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: Any help on 1st time gratefully recieved Post Reply Post New Topic
27/8/2016 at 2:10pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View freida138's Profile View Profile   Reply to freida138 Reply   Quote freida138 Quote  
Joined: 18/4/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2

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

We've had a very large 4 bedroom tent for the last few years but, as our eldest is now wanting to stay home, are looking towards buying a caravan to fit 2 adults and a 12 year old. Hubby willing to sleep in an awning. We have a small budget (£3k)but have no idea where to start!


27/8/2016 at 2:17pm
 Location: norfolk
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Burgundy 6 volvo V70
View billyboggins's Profile View Profile   Reply to billyboggins Reply   Quote billyboggins Quote  
Joined: 23/2/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   425

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 3  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 15
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 8
Site Nights 2018: 1

Whatever you do check for DAMP !! my preference would be to find a van you like then get a mobile service engineer to give it the once over BEFORE you part with any cash..wish i had taken my own advice !!!!!

-------------
billyboggins


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

27/8/2016 at 2:27pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View haymat's Profile View Profile   Reply to haymat Reply   Quote haymat Quote  
Joined: 09/3/2016

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   75

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: 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: 4
Site Nights 2018: 0

First make sure you or your husband have the correct licence for towing. Secondly can your car tow a caravan Check the kerb weight, then start you search at 85% recommended.
The obvious things to check for are damp buy a damp meter, soft flooring,
any signs of exterior damage. Any service history is good, check the gas and electrics are working. If you are buying private ask them to set the van up so you can see all is working. Leaking pipes can be an issue so try and run taps if possible. Get a caravan tech to check over for you. It may cost but could save you a lot.    


27/8/2016 at 5:53pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: None Entered
View marramc48's Profile View Profile   Reply to marramc48 Reply   Quote marramc48 Quote  
Joined: 21/7/2015

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   310

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

Like others have said, test with damp meter and make sure your vehicle is capable of towing it easily when fully loaded and that the layout suits your needs. If seller is not happy about you testing for damp and/or having a service engineer check the caravan running gear and habitation, walk away. Yours is not an insignificant budget and we are fast approaching the end of the season when it will become a buyers market, particularly if you have your own storage facility. You will be able to purchase a good older caravan for a lot less than the top end of your budget. Many people enjoy their older caravans just as much as the people who are in a position to purchase new ones.

-------------
mm48j


27/8/2016 at 6:35pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View freida138's Profile View Profile   Reply to freida138 Reply   Quote freida138 Quote  
Joined: 18/4/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2

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

Thanks for the advice. Are any makes/models better than others?


Advertisement



27/8/2016 at 8:16pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4663

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

Each manufacturer makes something like 3 or 4 ranges:
Budget
Midrange
Luxury

Within each range they make several different sizes and layouts and number of berths.

A good idea is to go to a dealer and wander round looking at the different layouts to see what you think you would like bearing in mind the size and weight for storage and your cars towing ability and maybe your licence.


28/8/2016 at 2:00am
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011
View chrisn7's Profile View Profile   Reply to chrisn7 Reply   Quote chrisn7 Quote  
Joined: 10/9/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   948

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

There isn't really a need for one of you to sleep in the awning - there are plenty of 3 and 4 berth vans around. If you find you want to go away all year round, then this would be preferable I think.

Your budget is going to mean an older van, so as mentioned damp is a very real possibility. I would strongly recommend an inspection, whether you purchase privately, or from a dealer. Every season there are sad tales of people who don't have vans inspected and find they have bought rot boxes. Believe me, the cost of an inspection is insignificant compared to the cost of correcting damp. Don't be taken in either by 'small' damp patches - damp is like an iceberg - you see 10% the rest is still hidden.On entering a van your nose is a good test - any slight mustiness is a red flag...

As first timers, you might look out for someone who is selling up, as this could save you a lot, if an awning or other items are included. If a dealer, then haggle to to get whatever you can included.

I don't think any one make is better or worse than another, though some might disagree

http://www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk/



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...














2871 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