we are thinking of getting a caravan, been camping in a tent for a few year's now but as we are both getting older we have decided to have a look for a van
So i am after some advice we will be looking at used van's so what should i look for ?, As we have no idea and dont want to make a very expensive error
Thanks for taking time to read my post, Ian
------------- I used to think drinking was bad for me so i gave up thinking.
Ian, have a look at my post about the Yorkshire Rose as there are some helpful comments. We are also first time buyers thinking of moving from tent. Exciting. Good luck!
------------- Early June- France TBC
July 2nd- Deer Shed Festival
More to come....
We've just bought our first 'van, after realising the ground was getting further away with age, and in the expectation of extending the camping season, and touring range.
First we looked at the alternatives: air-frame tents (most of the effort was in pegging anyway); Motorhomes (Cramped; restrictive on site; overpriced); Caravan (Maintenance? Insurance? Servicing costs? Storage?)
We started developing a shortlist, from the following:
Towing. Needs to be light to match our current car (Yeti 110hp), and stable. Match to both weight (85%) and power (what incline could it manage?) How would it work on our France trips? What load can we carry, after all the extras (mover, battery, gas, awning, bedding and pots) are onboard? Noseweight, and 13 pin connector.
Convenience. How does the bed work? Do we need fixed bed? Two singles? Onboard loo - the prostate's not what it was. 12v/230v, so we could do cc&c rallies, as well as normal sites. Fridge for ice for cocktails. Gas burners.
Storage. Needs to be small enough for our drive; motor mover to do the parking thing. Security measures - minimum hitchlock and wheel lock according to insurers. Topping up battery charge and draining water over winter.
Aesthetics. We're going to live with this for some time. Is it modern-ish (not a 'granny-van') and reasonally practical in layout? What is the standard of insulation/construction? (Most manufacturers seem to have changed methods around 2010-12 in one way or another, because of damp issues etc)
Ended up doing quite a bit of work in preparation: extending parking area by putting down retaining mat and gravel; install drop-down post; install exterior 13A socket. New towbar, electrics and remapping for car.
We bought a nearly-new Lunar 2-berth. Small friendly dealer threw in a load of essential extras from his stock of s/hand kit - water and waste, step, hitchlock, power cable, gas bottles. We ended up buying some - the gas 'pigtail', wheel lock, car mirrors, levelling ramps.
We've taken her out twice now, and it's a pleasure. Just bought a cheap sunshade and poles from Obelink, and looking forward to many happy nights this summer, here and on the continent; maybe New Year too.
Hope these notes are useful addition to the obvious ones, about damp, chassis, tyres etc.
Do your homework before spending any money. Is your car big/ heavy enough.
Whatever you get, make sure it is dry.
Shop around. We spent nearly 2 years looking before being able to buy our first caravan. Layout is such a personal choice. Go to the Caravan Show at the NEC (October and February) Even if you are not buying new, it gives you a brilliant opportunity to look at all the different layouts and manufacturers. We went in February and fell in love with one and bought it! It's also a great place to get accessories.
If making up beds every night is a problem, go for a fixed bed layout. If you prefer the space during the day, don't.
Consider where you are going to keep it, and make sure you have enough space for whatever you are considering. If you have a 5 metre drive, a 6 metre van will be a problem!
When you are looking at caravans, if you can, it's great to make up the beds and pull all the curtains. It gives you a good idea of what it's like first thing in the morning. Nothing worse than the sun streaming through a roof light without a blind or the holes in a blind!
Once you've found what you like, enjoy it, I loved camping but caravan in is something else. It's my home from home and I just love it.
First thing to do is check which vans you can tow with the available towcar....towing weights are confusing but use the "What Tow Car" website and you can do a match - it will tell you if you are over the 85% rule.
Layout is very much down to personal choice/circumstances. Personally I don't like fixed double beds as they take up so much space in the van in the daytime. Our van has fixed single beds which are full single sized and properly sprung, with the option of making up a double if needed. If there are just 2 of you, a decent sized 2 berth may be a better option...as I say, each to their own. It's a good idea to go around different dealers and view the layouts of vans to find what will suit you.
There is lots of advice on here about actually buying a dry van, either from a dealer or privately. If you buy private sale you will have to know what to look for and ideally, have the van inspected by someone - it may cost a little bit but could save you from making a very costly mistake.
Just do a search on UKCS - you will find lots of good advice.
thanks for the advice I have been given the number of a chap selling a van not too sure what model it is
but have been told it has the following
Its a 4/5 berth
Anyway it comes with
Awning. (rip by one panel near zip).
Porch awning
Aqua roll
Cable for electric
Cassette toilet
Fridge
Grill hob oven
Fridge
Hot water heater
New tyres.
Fairly large bed
He want's £1000 for it I'll let you know how I get on
Thanks, Ian
------------- I used to think drinking was bad for me so i gave up thinking.
Do you need such a large van? I had the impression there were only the two of you? Bigger van = bigger car to pull it. More room needed to store etc etc.
If you are only paying a grand or so, you can dismiss most of the 'advice' about niggles/damp and amount/appointment of equipment in it.
You just need it safe, both for the road, and the gas equipment installed. Anything more is a bonus for that sort of money.
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: Looking to Buy a Caravan
