Hello from Northumberland!

[Badgermoff]

Hi
Very new to Caravanning; we've just sold our house in France and have enough cash left over to buy a second hand caravan which will be towed by our VW Transporter T5. Think we're looking at a 5 or 6 berth with an end bedroom and an awning but, apart from that, I've no idea where to start! Looking to get a towbar fitted to the van in the next few weeks and looking to buy a caravan over the summer or in autumn. Checked eBay and Autotrader - where else is good? We only want to spend about £5k so I'm looking at ten year old models.
We're based in Northumberland, looking to explore the UK over the next few years with our 2 year old son.
Bev

 

[Parksy]

Hi Bev, welcome to the forum
Click Here to have a browse through the Caravan Buyers Guide which was compiled by Practical Caravan expert Andrew Jenkinson, use the buttons on the left to see what to look for and avoid the more common pitfalls when buying that all important first tourer.
Never buy a caravan without inspecting it thoroughly before parting with any money, this is most important!
Along with the good advice in the Buyers Guide fellow forumites will be happy to advise so that you will buy a caravan that offers good value for your budget.
Look at free online classified ads such as Gumtree or Preloved which show ads specific to your area and the classified caravan sales in Practical Caravan Magazine are always worth a look.
Enjoy your quest to by your ideal caravan and if you need help or advice we're always online

 

[Badgermoff]

Thanks for the welcome Parksy, I'll check out the buying guide tomorrow ☺

 

[Dustydog]

Welcome to the forum Bev

Take your time deciding what layout suits you best. Try and look at as many as you can at your local dealers. Water Ingress is the death knell for a caravan. Make sure you have a damp check carried out before you buy.
Good luck.

 

[Badgermoff]

Thanks Dustydog

I'm looking at end bedrooms so our son can sleep at the opposite end to us. Quite like the look of fixed bunks so leaning towards a six berth at the moment as it'll hopefully future proof it for us. Hubby has a damp meter so we'll be taking it with us when we view.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Welcome to the forum Bev.

 

[LizziePope]

Hi Bev, a warm welcome to the Practical Caravan forum and to the lovely world of caravanning!

 

[Mel]

Hi, welcome to the forum. Have fun choosing. Small children love climbing in and out of vans at a large dealership to help you choose.
mel

 

[Beachball]

Hi Bev This is a belated welcome to the forum (Not been well for some weeks) Regards