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Hello all,

This is my first post. I do not yet own a caravan (don't even have a tow-bar yet).

Because of price and availability (of our chosen caravan models) we are considering buying a caravan from France (or other European country, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Switzerland are considered).

Are there any compatibility problems between a tow bar with dual electrics fitted in the UK and a caravan bought from France/Switzerland etc? Do I need a "special" kind of tow bar and/or wiring, connectors, etc?

And could there be any legal issues involved? I keep seeing things about "carte gris" in French adverts, the German caravans appear to have an MOT equivalent and the Swiss caravans need a separate registration number.

We want to just go there, pay the money, hitch and go. But maybe it's not so easy...

Thank you. 

Hi

It may have the door on the wrong side. tow bar would be ok.and it may have a different plug but i think there is an adapter for that.

Col

From a towing point of view there will be no differences. Depending on the electric socket on your car you may need an adaptor to convert the continental 13 pin socket. It would be an idea to specify a 13 PIN socket on the car when you have the towbar fitted.

Several countries in Europe register caravans as separate vehicles. In Germany all vans have to have a TUV (MOT) test every two years if they want to tow at the maximum speed of 100kms, otherwise 80kms.

I am a bit puzzled why you want to buy a van abroad given your inexperience of caravanning unless of course you have done it in a previous life!. Nothing wrong with European vans in fact some say they are better built. One reason they are cheaper is that they don't include many of the things that UK caravanners take for granted. If you want to add these to the new van the price differential reduces considerably.

David

Thank you all very much for your answers.

Except for the 13 pin plug (on which I have just started to read about and I'm a bit confused as to the standard, or lack thereof...) it's all exactly what I wanted to hear.

I think we'll use it a lot in Europe so door would be on the "right" side anyway.

We consider importing mainly because we want a foldable caravan. It has to fit in our garage, that is the #1 requirement. These are rare and though there are some for sale in UK they are a lot more expensive and the choice is narrower.

As for the UK fittings, I have looked inside some "normal" caravans (at a dealer). I was a bit surprised to discover a cooker as big as the one in my house (4 burners, grill & oven)! We don't want that as we would not use it.

Heating wise, I personally think we'll only use in warm(ish) weather so not so important. Though here my OH disagrees with me so there's going to be some heating but still not really for winter use.

On the whole good news, now I'm off (to google groups and elsewhere) to research this 13 pin thingy...

Thanks! 

Hi Curly, do you have any website addresses for these sites that have the caravans on from abroad?  Sounds really interesting.

Thanks

Quote: Originally posted by sahara on 27/6/2006

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Hi Curly, do you have any website addresses for these sites that have the caravans on from abroad?  Sounds really interesting.

Thanks

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If you are only ever going to tow this van then fit the 13pin socket to your car, which will then match your van.

In the UK we have the black socket for all your driving lights indicators etc and the grey plug for your auxilliay power for caravan lights fridge etc.

I fitted the 13 pin socket as I have a german van, its a lot neater and easier than using two plugs.

You dont need to do anything else other than collect the van and drive away, you will pay vat in the country you buy from so no import tax etc.

If you were in the armed forces stationed in Germany or knew someone who was you could get away without paying the vat allegedly!!!

Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 26/6/2006

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Several countries in Europe register caravans as separate vehicles. In Germany all vans have to have a TUV (MOT) test every two years if they want to tow at the maximum speed of 100kms, otherwise 80kms.

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Every caravan or other trailer has to have a TÜV every two years and is being registered separately in Germany. No TÜV on it? Don't buy it - MUST be something wrong with it.

Don't forget: power-sockets inside the van, as well as the connector-hose for your Calor-gasbottle won't fit!

If you want me to translate, or have a look at a caravan (not too far from Heidelberg, though), just send me an email (address will be found through our homepage)

 

Markus

Beware some of the Europeon caravans are wider than UK vans and by law should be towed with a 3.5 Ton vehicle in the UK.

Here are the details: