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Topic: Which used family caravan?

lucca

05/9/2014 at 11:03pm
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We're a family of five (three boys of 4, 7 and 10) who would like to buy a caravan to place on a seasonal pitch. Please would members advise the best makes/models, layout and axel type? Are German makes superior in build? For an under 10-year-old caravan, should we buy from a dealer or privately? Thanks.

Post last edited on 05/09/2014 23:22:01

Post last edited on 05/09/2014 23:44:30

millermicm

06/9/2014 at 7:03am
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Its personal choice really. Fixed bed, larger end bathroom etc. German may be superior build quality but that doesn't make others bad.

Have a look round dealers and get an idea what you want it to look like on the inside and can you tow it with your vehicle?

Makes sure you bu a dry one.

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checkley1973

06/9/2014 at 8:37am
Location: Sheffield
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I'd go for an Adria with triple bunks. Their bunks are larger than all others and the build is well trusted.

Something like a 542DT. The sportline versions are nice as they have some nice extras. Make sure you get one that's been converted to run on electric if you are placing on a seasonal pitch.

There are a couple of good ones on eBay at the moment. One has the electric conversion done too. Have a search.

rayjdyer

07/9/2014 at 12:46pm
Location: West Dorset
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We have a lunar quasar 546 with triple bunks, which works well with our family of 5. It has a separate shower rather than a wet room, and you can close off the end bedroom where the bunks are, which is useful as the kids go to bed early.

Grampian91

07/9/2014 at 2:50pm
Location: Midlands
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There is no one layout is best or one manufacturer thats better than all the rest.

You need to find a van that suits your pocket and requirements.

Its quite likely that your 1st van wont be ideal after you spend a few weeks in it. You may wish things were in different places.

A fixed bed maybe good for one person but a waste of space for another.

I would say avoid a twin axle unless you have a 4x4 or something with a heavy duty clutch designed for towing heavy weights often.
eg. (Vehicles with a 3.5ton towing limit)

If you passed your driving test after 1997 then you have further restrictions on the max weight.

Dealer or private. Whoever has the van you want at the price you want it.
A 10 year old van from a dealer may only have a safety warranty rather than a 100% guarantee that there is no damp.

Private usually saves you money, But there are always sellers that think their van is worth far more than it really is worth.

Get to know what the values are before handing over money.

RonPlatt

07/9/2014 at 8:25pm
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If you mean you want a caravan to keep on a seasonal pitch & not tow at all then a large German twin axle like Hobby/LMC/Fendt is a good bet, often these have layout of fixed double bed & bunks. Yes the build quality is generally superior to UK makes. Bear in mind though that over 7mtre body length is only legal to tow with commercial vehicle over 3.5t gross weight so even something like a Nissan Navara is not legal to tow although plenty take a chance & do tow with a large 4x4.

To stay legal to get it towed to site you might have hire a truck or whatever. If you want a big German 'van under 10yrs old a dealer might be a better bet & he could probably arrange delivery. You will see plenty of Hobby/LMC etc on ebay from private sellers for good prices but these are normally well used & sellers will want paying in cash.

So possibly safer to buy, say a UK built twin axle from a dealer. This will be legal to tow with medium size 4x4 etc & will be Cris registered so you will be certain of legal title. Large German caravans usually are not Cris reg so try to see previous sales receipts if you buy one.

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