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Topic: Looking to Buy a Caravan
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12/7/2014 at 8:58pm
Location: Dartford Kent Outfit: VW T6 conversion
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Joined: 06/5/2008 Platinum Member
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We've just bought our first 'van, after realising the ground was getting further away with age, and in the expectation of extending the camping season, and touring range.
First we looked at the alternatives: air-frame tents (most of the effort was in pegging anyway); Motorhomes (Cramped; restrictive on site; overpriced); Caravan (Maintenance? Insurance? Servicing costs? Storage?)
We started developing a shortlist, from the following:
Towing. Needs to be light to match our current car (Yeti 110hp), and stable. Match to both weight (85%) and power (what incline could it manage?) How would it work on our France trips? What load can we carry, after all the extras (mover, battery, gas, awning, bedding and pots) are onboard? Noseweight, and 13 pin connector.
Convenience. How does the bed work? Do we need fixed bed? Two singles? Onboard loo - the prostate's not what it was. 12v/230v, so we could do cc&c rallies, as well as normal sites. Fridge for ice for cocktails. Gas burners.
Storage. Needs to be small enough for our drive; motor mover to do the parking thing. Security measures - minimum hitchlock and wheel lock according to insurers. Topping up battery charge and draining water over winter.
Aesthetics. We're going to live with this for some time. Is it modern-ish (not a 'granny-van') and reasonally practical in layout? What is the standard of insulation/construction? (Most manufacturers seem to have changed methods around 2010-12 in one way or another, because of damp issues etc)
Ended up doing quite a bit of work in preparation: extending parking area by putting down retaining mat and gravel; install drop-down post; install exterior 13A socket. New towbar, electrics and remapping for car.
We bought a nearly-new Lunar 2-berth. Small friendly dealer threw in a load of essential extras from his stock of s/hand kit - water and waste, step, hitchlock, power cable, gas bottles. We ended up buying some - the gas 'pigtail', wheel lock, car mirrors, levelling ramps.
We've taken her out twice now, and it's a pleasure. Just bought a cheap sunshade and poles from Obelink, and looking forward to many happy nights this summer, here and on the continent; maybe New Year too.
Hope these notes are useful addition to the obvious ones, about damp, chassis, tyres etc.
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27/7/2014 at 9:16pm
Location: Kent Outfit: Coachman Vision 580 5
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Joined: 20/6/2011 Standard Member
Forum Posts: 54
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Do your homework before spending any money. Is your car big/ heavy enough.
Whatever you get, make sure it is dry.
Shop around. We spent nearly 2 years looking before being able to buy our first caravan. Layout is such a personal choice. Go to the Caravan Show at the NEC (October and February) Even if you are not buying new, it gives you a brilliant opportunity to look at all the different layouts and manufacturers. We went in February and fell in love with one and bought it! It's also a great place to get accessories.
If making up beds every night is a problem, go for a fixed bed layout. If you prefer the space during the day, don't.
Consider where you are going to keep it, and make sure you have enough space for whatever you are considering. If you have a 5 metre drive, a 6 metre van will be a problem!
When you are looking at caravans, if you can, it's great to make up the beds and pull all the curtains. It gives you a good idea of what it's like first thing in the morning. Nothing worse than the sun streaming through a roof light without a blind or the holes in a blind!
Once you've found what you like, enjoy it, I loved camping but caravan in is something else. It's my home from home and I just love it.
------------- Caravanners do it in comfort!
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