General Chat

I'm in the process of selling my old classic car *sob* as we're considering getting a caravan. I always used to be quite sneering about caravans however, with all the people I know scattered far and wide around the country this is the most cost effective way of us staying in touch and visiting more often...not to mention the fact that we live close to lovely beaches and would get a lot of use out of it for long weekends away etc.

I know basically zero about it...only things I have been told..make sure there's no damp in the caravan you buy...floors, ceilings and window frames as it's usually the end of the road for them...and make sure you distribute the weight evenly throughout the van so it tows better lololol...and that is IT !

Sooo I was wondering if anyone could tell me a bit about the pros and cons and must know info...we will need a 4 berth one and we are not going to pay a fortune (one because we don't have it a two because we want to make sure it's something we will use to the fullest before we commit to spending more later). Any advice gratefully received x

Hi Muffy,

Tips for good caravaning buys.

Make sure the caravan has full yearly service history, same as a car.
Check the damp readings on the service history. A reading over 16 on a damp meter means you will have problems. Readings should be around 12 to 13.

You buy second hand caravans from dealers and get a copy of caravan club Magazine who have a lot of tips and sales in there.

The caravan or caravan and camping clubs are good to join for site locations etc.
You do need to book in advance especially in the School holiday season as sites get full quickly.

My In laws caravan outside School Hols and get more choice of sites and pitches.

We have visited many places in the UK we would never have seen by having the caravan.



Cons, Still cooking shopping etc to be done but lots of local pubs do reasonable prices for meals .

After 12 years of caravanning OH and I are of in style at the end of the week on a two week cruise! LOL

I do moan sometimes but do enjoy it on the whole:)

Teresa

Make sure your car is capable of towing the "van" you buy ..... left this upto OH when we had a touring van..... something to do with the weight ratio I think.

Try and buy an awning as well - can increase your living space by 100% or more. Make sure you factor in all of the extras such as aqua roll and waste containers. Give the children their jobs to do - filling the aqua roll and emptying the waste container, lol

Good idea to buy caravan mags, they give you loads of tips.

Most of all .... ENJOY. We had some great holidays and breaks when my children were younger. Good memories.

xx

GET ONE WITH A LOO

WITH KIDS AN AWNING IS A PLUS ALSO
WITH ONE YOU CAN ATTACH AN ANNEX
(EXTRA BEDROOM SOME SLEEP 2-4)

STORAGE ..
WHERE WILL YOU KEEP IT WHEN NOT
USING IT,SOME BYE LAWS ARE THAT YOU CANT
STORE A CARAVAN ON YOUR DRIVE OR GARDEN
MAKE SURE IF YOU USE A COMPOUND IS SECURE
COST ANYTHING FROM £7 A WEEK.

MOST IMPORTANT
ENJOY YOURSELF XXX

SORRY LIBBY I TOOK SO LONG TO REPLY I HAVE REPEATED SOME OF YOURS XXX

Make sure the pulling handles on the front of the van are solid ,if there is any movement in them don,t buy it.
If possible look at the van after a good downpour .
Join a caravan forum
http://www.caravantalk.org.uk/
best help you can get

Thanks all. I've noted all that you've said....really appreciate the help. x

Hi Muffy,
It's well worth hiring one first to see if you like it before splashing out, it also gives you an idea about what you need for your situation.
It's a bit like buying your first microwave, you either get one thats not up to the task or spend out on loads of knobs and bells that you find you never use!

We tried caravanning for a couple of years by hiring, the first was fine, but the next it was wet wet wet, plus the kids were that little bit older and got fed up with it, so we saved not only the cost of the van but also the loads of extra bits you also need!

Might concider it again though for just the two of us.

One thing it teaches you is just how much water you get through in a day when you have to fetch every drop and dispose of it afterwards! Whatever you do, as Libby says treat yourself to an Aquaroll or similar for carrying it!

Regards,
Mayfield.

annnnnnnnnnnnnnd check inside wardrobes cubpoards and under benches
kick they tyres wen no one looking, test electrics and gas and skylights fit propaly, u can alter and fix most but it can be very expensive to cure damp new panels etc agree awning and inner tents brilliant you could cook in there electric is free or very little on sights so take a baby belling small cooker and use there elec, dontuse plastic pans but paper plates is a good labour saving device xx

Keep the classic car and buy a tent

Well said GB. Try it first by hiring one or a Caravanette.But keep the Classic Car.**M**.

If you ever go along a road towing a caravan and come across a herd of cows never beep your horn at them. You never know, there may just be a bull amongst them who will take it out on your caravan ;-)

Don't do what the bloke with the caravan did today. Had flat tyre on caravan obviously didn't know and was driving with smoke pouring from the flat tyre, it would have ruined his wheel as well. Never seen anyone do that and not know.