Hi. I am working away from home at the moment and thinking about buying a second-hand caravan for the occasional stay. We do not have room to keep one at home so it will be kept on a site near work. Originally thought about buying something cheap but now wondering about getting a better unit and trying it for holidays as well. Just me and OH now the children are going their own ways. So I have lots of questions. Because of the work thing will probably star off staying in it a lot and towing it relatively rarely then gradually towing it more and staying less. Which is probably unusual I guess. So wanted to see if some of you experts could help us with a few questions.
OH likes the fixed bed format (I get up really early and this combination would mean I could read/work/muse etc without disturbing too much). Looks to me like the only one which will fit our current car (Octavia Estate) is the Bailey Ranger (460/4) - probably would afford a Series 6. Are they any good? Lots of discussions about leaks. Are they known for it? Seems like it is within the car's towing capability but how about this combination for a beginner? Any advice. Series 6 seems to have the stabiliser thingy. Is that worth having?
To holiday in future then we would probably tour staying a few days and then moving on because that is our style - and take weekend breaks I hope. So we would be quite mobile.
All caravans will eventually leak some much sooner than others
Fixed beds are great for two people and much easier than making the bed up every night The hitch stabiliser is worth having In fact nearly all caravans of a certain age have them but really its about packing it well...
Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear that others think the fixed beds are a good idea. I note that stabilisers are pretty stanadrd then but still helpful.
The car has the 140hp diesel engine and the DSG automatic gearbox.
Can't help with car but highly recommend fixed bed. I am early to bed, early to rise, OH is the opposite. Also, fixed bed is a proper mattress, not seat cushions. We have gone for island bed so that we can get in/out of bed without climbing over the other!!!!
------------- Started with a motorbike and tent.......my gallery, my life.
Depending on model of car say 2.0 ltr kerbweight is around 1600 kls so 85% of that =1360 kls caravan weight
But check it yourself on such sites as whattowcar and caravan club etc
We too have the island bed and agree with above but the corner beds are comfy too..
Have a look at the Sprite Alpine 4 fixed bed, mine has a mtplm of 1,230kg (2006). My Octavia is a little more heavier, so my towing ratio is 82%. I will, also add, at over 7 years old; dry, no signs of damp and no other problems.
I think that caravanning a kind of 'participation sport'. So on that basis:
"...First question then; an awning looks like quite a bit of hassle in that context. This will seem like a stupid question but are they worth having? And even more stupid; what are they for?..."
Generally, we do not bother with ours for just the two of us. Roughly speaking, they double the size of the shelter provided by your 'van. If you feel you need the extra space, they are great.
"...Next question then; just how unpleasant are chemical toilets to empty, service and live with generally?..."
Chem disposal is no problem whatsoever. For the two of you, it is a good idea to do it once a day before it gets too full. On the waste holding tank there is a button by your thumb where your left hand goes on the bottom handle, When emptying, REMEMBER TO PRESS IT. It provides an air intake which makes the outflow smooth and 'unspashy'. Also, be sure to use 'toilet pink' in your flushing water.
"...I know that some sites in really lovely locations do not have electric hook-up and I think we would like to use some of those. When a site does have hook-up though do they always have enough power for heating/ovens/kettles etc. or are some just for lighting?..."
Without getting technical, you usually have around 3Kw to play with. As a rough guide: disregard lights and fridge then if you assume each appliance is 1Kw (e.g . space heater 1Kw, water heater 1Kw, kettle 1Kw etc) and only have MAX 3 on at a time you won't go far wrong. (On board oven is gas only)
"....What's it like fetching the water? Do you have to do it rather a lot? Is it much of a pain?..."
No problem, but depends how near to tap you are, some sites offer 'fully serviced' pitches which include your own personal tap. I have 2x 25ltr plastic jerry cans that I tote with a folding sack barrow. You can use as much or as little water as you want, but remember it's you who has to fetch it!
"...Last question for now and somewhat specific to the caravan. The Ranger 460/4 has one of those combined toilet/shower cubicles. The toilet can be closed off from the shower by either a curtain or a rigid screen when washing. A stupid question really but is there any reason why the toilet should not get wet when showering other than just the fact that it gets wet..."
A combined toilet & shower cubical is a very common design. The only reason that I can think of to keep toilet dry is if it is an electric flush model. Otherwise, no problem, but remember again it is you who is keeping everything clean & tidy. For me, when living with restricted space, keeping everything clean & tidy is vital.
Electric flush model is as happy getting wet as the manual one. All the connectins are well hidden and waterproof.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013
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: New 2 caravanning - loads of questions
