We are looking for a new caravan - or rather, new to us! I'm hoping that readers might be able to advise us - we are lookng for a 3 - 4 berth, preferably with twin axles, that is not longer than 21 foot including the tow bar - we have storage issues! We would like a shower. Can anyone help?
first thing is find out the actual weight you can safely tow with your current tow car, then decide what sort of lay out you want in the caravan, then start looking at what caravans are for sale in the price bracket you can afford. If you buy a twin axle van, this could limit the number of sites you take it too. Once you have sourced your van, then you have to think about insurance storage etc.
At present there are plenty of caravans out there for sale, so make sure that the one you buy is free from damp, free from hire purchase and has not been stolen
I am sure other readers will advise you of other things yoyu have to think about before you get your caravan
------------- "PACESETTERS" German Shepherd dog display team, we are out and about raising money for guide dogs.
Thanks for our answer. Why would a twin axle limit the amount of sites we could go to? We wanted a twin axle caravan as we have been told they are safer to tow - less sway. Are there problems that go with them?
a twin axle will not limit the amount of sites you can visit. the only thing i find when towing a twin is that it can be quite bouncy... but very stable with very little sway. they are a bit of a pig to manouver by hand tho if your on you own. how much you looking to spend??
3. Why twin axle? Most singles are under 21ft. You will have a job to find a twin at 21ft. There is nothing wrong with towing a single axle. 90% of us do and don't have any trouble.
4. How much do you want to spend?
5. Are you going to tour or is it just for holidays 2-3 times a year?
We have just sold our old (very old!) caravan, and we always found it quite swayed when towing - we also have a horse trailer, so we're quite experienced towers, maybe a single axle trailer doesn't feel as safe as a twin to us, because we're used to towing more weight.
We have a 2.1L diesel peugeot 406, and although we used to caravan 2-3 times a year, when we get a new one we hope to go more often.
There are 3 of us possibly using the caravan, we are open about the layout - I think you probably have to use it to know what works best, so we won't know till it's too late! We don't want to spend more than about £2,500. Do you think that's enough for a reasonable condition caravan?
Quote: Originally posted by LEONARDO on 21/2/2009
We are looking for a new caravan - or rather, new to us! I'm hoping that readers might be able to advise us - we are lookng for a 3 - 4 berth, preferably with twin axles, that is not longer than 21 foot including the tow bar - we have storage issues! We would like a shower. Can anyone help?
If you want a nice used caravan with a good shower, you'll be hard pushed to beat a bailey Pageant Provence. You'll pick up a good series 5 for around £8,000 or the series 6 will be a bit more up to the current series 7 which I've not seen on the used market yet.
The Provence has a lovely walk in shower cubicle & is a good caravan & tows very well, we had one & will buy another as soon as we're ready to get another caravan.
The downside for your requirements would be, the Provence is a single axle, it's also over 21 feet in length including the drawbar. I don't know of a twin axle that will be under this length.
Our previous van was a Sterling Emerald 1998 model, 3 berth with a 4th using the fold up bunk. It had the big end washroom with separate shower which we found ideal having a teenage daughter.
We sold it in january 2008 for £4500, but it did have quite a lot of extras fitted, including a mover. There are several makes/models available with this layout so you should be able to pick up say a 1995 van for your budget.
Only a single axle, but with an Alko 1300 fitted it was very stable. Length is about 22 feet though. MTPLM 1300kg.
when you say you have storage issues if you mean it is in an awkward place or something then don't go for twin axle they are terrible to manhandle once off the car
Yes we have had a both twin and single and unless you are getting a mover then I would say single, think about not only your sleeping arrangements but maybe your day to day use and if you have kids how their needs may change, when we bought our van approx two years ago both kids could fit on the front sofa's easily as single beds now my 15 year old son is about two foot too long and all four of us sat in the front is a squash !
------------- A diplomat thinks twice before saying nothing ... Pam
I would get a 5 berth double dinette layout, versatile and twin axle, 2 double beds so child will enjoy the space and if you are on your own you can leave up the back bed.
This is as Ive got this layout and its great!! LOL
------------- Jan:Braids Gretna, Feb Stanwix Park Silloth & Braids Gretna,
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: can anyone recomend a new caravan?
