As we are getting older (both 65 yrs) our large tent is getting a struggle to set up,so we are thinking of buying a touring caravan.
Having a look at sizes,we cannot get a caravan on our drive,so what are your thoughts on storage on a secured caravan storage site (about 15 miles from our home).
Also any other "tips" you think we should know.
We have a choice of 2 cars to tow with 1.Honda CRV 2 ltr (2001) MTPLM 1500kg 2.Nissan Qashqai 2 ltr (2007) MTPLM 1200kg.
What are your thoughts.
Andy.
------------- QUECHUA Base Seconds 4.1 + Seconds Base (standard).
June/July(3 weeks) Le- Papillon, Tarn Gorge,France 2012.Aug/Sept (3 weeks)2012. Les Mathevies, Dordogne, France
Bearing in mind the recommendation that you tow a 'van no more than 85% of the kerbweight of your tow vehicle, and that you are used to plenty of space, older 'vans are lighter - so you will get more bang for your buck with an older 'van. (Depreciation is much less too).
The caravan killer is damp. (Water getting in between the aluminium outer skin of the 'van and the waterproof vinyl wall covering inside the 'van. This is very bad, as the moisture is trapped once it gets in, and the softwood framework rots!). To make sure you get a dry 'van, hire or buy a good quality damp meter and use it relentlessly - or get a potential purchase checked over by an AWS registered mobile caravan engineer.
Layout is very important and there are merits to all of them. We don't like the space that fixed beds take up and like a separate shower, so the large end washroom layout is a must for us, but its a case of horses for courses.
Storage is fine, but 15 miles is a long way if you just need to check the battery or whatever.
Storage is fine, but 15 miles is a long way if you just need to check the battery or whatever.
This may be true, but if that is the nearest storage facility, and it can't be kept at home it's a no brainer.
We keep our van about ten miles away, so it takes 20/30 mins to get there, we usually factor in other things we want to do in the area and kill several birds with one visit.
------------- 74,going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder
I speak only from my own experiences.
Caravans are relatively expensive to own. insurance, servicing.fuel consumption when towing,can amount to quite a bit of money.In My case £450PA,& 26 MPG
also (I stress in my experience)it has cost me about £500 each year in repair cost.to cure or prevent damp ingress
repairs to the plastic panels (stress cracks)repairs to the windows(delamination)ect ect
putting up an awning is as much as putting up a tent,& comes with the same problem of packing it away wet
I point this out only to make you aware that there are other points to consider other than simple purchase
I wish you luck in your endeavours
Old Chap
Quote: Originally posted by old chap on 07/7/2012I speak only from my own experiences.
Caravans are relatively expensive to own. insurance, servicing.fuel consumption when towing,can amount to quite a bit of money.In My case £450PA,& 26 MPG
also (I stress in my experience)it has cost me about £500 each year in repair cost.to cure or prevent damp ingress
repairs to the plastic panels (stress cracks)repairs to the windows(delamination)ect ect
putting up an awning is as much as putting up a tent,& comes with the same problem of packing it away wet
I point this out only to make you aware that there are other points to consider other than simple purchase
I wish you luck in your endeavours
Old Chap
So, in aid of self preservation, buy a good damp meter (the trade use Protimeter), check its dry before you buy it, then check it regularly, so a minor leak doesn't become major problem.
If you buy from a dealer with a good reputation you will get a warranty and a full pre delivery inspection/service, which will avoid expensive problems initially.
Awnings are great, but if your 'van is spacious enough you won't be forced to put the thing up if the weather is foul.
The Honda is the better tow vehicle. The 85% is only a guideline. In essence if the manufacturer allows it, you can legally tow up to 1500kgs. It must be remembered that when you add the wife, yourself and everything the weight increases a great deal making it safe to tow over 1400kgs. Have to look in your handbook for maximum towing weight.
Either way there are numerous caravans on the market weighing 1400kg or less. We have one with a fixed bed which is much better than having to make up the bed each evening. L shape lounge gives you more room in the front and an easier position to view the TV.
I think we first need to establish the maximum braked trailer/towing weight of the vehicle. This should be in the handbook. Secondly how experienced are you at towing?
The Lunar Solaris with the island bed is one of the best layouts, but they hard to coem by as they are snapped up. Here is a link to the type of layout. Actually your vehicle could tow this one. Not sure on your budget, but if you go for a decent caravan from a reputable dealer , it is there to use for the rest of your lives.
We are in our early sixties and bought a brand new caravan we could only just afford by scrimping and scraping, but the intention is to keep it for the next 20 or more years.
Would you mind explaining to me what the 85% rule means ? and is it better to have all my accessories (Awning, chairs etc). in the car ?
At this time, we tow a Brenderup 1150 trailer (max 600kgs), but was considering taking a course.although I have a HGV licence.(passed when I was in the Fire brigade) so I do have a little experience of large vehicles.
Andy.
------------- QUECHUA Base Seconds 4.1 + Seconds Base (standard).
June/July(3 weeks) Le- Papillon, Tarn Gorge,France 2012.Aug/Sept (3 weeks)2012. Les Mathevies, Dordogne, France
In defence of other layouts, we don't like fixed bed 'vans as the bed takes up far too much living space - and you have to look at it all day! Plus we often end up with a lot of people on our 'van and need lots of seating space. End washroom rules too. Especially in this weather!
The various clubs Have a recommended safety tow ratio of 85% Ie total load (mtplm) of caravan should be no more than 85% of the kerbweight (empty) weight of the car
This is the recommended formula, LEGALLY, you with a HGV licence can tow up to the gross train weight of your car.
(providing the MTPLM of the caravan is not exceeded)
whether you load the car to the gunnel's or not will make no difference to the safety as the formula IS MTPLM of VAN IS 85% OF THE KERBWEIGHT of the car
Quote: Originally posted by old chap on 07/7/2012
whether you load the car to the gunnel's or not will make no difference to the safety as the formula IS MTPLM of VAN IS 85% OF THE KERBWEIGHT of the car
There is no magic formula and the 85% guideline is well out of date as there has been been anything in the Road Traffis Regulations Construction and Use regarding kerbweights. If OP is confident enough no reason why they cannot tow at 1500kgs especially if the laden car exceeds 1800kg. I am not sure what the maximum gross weight is for the Honda but it will probably be around 1850kg.
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: Thinking of upgrading to a caravan.
