I would recommend a dry one with a service history. It could be any make you like. For that price it could be good or it could be a nightmare so choose carefully. Any make can be as good or bad as the next. The only bargain in town might be your own caravan sold to it’s next delighted owner. The term starter van filed along with entry level is just a marketing ploy to make you dissatified with what you have. If what you have is as good as you say it it then stick with it & spend the money on better holidays.
I would suggest going to the likes of caravanfinder.co.uk, where you can filter available vans by layout, so you can see what's on the market for what price.
Even if someone tells to buy a Swaileyman Perfect, the chance of finding that exact van are slim, and even slimmer that it will be dry and in budget. By all means stick with your preferred layout, but go with an open mind for everything else.
This price point is going to put you in mid 2000 vans roughly speaking, so 10+ years old. You've got 3 years experience, but still, please get the next van inspected, and don't be one of the sad cases that regularly come here having bought a rot box.
Thats a big order, but can be done.
Take a look at the wizard on here, to see what to look out for.
As for which model.
As Chris states Caravan Finder to give you an idea.
Then go see a few, check them out, take a damp tester with you.
Ask if they mind an independent inspection on a damp test, by a mobile engineer.
(£30 For a test or there abouts, cheaper than 6K.)
Be carefull, and do your home work before you part with your cash.
They are plenty of vans out there at a great price, wih all equipment this time of year, due to people upgrading.
Some will be perfect and some will not.
Good Luck and i hope you get what you are looking for.
The difference between one manufacturers offering an another is really small. All are equally good or bad.
The important thing is to check your car towing ability and your storage space etc. Then think do you want a leviathan which is lovely on site but a nightmare to tow.
The little 2 berth really does do a remarkably good job for two.
Having said that the little corner shower cum toilet layouts are not as good as the end washrooms. OK if you don't use the shower but you'll have to mop up all the water if you do before using the toilet.
Find a really nice van you can tow and if you like the layout buy it.
also worth pointing out that as said £6k will get you something around 10yrs old so still a fairly old caravan. I find it’s best to regard an older caravan as an ongoing project that improves the longer you keep it. If op has owned their present caravan for some time & have made improvements then they might find a 10yr old caravan is worse than what they have & that they are starting over on a new project.
Quote: Originally posted by irvine45 on 21/11/2017
A couple of years ago I bought a. Sterkman 2011 for similar money. It has been a good buy, unless you want an oven.
Absolutely agree ... we bought our slightly used Sterckeman in Germany (though it's a french built van) ... really good price ... it's been on two nine week summer holidays, so far, and is still as new.
Quote: Originally posted by Opensauce on 22/11/2017
also worth pointing out that as said £6k will get you something around 10yrs old so still a fairly old caravan. I find it’s best to regard an older caravan as an ongoing project that improves the longer you keep it. If op has owned their present caravan for some time & have made improvements then they might find a 10yr old caravan is worse than what they have & that they are starting over on a new project.
This very true - our van is considerably better now than when we bought it, even though at 2011 its not really 'old' yet. It doesn't sit in storage unloved as it were - I visit regularly to do jobs so its a hobby really. I keep thinking 'that's it, no more to do for a while' and then you do one thing that leads you to find another 2 jobs!
Hi , I would definitely recommend a fixed bed hobby caravan . We got ours this year after having a hymer then a geist . Hobbys are top quality vans and the interior fit out is of a very high standard . I would go for the excellent range or above . You should get around a 2008 for £6000
You can also use hobbys all year round
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: £6000 budget; what would you recommend?
