First of all hello, first post on the forums. My wife and I are hoping to purchase our first caravan within the next month or so. We have both turned forty and have two young children aged 3 and 2 and have decided that this would suit our lifestyle and hopefully we can have some great times as a family with a caravan.
I have a Peugeot 508SW 2.0 estate and am looking to purchase either a 5 or 6 berth van, ideally with bunk beds for the kids. I realise there are so many different makes and models around and a lot of them look to the same to a beginner.
Budget wise, ideally no more than £13000 but may stretch a bit more. I don't mind buying second hand but what should I be looking for.
Really looking for advice on some of the best makes and models to look at which may suit my situation and vehicle type when it comes to towing.
What is the kerbweight of your car? The clubs recommend your van should weigh no more than 85% of your car's kerbweight. Did you pass your driving test post 1997? If so you will be limited to what you can tow. If towing is a whole new adventure I'd recommend a towing course, I did the CC one and it was great. Have a look at www.caravanfinder.co.uk for different layouts, and try before you buy!
We have recently got a 6 birth adria altea 542dt and really happy with it. At 1300kg loaded weight may be ok for your car and a new or year old one would probably be in your budget. Check it and the 542dk out.
Op has done his homework, 1300kg is good match for that car. As for caravan, no well known make of UK built caravan is any better or worse than any other so chose whatever make has layout you want. Some will say foreign built 'vans are better built but apart from Adria, no real UK dealer network for so slightly more difficult to buy & own a foreign make.
Thx I have looked at the Adria alter 542dt and dk and both look like good options. Hope you don't mind me asking but do you have kids and if so how do they find the bunk beds?
The bunks are great. They are 2 foot 6 wide and the top two in our triple bunk are 6 foot long, the bottom a few inches shorter. Our kids are boy 11 (top bunk), boy 15 (middle bunk) and girl 9 (bottom bunk). Bunks seem strong. Kids sleep fine and great that you dont have to make their beds up each night. The bunks on adria are supposed to be bigger than uk vans though not checked this claim out!
They seem to be around 12000 for 2012, 11000 for 2011 etc. I would check them out on second hand sites and also venture caravans as these are one of the main uk dealers. The later models have a few extra features and the dent resistant sides.
Before you buy a caravan buy a damp meter and learn how to use it.Many many caravans, even in your price range , have some damp which can be a nightmare. Then check it regularlyfor damp.
Very biased opinion but for us our Bailey 540-5 was the best layout. Our children were 4 and 8 when we got it. The bunks work so welll, and the shower is lovely and big so can get children washed without trudging to campsite bathroom. The alutech that Bailey vans are made of gives some peace of mind, although accept that no vans are perfect. It is a brilliant way to holiday. We are so pleased we have a van.
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: Buying first caravan, advice please.
