Right, after tenting it for a few years, we are thinking about tentatively dipping our toe in the caravan world.
In the past I have been dead set against becoming a shed dragger, but our last camping trip didn't exactly go to plan and this has possibly tipped the balance. Also, after speaking to other caravanners on our last camp, I have warmed to the idea of buying a cheap 'van to see how we get on.
We do however, have some specific requirements.
The overall length of the 'van must be no longer than 19 feet long so it will fit down the side of our house.
It must be fairly lightweight. I passed my test in October 1997, so don't have the B+E licence. My car weighs 1600kg (Mk4 Mondeo estate).
4 berth. We have two kids aged 11 & 7, so would like bunk beds for them. Ideally these would be at the back of the 'van.
Budget of £3000, but preferably less.
Now I know that our budget means we are looking at caravans from a period when the colour palette was somewhat restricted to varying shades of beige, coupled with floral upholstery that can be challenging on the eye.
Our plan is to refurbish the inside of the 'van so it is more suited to our tastes (think beach hut on wheels), and also re-jig the layout if need be. We would like fixed bunks at the back, but if they aren't already in the 'van then I can rip out whatever is there and build them myself.
firstly re jigging the interioir isn't possible! its all fixed into position prior to the outer shell of the caravan being put in place, and even if you did manage to get it off you are risking serious structurall damage as its the furniture that gives the whole thing its strength.
as for your car, you need to give a more accurate info regarding make model year and engine size, so we can find the correct weight you can not only pull but also so that you don't exceed the 3500kgs that your licence allows
if space is limited why not consider going half way and looking as a folding camper? all the luxuries of a caravan without the storage and added fuel implications!
Wouldn't contemplate "ripping things out" tbh - whatever's there will probably be helping to hold the 'van frame together, so you could very easily compromise its structural integrity.
As pointed out, you can paint & retrim interior but not alter it structurally. Your best idea is probably a late 1990s caravan with folding bunks. If you set your ebay search to Mobile/Touring Caravans & set to Newly listed you will find these sort of caravans listed on a daily basis.
Thanks for all the advice. I was aware that some parts of the interior were structural, so was thinking of working around what was already there rather than ripping everything out!
Some of the caravans we have seen have a dinette at the rear which convert onto bunks. My idea would be to make this permenant, so not much would actually have to be removed. I would be enclosing them slightly and re-enforcing them, so that the kids have their own space in the 'van.
Yes that is the layout I was referring to. It was popular in 1990s ABI caravans & some other makes including Elddis. As mentioned ebay is probably your best bet. It's a good time to buy from now up to Xmas as prices are lower than in the Spring & demand is less.
you may be somewhat restricted as tho what 6 berth with fixed bunks you can find that is 19" from hitch to back lights. but i believe there are some 4 berth with fixed bunks that might do it.
if you dont fancy all the Chintz and beige if a early 2000s british caravan check out an Adria.
they are usually white and blue with Ikea interiors, light wood, plain upholstery and laminate wood style flooring. some dont have a full oven but you may not need that and it will cut down on the weight.
i also think Adria did a 4 berth with fixed bunks accross the rear
------------- First van bailey ranger 550/6
Now the proud owner of a coachman amara
Most 15ft body length vans are less than 19ft long.
We had an Abbey Lancaster ( 2 double beds)followed by an Abbey GTS, (one large double at the front, 2 bunks across the back).both 4 berth and not too heavy. Probably not many of those around now but there must be similar layouts available?
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
We bought an Elddis 4 berth off ebay for £500, and I have built bunk berths at the rear, where there was originally a tiny double bed made from a single dinette arrangement. We didn't need to rip anything out, just modified what was there.
Watch out for over-priced oldies, and don't think that a £3,000 van will necessarily be any better than a £1,000 one. Or a £1,000 one any better than a £500 one. When they get to that age, they have long since done all their depreciating. Look at as many as you can get to see easily. We have just had our 3rd year with our £500 Elddis.
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: Find me a caravan!
