Recent content by Clyde_374362931

I'm sure it's been asked before but would someone suggest the critical items one should buy as a starter pack for your first caravan? I'm probably going to buy privately and might therefore miss the advice of a good dealer.

Much obliged Ian. Was a bit concerned about the weight but is within limits and we will be travelling light as it is initially for week-ends only at least.

I have found a nice Coachman Pastiche 500/5 locally for sale from a private dealer. Would anyone have any experience of this caravan, pros and cons. Also, if there are any faults we should look out for when checking out before purchase. Any help would be gratefully received.

Thanks Bob, you've expanded my understanding of the figures. More importantly the last paragraph lays my mind at rest a bit more giving a wider pool of second hands to choose from

Since both are of similar weight and both have reasonably powerful diesel engines (2.3 & 2.0 respectively) I guess it's a coin toss?

Thanks Angus and I guess that's my main query. 85% of my MTPLM is fairly low and therefore there is a small pool of caravans to choose from. However maximum towing limit is quite a bit higher and I was just querying, if we are travelling light as we only intend to use at weekends (no awning...

Thanks Lutz. My Volvo S60 D5 I think has a 1600Kg maximum towing limit which is well above the 85% recommendation on MTPLM. It just gets quoted so regularly, as a newcomer I was taking it as gospel.

Many Thanks Stephen. The Bailey Ranger series is the one we are looking at as our best bet.

We are considering purchasing our first caravan this year but changing either of the cars is not an option for a while. We have a Volvo S60 D5 (2005) and a Mazda 5 Sport, both in and around the same kerbweight. Would either stand out as the best to get a tow-hitch fitted for pulling any new purchase

We are considering buying our first caravan this year to use primarily for week-ends only. We have two cars both with a kerbweight of around 1500KG. As we need a 4-berth this seems to limit our options quite considerable when we go for 85% of the above kerb-weights. As the caravan will only be...