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Subject Topic: Buying a Caravan Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonChickadee
via mobile 22/4/2024 at 8:54am
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I’m considering buying my first caravan. We’ve only ever camped in a tent so I’m not quite sure what I should be looking for in a caravan.
It will mostly be my husband, our two dogs (labs) and I but it would be nice to have the option for one of our grown up kids to come with us if they want to.
I have back problems which is why we stopped camping with our tent - pitching it, lifting kit, low down camp beds etc was too much for me. I think a caravan with a fixed bed would be best for me but I’m open to suggestions.
Another post said that ‘The bottom has fallen out of the second hand market and dealer's forecourts are full of caravans’. If this is true, what sort of price/year should I be looking for?
Any help or advice is very much appreciated.
Thanks!


Personblueexpo97
22/4/2024 at 9:06am
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No response to your previous post.

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


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Personjim oldham
22/4/2024 at 9:16am
 Location: Wigan
 Outfit: VWSharan. Sport 442. View jim oldham's Profile View Profile   Reply to jim oldham Reply   Quote jim oldham Quote  
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Caravans have a Maximum Technical Permitted Laden Mass in Kgs. MTPLM.
It is a recommenation for novices to only tow 85% of their cars kerb weight. This can be found under "Mass in Service" on the V5 document.

Not sure of prices, but I would advise buying for a reputable dealer, who should provide a 12 months guarantee.

If you provide your location, people may be able to suggest some local dealers. Better to buy localish, as if the caravan requires any rectification work it needs to be returned to the seller.

It is a good idea to look at as many layouts as possible.
Any idea of how much you wish to spend ?


PersonChickadee
via mobile 22/4/2024 at 9:36am
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Thanks for the quick reply Jim. We are just outside Dundee. I’ve been looking at a lot of private listings but with it being our first I think the reassurance of a good dealer is the better option for us. Budget - does £5-10k seem doable?


Personjim oldham
22/4/2024 at 10:07am
 Location: Wigan
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Can't help you with prices I'm afraid.

If you are tempted to go down the private buying route, I would stongly recommend that you get it checked over by an approved engineer.

https://www.approvedworkshops.co.uk/


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Personiank01
23/4/2024 at 8:50am
 Location: Worcestershire
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What vehicle will you be using to tow the caravan as that will be a deciding factor. If you could provide the model, engine size, type of gearbox and year that will help narrow down the search.


PersonChickadee
via mobile 23/4/2024 at 8:42pm
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Seat Alhambra, 2017 diesel, manual, 2L engine.
Thanks!


Personiank01
24/4/2024 at 8:32am
 Location: Worcestershire
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Quote: Originally posted by Chickadee on 23/4/2024
Seat Alhambra, 2017 diesel, manual, 2L engine.
Thanks!


Although it can tow up to 2200kgs, I would suggest that you limited yourself to caravan with a maximum weight of about 1800kg. That gives you a lot of possibilities. A website called Caravan Finder is excellent for viewing layouts and date.


Personmadz
25/4/2024 at 6:16pm
 Location: east midlands
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There are some really good YouTube videos that list lots you need to know about buying a caravan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sx5nF0-0zc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur2axAdKDvw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVRNrACmVkI

A few good ones linked, the 3rd link was our favourite.

We always wish we had bought this book before buying our first van. A revised upto date edition or edition from 2000 onward might be best. I believe the 4th edition is 2009 onward



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