Hi. We are newbies.

[Ian Clyne]

Hi. We have recently fitted a tow bar with the intention of purchasing our first Caravan. Would you recommend that we start off 'cheap' or bite the bullet and spend £15+k on your first buy?

 

[otherclive]

Impossible to answer. You can buy a cheaper caravan that has been regularly serviced, damp free and in pristine condition. You can buy a more expensive on that turns out to be a real dog, and vice versa.

I would spend time visiting dealerships to look at types of caravan, layouts, prices etc then start to refine what you actually would like. One advantage of a dealership purchase is that you get the protection of the Consumer Retail Act 2015. Plus if you use a credit card for part of your purchase you get CCA Section 75 protection. Or a loan taken out via the dealership gives further protection. For a private purchase you get virtually no protection if things go awry.

What car do you have as this will define to a large extent what caravan you can tow.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Consider the layout you want. As we have a super king-size bed at home we knew we'd struggle in the small doubles in vans. So we went for twin beds. Also look at what weight of van your car will tow.

Take your time to have a good look around.

 

[Mel]

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your caravan shopping. If buying privately, spend a bit extra and gather a local caravan technician to give it the once over including a full damp check for you.
Look on this website to find one

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

Keep us updated and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Mel

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Welcome along 😎
Spend a decent amount of time in whatever van you chose. Think how the layout will work for you by day and night, especially on wet windy days when stuck inside.

 

[toad a caravan]

Welcome aboard

 

[Beachball]

Hi Ian Welcome to forum I would look at some caravan dealers and at different layouts you will know when the right one suits, but it depends on what towcar you own.

 

[Hutch]

Welcome to the forum, it's swings and roundabouts, if you buy cheap, and have a wonderful summer you will want to buy a more expensive van.
But if you buy mid range , ie 10k to £15k, and have a bad summer you might get rid of a nice van and the next year could be a great summer and you have missed out on caravanning.
Our first van was a Sterling Eccles Jewel, we paid £10500 but that was 18 years ago. As others have said go around the dealers see all the different layouts and take your time to choose the correct one for you.

 

[Ian Clyne]

Impossible to answer. You can buy a cheaper caravan that has been regularly serviced, damp free and in pristine condition. You can buy a more expensive on that turns out to be a real dog, and vice versa.

I would spend time visiting dealerships to look at types of caravan, layouts, prices etc then start to refine what you actually would like. One advantage of a dealership purchase is that you get the protection of the Consumer Retail Act 2015. Plus if you use a credit card for part of your purchase you get CCA Section 75 protection. Or a loan taken out via the dealership gives further protection. For a private purchase you get virtually no protection if things go awry.

What car do you have as this will define to a large extent what caravan you can tow.

Hi. We have a Vauxhall Antara. 2WD. 2.5L.