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Topic: New to caravanning/ caravelair ambience 6

Booradley

19/8/2018 at 11:12am
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Hello, we are considering buying this caravan as there are fixed bunks and fixed double. We are a family of 5 (kids 14,6 and 8). We know nada about caravans. We intend parking it up in the one site for a few months. We live in north and it is usually quite windy and wet. Any opinions/ advice would be so much apprecaited. Thank you!

Rob and Tina

19/8/2018 at 11:43am
Location: Royal Forest of Dean
Outfit: Swift Major 4SB

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First thing to consider is what you and your car can tow. Do you have a B+E licence? You need to check the max weight (MTPLM) of the caravan and the kerbweight and towing limits of your car. The guideline is that the MTPLM should not be more than 85% of the car's kerbweight unless the car's limit is lower.

Are the bunks big enough to hold a 14 year old? Most bunks are fairly small and some have a very low weight limit.

Where do you intend to park the caravan for the rest of the year? Storage can be hard to find.

Lots to think about before you spend a lot of money.

Rob

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Booradley

19/8/2018 at 12:05pm
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Hi Rob thanks for your reply. Towing will not be an issue. My husband works in vehicle industry and has access to a variety of vehicles which can townwhatever weight. He will be be towing, not me.
We intend towing van to a site and leaving it there March- September, so towing twice a year.
He has bad back so needs special mattress, fixed bed would be best?
Also kids love idea of bunks, so would love fixed bunks too. This van fits all criteria, so that’s why it appeals so much! However please tell me anything else I need to take into consideration as I’m worried I might be getting so excited about layout that I’m ignoring everything else.

When I go see van, what else should I look for/ ask??
Van has awning, and 2 other beds, so hopefully 14 year old will be accommodated.
Thanks so much Rob.

Booradley

19/8/2018 at 12:06pm
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Storage available here for September to March

Booradley

19/8/2018 at 12:19pm
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https://www.gumtree.com/p/caravans/caravelair-ambiance-516-caravan.-6-7-berth-lightweight-very-good-condition-/1307249471

Booradley

19/8/2018 at 12:31pm
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A concern would be that it can get quite stormy around these parts and if the caravan is lightweight, would that be an issue??

blueexpo97

19/8/2018 at 12:39pm
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Booradley there is a post edit button for use up to two hours after posting.

-------------
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.

Rob and Tina

19/8/2018 at 12:44pm
Location: Royal Forest of Dean
Outfit: Swift Major 4SB

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Did he pass his driving test before 1997?

If the caravan has a stabiliser hitch then it must be towed by a vehicle with a suitable tow ball, Google Alko tow ball to see the difference. Also the towball must be extremely clean and free of paint or grease to avoid contaminating the pads in the stabiliser hitch.

Damp is the big enemy of caravans so check for damp marks, soft spots in the walls near openings and around the awning rail. If buying from a dealer ask him to show you the damp meter being used all over the van to show how much damp is present, there will always be damp in the atmosphere so nothing is ever 100% dry. It is probably worth getting a local mobile caravan engineer to do a pre purchase inspection for you to make sure everything is ok.

Ask to see the service records for the caravan. Caravans are supposed to be serviced regularly to ensure everything is safe and to check for damp.

Check the age and condition of the tyres. Tyres should be replaced every 5 to 7 years due to sidewall deterioration and the effects of being stood in one place for long periods.

Ask if the caravan is CRIS registered. This is a voluntary registration scheme and includes a registration number etched on all the windows. Foreign built caravans are not always CRIS registered but it is worth checking if it is registered and doing a check on ownership etc similar to doing an HPI check on a used car.

Ask to see everything working. Make sure there is nothing missing, things like cushions often seem to go missing and are expensive to replace and get trimmed to match. If you need a special mattress make sure that the double bed is a size that you can get a mattress for as it may not be the same size as a normal household bed.

Have a look at the Caravan Club website where you will find information about choosing and maintaining caravans.

If you need to know anything else just ask.

Rob

Booradley

19/8/2018 at 12:50pm
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Rob you are a star! Thanks so much for all this. The caravan I’m looking at is the same as the one on gumtree which is advertised at £7,200, yet dealer looking £8,950. We are in N Ireland, so buying from Dorset would be tough in terms of transport.

Thanks again for your time Rob, really appreciate it.

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