Quote: Originally posted by fatherof2boys on 26/9/2016
My budget, that's coming from the gratuity I've earned from having served in the Armed Forces for over 20 years.
With two brother-in-laws both ex-Army you have earnt every single penny of your gratuity. If we were in America folk would be saying "thank you for your service to our country". In the UK we do not. But I will: "thank you".
As for layout, the advice to go to shows and sit in EVERYTHING is excellent. We bought our first van last year and I confess we made a mistake. We thought that the fixed double bed would be lovely and it is (Lunar mattresses are exceptionally comfy) but we've now decided that fixed single beds will be easier both for bathroom trips and when it comes to making the bed. The double is huge and I have to climb all over it to put on a fitted sheet. Sounds like a stupid thing, but everyone is different.
You will certainly find a suitable van, but be under no misapprehension that there is no such thing as the perfect caravan. They all have at least one compromise, and some have a few, and accepting this can save you hours looking for perfection!
As others have said its very important to spend enough time in a van, such that you spot what the compromise is, so that you can decide if you can put up with it. Consider day/night set up; front locker capacity/access; payload; bed locker interior/exterior access and so on. You must look beyond the showroom appeal.
I'm slightly worried that as a newbie you are spending some long term savings on a new van - have you considered a decent second hand van to see if your family will take to caravanning? There are substantial savings over new on vans just 3-4 years old, which still have some warranty left too. They are still modern and sometimes older vans are actually better equipped than their latest cousins, as manufacturers seek to cut costs and remove kit.
The age of your children suggests you are in a younger age group too, in which case do check your driving licence, as your current vehicle and stated preference for a large van, may mean upgrading your licence. It all depends on when you passed your test...
Just a thought but you can rent caravans to try out. If you are making that kind of investment it may well be worth trying a couple of types just to see what works, as well as what may be future proof. Enjoy !
Spend your money however you want, you have earned it.
Spend your next weekends going round caravan sales courts as it can be hard to know what you want as others have said, sit in them, take your time, imagine using the washroom, you may want to with small ones(shower I mean), the only problem you may find is that you fall for a particular layout then very quickly find its not quite what you wanted, and want to change your van, that is why it is sometimes better to go for a secondhand van then maybe buy new next time.
Whatever you buy, you can't beat caravanning, we love it.
Quote: Originally posted by fatherof2boys on 27/9/2016
Yes I'm planning to go to the Glasgow show, which isn't until Feb 17 :(, as we live in Scotland.
I've visited the Scottish Show a few times and it doesn't seem to be anywhere nearly as good as the Birmingham show in October that earlier posters were referring to. Less exhibitiors, less makes & models.
Still worth a look around though.
Just remember though that if you purchase from a dealership who is based some distance away from where you live then have any problems that need sorted you can incur a bit of travelling expense and inconvenience getting back and forward to them.
Personally I would endorse the advice already given by others - get to as many local dealerships as you can, look at as many different layouts as possible, take your time, sit in the different vans, think how will this work at meal times, at bed times etc.
A lot of local dealerships have their own "mini shows" and may offer the same type of deal as you would get at the "big" show. Remember, you are in a strong bargaining position, no trade in, so don't be shy about haggling over price plus extra kit to get you started thrown into the deal.
What part of Scotland are you in, perhaps some of us could give you a heads up on local dealerships?
Good luck
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: 1st time buyer - grateful for advice
