Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: potential caravan newbie.. Post Reply Post New Topic
Persongarydebzjessica
21/2/2015 at 7:30pm
 Location: bulkington
 Outfit: Kampa Croyde 6 & Vestibule View garydebzjessica's Profile View Profile   Reply to garydebzjessica Reply   Quote garydebzjessica Quote  
Joined: 28/8/2012

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   74
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0
good evening all, we are at present tenters and have been for years...however due to several factors we ar now toying with a change to caravan next year with look, we dont want thousands of pounds worth of van i would say 1500 to 2000 at most will be our budget for it.ideally looking for a 4 berth as we have a 3 year old....my question is for those in the know, what do i need to look outfor when viewing a potential first van? all advice and tips very much appreciated.


Personpencamper
21/2/2015 at 8:00pm
 Location: Derby
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 530 4 View pencamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to pencamper Reply   Quote pencamper Quote  
Joined: 19/3/2014

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   307
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
For that price it will be a older van and the worst problem will be damp !! We bought our first van last year and have camped for years and love it. Just be careful as there are plenty of rubbish out there.

Pencamper


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

Personscurry
21/2/2015 at 8:18pm
 Location: York
 Outfit: Ace Jubilee Courier 2008 - Honda CR-V View scurry's Profile View Profile   Reply to scurry Reply   Quote scurry Quote  
Joined: 04/9/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   108
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi, the common issues to look out for is obliviously damp. From previous experience I would only buy from someone upgrading as normally they have looked after there family van. Some of the vans we visited had everything included (awning, grd sheet, aquaroll/waste gas, etc etc) I think one thing to bear in mind is not to get too excited on the 1st van you see and buy it!! Ask loads of questions to the seller to give you a better understanding of what life the van has had.

Is it been stored under cover? or breathable covers?
When was it last serviced?
When was the tyres checked
What repairs have you done recently?? Delamination (spongy floor)

Hope this helps

-------------
2015 - Playa Montriog Spain
2016 - Private villa in Javea Spain
2017 - Unknown


PersonNeil63
21/2/2015 at 8:39pm
 Location: Lincoln
 Outfit: Volvo V70 D5 Lunar clubman SB View Neil63's Profile View Profile   Reply to Neil63 Reply   Quote Neil63 Quote  
Joined: 09/8/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   91
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Make sure you buy a good damp meter and don't be afraid to use it. It could save you a small fortune. I bought a van last year for a couple of grand after looking at 3 so called Damp free vans. As Scurry said just wait and you'll get one with awning, Alko hitch and other extras.

-------------
As soon as the legs are down, the bottle is open.


Personbobmel
21/2/2015 at 9:13pm
 Location: Aberdeen
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 460 VW Tiguan Moti View bobmel's Profile View Profile   Reply to bobmel Reply   Quote bobmel Quote  
Joined: 26/8/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1593
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
thinkng of buying a caravan We also tented for many years, then trailer tent, now caravaners for the last 5. I would suggest you go along to your local caravan dealer to get some ideas of lay out etc. Our first van was bought from a dealer £1500. Like car sales they have a stock of trade ins and like to get rid of them, they will also hope you go back when you trade up, that is what we did. Either way if the dreaded word 'damp' is mentioned walk away.

-------------
Robert (BoB)


Advertisement



Personmillermicm
21/2/2015 at 9:26pm
 Location: west country
 Outfit: None Entered View millermicm's Profile View Profile   Reply to millermicm Reply   Quote millermicm Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4665
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Damp is the number one to avoid and a caravan too heavy for your car (unless you are changing) is also number one.

Don't even bother viewing a caravan you cannot tow then when you find one you can tow take a damp meter.

-------------
Steve


Personjsparkes201148
22/2/2015 at 12:32am
 Location: Stockton on Tees
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento View jsparkes201148's Profile View Profile   Reply to jsparkes201148 Reply   Quote jsparkes201148 Quote  
Joined: 12/1/2007

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1277
Site Reviews Total: 28
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 3  
Site Reviews 2019: 7  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 17
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 4
If a seller tells you the caravan is damp free, do not accept this. Look for a local Mobile Caravan Service person and ask how much to check out a caravan for you. If youfind one that you are really interested in, for extra peace of mind you could get it checked out by an expert..... well worth it my opinion.
You will probably find that you will get away more with a caravan, particularly early and late in the season.
Good luck.


Persongarydebzjessica
26/2/2015 at 9:20pm
 Location: bulkington
 Outfit: Kampa Croyde 6 & Vestibule View garydebzjessica's Profile View Profile   Reply to garydebzjessica Reply   Quote garydebzjessica Quote  
Joined: 28/8/2012

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   74
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0
thanks for all the tips folks will take all this on board when time comes, i knew damp was an issue to llok for but i also thought it could be repaired? big job?


Personbilly
27/2/2015 at 8:59am
 Location: North Essex
 Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400 View billy's Profile View Profile   Reply to billy Reply   Quote billy Quote  
Joined: 19/4/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4364
Site Reviews Total: 39
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 6  
Site Reviews 2022: 7  
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 7  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 121
Site Nights 2023: 45
Site Nights 2022: 91
Site Nights 2021: 112
Site Nights 2020: 84
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
It would depend how long the damp has been allowed to remain, if years then caravan might be beyond repair. If you find soft rotten sections inside caravan then avoid but otherwise just sealing up the outside is often sufficient, it was for mine.


Persongarydebzjessica
19/3/2015 at 8:10pm
 Location: bulkington
 Outfit: Kampa Croyde 6 & Vestibule View garydebzjessica's Profile View Profile   Reply to garydebzjessica Reply   Quote garydebzjessica Quote  
Joined: 28/8/2012

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   74
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thank you all for the tips so far.....

still looking into budget etc for the moment but ive found a van that needs work...not afraid of any of it at all as this is sort of what we planned..on our very tight budget...buy a used repairable and fix it up and decorate etc to our needs.....so brace yourselves for this one....can anyone tell me is the front end of a van timber framed and then timber braced to the floor?...reason im asking is i have found a van with fronet end damage please see picture i borrowed of it :).....http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a484/garyquayle/_57_zpsudrsatid.jpg.

Post last edited on 19/03/2015 20:21:02


Advertisement



PersonBridgelayer
20/3/2015 at 9:50am
 Location: West Yorks
 Outfit: Gobur Carousel View Bridgelayer's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bridgelayer Reply   Quote Bridgelayer Quote  
Joined: 24/5/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   744
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I wouldn't touch that one. With all the moss/algae on the front, it looks like a well neglected van.

-------------
Some days you are the dog,
some days you are the tree.

Goodbye tension, hello Pension!


       


PersonGreendemon315
20/3/2015 at 11:30am
 Location: Blackburn Lancashire
 Outfit: Coachman Laser 650 and Discovery View Greendemon315's Profile View Profile   Reply to Greendemon315 Reply   Quote Greendemon315 Quote  
Joined: 06/2/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2137
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Make sure you can tow whatever you get. Car and licence conditions apply.

Jim


PersonI800 dave
20/3/2015 at 1:19pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View I800 dave's Profile View Profile   Reply to I800 dave Reply   Quote I800 dave Quote  
Joined: 12/3/2015

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   127
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We are in the same boat, just want a cheapy for a few years then upgrade, from what I gather, small damp patches are not too bad but floors, ceilings and bad wall damp Is a big repair job!!


PersonBridgelayer
20/3/2015 at 1:44pm
 Location: West Yorks
 Outfit: Gobur Carousel View Bridgelayer's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bridgelayer Reply   Quote Bridgelayer Quote  
Joined: 24/5/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   744
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
My C-o-C is up for sale due to SWMBO's lack of enthusiasm. I intend using it until it is sold, but I don't think she'll be too happy!
(Especially when I nick the car for a couple of weeks!)

-------------
Some days you are the dog,
some days you are the tree.

Goodbye tension, hello Pension!


       


Personleon copa
20/3/2015 at 1:44pm
 Location: seaham co durham
 Outfit: elddis hurricane astra sportstourer View leon copa's Profile View Profile   Reply to leon copa Reply   Quote leon copa Quote  
Joined: 23/3/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   438
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
hi i bought my second one five years ago £1000.pound still got it. its not the best one on the site ive spent gas service £60 two tyres £70 .brother in law resealed it and did delam for tray of lager £20 .new carpet £10 mated did brake service for a favour . if i could afford a brand new one i wouldnt bother .


PersonMonks
20/3/2015 at 8:17pm
 Location: Sheffield or my happy place
 Outfit: Coachman VIP View Monks's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monks Reply   Quote Monks Quote  
Joined: 04/8/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   323
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We bought a 1992 Avondale last year for 800.00, it was clean, damp free and had been looked after. It might not be the newest van on the site but it is good for us. I have read posts on here from people who have spent thousands on a caravan have experienced damp problems. Don't be afraid to have a good nosey around any caravan you go and look at and check for damp.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

5648 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder