After much searching we have finally found a caravan we could afford. It was cheap, and it's old, but it's ours! We had to drag it out of a very muddy farm yard, but it towed home with no problems.Lots of little jobs to do, but it seems to be all there, and I could find no significant damp, so we can now start to get it ready for next season.
The previous owner had no idea of its age, but I am guessing it is around late 80s or early 90s. It is an Elddis Tornado XL 4 berth, and I can see no markings on any of the windows, which I think makes it pre-1992. Any advice would be welcome as to how I can find out more.
If you have a look on the chassis plate, which on an Elddis should be near the entrance door. The first two digits denote the year, and these should be followed by the letters EL (for Elddis). So for an example chassis number:
89EL1584567
This would mean the caravan is a 1989 model.
Another trick is have a look to see if its got side marker lights. If it has, then the caravan will more than likely be a 1991 as they only started putting them on in that year.
There should be a plate somewhere which shows the year of manufacture - often a series of numbers/letters of which the first or last numbers are the years.
One of the first things you need to do is to consider the age of the tyres if you intend to tow. It will probably need new tyres if it has been standing or the tyres are more than 5 years old. Don't rely on whether they look OK. I bought a 1990 caravan earlier this year and the tyres looked perfect but were 16 years old! I got them changed and invested in a full service to ensure all gas and electric was safe.
I Have found a little plate near the door, which has the MGW on it as 925K. It also has a serial number on it which is C47075E. If the last two numbers are the year, maybe it's a lot older than I thought!
Good advice about the tyres, Ronni. I will have to check how old they are. The previous owner told me that they had taken the caravan down to the south coast last year,and there was a ticket from a campsite in one of the cupboards when I went to view that confirmed this, so I don't think it's been standing around too long unused. Apparently, the owner's husband used to work on the farm where I picked it up from, but now doesn't, which is why they had to sell. It appeared to be quite a reluctant sale, and it had certainly been well cared-for inside. A few dents on the outside, but nothing serious.
I just traded my Elddis Tornado XL for a two berth Elddis EX2000 Hurricane, My Tornado was a 1990 model, and it was in excellent condition. The only reason I changed it is that the layout didn't suit what I was looking for as I am primarily a single camper. I did do a few small jobs on it, like change the standard hitch to an Alko hitch, but when I had it serviced the only thing the engineer could find wrong were the gas pipes being out of date so he changed them. But I had no problems using it and I think you will find it's an excellent caravan.
You and I are in the same boat Colin as we have just bought a 1997 Bailey Ranger 4 berth and I will spend the winter doing it up ready for the long balmy days of next summer!!!!!
We can certainly hope, Lobey. This summer has probably been one of the best for years. Still, 1975 and 1976 were both good! We are looking forward to trying caravanning again, as it has been many years. Even the old van we have bought looks very modern compared to our last one, which didn't even have cold running water, never mind hot!
Thanks very much, that has nailed it precisely. I can now start looking for insurance knowing it is a 1988 model I am looking to insure. It will probably help with getting parts too, as I know I definitely need a new front window.
Yes I've definitely heard of the Epping Ongar Railway line, for many years I lived in Fyfield, and know Ongar very well. I know one of the original people who purchased that line, although not sure if he's still involved.
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: We`ve found one!
