Hi,
I am just starting to think about getting a Freedom Microlite in the next couple of years to extend our camping season. It is still just an idea and we are on a very tight fixed budget so before I go any further it would be great to have an idea of upfront costs and annual costs. I would hope to get a second hand van for under £1000 and keep it at home. Could anyone give me some ball park figures for the following: getting a towbar fitted to my car, annual insurance, servicing, additional diesel costs - and any other basics that I should be aware of.
towbar about £400 fitted ,service round £120 - £190 per year. diesel costs its only a light van so not a lot more. you will need extras ie.water barrel,230v cable,ect but these will last for years.
Post last edited on 17/07/2011 17:37:05
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
We had a Sunseeker, been all round the yin yang since then, had new bailey ranger/camplet/few more tents, looking back its the only thing we wish we had kept, it was so light to tow, didn't need a big car, but also easy when you get to the site, can leave the bed made up, no worries bout packing up wet stuff and they are like a tardis, we fitted loads in ours, we have even talked about buying another one!
we paid £190 for our tow bar to be fitted. The ehu lead you need is approx £25. We bought our first van this year and have bought nearly everything second hand and saved a small fortune. When you are ready to buy check out preloved, we managed to get towing mirrors, ehu lead, wastemaster, aquaroll, toilet chemicals, a table, clothes airer, warning triangle, brand new boxed plates, bowls and mugs, ehu adaptor for abroad, ehu adaptor for plugging into mains at home, 16inch avtex tv, levelling ramps, drill bit adaptor for steadies, alko tow bar and aquaroll mains kit for £150!! The sellers had bought everything new, used the van for one holiday and as his wife hated it they sold it all! Also found a porch awning for half price that had only be used for 4 nights. If you look around you can get some real bargains.
Our insurance is through the C&CC and is new for old cover for a one year old van. It cost £185 which we thought was a great price for excellent cover.
Servicing is £175 at our local dealer.
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
We had a Sunseeker, been all round the yin yang since then, had new bailey ranger/camplet/few more tents, looking back its the only thing we wish we had kept, it was so light to tow, didn't need a big car, but also easy when you get to the site, can leave the bed made up, no worries bout packing up wet stuff and they are like a tardis, we fitted loads in ours, we have even talked about buying another one!
so its watch this space is it Emma??
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
Thanks all - really helpful. I'm hoping that when the time comes we will have alot of stuff from our tent camping that we can use - porta potti, all the cooking stuff etc, but it sounds like there are lots of other things to think about - towing mirror, aqua roll, awning etc . I want to make sure I work out realistic costings and then see if we are likely to be able to afford it - then start saving! Or decide it isn't worth it for a couple of months on the camping year and a bed off the ground.
you can do without some of the above to begin with as you already have camping gear. You could use your tent methods for washing and drinking water this season so not get an aqual rol, at a pinch you could do without a new ehu using your old one instead though you would not be able to use the on board lights. You may also get quite a few things thrown in with a second hand unit anyway. Our folding camper came with aqua roll, power leads, ehu, waste master, camping chairs, and even plates cups and utensils so you never know what you are going to get. Would also look at other small caravans within your price range.
Andcow -I would look at other small caravans but could anyone tell me what other makes do one that is 13ft or less full length (including the towing bit).
I have measured our front and that is the longest we could get on and even that would be slightly overhanging the pavement.
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: What will it cost?
