

Your caravan being your pride and joy really has nothing to do with new versus old. We had the same feeling of pride for our 15 year old van as the new one, maybe even more, but dont have any less good times in the new one.

It was really interesting watching everyone bringing their caravans to the storage site at the weekend - to some it seemed worse than sending kids off to uni including the tears- is it going to be ok, will it survive the winter, will it still be here when we come back? Yes our caravans to most of us are our pride and joy.

Quote: Originally posted by Janx on 07/11/2010

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After reading so many horror stories and traumas about new caravans and those under warranty lately, I got to thinking, are they really our pride and JOY.

I put JOY in capitals not really to shout but to ask what really does caravanning mean to us?

I know years ago when we used to have older vans, caravanning was all about the 'holiday' and the things we did, the places we went to and the outdoor life.

Now, and I speak from experience, it sometimes feels like we are more obsessed about the 'caravan' it's self and the whole meaning of the caravan holiday has become secondary to this.

I loved having a new caravan for the first time but was dissapointed by the usual problems that shouldn't be there, and recently with major warranty work having to be done. I don't think I will hurry to have another new one.

A friend of mine sold her new van after a couple of years and bought one about 15 years old, she has never been happier, she doesn't have half the expences of a new van, and she can be more laid back about if it gets knocked or bumped. She says she can enjoy the holiday, without being worried or obsessed about the van.

Just wondered what you thought??


i agree , life was far less stressful with older 5th hand vans , you didnt expect much and we were rarely if ever disappointed with our vans.

then we bought new....11 months of stress later we still have an empty space on the drive where we should have our pride and  joy.

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Had a new 'van and kept it for a few years but decided to sell up.  No big problems with it from new but we have bought instead 2 old ones - one for the UK (Carlight - which we love) and one for France (Coachman Mirage - which we also love)  However we do miss the fixed bed!

Both oldies in very good shape and the Coachhomme is in indoor storage in its adopted country. Prides and Joys really. 

You pays your money................