Caravan make and model recommendations+ Tow Car Setup for Young Family (Budget €35–40k)

[GaryB]

Caravan-wise I'd look at the Swift Group, we had a 2014 Swift Challenger 586 which had the rear fixed bunks and a dinette opposite that made into additional beds/bunk PLUS a usable centre bathroom that had a decent amount of room. Swift caravans from 2014 onwards were the start of the SMART construction method that replaced the structural timber with plastic. There are possibly similar layouts in the lighter Sprite range by Swift.

 

[birdman101]

Another for Swift swear by them . In 50+ years of caravans had 8 Swift brand, after having 2 Elddis brand new and both leaked after 2 years old. Definitely go for Automatics for towing

 

[trevormonty]

Like the Adria but some models compromise on features eg no oven, gas only heating, electric only H/W.

 

[GaryB]

Like the Adria but some models compromise on features eg no oven, gas only heating, electric only H/W.

We looked at the Adria range two years ago as we really liked the end bedroom layout in the Altea but the lack of local dealers put us off and we went for another Swift.

 

[The Irish Photographer]

Hi Irish Photographer. Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of experience and good advice on here as well as some Fred Drift as discussions wander off topic. It’s all part of the fun.
Anyway, as far as your Caravan choice is concerned, then there is no model that is fault free. Personally I would have a Sprite over an Elddis any day- indeed we did exactly that. However Swifts have their faults. The cracking of the panoramic window is well known. Whichever van you choose make sure it has a good warranty and in the case of a Swift that the warranty covers the panoramic window ( if buying new the Swift warranty covers it as part of the 6 year water ingress cover).
Also, I don’t know if you are viewing these vans “in the flesh”. Please do. Take the kids, the nappy changing bag and a picnic and have a family day out touring as many dealerships as you can. Get into a lot of different vans and actually get the kids to try the bunks; think about where your stuff will go; check that there is enough room in the bathroom to shower a child who needs help etc etc.
It is great fun but make no decisions until you can go back without the kids to hammer out a deal.
Happy Hunting and Good luck
Mel

Thanks so much, thats really solid advice we will defo do that its a minefield lol

 

[The Irish Photographer]

And also to be added. If from NI and value of caravan is under £30000 use a credit card to pay a deposit and also use hire purchase paying a large deposit to keep repayments to a minimum. If ROI not sure if there is similar legislation to English Consumer Rights Act or S75?

If we would be paying in full would you stuff use credit card or whats the reason? thanks

 

[Buckman]

If we would be paying in full would you stuff use credit card or whats the reason? thanks

In the UK we have Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act which probably will not apply in ROI. Also our consumer CRA 2015 is very robust. Lastly if buying using hire purchase in the UK it is the responsibility of the finance company to sort out issues if the dealer refuses to play ball. Our consumer protection is very robust.

 

[Jcloughie]

If we would be paying in full would you stuff use credit card or whats the reason? thanks

GB section 75 only applies in GB. But according to Google. EU countries may have their own consumer protection.

See below;

No, Section 75 of the UK's Consumer Credit Act 1974 does not apply in EU countries. Section 75 is a UK law and only applies to credit card purchases made by UK residents in the UK and abroad.

While the EU has its own consumer protection laws, they don't operate in the same way as Section 75. In the EU, credit card companies are generally responsible for chargebacks, but the specific rules and procedures vary from country to country.

For example, while France has a chargeback procedure, it's not directly equivalent to Section 75, and its protections may vary. Similarly, while some EU countries have national laws that provide some level of consumer protection, they don't automatically offer the same level of protection as Section 75.

Therefore, if you make a credit card purchase in an EU country and encounter a problem, your recourse will be through the EU's consumer protection laws and the local credit card company's procedures, not through Section 75


Before making a large purchase, I suggest you investigate the best method of payment in your country, to provide the greatest security.

John

 

[Woodentop]

In terms of a vehicle I would suggest you look at a 2L 140bhp or 150bhp (or the higher one - 176bhp?) Passat Estate or the Skoda Superb equivalent. Very roomy, very reliable, good economy and very stable when towing. We have had three and have only changed to a Skoda Karoq 2L TDi Sportline as we are getting on a bit so wanted something that rides a bit higher. The Passat/Superb both ride a bit low for our liking but at your age it should not be a problem.

 

[Beachball]

Another for Swift swear by them . In 50+ years of caravans had 8 Swift brand, after having 2 Elddis brand new and both leaked after 2 years old. Definitely go for Automatics for towing

Actually we like the Swift had 2 just seen a Sprite Major SB Caravan if one is available when we are looking, but we might not rule out a Coachman but we will not be towing this time .