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Topic: Possibly buying our 1st caravan-Many ques

Millerblade

14/7/2016 at 8:08pm
Location: None Entered
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Hi everyone,

So we camp in tents at the moment but we want a caravan as it will be better for the dogs and us. We will keep our tent just in case it isnt for us but wont know until we try.

The caravan we are looking at i only a 2 berth. Its £500. In an ideal world we would prefer a 4 berth but cant find a decent on in our small budget.

The one we have found is a 1990 swift challenger. I hope its a good make. Then again, anything I know is a gamble for 1990!!! Apparently there was a small amount of damp in one of the cupboards but its been repaired.

It has hot & cold water. It has a heater but its never been used so they said they dont know if its works/safe etc..

Its a single axel and 7 pin tow.

What else shall I ask the seller?

Will it be a good starter caravan?

We have a megane 1.6 car with Towbar.

It has NO awning. There is a rail for where one should go. I would like a large awning, how much is one?

Sorry for ALL the questions

JohnnyE

14/7/2016 at 10:41pm
Location: Cheshire
Outfit: Swift Challenger 565 SE

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Swifts are a decent make and deffo a good introduction van, got one myself

, the only concern initially from what you have said would be the fact that van has had damp, this in itself is not a major issue but should be a concern all the same until you are happy yourself.

Just ensure you are satisfied it has been fully repaired and there are no signs elsewhere in the van, in particular under seating areas, corners and under flooring.

You can ask if it has a service history, if it has gas fire etc, you may want assurance that it is safe.

You could also get it serviced yourself relatively cheaply if you shop around.

Good luck and welcome to the caravanners world!

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Millerblade

14/7/2016 at 11:07pm
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Quote: Originally posted by JohnnyE on 14/7/2016
Swifts are a decent make and deffo a good introduction van, got one myself , the only concern initially from what you have said would be the fact that van has had damp, this in itself is not a major issue but should be a concern all the same until you are happy yourself.

Just ensure you are satisfied it has been fully repaired and there are no signs elsewhere in the van, in particular under seating areas, corners and under flooring.

You can ask if it has a service history, if it has gas fire etc, you may want assurance that it is safe.

You could also get it serviced yourself relatively cheaply if you shop around.

Good luck and welcome to the caravanners world!

Thanks.
Not sure if you saw this bit about it having a heater but theyve never used it so dont know if it works or indeed I would assume if its safe?!
Would this be something that would stop the purchase or just something to get sorted after?

Also there is no paperwork.

JohnnyE

14/7/2016 at 11:48pm
Location: Cheshire
Outfit: Swift Challenger 565 SE

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Chances with a 20+ year old van it will probably want a proper service on it to check ....better safe than sorry.

In terms of paperwork this is not unusual as legally it's not like a car with the dvla, however you can use cris http://www.cris.co.uk/cris-check/ to check for stolen vans and HP etc and it is relatively cheap at about £15.

Thinking about the damp you could probably pick up a damp test metre for less than £20 too for piece of mind , oh and check for spongy walls or floors which can be a sign of material damp.

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artel

15/7/2016 at 8:27am
Location: Lanarkshire
Outfit: Unicorn Cartagena & Discovery Sport

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I know you say you are on a tight budget but would you consider getting a mobile caravan engineer to check it out before parting with your hard earned cash. Yes, it might cost you an extra £60 or so but it just might save you hundreds.

path20

17/7/2016 at 9:20am
Location: Lancashire
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Sounds a good price for a two berth. Check the fire works and it is safe as you will need it when the weather gets colder. Does the water system work, pump, taps etc? Does the water heat up? Does it have a fridge? Does it work?Do any of the windows let water in? Are the wheels and tyres good?
If it's been used regularly I'm sure all will be fine but you don't want to be spending lots of money on it.
The one good thing is that there will be lots of spares around at caravan breakers. Our friends have a twenty year old caravan and he can always get second hand spares.
An awning can cost as much as your caravan and more. There are quite a few secondhand ones around. Try to get all the pegs etc included in the price.You could even pick up an older one from £50 if you shop around.
We started off with an old two berth and loved it.Enjoy caravanning!

Post last edited on 17/07/2016 09:32:24

nora

17/7/2016 at 5:56pm
Location: Whitchurch shrops
Outfit: Swift conqueror 480

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Xis it a private sale . I would only buy from a dealer with a good reputation . This would then give you a years warranty .
If there has been damp you need to get someone who can check it out. If it private ask for a mobile service engineer to look at it .

bobmel

18/7/2016 at 11:17pm
Location: Aberdeen
Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 460 VW Tiguan Moti

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DAMP, bi bi would not touch

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Robert (BoB)

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