New to caravans!

[Lyttlered]

Evening
I’m looking to get a caravan so Ithat I can explore with my wife, child and dog. I don’t know where to start but looking for a used around 12k max and a static double bed.
Any recommendations and tips would be welcomed.

 

[joanie]

I'm not sure what help you are asking for, if it's a caravan you want to buy then you go where they sell them . If you want makes or types etc. then you have to be more specific.

 

[otherclive]

To get an idea of what size and layout and price you are best to visit lots of dealerships to look around at their stock. Also you will need to consider how capable your car is for towing. You need a van that when fully loaded can be legally towed by your car. Otherwise you will need too change car. What car do you presently own and do you know it’s maximum tow weight. For inexperienced caravanners there’s a recommendation that the caravans fully loaded weight (MTPLM) should be 85% of the cars kerbweight. As a first timer I’d advise buying from a well established dealership. You get better protection under consumer law than buying privately.

Good luck.

 

[Buckman]

As said a lot depends on what the car can tow so before we can advise, please update us with the car year, mode and whether manual or auto.

However for caravan layouts go to https://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravans.html

 

[Lyttlered]

Thank you, we’ve got a bmw x2 automatic 2018and never towed before.
As mentioned looking to spend no more than 12k and require a fixed bed.

I was after recommendations on particular caravans and or any tips people can offer to a beginner. I understand I need to go where they sell them.

 

[Buckman]

Most of that range can tow between 1700 - 1800kg which gives you a good choice. Best is look on caravanfinder website and select fixed beds and the various layouts will appear. Some will be single axle and other twin axle. Once you have seen a layout that interests you, see if you can find a caravan with that layout near you. The biggest challenge is find something suitable with a fixed bed, but a separate space for the child to go to bed at night while you stay up.

 

[otherclive]

As well as layouts you need to consider payload which can vary quite a bit between vans of similar layouts. Payload is difference between Mass In Running Order and MTPLM. Post manufacture some van will have owner funded upgrades. Items such as gas bottles and battery are generally not in payload but some higher spec vans can include battery in payload. Owner additions such as motor mover or solar panels will eat in to payload. Tyres should be less than five years from date of manufacture. See if the van has a full service history documented. When you find a van consider an independent check on it using AWS Approved Workshop Scheme or MCEA techs.

Vans can be like the curates egg, but Coachman, Hymer, Adria and Knaus seem to consistently to be well regarded, but heavier and costlier than Swift, Bailey or Eldiss.

It can seem a bit overpowering but come back with any queries as you progress. First action look at your cars weight plate to confirm what it’s actually towing load is as sometimes V5 and plate can differ and plate is the legal one.

 

[Lyttlered]

Thank you for your helpful responses

 

[Andy Norfolk]

We have an Adria Adora. Comes with different fixed bed layouts. Ours is fixed twin beds plus a bunk for a child and the front seats convert to a small double. So 5 beds. We love it. Good luck with your search.

 

[toad a caravan]

Welcome aboard

 

[borderbilly]

Where about are you located?

 

[Hutch]

Welcome to the forum, we travelled all over the country looking at different caravan layouts, and finding out that there were certain things we didn't like about some caravans. ie, circular sinks, caravans with showers in the toilet. Etc.

When you say a fixed double bed, there are fixed side beds, island beds, across the way, and island beds normally at the back of a of the van.

Some dealers will give a "Starters Kit" aqua roll waste water carrier, new battery and in our case a full sized awning, we thought great but we used it twice, too heavy, and awkward to erect , others of course will erect a full awning for a Friday to Sunday away.
Good luck in your search.

 

[Beachball]

Hi Lyttlered and Welcome to the forum depending where you based I look at some caravan dealers they will give some advice what caravans are suited to your car you might get a nice starter pack thrown into the deal

 

[Buckman]

When you say a fixed double bed, there are fixed side beds, island beds, across the way, and island beds normally at the back of a of the van.

I think Swift are the only ones that do the island bed at the rear. Most others seem to like the island bed between the bathroom and kitchen areas. Either way as they have a youngster neither layout may be suitable if the child goes to bed early?

 

[Hutch]

I think Swift are the only ones that do the island bed at the rear. Most others seem to like the island bed between the bathroom and kitchen areas. Either way as they have a youngster neither layout may be suitable if the child goes to bed early?

Older Coachman (2010) 545/4 have the Island bed at the back with separate toilet and shower mid caravan. Changed ours for a 560/4 with side bed, and full bathroom across the back.

 

[Woodentop]

I wonder why there is such a need for a fixed double bed? If the OP gets a reasonable 4-berth with what would be a double if made up it can be used it as two singles. He just needs to find one with 'seats' that are long enough for him and/or her to sleep on given their height(s).
If the OP lets we readers know where he is based and whether his X2 is petrol or diesel he may get more solid help.