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I've accepted that it's time to sell my kit. We haven't camped since summer 2010 due to my own health problems and now that I feel ready to give it a go again, my husband has finally admitted that he doesn't want to do it anymore. He hates setting up, he hates the fact that the kids are high as kites for the first couple of nights and he hates taking everything down the day we go home. He enjoys himself for the rest of the holiday but it's not worth it. He is too stressed.

So, with a huge sense of loss I've decided it's time to sell the kit. I can't pitch alone or with just my 10yr old son, so that's not an option either. I thought this would be the best place to come for adfvice on how to sell.

We bought a brand new Montana 6 with front extension in 2010 after our last camping trip, so both are brand spanking new. I have a carpet from our old Indiana 8 that can be used inside the Montana (not a perfect fit but it sure would help keep it warmer).

Blue Outwell windbreak (matched indiana) which has only been used once.

Erde 122 trailer which has only been used twice. There's the standard flat cover and the higher one with the metal frame, spare wheel and fittings for attaching it to the trailer, jockey wheel, lock and probably more I've forgotten,

Cooker and stand,

Loads of camping accessories, cupboards and more that I can't think of right now!

I would really appreciate any advice that anyone has. I'm considering caravanning. We couldn't afford to buy new so a friend has suggested pre-owned. There's a f amount of 4 or 5 berth vans around for under 1000 pounds but is it adviseable to go for one of these?

Thanks in advance

Sorry - couldnt resist!

Loads of people are selling on Ebay at the moment, but many often forget the fee's - especially to get your money via paypal - its free to pay someone, its not free to get cash from people!!

I used to be into remote helicopters a few years back, and sold one of my big petrol ones on ebay for just over £500 - after I had paid listing and seller fees to ebay, and forked out for paypal fees, I got about £370! - I was gutted, as I could have sold it within my club for much more!

Local add papers would be good idea - or even why not put a free advert on this site?

Do you really need to give up something you've previously enjoyed just because your hubby hates it? Unless you can't drive or you've got physical problems which limit movement then why not try it on your own with the kids? Yes, the Montana is far too big for you to pitch alone but you could get a smaller tent which you could easily pitch yourself and which would still be big enough for you and the kids (unless of course you've got enough to make a football team and you need a big tent!lol) - and at ten years old your son should be quite capable of helping. Sorry if I'm being presumptious but I'm just thinking of options.

If you've really made your mind up to give up the camping and go for a caravan then you'll get lots of advice on here about the do's and dont's, especially when it comes to the question of damp. Tbh I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry to sell your camping accessories though - if you do get a caravan then some of them could probably still be used. Good luck with whatever you decide anyway.

I go with Tigermouse, as I was going to similar things.  

Sell the large tent, the proceeds would buy a smaller more managable tent.

the idea of the caravan is a good one Tigermouse.

Obviously it depends on yourself.  It would be a shame to give up all the together. If you enjoy camping..  Food for thought

heath63

We've just sold a lot of our stuff on ebay as swapped to a caravan. Wait for "free listing" week-ends; sell stuff individualy as there is no charge for cheaper stuff; ask for cash on collection where possible.

Make sure you know what your car can tow, we thought we were ok but ended up having to buy a much bigger car for towing; luckily I rarely need a car so the big car now sits on the drive and OH drives the more economical car to work.

Also make sure you passed your test at the correct time or you have to take an additional test to tow. I think you have to have passed your test pre late 90's.

Try Preloved as you can sell things there without any fees. It's worth a go. Have a good look through your kit first and, if there is anything that you can use at home or can save for when you go caravanning, make sure you do. You will never get back anywhere near what you paid for things. I am really glad that I did that as we stopped camping due to health issues but are hoping to start again and it has saved us loads of money. If you are considering a caravan that it might help you too.