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Topic: Struggling with first time buy

Jmh474

via mobile 26/6/2019 at 8:22am
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Hello everyone as the title suggests I'm struggling with my first time buy, I have a xsara Picasso 56 plate, and from what I work out I need a caravan under 1000kg which leaves me with 200kg for weight in the caravan, I can no way afford a new car so that's well out the question and only a budget of £1300 the search is not going very well, we really need a 4 berth.

One of the main reasons why we want a caravan is that out younger son is autistic and doesn't do well with new places and we've been advised to try a caravan and let him get used to the idea first before we go away.

My older son is not doing well as me and my partner thinks he feels pushed out because of the time our youngest takes, and he keeps telling us how his friends are going away, we've not really been away since we sadly lost our daughter.

We live in Wisbech if anyone knows of any close to us, any help or advice and guidance people can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

woodman2

26/6/2019 at 9:24am
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Hi Jmh474,

Welcome to the forum.

At that sort of weight constraint and budget, I would be tempted to look at a folding camper not a caravan.

The weight limit will be determined by the plate on the caravan, and you will typically only have about 125kg allowance, which is not a lot for a family of four.

If you are certain about the caravan then I would suggest you invest in a damp meter. Many of the caravans you will see will have damp issues, which can be difficult and costly to resolve.

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woodman2

26/6/2019 at 9:27am
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What about this?

For sale on this forum.

https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/forsale/v/Trigano-Odysee/34686#

navver

26/6/2019 at 7:36pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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This will do you. 750kg fully loaded, 3 double beds at night converting to a settee at each end plus the dinette. 17 feet long when erected.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dandy-Destiny-High-Side-Folding-Trailer-Tent-folding-ca........

Jmh474

via mobile 26/6/2019 at 11:13pm
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I think people are missing the point of a caravan a little, with my son being autistic he struggles with new places and it will take him time to get used to a caravan, although a trailer tent is a good idea its not practical to leave set up constantly as we would be taking him in and out to help him adjust, it took him 5 months to adjust to the conservatory being painted 😔

Rob and Tina

via mobile 27/6/2019 at 7:04am
Location: Royal Forest of Dean
Outfit: Swift Major 4SB

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You haven't said which Xsara Picasso you have, most of them have a kerbweight around 1300kg so you should be looking for a caravan with an MTPLM of around 85% of that. However some models have a max towing weight of 900kg so it is essential that you check your weights before you go any further.

Rob

navver

27/6/2019 at 7:16pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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The Dandy can be left up long term. It's not canvas like a tent. It's insulated PVC and many of the walls are wood including the door.

Rainbowsend

via mobile 27/6/2019 at 10:20pm
Location: Staffs Cheshire bord
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Having worked with adults with learning disability and autism I understand that it takes a long time to adjust to new situations. We had a number of parents who had either sited touring or static caravans and their "children" really enjoyed becoming part of the community.

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

RedFraggle1973

via mobile 13/7/2019 at 9:16am
Location: North Yorkshire
Outfit: Camplet Classic

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The reason we started camping was my husband's autism. So much easier for him to go away when we're taking "our unit" to different places.

Baileyjake

15/7/2019 at 1:50pm
Location: West Midlands
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Try searching within the limits of your car.

on this website, then search Ebay, gumtree etc for specific models.

i quite like the Rapido 'confort matic' folding and poptop caravans that are very light weight.

http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravan_search_results.html?be=all&px=1000000&mx=11........

i did smile about the painted conservatory comment. my son is also 'on the spectrum' so the most innocuous things especially changes in routine stress him out. however, he will happily ride pillion with me on my motorbike.

-------------
First van bailey ranger 550/6
Now the proud owner of a coachman amara

duffs54

18/7/2019 at 5:50pm
Location: Cambs
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Hello and welcome

We got ours off of the Facebook Market place, 2nd hand 2004 all good no damp.

Good luck

-------------
Duffs54

iank01

19/7/2019 at 1:23pm
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser

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Quote: Originally posted by Jmh474 on 26/6/2019
Hello everyone as the title suggests I'm struggling with my first time buy, I have a xsara Picasso 56 plate, and from what I work out I need a caravan under 1000kg which leaves me with 200kg for weight in the caravan, I can no way afford a new car so that's well out the question and only a budget of £1300 the search is not going very well, we really need a 4 berth.

Thanks

Are you sure you are limited to 1000kg as our daughter has the 2003 Picasso manual and it is rated for 1200kg towing?

jeff juke

19/7/2019 at 2:53pm
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This time of year theres a lot of bargains going as some people who had bought a van just for holidays are now selling that goes for the people who have bought a van and dont like caravanning...Facebook market place is a good start or Gumtree for your area.

-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................

Colin21

19/7/2019 at 8:38pm
Location: East Herts
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Worth checking out any caravan dealers for trade-ins. That's how we go ours. They don't usually advertise them, you have to go in and ask.

Earlier caravans like ours are lighter than later ones, and often better built from what I've seen.

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

rose+max

27/7/2019 at 6:29pm
Location: Nottingham
Outfit: Swift Challenger 530

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I have a 2003 Picasso 2.HDI Exclusive and rated 1300kg less the 85%= 1105kg. You should get an older 4 birth with-in this weight range.

-------------
Rose

Colin21

27/7/2019 at 11:05pm
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Our Elddis Wisp 450CT is a 4 berth and under that weight.

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

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