I need some advice about Caravans and Towing.
I have a wee sad story to tell first. I am a Joiner who does Handyman services in my local community for elderly folks and the like. Last year I had an accident and the end result of which has left me with 2 ruptured Discs in my lower spine. The upshot is lots of sciatic pain and pills in an effort to avoid a highly risky operation that has a low success rate and could mean full Paralysis.
Because of this I have been doing very little work but my condition has shown a very small improvement and in the last 2 months I have done some small tasks like hanging pictures and curtain rails.(Pain Killers all the way)
Anyway, to the point. I have 3 young kids and every year since my first was born we have gone camping in our tent. Our tent ,now some 10 years old, has a tear in the roof of the flysheet 2 foot long and as I have been advised the UV damage has made the whole tent pretty unstable and beyond economic repair.
We are trying to get a wee holiday for the kids but I feel that my Camping days are over because of the back issue. So I am now thinking Caravan for my backs sake rather than a new tent. I think my wife and I could manage to get together £500 for a Caravan and I still have my Ford Transit work van for towing. 2010 Model.
Here’s the advice part… I have never owned or towed a Caravan.
What should I look out for when going to view older Caravans? I'm bearing in mind that you get what you pay for.
And, what type of tow bar should I get and where would be a good place to get one fitted in the East Lothian/Edinburgh area?
I would go along with Grampian91 here. Damp is the biggest problem. As you are obviously a practical person, most things will be quite easy to fix, but damp can be a major rebuild job. Not worth the hassle.
Our caravan cost us the same as your budget, just before Christmas which is probably the best time to buy. I found lots of little jobs that needed doing when we went to view, but I think I have fixed them all now. No evidence of damp so far, although I'm sure there is probably a bit somewhere. It is a 1988 van after all.
I also agree about the Transit too. Some sites will not allow commercial vehicles on site, so if you intend to use yours to tow a caravan, I would check first with any sites you intend to visit.
So sorry to hear about your accident. Re your question.....there is a bit of "back work" in setting up a caravan.....unless you are brilliant at reversing. It's a bit of a faff to get it level. ALso, as a fellow back sufferer, I found making the beds up a real pain, literally......man handling the cushions is quite a skill. FInally, with your budget the cushions are not going to have great support....your back may suffer.
Is this the right thing to be spending your hard earned cash on? Holidays are fast approaching, you don't want to jump into the first van in your price range just to get a holiday. The ones up for sale at present are the ones people didn't want!
Have you considered an alternative for this year? A static caravan or a holiday camp? Even a holiday cottage?
Good luck in what ever you decide...and I hope you and your kiddies have a great holiday
------------- Started with a motorbike and tent.......my gallery, my life.
Have to agree with issy although a memory foam mattress topper or air bed may solve the cushion issue.
But bending to wind legs up and down and fit wheel clamps, not nentioning pulling water butts and waste hogs when full up, it all takes it's toll.
I wouldn't fancy it with a sore back that's for sure
------------- Who needs travel agents,we have our static
I would definitely recommend the memory-foam mattress topper. I have long-term back problems too, which is one of the reasons I have now given up boating. Locks can be really hard work with a bad back. What I do now is just take my time with things like winding corner steadies etc. I have a trolley for my water-carrier, (a 25 litre bottle on a trolley is easier to manage than a 40 litre Aquaroll) and my waste tank has wheels on. You just learn to adapt and do things the easiest way possible.
A folding camper would be a cheaper option but you need one with gas struts or slide out beds because it takes some effort to fold out the sides.
There must be people out there with caravans who are not fit and able who manage though, especially if your wife is able to help. You see lots of older people caravanning. Maybe things like motor movers are out of your price bracket though.
My skinny 13 yo son manages the water carrier with the trolley and I am not very strong but its surprising what I can do if I take my time!
And a memory foam mattress is a must, makes a huge difference.
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: Caravans and Towing advice...
