Caravan newb looking for winter camping choices

[Eldorado]

As per title, never had a caravan but researching for autumn purchase as the kids are moving out soon

Would mostly only travel October to March, looking to understand what brands are good and what to look out for - insulation, heating (and other) wise. FWIW we like Knaus so far, but have only looked at a few vans

Apologies if I am out of date, asked a dealer recently if the van was suitable for winter use and the water service / pipes were inside and/or well protected - got a bit of a blank stare and patronising answer. Similar with the heating, apparently one type is better than another (blown air maybe?) but we didn't really understand the answer, and left

 

[otherclive]

Modern British vans are fine for winter use and it’s a matter of choice between blown air or Alde wet system. My last van was a Swift Sprite blown air 2012, and we used it over winter and during the Beast From The East.
Knaus are nice vans with a good reputation but tend to be heavier than UK caravans like for like. If I was to restart I’d look at Coachman and Adria.

 

[Eldorado]

Quick update, so we are liking fixed singles with U shape lounge, still not decided on bathroom but each make/van has different choices, all of which have pros and cons

Knaus 500 seems good for a smaller van (as do Hymer but v rare in UK)

Adria Altea Tyne is great for something bigger (though seemed a little cheaply finished inside), but not sure its a good choice for novice tow-er because of size

We hope to look at Coachman Arcadia next

Main Q - is Adria Altea getting too big for a novice to tow? Or would we not really notice the step from 7m to 8m?

 

[Hutch]

Remember the longer the caravan, the longer the overhang from the Axle(s) is, meaning you might have problems turning into some smaller sites.
But a good driver will get used to that, others might find a good and reliable repairer.

 

[RogerL]

Remember the longer the caravan, the longer the overhang from the Axle(s) is, meaning you might have problems turning into some smaller sites.
But a good driver will get used to that, others might find a good and reliable repairer.

Not just turning into sites - but any turn as the longer the caravan the more the rear corner will swing out wide.

 

[ProfJohnL]

However the longer the trailer generally the easier it is to reverse, But its always a good idea to use a skilled "Banksman" who can tell you when and where to turn when reversing.

As a general rule I advise novice caravanners to go with the smallest caravan first to get used to towing. Its also advisable to take a towing course (run by the the caravanning clubs) who can take you through the way to tow and reverse, as well as hitching and pitching the caravan.

And I also suggest you think of the car and caravan as being as big and slow as a bus, so you don't take undue risks when pulling out etc.

Edit just noted another thread about towing courses see here

 

[Mel]

I once heard a sports psychologist say that performance at anything was 10% technique, 10% equipment and 80% mental attitude. I have no idea if this was correct as I was a different sort of psychologist but it sounds about right.
Hence, if you have done some towing courses (technique) have a well balanced outfit ( equipment) then it all comes down to your confidence and mental attitude.
Mel
P.S. Those of you who are sniggering can pack it in; you are not 12 😂