I have decided, at age 63, to get a caravan. I ordered a new car last month and while going through the options list I added an electrically-retractable tow hitch. I hate tow hitches sticking out the back of a car but thought it was pretty neat to have one hidden underneath. The salesman said “this car (Seat Ateca) is going to become a favourite for caravanners”, I asked him why and he said it was because it was powerful (190 bhp), 4-wheel drive and light (2150kgs fully loaded). It was at that point I started to think seriously about getting a caravan.
After doing a deal of research I decided that a 2-berth van weighing 1,350kg loaded, would be ideal as it would keep the total weight under 3.5 tonnes, which in France (where I live) means no special licence and no special speed limits.
I have this idea that I can drive off to distant parts and my wife (who still works) can fly out to join me during holidays and long weekends (she is a teacher so she gets plenty of those). She is not keen on the idea of me doing this on my own so my first question would be - is this a sensible plan or have I left it too late? I used to have a boat and gave that up as it was physically too demanding and I just assumed that caravanning did not require nearly as much effort (assuming a motor mover and anything else for an easy life is included). I am a good driver and still enjoy driving, though I now tend to break a journey after 5-6 hours rather than doing 13-hour marathons.
I think a van with a central double bed would suit me best in order to avoid having to pack it up and make it every day but then it seems quite a lot of new vans now provide this layout whilst remaining within the weight limit of 1,350kg.
I am looking at buying a new van (which is a bit of a leap into the unknown) but I want something bang up-to-date with all mod cons. My initial short-list (but which is not so short) is:-
Sterckeman Alizé Concept 475 CP
Burstner Top 450 TS
Burstner Top 460 TS
LaMancelle LM440 CBM Legende
LaMancelle LM490 SA Legende
Hobby Excellent 450 UFe
Knaus Sudwind 450 FU
Eriba Exciting 470
Eriba Exciting 485
Caravelair Allegra 470 et 475
Budget is not important, I just want whatever is going to float my boat. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just sell it and then sit in front of the TV until the man with the scythe comes along.
Any advice from seasoned caravanners would be most welcome on both the principle and the detail.
In any case, I am not planning to take delivery of a van before April 2017 so I have plenty of time to make up my mind.
I don't think yoh have left it too late at all! You still have plenty of years to go off and enjoy yourself! See plenty of people a lot older than 63, still caravanning!
stop worrying and go for it!
------------- Enjoy life while you can, none of us know what's round the corner!
It's not about being too late, it's about having enough money to do it which you obviously have, so do it. I'm sure plenty do not take up caravanning until they have retired anyway.
Theres no physical effort required hitching up & with a mover it's even easier because you can drive the caravan exactly over the towball & then wind down jockey wheel.
I doubt you will get much advice on choice of caravan from your list as none of those are common in the UK but probably best to buy from a dealer near you so it's convenient for service/warranty work.
You only get one life, live it to your fullest and do what makes you and those you love happy!
63 is far from old in these days, go and enjoy yourself how you want, making mistakes is learning how to get things right!
Often buying second hand ( 1-5 years old) will wet your appetite and still not lose as much on trade in as a brand new one would.
The dealer is your best bet, getting a warranty and plenty of after sales help and advice when needed, plus some second hand vans will come with awnings or extra bits and bobs, saving you some shopping time and money x x x x
Good luck, enjoy yourself and invest in a super comfy outdoors chair to relax on and watch the sunsets x x x x x x
63 is no age. I was a youngster of 55 two years ago when I did exactly the same.
We spent ages agonising over new vs used (we're not rich) but eventually went new with a brilliant deal from Grantham Caravans on a Swift Challenger, and we're glad we did.
Be warned though, buying a new caravan is not remotely like buying a new car and I was very unpleasantly shocked.
Many dealers won't give a discount at all, or a very niggardly one (even looking disgusted you asked): others will tell you that if you don't buy from them you can whistle if you want servicing or warranty work. But others are coming into the 20th if not the 21st century and will fight for your business (I eventually got over £3K discount on a £18K 'van). Google searches will weed these dealers out and I would recommend a call to Grantham Caravans once you have your prices in.
My other main piece of advice is, even if you feel silly, go to a proper main dealers where they have your prospective caravans and spend some time in each one. They differ wildly from model to model (even with the same manufacturer) in seating space, cooking prep space, bed sizes and luggage space.
Imagine yourself in the caravan with all your stuff: will all the clothes, pots, pans, bedding, food etc. actually fit (remember, only very light items can be stored overhead in transit). Lie on the beds with your OH to see if they're wide enough - some mattress corners are savagely cut off and bed widths vary from as little as 134cm to proper queen-size. Stand in the shower if you intend to use it (many don't given good shower blocks and that caravans only have 8 - 10 litres of hot water at a time).
Finally, get the caravan you really want rather than expect to trade in after a couple of years: While second-hand prices can be very high compared to new, trade-in offers can be shockingly low. Buy a 'van you'll want to keep (most come with 10 year damp warranties).
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
No problem. I just bought a new one and I'm 66. Been doing it a few yeas though. I find the hardest is doing things bending down like leg winding and banging in pegs for the awning. So we don't have an awning and don't need one.
I too was 64 when we bought our van, although we did have one many years ago. In the intervening years we were boaters too, but our boat will soon be up for sale. Our boat is on our local waterway, and the locks are mostly manually operated. I am 67 next month and have back problems so those locks were just getting too much.
We don't have much money, just a state pension, so we bought a cheapie but haven't regretted it for one minute. If you want a caravan, just go for it. Enjoy!
Quote: Originally posted by Packidge on 15/5/2016
Thanks very much for all the encouragement!
I was thinking of going to the show in Barcelona in October so I could compare one van with another. Is a show a good place to buy do you think?
As for winding the legs down, I don't suppose they've automated that yet, have they?
winding legs down last year in Germany we notices that a lot of they van had automated leg winders. People came into site got out of car put van into position with motor mover then pressed another button legs down and van level its self. Your are in an ideal place to get a fully automated van we are about 15 years behind in tHE uk, I would love a German van they take the hard work out of caravaning.
I'm not really following the logic here, Grampian. Maybe I am missing something? All those caravans I mentioned are plated at 1350kg or less. The car is plated at 2150kg. Even using the unladen weight of the car (1610kg) I think I will be below 85%.
I have a French licence so the rules are slightly different but, in any case, I don't want to exceed 3.5T.
I am 66 and have done all the holidays and to summarise, I would eat my own liver rather than do a cruise or a package holiday.
Your choice of caravans avoids the British makes - another good decision!
Quote: Originally posted by Packidge on 16/5/2016
I'm not really following the logic here, Grampian. Maybe I am missing something? All those caravans I mentioned are plated at 1350kg or less. The car is plated at 2150kg. Even using the unladen weight of the car (1610kg) I think I will be below 85%.
I have a French licence so the rules are slightly different but, in any case, I don't want to exceed 3.5T.
Post last edited on 16/05/2016 07:53:52
Post last edited on 16/05/2016 08:25:00
I had a quick look at the Burstner top 460 and its 1500kg with a 1600/1700kg option.
Just looked at the caravelair and thats 1300 - 1500kg.
LM490 1300kg - 1800kg.
Are you looking at the max laden weights or the unladen or MIRO weights?
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Topic: Am I too late?
