I have been trying to persuade my husband that we need a caravan for a very long time - so far unsuccessfully.
Today he was persuaded to let me view a Sprite Muskateer 2004 model and he liked it!!!! He was tempted as he liked the fact it was so small, yet had fixed bunks (we have a son). His biggest fear is towing so it was a compromise as small.
I can agree with that view and it would seem a good starter although my concern is whether it is too small and we'll be on top of each. Is it a false economy to start small - should we just recognise that we'll need more space and be braver about towing.
I would start of with a van that you are happy with, by that i mean a van with the layout you are happy with, roomy
enough for your requiements. I would not start of small just because of the towing.
You will soon get used to the towing side of it, I have been motor caravaning caravaning for about 25yrs, i started of small just so i could get my van on my drive,
big mistake, i sold the van after about 2 mnth got a bigger van and now pay storage.
It depends on how often you are going to use the van, if its for the occasional weekend thats ok, but if you are going to be a seasonal caravanner take my advise & get the van your happy with. Hope this helps
they say small is beautiful but imho you will crave for more space after a few trips.if this happens you will lose money on your present purchase. the caravan should be at 85% of kerb weight to be safe on tow.an experienced caravanner will tow up too 100% of kerb weight.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
You could always buy the van and put up a full awning this would give you a lot more space, although it will depend on how you are going to use it, as the post above says.
If you are weekending then the full awning will be a pain to put up just for this time.
I think it depends too on what you are towing with, if you have a large vehicle or 4x4 that is well capable then you could go a little bit bigger with the van, towing is a lot easier with a vehicle like this because you know you have the umph.
we have brought the latest sprite musketeer td its small but inside it looks roomy if that makes sense. my boyfriend didnt want a big caravan either and he was not keen until he saw the caravans at the nec.
------------- 08/4/11 - 10.04.11 grantham
11/4/11 - 15/04/11 bala
28/4/11 - 02/05/11 kingsbury water park
Thanks for the help. It's actually a 4 berth 2005 model which has the bunks along the van rather than across the end so is quite snug. Our cars would be more than sufficient, freelander and Volvo xc70 so that's not an issue.
It's also difficult to price as not many around so we are not sure if its reasonable. The condition is good but with a dent in a work top and the fridge a bit rubbish. How would these things effect value.
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