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Topic: Starter vans - where to start?

smagsmith007

11/5/2014 at 6:28pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi everyone

I am looking for any advice on buying a starter caravan.

Having spent 5 happy years camping, we feel it is time to take the next step and get a caravan. My thoughts are to buy a cheap starter van, test if we like caravanning, and if we do, look at upgrading after a year or so. I have read a few internet guides on buying a used van but would value your thoughts.

We have a Audi a6, so kerb weight is telling me I can tow 1360kg using the 85% rule.
I have a budget of £2k.
I need a 4-5 berth. (we haave 2 small kids)
If we like it, then I would like to think I could get my £2k back a year on, when we upgrade.

I have been watching a few auctions on fleabay to get an idea of what is selling for £2k. I know I would be taking a risk buying from ebay, but at the moment I am just researching. There does however seem to be some fairly decent vans on there in our budget.

We would be looking to use it for odd weekends and 1 x 2 week summer holiday in france each year.

Any suggestions on what my next steps should be?

Cheers
Steve

LobeyDosser

11/5/2014 at 6:37pm
Location: Argyll Scotland
Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4

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I most seriously suggest that instead of spending 2K on a van, you invest £10.99 on a book called "Make The Most Out Of Your Caravan". ISBN 978-1-444-10115-7.
You can get it from Amazon.
That will tell you all you need to know about secondhand vans, the layouts of them and everything else you could possibly need to know about caravanning.

We have been camping and caravanning for over 40 years and I am still learning a host of stuff that I didn't know from reading this book. It really is a sound investment.

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Lobey.

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Grampian91

11/5/2014 at 7:31pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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Dont buy one unseen. Check it out with a damp meter before buying or bidding on it.

When looking for a cheaper van its impossible for someone to say get a certain make/model.
Any caravan can get damp problems so every van needs to be inspected and bought on condition.

greenhill

11/5/2014 at 8:42pm
Location: Norfolk
Outfit: None Entered

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Although probably out of your budget go to local dealers and look at lots of different caravans and think about the layout and how it would work for you. Then look for something in your budget with the type of layout you think will be best for you. Def check for damp as has already been said.

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From tents to trailer tents to a tin tent to an air tent to trailer tent and back to tin tent!

jackie h

11/5/2014 at 8:58pm
Location: Tipton West Midlands
Outfit: Swift Challenger 520

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Hi
We did just what you're thinking of doing.
We bought a 'starter' caravan last year for £700 including an awning, and have loved it. This year, having been to all the local dealers, and looked at layout and price, we bought a much newer caravan. We did keep the awning because it is a fab Bradcot Active which goes up in 10 mins flat - I adapted it to fit the new van which is about about 6' longer.
Look at as many as you can, and don't be afraid to look under all the seats, and in all the cupboards.
Happy caravanning.

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See the beauty ..... know the creator

Colin21

11/5/2014 at 9:10pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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Totally agree with Grampian91. Don't even think about buying unseen. Check anything out before bidding, especially if it seems a bargain.

This is not really a very good time to buy on ebay, as prices will be at their highest. Just before Christmas there are some good bargains about.

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Best Regards,
Colin

moz1013

12/5/2014 at 1:06pm
Location: Dorset
Outfit: Vango Odyssey AirBeam 600 Tent

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Go and see some local ones to where you live, and get a feel for what size and layout will suit your family best.
2 bunk beds that convert to a diner are common for 4 berth vans, or you might want one that has a diner area at the far end which converts to two single and one bunk over the top if you have 3 kids.

You can buy a Damp Meter quite cheaply from MachineMart and other places, and use it on all the walls, and look and feel for spongey patches around windows and roof vents too.

If the floor feels bouncy and a bit spongey underfoot it could mean that the floor is delaminating and water has got into the layers of ply wood. This is a pain to put right, so best to walk away if you find one like that.

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2015 - our 1st year of caravanning with a new baby. Can't wait! :)

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