first thing set yourself a budget then decide what style type make etc then go window shopping , sit in em look at em then drive em , check for damp and rust issues if you like what you see buy it it,s that simple.
a lot of people will tell you different things to look for but if you have had a caravan you will know what to look for anyway.
------------- you may be frustrated now but infront of me there is a big incline . yeh it may be slow but it is in front
.................... If the budget will stretch that far!!!!!
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
Being experienced caravanners, you will know what type of break you most frequently take. For example, for longer, lounging breaks on-site you could look at the bigger coachbuilt motorhomes with extra facilities. For more active breaks and visits to beauty spots via narrow lanes and/or for town visits and normal car parks you may wish to consider the smaller van conversions or day camper vans. The over cab coachbuilts will use more fuel due to simply frontall area whilst low profile versions should be a bit more fuel friendly. The van conversions and camper vans should offer the best fuel economy but check out specific engines in use as later models will be most efficient. Take your time and think it over with no impulse buying. You will find the compromise to suit you. We are a bit biased and feel that the long wheelbase van conversions give a good balance of fuel economy, easy (ier) parking and usabilty in the lanes whilst still offering toilet/shower facilities. You do lose out a bit on storage especially for outdoor stuff like seats, tables , bar-b-q's etc but some even have fixed beds and "garage" underneath. happy hunting!
------------- cramming for my finals in the twilight zone
I think you need to choose the style of interior you want first - it's where you're going to live after all! We have a Fiat Carioca because we wanted bunk beds for the kids, plus we didn't want to have to re-arrange the interior of the van each time we got up or went to bed.
But when the kids fly the coop, we'll want something different. Happy hunting
Research, Research then research some more. Try and get a hold of as many brochure's from as many makers as you can to see all the different layouts. Try and visit as many showrooms as possible and have a good old rummage round the various van's and think about how the layout would work for you.
Once you have a clear idea of what you are after, make list of all the things you want from a van and don't deviate from the list.
Set yourself an upper price limit and have a bit to spare if you are buying secondhand as they're will always be something needing fixed.
Lastly, don't rush into buying, it took us 6 months to figure out what was best for us and in the end we got the exact layout we wanted at a price we were happy with and we couldn't be more content with our van.
Always remember, its a bit investment and impulse buys can be costly.
Some good advice already given, but only you will know what suits you best. Simply due to cost,we convert our own, using panel vans which we find gives us the convenience of parking, economy and "go anywhere" ability we both like. I would add that it's only until you have actually used a van properly, i.e camped for at least a week ,that you can make an informed choice A quick ride around the block, or sitting on the dealers forecourt is pretty pointless. Reading roadtests can be helpful, although being a cynical old bu**er, I'm convinced half of these are written whilst sitting in the magazine carpark! Get to some shows, speak to owners (we all love to talk about our pride and joys, but even better, try and hire or borrow a 'van and get the whole experience. You could make an expensive mistake. Good luck, and happy motorcaravanning, Mike.
Hi, we had spent just over a year choosing our motor home. We sold our caravan as towing/packing up and 'other halfs' bad back started to take the joy away. what we thought we wanted in a motor home changed many times over the first 6months - over cab fixed bed, rear lounge, garage, where would the teenaged plus 'kids sleep (if they came away with us) , how big/small etc. We made a list of what we would like then highlighted what was a 'must' and any draw backs - over cab bed no good for us as 'bad back' and I dont like any heights so no ladders - this also put some rear fixed beds out of the running. We spent a lot of time going around dealers and started chatting to others looking around. We were shocked how many were on their 3rd or 4th van in as many years because they couldnt live with the lay out. BUT this could be to your advantage as we bought a van that the 1st owner's wife didn't like after two holidays in it. They had put many, many extras on the van and not many miles so we got a nearly new van for about £25,000 less than a new one. Dont forget to set your budget and stick close to it. chris
One thing that I would recommend is going for a road test for as long as you can and try it not from the driving seat but also from all the passenger seats.
When my sister & I were looking for a camper we found what we thought was the perfect 'van, we loved the layout, the finish, absolutely everything about it............
Until we went on a road test............... It wes a coachbuilt with under floor storage beneath the whole floor area, and the net result was that anyone travelling in the rear seats ( i.e. the dinnette ) had a lovely view of the overcab bed and virtually no view of the road ahead. It was only a couple of miles before we both started feeling really rough.
If we had bought the camper without sitting in the back, taken nephew and niece on a long run we would probably have had them both barfing for Britain which would have made for a really happy motor caravanning experience............... NOT!!!!!
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
Have you considered how you will transport yourselves when the vehicle is parked on site?
For example you might tow a car behind or carry a motor scooter or bikes. But to do this it has to be a big one which is expensive to buy and run. So you are left with walking and catching buses.
You may decide you will drive the machine everywhere only to find you get stuck in narrow lanes and can find no parking facilities for it.
Think also about the tax, insurance and running costs. Finally when reality strikes as it did for us and you decide to sell, you may find you lose half the price in a few months.
The point about over cab coachbuilts is well taken as there is only the two of us to consider and fuel economy is important to us. If we should want more space for our Grandchildren we'll probably go for a drive alongside tent.
Keep the comments coming please as we are just starting to look at what's available and any tips are helpfull.
------------- Trunkles
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Why is there always something just where I can bang my head on it?
I bought a hiace after a year with the a bongo which I found to small .....bigger than a T4 at half the price....loads for sale on ebay or various importers... hiace importer
Sorry I didn't respond to your question but have been rather busy with other things to log on and look at the thead.
We will carry bikes and use public transport, finding sites near towns we wish to visit and explore. I know this may be limiting but it will also force us to get fit and participate in localtransport culture as part of the experience. . As the OH is an ex biker then a trailer/motorbike combination may suit us if we do need subsidiary motorised transport.
------------- Trunkles
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Why is there always something just where I can bang my head on it?
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Buying a camper van-which?
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