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Subject Topic: No idea where to start! Post Reply Post New Topic
07/5/2014 at 1:55pm
 Location: yorkshire
 Outfit: Cabanon Biscaya 440 & Barbados
View grumpysimon's Profile View Profile   Reply to grumpysimon Reply   Quote grumpysimon Quote  
Joined: 10/7/2006

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As a family we are avid campers and never really looked seriously at caravans. However, I work away from home a lot, especially in summer so there is an appeal in having a caravan on a seasonal pitch that I could stay in up to 3 nights per week and then have family use for the odd weekend.
We would also then have it for our own camping use whenever we wanted it. Towing is no worries as we have a diesel Audi A4 and a LR Discovery 4 so could pull pretty much any caravan.

So, what to go for. As caravanning newbies I don't want to go wild a buy a really expensive new machine. That said I am happy to spend up to £7/£8K on a decent used model.
Family of 4 - 12&9 yr old kids. The 12 yr old would likely sleep in an awning. Would prefer a fixed bed. Might well use in Europe. Def would like the facility of a decent size awning. Just don't know where to start. I saw a Sterling in full use last year as we were freezing to death on a campsite in our tent and that looked fairly top end to me. So what are the premium, mid range and budget makes?
Any and all suggestions would be most welcome. I have looked at dealer websites and it is just a blur of white. I've looked at the classifieds here and ebay and again I just don't know what I am looking at.

Many thanks
GS.


07/5/2014 at 3:45pm
 Location: North Yorkshire
 Outfit: Holi * Perran 4 * Airedale 5
View HEJC72's Profile View Profile   Reply to HEJC72 Reply   Quote HEJC72 Quote  
Joined: 28/9/2004

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Not sure where abouts in Yorkshire you are, but I would strongly advise going to a few dealers and looking at all the caravans.
You will quickly begin to see advantages and disadvantages of different layouts, and from this you can draw up a list of layouts that will work for you and your family.

Fixed beds are ok but check the cut off as this can seriously limit space for whoever sleeps this side! Also fixed beds take up a lot of floor space, something which you may wish you had if you're all stuck inside!
Fixed beds are usually four berth with the front seats being used to provide the other 2 berths. Check these are actually long enough to be used as single beds as not all are!
With a fixed bed, if you want the kids to go to bed before you, where will you sit as they will be using the front seats?
Also remeber that children get big very quickly, so those cosy little bunks made up from a side dinette may be outgrown sooner than you think - just something to think about when looking at different layouts.
These are all little things that you need to think about as you look for the layout that will work best for you and your family.


Next thing to do is have a chat with the dealers who will be able to tell you which makes/models have your preffered layout.
Go and look at these and get the dealer to show you everything, especially things like how quick/easy it is to put beds up for night time use.
Ay this point, thank the dealer and say you will be back in touch once you have had a chance to discuss things as a family.
DON'T get pressured into signing straight away as they will use the hard sell tactic of "If you don't sign now it won't be here tomorrow." Maybe that is true but it is your money and only you should decide when and where you part from it!

Once you decided on your make and model in your perfect layout, have a look at private ads. These will usually be cheaper than a dealer but won't come with a warrenty but private slaes often include extras such as awning, hook up lead, waste and water containers etc... so it is down to personal choice whether you buy privately or from a dealer.

Personally I would consider looking at 5 or 6 berth caravans that have twin lounges as this will give the children their own soace that can be closed off at night. The downside is that you will need to make up the front bed each night.

Another point to consider is that not all sites allow you to sleep in an awning, so I would make sure the interior layout of the van works without having to rely on using the awning for sleeping.

 



-------------
Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum


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07/5/2014 at 4:17pm
 Location: East Midlands
 Outfit: Coachman VIP 575.Santa Fe
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First thing to do is buy a damp meter. There are some dealers with integrity but there are many, including franchised dealers, who fail in that quality. If damp is not discovered early it can spread and rot major areas of a caravan. So next thing after buying is get it serviced or at least damp checked every year. Before you part with cash try and get someone familiar with caravans to check the usual areas for early signs of damp. Sorry to be a moaner but many dealers regard a warranty as a Lonsdale Belt! Don't let me put you off because caravanning is great - I have had caravans for over 40 years.

The other major problem can be spongy floors due to delamination of the flooring. This can be sorted more easily.

Hope this helps the major pitfall in caravanning.

Good luck.

-------------
Mister G


07/5/2014 at 5:26pm
 Location: west yorks
 Outfit:  Vango inspire 600xl 5m bell tent
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I agree with HEJC72 with the age of the kids I would be looking for a twin lounge type which can close off, two lounges, 2 TV points if the kids play xbox ect, also in that budget you should be able to get a good twin axle to give you more room.
A 2006 sterling elite searcher with twin lounge went for around £7000 on our site recently in excellent condition.


09/5/2014 at 4:58pm
 Location: yorkshire
 Outfit: Cabanon Biscaya 440 & Barbados
View grumpysimon's Profile View Profile   Reply to grumpysimon Reply   Quote grumpysimon Quote  
Joined: 10/7/2006

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thanks for that - hadn't considered twin lounges - which caravans have those? I will go and look at some dealers and see what I like.


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09/5/2014 at 5:26pm
 Location: west yorks
 Outfit:  Vango inspire 600xl 5m bell tent
View john#mel#3kids!'s Profile View Profile   Reply to john#mel#3kids! Reply   Quote john#mel#3kids! Quote  
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Have a look on caravan finder website, you can search by layout on there.
My caravan has the fixed bunk layout, 6 berth, but with the age of the kids, especially the oldest, a twin lounge would be great for you.


09/5/2014 at 7:17pm
 Location: South Yorkshire
 Outfit: Swift Lifestyle 6 -VW Touran III Sport
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Joined: 04/5/2014

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OMG! A Yorkshireman1 and spending money eeek!


09/5/2014 at 7:27pm
 Location: Cambridge
 Outfit: Countryman FC Mtn H
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We were new to caravan last year, transferring from folding campers. Looked at swift sprite, Elddis xplore and Bailey Orion. Finally settled on the Orion, twin lounge but also a bunk for 5, but now use it as 4 berth as teenager has own ideas. Really easy to tow, class 3 insulation allowed us to extend caravanning through the winter, New Years. At sandringham brill!



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