This is my first post. I do not yet own a caravan (don't even have a tow-bar yet).
Because of price and availability (of our chosen caravan models) we are considering buying a caravan from France (or other European country, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Switzerland are considered).
Are there any compatibility problems between a tow bar with dual electrics fitted in the UK and a caravan bought from France/Switzerland etc? Do I need a "special" kind of tow bar and/or wiring, connectors, etc?
And could there be any legal issues involved? I keep seeing things about "carte gris" in French adverts, the German caravans appear to have an MOT equivalent and the Swiss caravans need a separate registration number.
We want to just go there, pay the money, hitch and go. But maybe it's not so easy...
From a towing point of view there will be no differences. Depending on the electric socket on your car you may need an adaptor to convert the continental 13 pin socket. It would be an idea to specify a 13 PIN socket on the car when you have the towbar fitted.
Several countries in Europe register caravans as separate vehicles. In Germany all vans have to have a TUV (MOT) test every two years if they want to tow at the maximum speed of 100kms, otherwise 80kms.
I am a bit puzzled why you want to buy a van abroad given your inexperience of caravanning unless of course you have done it in a previous life!. Nothing wrong with European vans in fact some say they are better built. One reason they are cheaper is that they don't include many of the things that UK caravanners take for granted. If you want to add these to the new van the price differential reduces considerably.
We are just considering this option too - well Germany actually. There are some serious - several thousand - reasons for doing this. If you search on Google groups (caravanning) for importing caravans, there is lots of information to be had.
Except for the 13 pin plug (on which I have just started to read about and I'm a bit confused as to the standard, or lack thereof...) it's all exactly what I wanted to hear.
I think we'll use it a lot in Europe so door would be on the "right" side anyway.
We consider importing mainly because we want a foldable caravan. It has to fit in our garage, that is the #1 requirement. These are rare and though there are some for sale in UK they are a lot more expensive and the choice is narrower.
As for the UK fittings, I have looked inside some "normal" caravans (at a dealer). I was a bit surprised to discover a cooker as big as the one in my house (4 burners, grill & oven)! We don't want that as we would not use it.
Heating wise, I personally think we'll only use in warm(ish) weather so not so important. Though here my OH disagrees with me so there's going to be some heating but still not really for winter use.
On the whole good news, now I'm off (to google groups and elsewhere) to research this 13 pin thingy...
If you are only ever going to tow this van then fit the 13pin socket to your car, which will then match your van.
In the UK we have the black socket for all your driving lights indicators etc and the grey plug for your auxilliay power for caravan lights fridge etc.
I fitted the 13 pin socket as I have a german van, its a lot neater and easier than using two plugs.
You dont need to do anything else other than collect the van and drive away, you will pay vat in the country you buy from so no import tax etc.
If you were in the armed forces stationed in Germany or knew someone who was you could get away without paying the vat allegedly!!!
If you are buying second-hand, make sure you know what to look for before parting with your cash! For example, check for damp, what are the brakes and bearings like, what condition is the chasis in, when were the elctrics last checked by a qualified person, when were the gas fittings last serviced by a qualified person?
Unless you know about caravans (or can take an expert with you) or buy from a reputable dealer, I think you are taking a big risk.
I would also recommend you obtain some insurance quotes before you buy. I think the insurance may be more than for a UK van.
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 26/6/2006
Several countries in Europe register caravans as separate vehicles. In Germany all vans have to have a TUV (MOT) test every two years if they want to tow at the maximum speed of 100kms, otherwise 80kms.
Every caravan or other trailer has to have a TÜV every two years and is being registered separately in Germany. No TÜV on it? Don't buy it - MUST be something wrong with it.
Don't forget: power-sockets inside the van, as well as the connector-hose for your Calor-gasbottle won't fit!
If you want me to translate, or have a look at a caravan (not too far from Heidelberg, though), just send me an email (address will be found through our homepage)
Ive just bought mine from Nick Schellens at info at caravanstyle.nl. Having done mine, Nick knows what he has to do with UK van sales.
I had 13 pin Jaeger electrice fitted when I got my towbar, took over UK 240v sockets, UK gas bottle (full) and UK gas regulator. I also took over a UK number plate, which is the same size as Dutch ones, and fitted into the plate holder on the back of the van.
The van wasnt registered in the Netherlands, and althoguh I paid 19% VAT over there, it was still considerably cheaper than buying in the UK.
By buying over there I eschewed some of the compulsory options that are forced on buyers over here, adding to the savings. Note that you want get formal flame retardent stickers on your upholstery if buy abroad, and there should be a further drop vent under the fridge in respect of the gas. I can add the drop vent over here if I want to, but there is other ventilation in the van and thousands of EU campers are happliy and safely using their vans.
the mains lead supplied in NL is the same blue fitting as UK (its different in France and Spain) but the cable is black, not orange.
otherwise it all went smoothly, and I set up a NL bank account with Pin code debit card to buy the van once I had arrived.
I can recommend this dealer. they looked after me very well and gave me a good price.
Geoff
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Topic: Want to buy Caravan from France
