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Subject Topic: Which small caravan!? Post Reply Post New Topic
15/5/2014 at 1:08pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: None Entered
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Hi,

Ive had several folding campers which were great but due to moving house last year I sold it to get a little extra cash.
So I had a Pennine Fiesta (bought through the forum :) ) and then a Sterling 510 SE, this was great!

Anyhow, im now without something to hook on the car and go camping! Im looking....I could do with keeping it fairly cheap and do fancy a small caravan, however I dont like the thought of dragging a lumbersome caravan around.
So I thought about another folding camper but think I need to try something new, classic caravan - maybe (i have a classic car, the two would look good) but not sure a classic will tow well? or ideally an Eriba but im really going to struggle to find the funds for that, or just a small caravan!
Theres only 2 of us and a little dog so it hasnt got to be big.

Ive watched caravans for months on the dreaded ebay, the prices for some seem crazy, good old ebay fever!

Does anyone have any suggestions?! or anything for sale?

Thanks for looking, and even more thanks if you reply!

Matt (in Staffordshire)


15/5/2014 at 3:13pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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Joined: 11/5/2008

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Depends on your budget and if your good at DIY. Some older vans maybe damp free.

But time does take its toll. I had a mid 70's Sprite Musketeer and it was in a fab condition for its age.

We looked at swapping it for something modern many times. But the build quality on the newer vans was just awful.

This was a long time ago now. But anything with plastic windows appeared to be riddled with damp.
But nobody wantes glass window caravans anymore.

I wouldnt have a 2nd though about a really old van as long as it was in good condition.

An old Austin Maxi or 1800 with a classic early 70's van looks right to me.



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15/5/2014 at 3:42pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: None Entered
View matada34's Profile View Profile   Reply to matada34 Reply   Quote matada34 Quote  
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Ello,

Yep im a dab hand at a bit of DIY to be honest so I can do abit on a van. Im still finishing of my Series 2 land rover to its former glory so im trying to steer clear of getting another project immediately!

Ive heard lots of bad stuff about new vans, quality isnt good. I like the eriba as it sits behind the car alittle nicer!

Ideally I want to spend £1000-1500 but if I saw a something special I may fork out a little more. I think these classic vans hold there money better so I maybe able to convince myself to get in a little debt for one!


15/5/2014 at 5:07pm
 Location: Scottish Borders
 Outfit:  Elddis Whirlwind GT
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Hello
I've just bought an Elddis Whirlwind GT 1993 for £1250 complete with brand new unused full awning, motor movers, microwave, extra heater, polishes, toilet fluids, gas bottles, older porch awning. and much more together with the complete spec of the van all in full working order. A small amount of damp in the toilet room caused by old sealant on the offside rail. Now resealed and bone dry. Plant to reseal the rest of the rails due to age ov van. 1000kg all up so easily towed by 1600 upwards. well pleased.
Look around and choose carefully but do take a damp meter. Under £10 from Amazon well worth it.
Good luck.
Doug


15/5/2014 at 6:13pm
 Location: Mid Wales
 Outfit: Coachman Vip 520
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Hi I have a Freedom Sinseeker, its really small and lightweight, but with the awning is plenty big enough for the 2 of us and 2 small dogs. Mtplm is 750kg. They are made of grp and the body is made in one piece, so less chance of leaks. There are a few different models.
if too basic, I think the Elddis Wisp is another small one!

-------------
Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!


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15/5/2014 at 9:36pm
 Location: Blackwood
 Outfit: Bailey scorpio 5 birth & 5 man tent
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Mine would be ideal if you wasnt so far away 1992 Eldis Wisp 350/2 weighs 819kg loaded its up £750 ono but if you are willing to spend more id be happy with that

In all seriousness the Elddis Wisp are fantastic caravans and there are some good deals to be had they have everything you need, cassette toilet, cooker, most of the ones with 3 front windows also have an oven. we love ours but we needed a bigger caravan so its up for sale and will be sad to see it go.

-------------
Im new to this please be gentle


16/5/2014 at 7:47am
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: None Entered
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Hi,

Thanks for all the replies, i wasnt expecting so many!

Ive looked at the Freedom vans, good design but they are a little out of my price range.

Ive also come across the Wisp, ive watched several on the bay but they were either too much or full of damp. However I do agree this could be a good option, this is just going more towards a full size caravan and not a small classic kinda thing! I am genuinely interested in them though.

flufftec - I think I saw your van on preloved or gumtree.... I need to look at your location!



16/5/2014 at 10:53am
 Location: Mid Wales
 Outfit: Coachman Vip 520
View ferretlady's Profile View Profile   Reply to ferretlady Reply   Quote ferretlady Quote  
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Keep your eye on ebay, seen quite a few going quite cheap!

-------------
Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!


16/5/2014 at 10:55am
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: None Entered
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Any views on Esterell?!


16/5/2014 at 8:44pm
 Location: North Yorkshire
 Outfit: Holi * Perran 4 * Airedale 5
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I have a 1969 Fisher Holivan which I tow with my 32 year old classic Mini. There is a photo in my Gallery.

Fisher Holivan and Thomson MiniGlen caravans come up on eBay every now and again so keep looking out for them.
I think they would be ideal for you as they are compact, lightweight and quirky!

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


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16/5/2014 at 9:39pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: None Entered
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The Esterel folders look great as do the Goburs, im also looking for a lightweight to tow as I don't want to change my car. Would love an Eriba but they are so expensive .


17/5/2014 at 7:39pm
 Location: flint north wales
 Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002
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i got a eldiss whirlwind vogue 2 berth ,super little van easy to tow and fully specced ,plenty about at good prices


20/5/2014 at 1:03am
 Location: west dunbartonshire
 Outfit: Toyota auris icon Abbey Iona Vogue
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How about a compass lynx 340\2 or an abbey Iona - both only
1.95 metres wide with good specification


20/5/2014 at 2:56pm
 Location: North Wiltshire
 Outfit: Elddis & 3 tents
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Quote: Originally posted by matada34 on 16/5/2014
Any views on Esterell?!



We have a 3 berth Esterel and it is fantastic. So easy to tow and very easy to put up/down. You might be better with a 2 berth one as the bed tends to be a bit bigger and you have room for a toilet. They are surprisingly spacious inside, I think the small doors make you think they are tiny, but they are far from it.



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