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Check the maximum weight your car can tow then go to your local dealer and have a lookaround, buy your local ad paper and a damp meter then go check them out. Look in all the cuboards around the windows and in the locker spaces under the seats for any problem signs. Also ask the owner to show you everything working both off the 12volt and electrics if possible not forgetting the gas. Also have a think about how many beds and the kind you would prefer ie 2 x doubles or bunk beds. Ask what comes with the van - water bottles awning etc as your budget would soon go through th roof if not included in the sale.

Good luck - you will not regret the change  

Thanks Amanda - that's a lot of usful advise! We're looking at a 5/6 berth but would settle with a 4 berth. The car that's going to be towing the van is a Ford Focus Estate. I'll go and look at my local caravanning centres on the weekend.

Thanks again.

Quote: Originally posted by Sue2704 on 28/6/2006

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We're looking to purchase a caravan with a kitchen at the end or opposite the door. We're looking to spend maximum £2000. Can anyone suggest any makes or models please.

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I'd suggest that you start by going to B&Q and buying a damp meter. Take it with you and check out every caravan that interests you.  In particular, check  around the entrance door especially at the bottom, over windows, along the joint between roof and walls on both sides (inside roof lockers and wardrobes), under seating  and anywhere the outer bodyskin is penetrated - e.g. near grab handles, road lights, roof lights and so on.

If the seller is reluctant to let you check it; if there is any visible damp at all or if your damp meter shows anything significant - WALK AWAY.   Dry caravans are worth money, damp ones are not.

The big problem that you face is finding a caravan within your price range that isn't damp.  If you find one that isn't - and you like it then go for it, irrespective of make or model.

Good luck

"are getting fed up of sleeping on the floor. "

Sue,

Have you considered buying a folding camper rather than a caravan?

No pegs unless you put the awning up.

They are much easier to tow with a small car as they are much lighter and lower.

When folded fit in a garage but open out larger than the largest caravans.

Have the same sort of equipment as a caravan ie gas and electric, cooker, hot and cold water, fridge and television.

The beds dont need making up from seats each day and the bedrooms are great for hanging clothes in. Children can also get away from parents into the bedrooms to read or watch the tv.

After 40 years of tents m'caravans and caravans, we only discovered folding campers 2 years ago and much prefer them to any of our previous escape pods. 

Quote: Originally posted by edward452 on 28/6/2006

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"are getting fed up of sleeping on the floor. "

Sue,

Have you considered buying a folding camper rather than a caravan?

No pegs unless you put the awning up.

They are much easier to tow with a small car as they are much lighter and lower.

When folded fit in a garage but open out larger than the largest caravans.

Have the same sort of equipment as a caravan ie gas and electric, cooker, hot and cold water, fridge and television.

The beds dont need making up from seats each day and the bedrooms are great for hanging clothes in. Children can also get away from parents into the bedrooms to read or watch the tv.

After 40 years of tents m'caravans and caravans, we only discovered folding campers 2 years ago and much prefer them to any of our previous escape pods. 

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are you nicking wannabe tin tenters ??

Quote: Originally posted by HappyCamper2004 on 28/6/2006

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Quote: Originally posted by edward452 on 28/6/2006

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"are getting fed up of sleeping on the floor. "

Sue,

Have you considered buying a folding camper rather than a caravan?

No pegs unless you put the awning up.

They are much easier to tow with a small car as they are much lighter and lower.

When folded fit in a garage but open out larger than the largest caravans.

Have the same sort of equipment as a caravan ie gas and electric, cooker, hot and cold water, fridge and television.

The beds dont need making up from seats each day and the bedrooms are great for hanging clothes in. Children can also get away from parents into the bedrooms to read or watch the tv.

After 40 years of tents m'caravans and caravans, we only discovered folding campers 2 years ago and much prefer them to any of our previous escape pods. 

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are you nicking wannabe tin tenters ??

 

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Sorry for my ignorance, but what is a "tin tenter"

Thanks

Blimey!!.... whippets in jolly old "Barkshur"....Queenie might not approve of you lowering the tone old chap!

Tin tent = Caravan

...and no need to apologise Whippetlover....we all have to learn