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Subject Topic: New to Caravans - Advice Post Reply Post New Topic
Personpazmaz
05/9/2018 at 6:52pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman Si 18 View pazmaz's Profile View Profile   Reply to pazmaz Reply   Quote pazmaz Quote  
Joined: 16/8/2011

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So we are glampers with all the gear, but due to health reasons we are now leaning towards getting a caravan instead. So as this is completely new to us I wondered if you guys could advise.

When is the best time to get a caravan? We want one that is perhaps a year or 2 old - 4 birth with a fixed bed. We know what layout we want and we know we want to use a dealership for backup.

We are struggling with finding space in the local storage sites - any advice?

We don't want huge outlays due to job situations, what is the average budget needed - obviously without petrol or camp fees - I mean servicing and insurance - and storage fees (if we find one.)

Are there any makes we should avoid? I know this is a little tougher to answer and can be subjective, but any view point is gratefully received.

Any other "must knows" that I haven't thought of?

Many thanks
Maz


PersonOctavia4x4
05/9/2018 at 7:24pm
 Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482 View Octavia4x4's Profile View Profile   Reply to Octavia4x4 Reply   Quote Octavia4x4 Quote  
Joined: 24/10/2012

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Dealers tend to clear stock at this time of year and you can get some good prices, make sure you see the service reports and damp tests.
Storage anywhere between say £250-£350 a year, insurance depends on price of caravan and equipment, new for old or market value £200+
Caravan servicing about £200 a year.

You need to consider your Driving licence B or B+E, which will determine the weight that you can tow.

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Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)


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PersonPixie_Hez
05/9/2018 at 9:00pm
 Location: Liverpool
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 560 View Pixie_Hez's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pixie_Hez Reply   Quote Pixie_Hez Quote  
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The cost of storage depends on where you live. If storage is scarce, then prices are high. We pay £400 a year for storage. I’ve looked for something cheaper nearby but there is nowhere to be found with space. Our previous dealer charged £235 for a service, we haven’t had one yet for our new van so not sure about our current dealer but I am expecting around the same price. This year we paid £250 for insurance on a ‘new for old’ policy. So caravaning is not necessarily a cheap option!

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Pixie


Personpazmaz
05/9/2018 at 9:18pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman Si 18 View pazmaz's Profile View Profile   Reply to pazmaz Reply   Quote pazmaz Quote  
Joined: 16/8/2011

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I think our decision may be made by having no where to store it. We know caravanning would be more expensive than tenting, but our alternative options is villa rentals and this really is expensive. Additional issues are that our local dealer is running out of stock fast. - it's all so frustrating. Thank you so much for the advice so far, it's all very useful!


PersonPixie_Hez
06/9/2018 at 9:55am
 Location: Liverpool
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 560 View Pixie_Hez's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pixie_Hez Reply   Quote Pixie_Hez Quote  
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Where are you based Pazmaz? If you complete your profile with your location, someone might be able to suggest storage locations.

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Pixie


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PersonHairywol
06/9/2018 at 10:12am
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit: Challenger Sport 524 + Volvo V90 D5 View Hairywol's Profile View Profile   Reply to Hairywol Reply   Quote Hairywol Quote  
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If it's a used caravan you're looking for I'd take with a pinch of salt any suggestion that your dealer is running out of stock.
We bought our first (and current) caravan in 2014 and initially looked, as you are, for something a few years old. However, we were surprised how much a 2 - 5-year-old van still cost in relation to brand-new, so ended up buying new, but with a national trawl of prices that found a deal of £3K discount.
But it's not a cheap option in relation to tents. a two-year-old caravan will be £12K upwards, then storage fees, servicing fees and insurance (not compulsory but highly desirable), then assorted repairs. We justify the expense by making it a lifestyle holiday choice and using ours often throughout the year - can't understand people who lay theirs up for 6 months each autumn-winter.

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Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.


Personpazmaz
06/9/2018 at 10:23am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman Si 18 View pazmaz's Profile View Profile   Reply to pazmaz Reply   Quote pazmaz Quote  
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We are based in Cheshire not far from Macclesfield on the edge of the Peaks. We were also aiming to use it at weekends - not go far, but enough to get into the hills. We can afford the initial outlay but need to be careful about the year on year costs. Adding up the amounts I think it works out at about £60-70 a week excluding campsite fees and diesel.


Personmisterg
06/9/2018 at 10:40am
 Location: East Midlands
 Outfit: Coachman VIP 575.Santa Fe View misterg's Profile View Profile   Reply to misterg Reply   Quote misterg Quote  
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While I have never had to use storage myself my son found a farmer who charges him about £250 per year but this is not an official park just a large locked barn where he also keeps his tractors. Apart from that I think your estimate is far too high. In weekly terms I would think no more than £20 -£30.
Insurance - shop around but expect £200 - £250.
Service - don’t go to a dealer. they are most expensive.I use a qualified mobile serve .I have used 2 now and both far better than dealer and far cheaper. They are self employed and hope to come back and will discuss your van and it’s strengths and what to look out for.

Post last edited on 06/09/2018 10:46:03

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Mister G


Personpazmaz
06/9/2018 at 10:52am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman Si 18 View pazmaz's Profile View Profile   Reply to pazmaz Reply   Quote pazmaz Quote  
Joined: 16/8/2011

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I meant a month not a week- my mistake!



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