beginning to think going the caravan lifestyle is maybe no going to suit us. just bought it last october and couldnt wait till we became a part of the bunch. however, after being an active follower in this forum to glean advice and tips from the seasoned ones among you (which has been brill), i am now taking into account that there is an element of the caravan fraternity who come across as being above their stations.i count myself really lucky that i could have bought my caravan, i have worked hard to achieve anything me and the wee yin have, so has she. but there seems to be an element of snobbery among some of you regarding what your caravan is, big wow, have some respect for the folks with entry level ones, small steps lead to bigger things.
Is it a Phase
- Thread starter machighlander
- Start date
Parksy
Moderator
I'm at a bit of a loss here Highlander.
I haven't noticed any forum member comparing your caravan (I don't know what make it is or it's age) unfavourably with their own or being disrespectful in any way to what you call owners of 'entry level' caravans.
If you have a look around the forum especially where advice is given to those thinking of trying out caravanning for the first time you will find that the advice invariably given is not to splurge out large amounts of money at first in case caravanning doesn't suit.
Our first caravan was a 1986 (we think) Eccles Topaz, we could go anywhere that anybody else went however new or old their caravans were.
We bought various used caravans, a couple of them were right lemons, and we learned the ins and outs of caravanning (especially how to do simple diy repairs!)
I've never come across snobbery of the sort that you describe on sites, rallies or anywhere where there are caravans.
We've all met people who are stand offish, quiet, too loud, all sorts but caravan make and age never enters the equation.
Don't base a perception of what caravanning is really like on posts from an internet forum, most of us come on here to have a moan but the reality in the great outdoors bears no resemblance to this or any other caravan forum.
I haven't noticed any forum member comparing your caravan (I don't know what make it is or it's age) unfavourably with their own or being disrespectful in any way to what you call owners of 'entry level' caravans.
If you have a look around the forum especially where advice is given to those thinking of trying out caravanning for the first time you will find that the advice invariably given is not to splurge out large amounts of money at first in case caravanning doesn't suit.
Our first caravan was a 1986 (we think) Eccles Topaz, we could go anywhere that anybody else went however new or old their caravans were.
We bought various used caravans, a couple of them were right lemons, and we learned the ins and outs of caravanning (especially how to do simple diy repairs!)
I've never come across snobbery of the sort that you describe on sites, rallies or anywhere where there are caravans.
We've all met people who are stand offish, quiet, too loud, all sorts but caravan make and age never enters the equation.
Don't base a perception of what caravanning is really like on posts from an internet forum, most of us come on here to have a moan but the reality in the great outdoors bears no resemblance to this or any other caravan forum.
Highlander
Its nae the size that matters its what you do with it that counts, and if you and the wee yin enjoy going away in the van thats all that counts.
Regards Rab.
Its nae the size that matters its what you do with it that counts, and if you and the wee yin enjoy going away in the van thats all that counts.
Regards Rab.
MacH, please don't be put off by your perception of elitism in the caravan world. It is no different to any other shared interests.Folks are sometimes proud of their vans and inclined to sing its praises to all and sundry.As in all aspects of life there are people who can indulge themselves to the max.When we are on site it is a big level playing field as toilets still have to be emptied and water collected.When it rains it does so on a EVERY caravan and the same goes for when the sun is shining.Have you never parked up your Blade and thought "that looks great I am glad its mine?"You just keep looking after your van as you do and you will be every bit as proud as rest of us.We have changed our van in the last six months but only because of needing a fixed bed and it is nearly seven years old.
Our "old" van is still here as our son owns it now and we still admire the condition of it.
Just have fun.there will always be something bigger and shinier coming along.Leave the "keeping up with the joneses" syndrome to those who need it.
Thursdays Child
Our "old" van is still here as our son owns it now and we still admire the condition of it.
Just have fun.there will always be something bigger and shinier coming along.Leave the "keeping up with the joneses" syndrome to those who need it.
Thursdays Child
I really can't see where your moan emanates from MacHighlander, there are lots of older caravans about and nowhere have I come across face to face elitism.
Most start off with a second hand van, myself included. Once I decided I liked it I bought a new one but only because I was now in a position to do so. When I had kids at home I wasn't even in a position to buy a second hand one.
If when on site you see a couple drive by in their BMW X5 towing a large T/A it doesn't necessarily mean they are snobs, they are probably spending their childrens inheritance and good luck to them, it's nice to be able to have the means and health to do so when in the autumn of ones life.
How you can make assumptions on what caravan a person owns whether they are a snob or not beggars believe. It's just like you assumed those who moaned about Broon do it because he's a Scot.
Most start off with a second hand van, myself included. Once I decided I liked it I bought a new one but only because I was now in a position to do so. When I had kids at home I wasn't even in a position to buy a second hand one.
If when on site you see a couple drive by in their BMW X5 towing a large T/A it doesn't necessarily mean they are snobs, they are probably spending their childrens inheritance and good luck to them, it's nice to be able to have the means and health to do so when in the autumn of ones life.
How you can make assumptions on what caravan a person owns whether they are a snob or not beggars believe. It's just like you assumed those who moaned about Broon do it because he's a Scot.
Highlander - we started off with a 4 berth 1978 Elddis Shamal, bought in 1993, so fifteen years old, for
MacHighlander I think Lord B about sums it up really.
I think he was having a shot at me really , yes We do have A BMW X5 and we do have a twin axle van but I think Im along way off being a snob etc.
We have what we have because we worked hard to get what we have .
You also have to take the banter that comes along with this forum as 99.9% is more than helpful.
I hope you decide to stay with us and good luck
Sir Roger.
I think he was having a shot at me really , yes We do have A BMW X5 and we do have a twin axle van but I think Im along way off being a snob etc.
We have what we have because we worked hard to get what we have .
You also have to take the banter that comes along with this forum as 99.9% is more than helpful.
I hope you decide to stay with us and good luck
Sir Roger.
Highlander don't make hasty judjements just by a few posts on this forum.
We have been caravanning for 27 years and started off with a very old van (which was my parents hand me down). We have never come across snobbery in all the years that we had older vans and were always proud of each one we had. They were lovingly looked after and changed to suit our family as they grew up.
It was only 2 years ago that we weighed up the cost of a new van compared to what we had been looking at second hand and decided to take the plunge. I'd had a health scare and as we caravanned a lot we wanted a fixed bed to make life easier.
Life is what you make of it... enjoy it while you can and stop worrying that others might look down on you. In fact they are probably looking at you with your little family and remembering all the fun times they had when they were starting out too!
Caravanners come from all walks of life and there are sites to suit all of us... that is the adventure of discovering new places with your home from home!
Wendy
We have been caravanning for 27 years and started off with a very old van (which was my parents hand me down). We have never come across snobbery in all the years that we had older vans and were always proud of each one we had. They were lovingly looked after and changed to suit our family as they grew up.
It was only 2 years ago that we weighed up the cost of a new van compared to what we had been looking at second hand and decided to take the plunge. I'd had a health scare and as we caravanned a lot we wanted a fixed bed to make life easier.
Life is what you make of it... enjoy it while you can and stop worrying that others might look down on you. In fact they are probably looking at you with your little family and remembering all the fun times they had when they were starting out too!
Caravanners come from all walks of life and there are sites to suit all of us... that is the adventure of discovering new places with your home from home!
Wendy
Here we go again. Do these people suffer from an inferiority complex? I don't think any one on this forum has taken note or any idea of the size of MacHighlander's caravan.
This is the same person who had a go on another thread because someone mention Broon in a disrespectful way just because Broon is Scots topok iot as a personal insult to himself. Funny it was another Scot that said this.
I think MacHighlander really needs to get a grip on reality and get rid of his complex that he is being persecuted for various reasons.
This is the same person who had a go on another thread because someone mention Broon in a disrespectful way just because Broon is Scots topok iot as a personal insult to himself. Funny it was another Scot that said this.
I think MacHighlander really needs to get a grip on reality and get rid of his complex that he is being persecuted for various reasons.
Hi MacHighlander,
You've had some dam good replies to your thread and the've all talked a hell of a lot of good sense,take note of what they have said because they are dead right,you know you'll always get people who think they are one step better than you but in actual fact they aren't.The real caravanners are the down to earth types who have worked hard to buy there caravans and to give pleasure to there families.Stick with us "Mac"been caravanning 35yrs meet some great people.Good Luck to you and your family and Happy Caravanning.Jim
You've had some dam good replies to your thread and the've all talked a hell of a lot of good sense,take note of what they have said because they are dead right,you know you'll always get people who think they are one step better than you but in actual fact they aren't.The real caravanners are the down to earth types who have worked hard to buy there caravans and to give pleasure to there families.Stick with us "Mac"been caravanning 35yrs meet some great people.Good Luck to you and your family and Happy Caravanning.Jim
Highlander
I recommend hooking up the caravan and getting away for a weekend ASAP.
Forum withdrawal will soon pass and you will feel far more positive toward your new hobby when you come back lol!
It must be so frustrating to have the van sitting on your driveway and winter caravanning can be lots of fun. There is probably a CL or the equivalent if you are a member of one of the Clubs (they are a really nice way of getting the most use out of your van with it not costing a fortune). There will probably be a site not too far from home so you can try everything out for the first time.
Wendy
I recommend hooking up the caravan and getting away for a weekend ASAP.
Forum withdrawal will soon pass and you will feel far more positive toward your new hobby when you come back lol!
It must be so frustrating to have the van sitting on your driveway and winter caravanning can be lots of fun. There is probably a CL or the equivalent if you are a member of one of the Clubs (they are a really nice way of getting the most use out of your van with it not costing a fortune). There will probably be a site not too far from home so you can try everything out for the first time.
Wendy
We have (or rather, had) a big twin axle which we bought from new, and a big tow car, simply because we were fortunate enough to be able to afford them and that's what we wanted. We frequently go away with friends and family who all have various different sizes and ages of vans, trailer tents, tents and cars....we certainly don't look down on any of them for their choices. And they all frequently end up in our van and awning, simply because we've got the most room....and we love having them all in.
I can't say I've ever noticed any snobbery to do with the size/age/make of anyone's caravans or cars. Rather, people we've met always seem to be very proud of their outfits, regardless of what they are. What does it matter what you've got, so long as you're happy with it? Perhaps you're just being over-sensitive, MacHighlander.
I can't say I've ever noticed any snobbery to do with the size/age/make of anyone's caravans or cars. Rather, people we've met always seem to be very proud of their outfits, regardless of what they are. What does it matter what you've got, so long as you're happy with it? Perhaps you're just being over-sensitive, MacHighlander.
Get a grip Highlander.
I honestly don't think there's much snobbery on here.
I've seen it on campsites though. It's inevitable I'm afraid. Takes all sorts. Some people are really friendly and helpful on sites, others are bloody rude and or inconsiderate! And that's not even taking into account dog owners and unruly kids!!!
Get yourself off in the van and enjoy yourselves.
Lisa
I honestly don't think there's much snobbery on here.
I've seen it on campsites though. It's inevitable I'm afraid. Takes all sorts. Some people are really friendly and helpful on sites, others are bloody rude and or inconsiderate! And that's not even taking into account dog owners and unruly kids!!!
Get yourself off in the van and enjoy yourselves.
Lisa
When we first started a long time ago we went to a CC site. The looks we got from some people (because the van and car were old) could have put us off for life. All we did was ignore them and got on and enjoyed our holiday.
I am due to pick up a new Van in a few weeks. But as far as I am concerned we will love our van and our hobby,that's why we do it. If someone doesn't like what I've got then tough, I have never nor will ever worry about what someone else has got.
Les
I am due to pick up a new Van in a few weeks. But as far as I am concerned we will love our van and our hobby,that's why we do it. If someone doesn't like what I've got then tough, I have never nor will ever worry about what someone else has got.
Les
Caravanning is also one hobby where one weekend you can stay in the grounds of a stately home, and the next in a farmer's field. No snobbery there!
Anyone want to join me on a rally at Braykewynde Towers?
Anyone want to join me on a rally at Braykewynde Towers?
I say sod em all, we started off with an old 1989 caravan in 1999 and it was an old bit ruff van. We had just as much fun and enjoyment in that as we do in the new one we have now.
I speak to people on site, if they speak back fine, if not as I say sod em. Its not just about elliteisum, new or old, large or small it doesnt matter. The same as all other walks of life, there are nice people and there are assholes
get on with enjoying yourselves not worying about what others think.
Kevin
I speak to people on site, if they speak back fine, if not as I say sod em. Its not just about elliteisum, new or old, large or small it doesnt matter. The same as all other walks of life, there are nice people and there are assholes
get on with enjoying yourselves not worying about what others think.
Kevin
hey folks, i wasn't just referring to this site, i buy and read all the mags every month and visit other forums. some of the crap i have read re families with children on sites, gosh, they were enjoying themselves as kids do, what a place this would be if there were none. also, complaints of folk on holiday having the audacity to sit outside in their awning drinking a beer or two at 11 o'clock at night, wow, perhaps they are enjoying themselves, in fact someone posted in here saying they were even having some laughter !, cant have that malrky then, eh.anyway, i was just havin a rant, as for the likes of ian and co, have a deck in the mirror buddy. you too lordy, the gordon brown saga runs on then i suppose, let it rest.
since joining in here i have always held up the good name of the forum and the help and advice that it offers
since joining in here i have always held up the good name of the forum and the help and advice that it offers
I think that no matter what you pull or what you drive we are all very fortunate to have the opportunity to get out and about.There are a great many people who would love to be in our position but cant because of health and financial problems.There are also the few who lack the drive and initiative to take to the road and explore.Lets all count our blessings!!!
Thursdays Child
Thursdays Child
I meant your 'Second Home' Lord B - we know you have the same concessions as all the other 'landeds' in the House of Lords! You just never know who is party to the House of Lords' accounts books!
We had to wait a long time before we could afford to have a caravan, even then its a 9 year old one but we absolutely love going off in it. We do much more when we are away than we ever do when we are at home for the weekend.
Quote from MacHighlander ...
"there seems to be an element of snobbery among some of you regarding what your caravan is, big wow, have some respect for the folks with entry level ones, small steps lead to bigger things".
You say among some of 'you' which is inferring some members of this forum who you are aiming your post at.
Why not reply to the post of the person you accuse of being a snob instead of making a generalisation in a new flame bait thread?
"there seems to be an element of snobbery among some of you regarding what your caravan is, big wow, have some respect for the folks with entry level ones, small steps lead to bigger things".
You say among some of 'you' which is inferring some members of this forum who you are aiming your post at.
Why not reply to the post of the person you accuse of being a snob instead of making a generalisation in a new flame bait thread?
HI! Highlander just you do your own thing never mind what ANYONE thinks about your outfit you payed for it nobody else. if it cost
nah lordy, i like to generalise things. then its no seen as picking on any individual, nae big deal buddy.
Facebook
Twitter