Hello, complete newbie!

[Michelle_374357609]

Hi everyone! My partner and I have just returned from a cheap weekend away to Woolacombe, Devon. We stayed in a dog friendly hotel (as we have 2 collie x lab's) and it was lovely. On our return we thought about saving for a caravan. We both were dragged around the country as 80's children by our parents on caravan holidays. I mainly stayed in the New Forest as we always had a crap car that could only make it to the New Forest and back from Hook in Hampshire lol!

Aged 26 and 28 with no children (as yet) will we fit in the the 21st century caravan crew? My partner is a little worried that we will be laughed at by the professionals! Are there any courses we can take to get the confidence and experience to tow? Unfortunately I took my test when the towing laws changed so I will have to sit a tow test, but my partner has it on his license.

Any tips on a suitable caravan for us? We only have a budget of about £2500 (3K max). I am hopefully buying a 2.0 diesel freelander early next year. We would prefer a 4 berth so we could take friends too and room for the dogs!

Any advise much appreciated!

 

[Chaps]

Our advice would be GO FOR IT!!! We've a bit older than you and have 3 kids but love the caravanning life. We only got our first caravan last October and still have loads to learn but have lots of holidays planned this year (one completed already and another 6 booked) so we'll be well practised by the end of the season. Your dogs would love it and it's a great way of seeing more of our great country. As for other caravanners, they're a really friendly bunch as evidenced by this forum. We've only come across one not so pleasant chap who laughed at our attempts to reverse onto our pitch at a Caravan Club site. We had literally just picked up the van from the dealer 5 miles up the road and it was my very first attempt at reversing so wasn't a nice thing to experience. Hasn't put us off and he is definitely in the minority.

Can't really offer much advice re which caravan but think you're right to think about a 4 berth as you'll be able to leave the double bed made up and use the other dinette if you wanted to. We do this if we're going out all day so that bedtime is a little easier. Best thing is to go around as many dealers as you can to see what's on offer and make a note of model names etc. Then scour the local papers or eBay for private sales as you'll often get bits thrown in like water carriers, gas bottles etc. Damp is the big enemy of second hand caravans though so make sure you check carefully for this. We're no experts but sure someone on here could advise you what to look out for. We ended up with a new caravan as we found our choice very limited because we needed a 5 berth but you'll have much more choice.

We were previously tent campers so thought that we wouldn't need to buy much equipment but how wrong we were! Lots of little bits can soon add up so remember to budget for these. A gas bottle can set you back over

 

[welshlass]

welcome to the world of caravans. we have been caravaners for 6 years now and still love it. we are lucky enough to be able to go every other weekend and we love caravaning in the winter. just chill and enjoy. the people we meet are great but you do get the odd grumpy person. we have a list of our favourites and we tour usally with in a two hour journey and always near a pub in the winter. in the summer time we sit outside and chat to passers by with a can in our hands ha ha. we have a black lab who loves coming with us. just chill and enjoy yourselves it is great

 

[angel3]

Hello Michelle

Like you I'm a complete newbie too, as is my husband. We've now bought our van but are awaiting actually using it until he's been on his Caravan Club course (The caravan club runs courses on towing etc).. we're hoping it'll fill in all the gaps in our knowledge! You can get details on the Caravan Club website (you don't need to be a Caravan Club member to go on the courses either)

Good luck!

Angel (age 36 and the hubby's 34)

 

[frances_374347013]

Hello Complete Newbies!

We recently invested in a caravan earlier this year after much deliberation and our only advice is make the investment - you will have no regrets.

We spent many months of weekend searches to find our little beauty - a Bailey Ranger 520/4 2000 model with every accessory we could wish for and in immaculate condition - be patient - you will find your dream van!

As far as your age, we can only reinforce that it doesn't matter - we have met some brilliant people, both 'old hands' and novices. Everyone is only too pleased in offering advice and tips and the social life of caravanning is great!

Good luck!

 

[Emily_374357347]

Hi everyone

I'm off this weekend with the caravan for the first time and feeling quite apprehensive as I will be travelling alone with my six year old! Concerned that on arrival I'll make a fool of myself by doing it all wrong - whats the etiquette on asking for help? Having been in a tent for the last few years we are embarking on completely new territory!

 

[Froggy1]

Hi Emily

As a newcomer myself, I have found that asking the warden (at the CC sites we stayed at) or the "neighbours" is easy. The only etiquette that I suggest is, ask with a smile!

I have had no end of help offered, some not asked for but all welcome. The secret is to relax and take it easy, we all start somewhere.

Enjoy!