Hi we are considering getting a caravan after many years of camping but we are on a very very tight budget £1000 all in,( please dont laugh). We are aware of the towing weight and would like to get as much as possible for our money,it is literally like lokking for a needdle in a haystack though, any suggestions would be very helpful. Caravan only for 2 and 2 dogs so extra porch awning would be ideal to dry dogs off in before entering the caravan.
We have looked at afew from a well known web site but have been bitterly dissapointed and would like any suggestions for more places to have alook. also tried preloved , uk campsite ,and gumtree ....help please?
It migh be an idea to go to a few dealers to get an idea of the layout which would suit you best then you can keep an eye on all those sits knowing exactly what you want, good luck in you hunt and holidays to come.
Hi guys thanks for the replies , yes we had a large trailer when camping to carry all our stuff in although the car was still packed to the raffters as well, so towing brackst is on we had a quick look at a dealers today in wigan and saw a few different layouts , we like the look lof the l shape lounge for us but i think that will be one for the future, we also saw another of the web today and how they can ask the money they do we'll never know.
Also can i ask if a deformation in the ceiling is this a significant problem or not and is some damp depending on were it is easy to sort out ? cluelss at the moment !
I would say if anywhere is deformed it's a sign of damp.....don't touch it you will have trouble on your hands. With damp what you see is only the very tip of the iceberg the damage will be far greater the deaper you go.
Get yourself armed with a damp meter, they don't cost a lot from b&q or similar, test all round especially in front corners, under seats and around the windows but NOT on the rubber seals this will give a false reading.
If the person selling the van won't let you check it then walk away and beware of buying something just because it looks immaculate inside, we got caught this way years ago and learned the hard way damp, damp and more damp.
Good luck in your search and as I have said have a look on caravanfinder there are some in your budget.
Actually you'd be surprised what you can get for your budget. We have just sold our little 4 berth ABI Marauder - very lightweight - with bits and pieces (EHU, spare tyre, water containers, etc) for £800. She was an old van but clean and dry. There are bargains to be found.
------------- Smoke me a kipper ............ I'll be back for breakfast!!!!!
A friend of ours went to Glossop Caravans one Saturday morning and fortunately for them, a 4 berth had just come in, hadn't been cleaned or inspected - they let him have it for less than £1000 - very lucky indeed, had it been us then probably we'd have had no chance
There are vans out there, just have to keep looking - Keep pestering Stewart Longtons, you never know what might come in. It took us over 3 years to find ours
Don't give up they are out their its just a matter of weeding the right one for you 2 years ago we sold our van to a private punter,we had owned the van for 12 years and we had kept it in very condition we sold the complete package awning water and waste,wheel and hitch locks it was ready to use and no damp.We sold it that way because we bought one privately and it came with everything included,we sold it for £1000 all in and the people that bought it have still got it and use it all the time so never give up looking it will be out there someware.Ian
------------- Sandy Gulls caravan site
Mundesley
North Norfolk
1st July to 22 July
Thanks guys ,just want one now, tent and trailer sold and money burning a whole in our pockets,just dont want to rush in and get a heap, fingers crossed will keep you updated and be asking lots more questions if you dont mind?
Keep trying dealers. When we were looking they always had a few "sold as seen" for low prices. Don't forget to make them an offer, they may be happy to accept to shift the older vans.
These are all current listings on ebay - just borrow a damp meter from someone before you go looking at vans under £1000. There are quite a few in Wigan on offer at the moment as well
Don't rush, don't be pressured, take your time. Buy yourself a cheap damp meter, check all vans around windows, doors, corners, under the seats. Alot of 2nd hand caravans have some damp, if you are a handy person a tiny amount of damp isn't two hard to rectify, but there are compltely dry vans out there. When viewing a caravan, sit inside, clse the door and imagine you were away, do you fell at home, does the layout suit, if not, move on to the next, you will know when you have found the right one. We got ours, and all the kit and managed, includng porch and full awning for under a grand. We had a tiny bit of damp in the toilet area which was easily rectified, the rest of the van was fine.
Well we appear to have found our needle ! Now the owners of a Abi Dawnstar 2 berth with full awning battery water carriers,step,hitch lock and spare wheel for the grand total of £800.00. A few bits and pieces to tidy up and some new boarding to do in the bathroom ( dads a joiner and hubby a ceramic wall and floor tiler ) so hopefully between them they know what there doing.! Cant wait to get a way in a couple of weeks now for a weekend.
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: Needle in a haystack
