Help me choose my first van

[Eddie 27]

My good lady and myself are looking for our first van. If you take a look at my post over in the new member introduction section you will get the general idea of the type of van layout we are looking for.
Namely one with the fixed twin single bed layout with a double to make up in the lounge area. We could both be described as plus sized so it is essential that the twin singles are as wide as possible. I have read a review on one model which stated bed width as 69cm and that is just not going to cut it I am afraid. Vans with 74cm width mattresses are available I know, do any have more than that?
Having crunched the numbers I see my Kodiaq can tow a van up to 1700 kg MTPLM with a nose weight limit of 100 kg.
As it will be our first van I feel it would be best not to go all in financially incase we decide it is not for us after all. Therefore my budget will be up to £8,000.
I understand that the twin single layout is relatively new to the market and consequently my budget is quite tight.
It would seem I will get most bang for my buck buying privately although this will come with higher risk than buying from a dealer.
It would be nice to have an awning, well essential to have an awning actually so I suppose finding a van for sale privately from somebody who is retiring from the scene would fit my requirements best of all.
I am aware of caravan finder, any other good places I should be looking?

Thanks in advance for your help 😁

 

[otherclive]

My good lady and myself are looking for our first van. If you take a look at my post over in the new member introduction section you will get the general idea of the type of van layout we are looking for.
Namely one with the fixed twin single bed layout with a double to make up in the lounge area. We could both be described as plus sized so it is essential that the twin singles are as wide as possible. I have read a review on one model which stated bed width as 69cm and that is just not going to cut it I am afraid. Vans with 74cm width mattresses are available I know, do any have more than that?
Having crunched the numbers I see my Kodiaq can tow a van up to 1700 kg MTPLM with a nose weight limit of 100 kg.
As it will be our first van I feel it would be best not to go all in financially incase we decide it is not for us after all. Therefore my budget will be up to £8,000.
I understand that the twin single layout is relatively new to the market and consequently my budget is quite tight.
It would seem I will get most bang for my buck buying privately although this will come with higher risk than buying from a dealer.
It would be nice to have an awning, well essential to have an awning actually so I suppose finding a van for sale privately from somebody who is retiring from the scene would fit my requirements best of all.
I am aware of caravan finder, any other good places I should be looking?

Thanks in advance for your help 😁

The Caravan and Motorhome Club classifieds will have caravans where often all the kit is included. If not they can also be a good source of pre owned kit. I bought an Isabella awning and Alko wheel lock. Re awnings we found a good sized porch awning like Isabella Magnum have plenty of space for us two, dogs and grandkids. A plus point is that unlike a full awning a porch can move between caravans. So no financial loss when you move caravan. Some porch awnings will have zip in annexes for additional guests or as a shed.

 

[borderbilly]

Awnings, i have just purchased my 2nd porch one, £50 from gumtree. Keep your eye on these sites as there is a lot of billy bargains to be had.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

We have an Adria Adora Seine which has the layout you describe. We've had ours from new for 2 years so outside your budget, but maybe you could get one second hand. The build quality is good. Good luck with your search.

 

[Eddie 27]

Thanks guys.
I think it will be worth taking a look around some local dealers and getting hands on with a few vans to see for ourselves. Pictures from the Web can be quite misleading I have found.
Is the show at the NEC coming up in October worth a visit?

 

[ProfJohnL]

...
Is the show at the NEC coming up in October worth a visit?

Yes and No.....

It is worth a visit to see what is available and to get ideas but they will all be new models and thus outside your budget. and some of the smarter new ideas wont be available on older s/h models yet.

I know you have stated you'll consider a private sale, and you 're aware of some of the pitfalls of private vs dealer. The biggest potential pitfall being the caravan needing extensive repairs that you didn't spot before you agreed to buy. this is one good reason to consider a dealer purchase even if its just for the implied warranty you get with the Consumer Rights Act when you make a purchase from a dealer is not something to ignore too casually thrown away.

I mention this becasue the stands at the exhibition are usually staffed by dealers rather than manufacturers, and if they see a potential customer who might be frightened by the cost of a new caravan, some may try to tempt you with offers on S/H vans back at their dealerships. What might seem like a good deal can morph into an expense and inconvenience if the dealership is located some miles from your home.

Shop local.

 

[Eddie 27]

Yes and No.....

It is worth a visit to see what is available and to get ideas but they will all be new models and thus outside your budget. and some of the smarter new ideas wont be available on older s/h models yet.

I know you have stated you'll consider a private sale, and you 're aware of some of the pitfalls of private vs dealer. The biggest potential pitfall being the caravan needing extensive repairs that you didn't spot before you agreed to buy. this is one good reason to consider a dealer purchase even if its just for the implied warranty you get with the Consumer Rights Act when you make a purchase from a dealer is not something to ignore too casually thrown away.

I mention this becasue the stands at the exhibition are usually staffed by dealers rather than manufacturers, and if they see a potential customer who might be frightened by the cost of a new caravan, some may try to tempt you with offers on S/H vans back at their dealerships. What might seem like a good deal can morph into an expense and inconvenience if the dealership is located some miles from your home.

Shop local.

A friend of mine bought his private and it turned into a bit of a nightmare. He said he would never buy privately again and his experience has made me extremely cautious.
I'm thinking that perhaps I should find a way to extend my budget.
Any recommendations for a dealership in my area?