Thanks all for taking the time to help out and reply. I’m really taking it all in.
Might wander around a few dealerships this weekend, to get a feel of the different layouts, see if we can find one we like, and leave the wallet at home.
I would also add, think about how often you will use the van, just summer months or year round?
If you are thinking just summer, a van with blown heating will be fine, but if you fancy going year round like we do, I would say buy a van with Alde heating. It can be left on during teh day while you are out and come back to a lovely warm van.
If you decide to buy private, get a mobile engineer to go over it before purchase to check all good, best £100 or so you will spend - engineers
You might find one where they are packing up and selling all the kit with it
We found that it is better to start with a fairly cheap second hand caravan. A trip or two will tell you whether you enjoy the experience (some prefer motorhomes or campervans) and also give you some idea as to any changes you might want to make in layout.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
We are probably in the 2nd hand market, as I’m not sure yet if we’d like it.
I’d not want to buy in at the brand new end to find we don’t like it and have to sell on and lose out.
I’d want something that represented a level of comfort that means we are not left wanting and end up feeling we don’t like caravanning due to being cold, wet, can’t sleep, bad towing experience etc.
What do we want out of it? I think a few weekends/weeks away, we feel we have not yet seen the wonderful places of the UK, and enjoy historical town and places. Meet people along the way.
Although it was about 10 years ago when I bought my little caravan it was only £300. It was basic compared with modern caravans but had everything I needed...gas heater, fridge, toilet room (with a wash basin in it) for a porta-pottie, wardrobe, sink, cooker, plenty of storage space etc; etc; and was very comfortable. In many respects I wish I had kept it.
You do not need to spend thousands of pounds initially to find that little gem of a caravan. There are plenty of older, cheaper, clean and dry models around and then you can decide if you want something bigger and better after a couple of trips.
Even if you do find a couple of 'issues' with it (a small damp patch or whatever) if you have not paid the earth for it, it is not the end of the world and you can flog it on for whatever you can get for it and buy that super-duper model - lol.
Quote: Originally posted by George-Mildred on 31/7/2021
I would also add, think about how often you will use the van, just summer months or year round?
If you are thinking just summer, a van with blown heating will be fine, but if you fancy going year round like we do, I would say buy a van with Alde heating. It can be left on during teh day while you are out and come back to a lovely warm van.
If you decide to buy private, get a mobile engineer to go over it before purchase to check all good, best £100 or so you will spend - engineers
You might find one where they are packing up and selling all the kit with it
Great advice. If you're spending tens of thousands, a dealer might be safer, but if you've a more limited budget consider buying privately with an engineer survey.
Camping and trailer tenting for many years, 1970 ish start. Went to our local caravan dealer and picked his brains. Ended up buying one of his cheap trade ins, £1200. Year later went back and traded up, got £1200 for the trade in. Now 12 years later have a top of the range van, fixed bed etc. In other words have never looked back. Think we where lucky, our dealer and his staff are top notch.
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: Brand new, not a clue.
via mobile 30/7/2021 at 7:56pm
