Hello and thank you for adding me!

[Gardener]

I have finally passed the BE driving test and Looking for a caravan to be used in proper winter conditions - skiing trips in Alps, Norway etc. It looks like there is not much info about the insulated and double glazed models elsewhere, so I will be happy for any advice. Must say my budget is not huge - up to 5k, but I am not fussy and any old-school van would be considered as well. Thank you

 

[Damian]

The first thing you need to do is work out what van your towcar can actually pull legally.
Most of the more modern vans, say from 2000 onwards have good insulation levels but with the kind of journey you intend to do you must ensure the van is up to the job and properly serviced to ensure your safety.

Whatever van you decide is best for you , the most important item to check is that it is damp free as this can be the most expensive thing to fix , if it is fixable at all.

If you do not know much about vans it is worth getting a mobile engineer to give it a pre purchase inspection. It will cost you a bit but may save you thousands.

 

[Gardener]

I am towing with MB Sprinter Van 3500kg and 2800 towing capacity. Good to know about 2000 onwards! Thank you!

 

[Anseo]

Welcome Gardener

Lots of knowledgeable people on here, and plenty of good advice to be had.

 

[Martin24]

Congratulations and welcome to forum. :cheer:

I don't think there's much to add to what Damian has said. Which Sprinter are you towing with? I've got a max of 2000kg on mine.

 

[Gardener]

It is 313 CDI MWB High roof panel van. Gross payload 1455, Kerb weight 2115 and towing limit 2800. Not the most comfortable van - it is right hand drive and Sprinters acceleration pedal is in very uncomfortable position on the wheel arch and can become a pain in a long distance trip.

 

[LeicesterLad]

Hi Gardener,
Having owned many UK and now nine German manufactured caravans my choice would be as new a Hymer brand or an adria as new as possible. The winterisation in these 'vans is superior to the older UK 'vans and more suited to wintering in the coldest of weathers. Most have plumbing and onboard tanks within the 'van.
Whatever your choice enjoy, if from a dealer try to get a 3 mth warranty and fully check for damp before going away on your ( I'm envious ) winter trips.
Happy caravanning.

 

[Hutch]

Welcome Gardener and Leicester lad.

 

[Raywood]

Not sure I would rule out British vans but whatever you go for make sure it has been properly serviced and that it has a clear damp test. At that age any make could have damp either due to poor construction or simply the sealant having degraded or even a bad repair.
You do need one that is fully winterised and if possible with an onboard water tank which might still need some insulation underneath.
You will also need propane rather than butane when buying gas. Calor gas is not available abroad so you need either enough to last you or to be prepared to buy something locally although not sure what they will have there. I would check this before setting off.

 

[Hutch]

The roofs on caravans that I have see in Switzerland and Norway, all be them static caravan have double roofs so that the snow doesn't sit directly on the caravan roof , I don't know if these can be fitted when you get to site, I will E mail a couple of friends for info.
Hutch.

 

[Beachball]

Welcome to the forum Gardener get a caravan that a good match

 

[Hutch]

Gardener, I have been onto a couple of friends in Switzerland and in Norway, Snow tyres are not needed on a caravan , The Extra roofs for the snow are only used on static caravans, in Norway they use awning bottom covers around the caravans to stop getting snow bound. There are a lot of sites open all year round in both countrys. But Mega expensive. Here is aphoto from last year, in Switzerland, I have never towed to either Switzerland or Norway, but have been to both lovely countries.
Hutch

 

[Craigyoung]

Hell of a setting that Hutch , I would love to be somewhere like that in the snow , but also like my heat !!

 

[Anseo]

Hell of a setting that Hutch , I would love to be somewhere like that in the snow ,

Head up to pictland anytime between now and February 2018, it is unlikely that you will be disappointed Craig