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Subject Topic: Looking for first van, advise and help pl Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonChilly29
via mobile 12/5/2019 at 11:16pm
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Hi new to the forum and also caravaning, apologies in advance if this turns out to be a long first post .

We are looking to get our first van and it needs to sleep 3 people , not looking to spend a lot to start and quite happy to have an older model

Here is the problem , the location we have to store the caravan (garage) is limited to a max length of I think 5.7m . I have seen a 4 birth model (elis explore 304) withing this length but it was out of our price range , are there any other models I'm missing ? .

The other idea I have had is to buy a 2 birth van with an end wash room and alter the interia , I was thinking of moving the toilet from the end wash room and fitting fixed bunks there instead . And placing the toilet to the left of the entrance door (pic attached )

Could I expect to have much trouble positioning the toilet there , making the hole for the cassette to removed and getting the water fed to it for the flush ??

Any help or advice would be appreciated



[/IMG]


PersonRob and Tina
12/5/2019 at 11:38pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
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Welcome to the forum

Due to the construction methods used to build caravans it is not that simple to alter layouts without compromising the structural strength of the caravan. It would be easier, safer and cheaper to get the right layout.

You mentioned storage in a garage. Most garage doors are too low and narrow to get a caravan inside so you need to check the garage dimensions before you go much further with your plans.

The other thing to consider is what can your car tow and what will your licence allow you to tow, this may restrict you even more.

Sorry if I've given you more to think about but it's better to think about these things now before you spend your money.



Rob


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PersonChilly29
via mobile 13/5/2019 at 12:14am
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Hi , thanks for the reply , currently the garage is to low but that is an easy fix and will be raising the roof to suit the van after its been bought . Will be doing my towing licence in the forthcoming months and the towing vehicle is a Renault traffic van so capable of towing a caravan in the size range we are looking at .

Finding a 3/4 berth van within the correct length I think may be a problem


Personmorepints
13/5/2019 at 7:46am
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We are also constrained by the 5.7m limit; a 2 birth was OK to find, though we may just have been lucky. When we took our kids we had Pennine Fiesta folding camper, which was great, and didn’t require a raised garage!
A little online browsing - we’re grandparents now, so need to think about these things - has turned up a couple of European vans. Adria do one, as do Sterkeman and Caravelair. The problem may be finding one within your price range.
Good luck with your search (and welcome to the forum too!)


Persondinx
13/5/2019 at 3:50pm
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have you considered a folding camper/trailer tent you might get more space and would probably fit in your garage. Why not visit a few showrooms sit in a few vans check out best layout for you. Good luck don't forget whatever you buy take a damp meter with you.


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PersonChilly29
via mobile 13/5/2019 at 7:00pm
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Morepints thanks ill have a look at them brands thanks .

Dinx we have a small van now (traffic) with swivel front seats and a rock and roll bed and awning that we use currently , think we kind of like the idea of having the all the fixed facilities and ability to keep the van packed , but it could be an option , we did have a dandy folding camper many years ago


Personnavver
13/5/2019 at 7:39pm
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This is one option for the garage. This one will sleep 3. You could have an awning for the toilet.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FOLDING-CARAVAN-GOBUR-CAROUSEL-4-5-BERTH-FULL-AWNING-EX........

The other option is a Freedom Sunseeker. If you get an older one without all the bells and whistles they do a very good 4 berth. Only 10 foot long with a centre kitchen and wardrobe with double dinette/bed at front and single dinette at rear with canvas bunk over.


PersonRainbowsend
via mobile 13/5/2019 at 9:26pm
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If the front bench seats are long enough to lie along the length you could take the front drawers out and make a triple bed. We've done this to convert our 5 berth to sleep 6when we need to.

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


PersonColin21
14/5/2019 at 1:11pm
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If you have a caravan dealer near you it may be worth calling in and asking if they have any trade sales in. That's how we got our current one. People trade in older vans and the dealers consider them to be too old to display. One like ours may be just too long at 5.9 metres though. It's a lovely van and would be ideal for 3 people. I would certainly recommend them if you are looking for a cheap first caravan. Plenty of room, everything that you would find in a new one, and easy to tow. There's a picture on my profile.

Whatever you find, and wherever you find it, check it very thoroughly for damp.

p.s. Mine's not for sale.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


PersonChilly29
via mobile 15/5/2019 at 7:02pm
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Thanks for all the replys giving me loads to think about . I was quite keen on the idea of getting a 2 berth with end wash room like I mentioned in the first post until it was mentioned about losing the structural integrity ,my plan was to remove the shower and toilet and building some fixed bunks in the wash room , would I really be at great risk of doing damage to the van by doing this ?


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Personnavver
15/5/2019 at 8:08pm
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This is the freedom sunseeker I mentioned. They've been doing this layout for years so plenty about at almost any price. Comfortably in your length requirement but no internal toilet. There is a limit to what you can actually get in a small space.

https://freedomcaravans.com/caravan-sales/new-caravans/freedom-sunseeker/


PersonColin21
15/5/2019 at 9:54pm
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My last caravan was an Elddis Tornado XL. This was a 4 berth, had a toilet and shower, hot and cold water, and was within the length restriction. It was old though, 1988.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


Personduffs54
16/5/2019 at 12:25pm
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Maybe look at getting an awning and using a bedroom pod inside, might give you more options.

We are new to caravans, we bought a 2 berth, and have now got an awning which will sleep grand kids in a bedroom pod .




-------------
Duffs54      


Personthe black fox
16/5/2019 at 3:30pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Chilly29 on 15/5/2019
Thanks for all the replys giving me loads to think about . I was quite keen on the idea of getting a 2 berth with end wash room like I mentioned in the first post until it was mentioned about losing the structural integrity ,my plan was to remove the shower and toilet and building some fixed bunks in the wash room , would I really be at great risk of doing damage to the van by doing this ?

yes it will make it unsafe structurally but also unbalanced .. for towing .. if to much weight is added to the rear end the tail starts to wag the dog . so re think your plans



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