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 Topic: what caravan to buy
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05/8/2012 at 11:17pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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Hi and welcome to the forum. I assume by your post that you haven't owned a touring caravan previously so firstly you need to know what the kerbweight of your vehicle is so you can calculate an 85% match which is recommended for novice towers. Also does the Hyundai have a manual or auto gearbox and is it diesel or petrol?
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06/8/2012 at 10:27am
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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I have also checked all the relevant details provided which are all correct apart from the vehicle kerbweight. Your figure is 1336 kgs. but what I have found is 1442 kgs. which is 106 kgs. more which would be in your favour. Calculating an 85% match on 1442 kgs. would be 1225 kgs. so this is the caravan laden weight (MTPLM) that you should be looking for an ideal match as a novice. Just to add that the brake horse power of your Hyundai is 113 BHP and the engine torque is a 188 lbs./ft. which is quite adequate for towing uphill and standing starts. However, this will give you an indication at least what weight and size caravan you are need to be looking for but in saying that, some caravan manufacturers construct lighter weight caravans but in my view the build quality is never as good as the heavier ones as it speaks for itself really. Talking to a respectable caravan engineer earlier this year, he said that the two best made caravans are Coachman and Bailey but of course they weigh in heavier than other rivals in the same class so at least this will give you an idea what makes to look for. I hope this information has been somewhat useful as it's the initial starting out process that we sometimes need a little guidance in terms of what is required. Good luck in your search and hope that you find something suitable.
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06/8/2012 at 2:48pm
Location: Cornwall
Outfit: Toyota LC3 TDi 04 Abbey GTS Vogue 418
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Will the van be for 2 or a family - how many berths do you need?
A fixed double bed or seats that make up into 2 singles or a double plus more seats/beds or bunks for children etc.
You should go to a few dealers and wander round to look at all the various layouts - size of bathrooms/kitchens etc.
You should then be able to draw up a shortlist of suitable vans to search for in your price bracket.
Damp will be the most important issue to avoid when buying older vans.
Good luck & welcome to the Forum.
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Mike
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14/8/2012 at 8:41pm
Location: flint north wales
Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002
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i have the whirlwind slightly lighter but tyre pressures should be the same around 35-38psi ,make sure yours have no cracks in the wall etc ,its probably best to get 2 new ones and know your o.k from the start
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