|
Towing and Caravan Topics A forum for all towing/caravanning related topics |
Information |
|
Buying my very first caravanViews : 3757 Replies : 29Users Viewing This Thread : |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
Mar 19th, 2016, 09:44 | #1 |
Senior Member
Last Online: Jul 1st, 2022 18:47
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Aberdeenshire
|
Buying my very first caravan
We are looking to buy our first caravan this year and I am totally new to this which means I'm also totally lost!!
When it comes to cars it's pretty straight forward- I know which makes are better than others, I have experience so after 4 volvo and 2 audis I know to stick to volvo etc. Anyway I haven't got a clue with caravans. I've searched high and low for a simple guide to caravan classes- basic- mid range luxurious etc and can't find anything that helps. For example I know the swift group own quite a few marquees like sterling and sprite but what is frustrating is there is no guide to the difference between them- vag group own vw,audi,skoda &seat etc. Audi are the bells and whistles marquee whilst vw are more subtle and skoda more basic- but arguably skoda are better quality and better value for money. Is this simular to the swift group? My mum's always had elddis caravan and swears by then What do you guys think? Which brands are good or better quality than others? Is one more reliable than others? I should say that I'm not going nuts with a budget for our first caravan, roughly wanting to spend around £2-4k which I know is looking towards year models 2000-2004/5 hence the reason I'm paranoid about quality etc On a side note my car is a 2009 v70 2.4d so I'm assuming it can tow a decent sized 4 berth? |
Mar 19th, 2016, 11:37 | #2 | |
Premier Member
Last Online: Dec 23rd, 2019 19:31
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: UK
|
Quote:
I would buy a damp meter first to test EVERYWHERE for damp as you would be surprised of the amount of junk there but might look good. Buy from a dealer if you have any doubts as there are a some travellers out there that buy junkers then pass them off as being good condition with a quick spit and polish. The more upmarket the van you buy will be better insulated /seats etc but you might not see any difference just looking at it.You would manage a Charisma 550 of year 2009 on with your Volvo for instance For help on the internet join one of the Swift /Elddis or other forums for advice. |
|
Mar 19th, 2016, 14:36 | #3 | ||
Rodney
Last Online: Aug 4th, 2016 05:02
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: On The Street
|
Quote:
Bessacarr, Swift, Sterling, Sprite....and tbh Swift branded models are really no different to Sterling branded ones. Sprite is the 'Skoda'...the budget brand. Quote:
German built caravans are pretty good quality such as Dethleffs, Geist,Burstner, as are other foreign caravans such as Hymer group products - although somewhat more expensive, and generally heavier. Also have a look at Adria - nice caravans, and the Adria Adora from that era was a welt built stylish practical van. Within your budget of 2-4k, it will simply be a matter of looking at the best condition caravan you can find for the money, and so long as you do not buy one riddled with damp and ruined delaminated floors, you should be ok, and will get a taste of touring and whether it is right for you. Regards |
||
The Following User Says Thank You to volvorocks For This Useful Post: |
Mar 19th, 2016, 14:42 | #4 | |
Rodney
Last Online: Aug 4th, 2016 05:02
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: On The Street
|
Quote:
Regards |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to volvorocks For This Useful Post: |
Mar 19th, 2016, 23:23 | #5 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Today 19:03
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Newark
|
As others have said damp and floor delamination are your biggest worries. Take a damp meter with you but you can often tell by the smell of the interior.
Also check the age of the tyres most agree that replacing at 6. years old so you could have to spend on new ones. Each tyre has a 4 digit code the first two numbers are the week of manufacture and the second two the year. Anything after 1209 is due for change. Dealers will have the best ones with A warranty but will also be more expensive.
__________________
XC60 2013 D5 215 SE Lux Nav geartronic |
The Following User Says Thank You to Whyman For This Useful Post: |
Mar 20th, 2016, 00:23 | #6 |
Senior Member
Last Online: Jul 1st, 2022 18:47
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Aberdeenshire
|
Thanks for the info guys- really helpful! Looking forward to getting a caravan- we have 2 kids and love the outdoors including Hill walking so a caravan will.be perfect.
Hopefully we can buy one with an awning |
Mar 20th, 2016, 00:25 | #7 |
Senior Member
Last Online: Jul 1st, 2022 18:47
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Aberdeenshire
|
Out of curiosity where would you place elddis in the swift group?
|
Mar 20th, 2016, 00:37 | #8 |
Monster Raving Loony
Last Online: Nov 12th, 2018 20:03
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: hitchin
|
can always buy a seperate awning if needs be. Good things to have, so much more useable space.
Think about internal layout, some 'vans are all beds, showers, los, massive things, others have the same living space but are half the size, they lose the bunks and maybe shower/wc. You'll look at a few, decide what you think works for you (and when you see a good one buy it), then change your mind about the features after a few trips away. Fro that reason alone its well worth going used, you;ll get your dosh back (or most of it) when you work out what you really want
__________________
1994 850 2.0 bought at 32,000 miles used daily now 45,000. Still like a nearly-new car 2004 filthy polluting diesel VW |
Mar 20th, 2016, 13:05 | #9 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Dec 23rd, 2019 19:31
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: UK
|
|
Mar 20th, 2016, 14:18 | #10 |
VOC26332
Last Online: Apr 1st, 2024 22:25
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Leigh, Lancs
|
Make sure you check your driving license eligible groups because if you passed your driving test post 1997 ( IIRC ) then it has an effect on the total weight of the unit you are allowed to drive unless you take an additional towing test.
ISTR there was also another significant date re test passed that is also later than 1997. I passed in 1971 so never committed the dates to memory. There are some good caravaning forums that are used to answering newbies questions re caravaning IE: http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/....asp?ForumID=8 http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/communi...-caravan-chat/ A damp meter is essential IMHU as there are some right cowboys out there selling caravans and not all of them are private sales - and don't believe a dealers reassurances or damp survey, check it yourself - extensively. Oh - and did I mention about buying a damp meter. I bought one of these and regularly check my van: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cheap-Mois...QAAOSw0JpV5a7r Colin
__________________
'82>'95 '76 244GL Auto: '95>'02 '86 360GLT: '02>'06 '92 440Xi: '04>'12 '88 240GL B200E Auto: '06>'12 '88 240GL B200E Man: '11>'19 V70 2.5D Auto Volvo since '82. |
Tags |
audo |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|