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hi everyone hope you all had a good xmas and newyear.

iv been into camping for meany years now but i have decided to step up and get a new used caravan. i just wanted to know if i should be looking out for anything and why. iv read all the books and been to see loads of caravans but would like any info you think worth knowing. the salesmen always tell you that this is the caravan for you but just wanted to be sure im looking for the right points when buying. plus were do you all store your caravans, i have a big drive but is it better to store it away from home because of the security of the caravan.

thanks for any advice you can give

This post of mine (two down) may be of assistance.

Have a good look around a number of dealerships to see just what kind of vans are available and be highly critical of each design/layout you see to question yourself as to whether it would suit what you want out of caravanning. Think about who will use it; how many of you are there; how you want to use it. Once you have spent your money and then find that it just doesn't work its too late.

We store ours in a secure storage site. Reasons: If it was on the drive the car would have to be on the road; when the van is gone everyone knows that you are away; safer; Costs us £300 per annum.

If you have to stick with the car you have now to tow it, just check that it can actually tow with a good rate of performance. Deisel is better. Is your car a deisel? Get a van that has an MTPLM about 85% of the kerb weight of your car. A greater ratio and you put more strain on the car, could affect stability and you have to consider up hill starts!! If you work out the weights on that basis, is your present car big enough for the kind of van you may be after? You may need to buy a new car for towing.

Phil