• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Hi Everyone

D

davidjwest

Hi, total noob when it comes to caravanning so hopefully I can get some good tips.

We are looking to buy a 4 berth probably in the spring ready for the summer season, any advice is welcome. Only problem we have is it's hard for us to get away as we are full time carers for my mum, so for now we've decided to keep the budget low for the caravan as not sure how much we will be able to use it, so just £4k for this at the moment. If we do use it a fair bit we will probably get something better in a year or two.

Are there any makes that are recommended? Is a fixed bed better than one you have to make up?

I have decided on a tow car, probably going for the Hyundai Santa Fe, but happy to be persuaded otherwise if there are better options. Budget for this is around £6k but I could get a small loan to push that up if need be.

Thanks for any advice.
 
Within your budget you need to look at a caravans material condition. Has it been well looked after and are there any recent service sheets. When did it last have a damp check. If not within 6 months commission your own. Do all systems work a BG d how old are the tyres. Beyond four years you could be looking at new ones as you have. No idea how long it’s been standing. If you are not likely to use it frequently then my choice would be non fixed bed. Fir two people making up the lounge seats into a double is not a hardship.

Santa Fe had good reputation.

Good luck and welcome to the Forum.
 
Welcome. Make sure you know the limitations of your tow car in terms of the caravan you buy. You don't want to end up with a caravan that's too heavy for your car to tow. Personally we prefer fixed beds. Good luck.
 
Welcome to the forum. Condition is more important than age and if buying privately it is well worth spending a bit of money on an independent inspection by a mobile caravan tech.
You can find a list on the Approved Workshop Scheme website.

Approved Touring Caravan & Motorhome Servicing in the UK

The Approved Workshop Scheme is the benchmark for motorhome and touring caravan servicing in the UK with fixed and mobile workshops nationwide.
www.approvedworkshops.co.uk
Good luck
Mel
 
Andy Norfolk said:
Welcome. Make sure you know the limitations of your tow car in terms of the caravan you buy. You don't want to end up with a caravan that's too heavy for your car to tow. Personally we prefer fixed beds. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Good advice but if they are buying a Hyundai Santa Fe there should no be any issues. For4K the caravan will probably be single axle and light weight so a Hyundai Santa Fe is probably an overkill at present.

Depending on their current vehicle They may be better off spending a bit more money for a later model caravan?
 
Hi davidjwest Welcome to the forum if you after a 4 berth you need to see if got any service history and it had damp check and what the condition of the caravan inside and out. if there any extras that are included.
 
Thanks, yes I know the Santa Fe is pretty "heavy duty" but we could use a big car as we have 6 children although most are in the process of leaving home at the moment.

Current cars are a Kia Rio 1.1 and a MG5 EV so neither suitable tow vehicles.
 
davidjwest said:
Thanks, yes I know the Santa Fe is pretty "heavy duty" but we could use a big car as we have 6 children although most are in the process of leaving home at the moment.

Current cars are a Kia Rio 1.1 and a MG5 EV so neither suitable tow vehicles.
Click to expand...
As mentioned for £4k it will be a very old caravan and probably have damp issues. Consider rather getting a loan against a newer caravan than the vehicle. Also finance on a caravan protects you should something go wrong.

Your choice and hopefully you will be able to make the right decision after reading various pieces o advice on this forum. 👍 😀
 
Buckman said:
As mentioned for £4k it will be a very old caravan and probably have damp issues. Consider rather getting a loan against a newer caravan than the vehicle. Also finance on a caravan protects you should something go wrong.

Your choice and hopefully you will be able to make the right decision after reading various pieces o advice on this forum. 👍 😀
Click to expand...

Thanks, how much do you think I would need to spend to get something that is likely to be less troublesome? Or what age bracket should I be looking at?
 
But if you paying cash on a caravan you could look at Autotrader ,preloved and gumtree but take someone with you who knows what to look for, but if you going the dealer way you will get some warranty good luck.
 
I hope your successful on your choice.. there's only myself and the boss, it's a two berth caravan, we've bought an awning for this season the idea is to leave the bed made up,also the awning almost doubles available space and extra berths if inner tents added
 
davidjwest said:
Thanks, how much do you think I would need to spend to get something that is likely to be less troublesome? Or what age bracket should I be looking at?
Click to expand...
Damp is a major issue with all caravans irrespective of age especially during the winter months. We have been caravanning for many years and there are several lost cost ways to greatly reduce these problems like making sure all outside panel seams and especially windows are properly (meticulously) sealed. Make sure locker boxes have adequate drainage (damp equipment etc), regularly check with damp meter all areas inside the van especially lower corners and record your readings for comparison to highlight any potential areas of concern and use dehumidifier (I use the disposable type purchased on Amazon and work very well - 5 in use through winter months) and I use three during the season spread throughout our van.
Keep on top of these simple steps and damp will not be an issue. I haven't seen damp for years!

davidjwest said:
Thanks, how much do you think I would need to spend to get something that is likely to be less troublesome? Or what age bracket should I be looking at?
Click to expand...
 
Buckman said:
As mentioned for £4k it will be a very old caravan and probably have damp issues. Consider rather getting a loan against a newer caravan than the vehicle. Also finance on a caravan protects you should something go wrong.

Your choice and hopefully you will be able to make the right decision after reading various pieces o advice on this forum. 👍 😀
Click to expand...
Don't be put off with older vans! An older van well cared for is much better than a poorly maintained newer van. My van is a perfectly good 2004 Bailey Ranger with everything we need including shower. All electrics have been updated to LED and I owe nothing to anyone.
 
Scannyman said:
Don't be put off with older vans! An older van well cared for is much better than a poorly maintained newer van. My van is a perfectly good 2004 Bailey Ranger with everything we need including shower. All electrics have been updated to LED and I owe nothing to anyone.
Click to expand...
That's a young'un compared to my 92 abbey,mates got a 2004 ace,,no damp detected 🙂
 
I am far less experienced than other members, but my recommendation is look at a lot of caravans and imagine your time spent in them. Think about the benefits of different layouts, equipment, etc.

We chose a 3 person model that the double bed could be taken down if we wanted the full seating space and big table, but we found that we actually leave it set as a bed all the time for convenience. We dont spand a lot of time in the caravan, prefering to be out exploring places or doing activities outside.

The 3rd person single bed across the back of the caravan is never used for sleeping, it is set up as two seats and a table, so perfect for meals, playing games, reading, etc. as there is only 2 of us. We also eat outside whenever the weather allows. An awning would also give you more space for seating, but you have a bit more set up time. Ok if you are staying for a week, but more hassle if you are touring with single overnight stops.

Many sites have shower blocks, but many don't. Is a shower in the caravan important to you?
Some small caravans dont have toilets. Are you ok dashing through the rain to the toilet block at 3am?

What ever you get, we hope you have as much fun with your caravan as we do!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Back
Top