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 Topic: What to look for -buying my first caravan
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15/3/2021 at 7:59pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: None Entered
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Joined: 31/8/2005 Platinum Member 
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Decide what berth you want, what heating system, do you want the shower/wc in the centre or at the end, if fixed bed,corner bed, island,or twin beds,what weight suitable for your tow car,large or average fridge, dining area etc.
Over the years we have tried many.The bed layout is important.We chose twin beds with the brilliant Duvalay mattresses,as we found the corner double awkward, never had an island bed but preferred the twin bed as there seemed to be more room. We have also had all the heating systems but now love our Alde wet system.We have the average size fridge which suits all our needs. A van with larger fridge is often put in at the expense of wardrobe space or wardrobe ends up in the shower/wc room which wasn’t for us. We also feel safer with the ATC system as it prevents snaking most of the time.A fitted solar panel also helps to keep the battery topped up.If you have a dog we have found an outside shower very good, also useful for muddy boots.As for cooking we like the fact that of the four hobs one is electric. This saves on gas when on electric hook up.Look also for outside plug socket and outside BBQ gas socket if thesesre important to you. The external plug socket is handy if you have an awning.We also like the plugs at the front to charge up our phones.
At the end of the day we bought a 2014 Swift Conqueror 565 but only four berth.We bought it new in 2015.We look after it and have it serviced every year.We have had the Alde system refilled this year and also had new tyres.We have no intention of ever changing it as it suits our needs perfectly,
Good luck in your search.I know you want a five berth but some of the points I have mentioned may help.Hope you find one which suits you perfectly too.As others have said, check for damp.
Post last edited on 15/03/2021 20:04:56
Post last edited on 15/03/2021 20:06:49
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15/3/2021 at 10:56pm
Location: Liverpool
Outfit: Swift Challenger 560
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I would say that your most important considerations would be
1. Did you pass your driving test before or after 1996. If after, you won’t have the BE entitlement on your license and this will severely limit what you can tow unless you take a further towing test.
2. What is the kerbweight of your car and what is the legal towing limit. You should never exceed the legal towing limit and the general recommendation is that the caravan should not weigh more than 85% of the kerbweight of your car.
3. What layout will suit you best. For us, a fixed bed is a must but others just think they are a waste of space. If you have kids, some caravans have small bunks that might be okay now but in a couple of years, if you have boys who might spring up like weeds, they will quickly outgrow some bunks. Use the Caravan Finder website to look at lots of different layouts to get the one that will suit you and your needs and then, as soon as you can, go and look at some different layouts at a large dealers to get a feel for what they are really like.
4. If you are not an expert on caravan damp, never buy a caravan unless you get an independent damp report beforehand. If you were just buying a cheap van to last a season or two it wouldn’t be such a big issue but with your budget, you want something that has decent life left in it and damp is a caravan killer! Don’t be taken in by beautiful looks, some caravans look immaculate inside and have been beautifully kept but are riddled with damp.
5.I have no statistics to base this on, only my experience of being on caravan forums for many years, however, it seems to me that Hobby caravans are the ones most often reported stolen. I have also read about some insurers refusing to insure them and the ones that will insure them charge a ridiculously high premium so check that out before you buy.
Good luck with your search.
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Pixie
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via mobile 15/3/2021 at 11:27am
