Caravan swap

[jallin]

Hi
Just after some thoughts from the more experienced out there! We have a 2009 Swift Challenger 570 which we love. However due to various circumstances we want to release some equity from the caravan if possible and either downsize to a 2 berth or an older 4 berth caravan. We have teenagers who don't really want to come any more but can use a pup tent if they do - as they would currently with our 4 berth. We love caravanning and don't want to stop completely. What are peoples thoughts on the two options? Advice appreciated

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

The price of used caravans tend to be based on the year/condition rather than its number of berths, so you would not realize much capital down-sizing. Especially when dealers take their cut.
You may be limited to only one of your options - go for a much older caravan.

 

[jallin]

Thanks Woodlandscamper - I suppose there is just much more of a choice in the £5000 ish price range when you open it up to smaller vans. I do love a decent sized wash room and I may miss the fixed bed layout But needs must and I don't want to stop caravanning...

 

[emmerson]

Buy an old classic caravan and join the Retro Caravan Club.
Lots of fun, and not too much expense.

 

[Martin24]

There are many options open to you but there may be a risk of buying more expensive problems going for an older van IF it hasn't much recent history in the way of servicing and damp testing.

By the time a dealer has taken a sizeable chunk out of the deal you may find even buying a newer two berth will not release the amount of equity you would hope for. After all dealers want to take our money not give us theirs.

You might have a little more luck striking a deal on the less popular and smaller end kitchen, small corner washroom two berth but then you are not really getting a layout you would be happy with if you want a full width washroom.

Difficult choices ahead but wishing you a positive end result.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I don't know how pressing you need to release equity is, but for all the reasons others have suggested the likely residue of your sale may be a lot less than you hope for.

Also as you know your caravan, who knows what problems you might be buying if you exchange, and how much they may cost to put right .

It might be worth considering holding onto the 4 berth and make use of the extra space.

 

[Thingy]

I agree with the others. A dealer is going to give you far less than its worth in cash, and buying an older van could swallow up what little bit of equity you release. I suspect that not only would you finish up no better off, you will regret the whole project.

 

[jallin]

Thanks everyone - I must admit I am thinking in a similar way and am loathe to part with a van which we love without any problems at present. There is one further problem (and please forgive my ignorance on this issue) but one of the reasons we wanted to release equity is because we had to buy a new pickup for my husbands job quickly and so we have a Mitshibushi L200. We don't think that it is as suitable a tow vehicle for a Swift Challenger 570 - laden weight of 1595kg (I think!) as our Ford Ranger was so may we be looking at a lighter van anyway? :S

 

[Mel]

The Mitsubishi website says an L200 has a kerb weight of 1790 kg (and that is the lightest variant on the website) giving you a 90% match with 1597 kg of caravan. Assuming you passed your test before 1997, this should be fine.
Mel

 

[jallin]

Thanks Mel that seems ok. I did one match test ( can't recall the website) which said 73% match?? which is why we were a bit concerned!! Time to start hard saving me thinks.......

 

[Mel]

Hi Jallin. If you have one of the heavier mitsubishis it may well come out at a 73% match, which would be even better. The 73% is the ratio of the van weight to the car kerb weight. Not 73% of perfect matching. The two main clubs give a guideline of a maximum 85% for new towers and 100% for experienced tow car drivers. You can work out the match ratio out yourself. Divide the MPTLM of your van by the kerb weight of the car and multiply the answer by 100.
Mel