I have been looking into getting a caravan tourer I now know the vans needs to be no more than 1100 kg that I know the van needs to be light weight I have a budget set of £2000 and have taken into account things like aqua roll and waste barrels and hook ups, I am more interested in getting one for a year to see if we like it than either scrap it or up grade, im not interested in any damp vans, and areas to look at for damp areas, I needs to get a 4 berth for family, is there any more advice you kind people would like to give me as I am just knew to this thanks
Who's going to tow the van? Do they have B+E entitlement on their licence? If they passed their driving test post 1997 they MAY need to take an additional test.
I didn't thankfully, but I did do the CC Practical Caravanning course, which taught me a lot about manoeuvring, hitching up, pitching/levelling, safety around gas/electricity.
If you know you can only go to 1100kg I guess you have already checked the capabilities of your car and 85% recommended weight ratio caravan to car. It is unlikely that you will exceed the max 3500kg permitted even if your licence is post 1997.
As you seem unsure if this is the way forward have you considered hiring a touring caravan for holidays this year?
This would give you a good taster of towing and caravanning in a decent van and good idea of what you want if you do invest in your own set up. You would of course need a tow bar.
If you do buy the only way to verify damp is with a damp meter. Test under windows in corners and cupboards etc.
Also budget for new tyres as ones fitted may well be old even if not worn out & also you will need at least a chassis service to ensure running gear is in working order.
As for damp this is something you will have to check for, no make of the age in your price range will be any better than any other.
Something like this might be ok. ABI 'vans of this era were fairly light for their size so include 'vans of this make in your search & you might find what you are after. If you find a good one you should get your money back if you sell it & upgrade after a year.
my husband can tow the caravan his licence allows him to do that, yes we checked the weight ratio and are making sure we are only looking at vans that we can tow, The damp meter is a good idea, I have seen them at B and Q we are also making sure we look at every where especially my husband,
Get a caravan engineer to give you prospective purchase the once over before agreeing to anything. It'll cost you about 50 quid, worth its weight in gold.
I'd also recommend you both tow. We always share, as driving tired is dangerous, but the main reason is if the only driver becomes ill or incapacitated you are stuck.
Write yourself a check list and stick to it,you can soon get carried away by a van that is perfect for you and looks good but could be hiding lots of nasty's.
Check for damp everywhere and the brakes,chassis,towing hitch and stabiliser if fitted,tyres,pull all the blinds and fly screens up and down,make sure the charger is working and the gas has been serviced.
You may want to budget for an awning too.
Good look, best think we ever did 15 years and 3 vans later.
When you find one that you are really interested in, i would agree with chilephilly, get it checked by a local Mobile Caravan Service person, well worth the money.
Also, if the seller says there is no damp, do not believe them. It may have damp that they dont know about, or the may not be telling the truth.
Check that every thing works, .if you have not had a caravan before try to take a friend or neighbour, who has a caravan with you.
Be prepared to accept a van with minor issues, most things can be fixed quite easily but DAMP is the enemy.
I am sure you will find a suitable van, just be patient.
I have a post 1997 licence and was fully aware of firstly the 3500 Kg fully laden weight limit of car and van and secondly, the recommended 85 per cent of car kerb weight limit for the van. It seems that you have also done your homework there.
The best way to find a van is to see lots of them! Go to the larger dealers to at least get an idea of layouts. Older vans tend to be lighter per berth, so for what you want and the budget that you have, you will probably find that a mid to early 1990's van will fit the bill. Always take a damp meter with you and don't worry about minor defects such as missing knobs and handles as these can easily be replaced. Good luck with your search
------------- The Sun always shines on TV.(and not on my caravan!)
Get a caravan engineer to have a look over it, that way you can buy privately with confidence and get more for your money. As mentioned earlier ABI made some light vans and the pre 2000 models were very well put together. I have a 99 ABI which has been fine so far and I paid £1500 for it. Also as mentioned budget for new tyres regardless of how good the seller tells you they are.my tyres cost £50 each.
Hi
Think you might struggle for choice if 1100 kgs is the max you can tow.
Baileys are light weight so it may well be worth looking at them.
A lot of 4 berth vans have unlaiden weights of around 1100 kgs.
by the time you have added up everyones dos and donts you may even give up on the idea.. new tyres a service engineer to check (only £50 quid) each time cos you cant assume it will be only once.. maybe your budget isnt enough.. he he
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Topic: Things i need to know
