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Subject Topic: Want to buy a caravan... Post Reply Post New Topic
08/6/2017 at 9:25pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
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Where do I start??

We are a family of 4 and would like a caravan with as much space as possible. Seasoned tent campers but with a great load of kit that's all too much for a quick weekend. Plan is we'll keep the van on one site so we don't need to stress about towing too much. Would like an awning for space. But I have no clue what to look for/be wary of. Don't need new but tidy would be nice, budget is small 3-5.5k, & don't want make a costly mistake! Any pointers most welcome, thanks in advance x


08/6/2017 at 9:50pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit: Motorhome
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First thing to consider is what can your car tow? Check the V5 and the weight plate for the kerbweight, max weight, max towed weight and gross train weight.

Have you got a B+E licence or are you on a restricted licence?

I would have a look at dealers used caravans to get an idea of caravan layouts and weights and then look for a privately advertised caravan. There are bargains out there but beware of the dreaded damp problems, it may pay you to get a pre purchase inspection carried out by a mobile caravan mechanic before you part with any money. Beware of advertisers who don't know the weight of their caravan or who quote the unladen weight, you need to know the max weight (MTPLM) to work out the towing match.

Rob


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09/6/2017 at 6:46am
 Location: Seasonal Pitch
 Outfit: Swift Oakmere 2008
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If you dont want to tow and plan to leave the van on a seasonal pitch then you neednt stress yourself over your car, van weight etc because there are plenty of companies out there who deliver. We did this when we bought a much bigger van for our seasonal pitch. If you have 2 children then perhaps the 6 berth with bunkbeds at the end would be a good fit for you


09/6/2017 at 9:26am
 Location: Blackpool
 Outfit: Elddis Supreme
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Go for as big a caravan as you can get. There are some bargains out there - second hand ones often come with an awning.

Old does not necessarily mean 'no-good' - as long as you check it out (or get someone to do it for you) for damp, gas worthy, electrics working, tyres etc.


09/6/2017 at 10:28am
 Location: North Devon
 Outfit: Compass Omega 432
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What about a Folding Camper?
Pennine Pathfinder sleeps 6, lots of space, comfortable, not heavy to tow.
Awning is spacious.


-------------
sandra


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09/6/2017 at 11:21am
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OP says the plan is to keep 'van on site. Seasonal pitch perhaps?

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


09/6/2017 at 12:43pm
 Location: Staffs Cheshire bord
 Outfit: None Entered
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If you're thinking g about space in the daytime a fixed bed takes up a !ot of space that's not useable during g the day. Possibly a double dinette's worth considering.

-------------
Jean

Sometimes a little rain must fall before you reach a rainbow.

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work.


09/6/2017 at 1:13pm
 Location: North Devon
 Outfit: Compass Omega 432
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Oops! Missed the bit about permanent pitch

-------------
sandra


09/6/2017 at 4:31pm
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Thanks everyone fit your replies so far, looming into all of this, ta


09/6/2017 at 8:05pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
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Bailey make a big van specifically for this. the Bailey Retreat.

https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/bailey-retreat-sycamore-6-berth-caravan-review-4229/


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09/6/2017 at 8:42pm
 Location: fife
 Outfit: vw t5 adria isonzo
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Quote: Originally posted by navver on 09/6/2017
Bailey make a big van specifically for this. the Bailey Retreat.

https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/bailey-retreat-sycamore-6-berth-caravan-review-4229/



not on the op budget 3-5.5k


10/6/2017 at 9:30am
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636
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Have a look at the older Adria. Basic but good reputation for remaining water tight. Something like the 502DK can be had between 4-5k and has bunks at the back.



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