• We hope all of you have a great holiday season and an incredible New Year. Thanks so much for being part of the Practical Caravan community!

Newbies

Jan 18, 2012
1
0
0
Visit site
Hi all.
We're in the process of looking to buy our first caravan and just looking for 'tips & do's and don'ts' from the more experienced amongst you.
We are intending to use our Citreon Xzara Picasso 2.0Hdi to tow, and research shows it should be ok for a modest 2 berth tourer.
We are seasoned campers but now feel it's time to 'up-grade'.
As i've stated we've done months of research and feel we have a good idea of what we want for a modest budget.
Any ideas.
Thanks in advance.
smiley-smile.gif
 
Mar 1, 2009
214
0
0
Visit site
Hi Alamo.

Firstly i would take a trip to your local caravan dealer and see whats on offer, they should be able to match your car to a suitable van. There are plenty 2 berth vans around so you should find something with a layout you like and can tow. I would avoid private and e-bay for your first van ,simply as you may get a caravan full of problems.

But enjoy when you do get your first caravan.

Dougie.....
 

Mel

Moderator
Mar 17, 2007
5,744
1,722
25,935
Visit site
Hi Alamo, looking around is the fun part. Making the decision, and parting with the dosh is the painful bit. Spend lots of time getting in and out of different vans at dealerships. Some manufacturers make lighter vans and depending on your weight limit you may find you can tow a slightly larger van.
There is good advice on here
ask away
mel
 
Jun 20, 2005
18,653
4,384
50,935
Visit site
Hi Alamo
Good to here from you. We progressed to caravanning from camping years ago .
A number of dealers hire out caravans and if you decide to buy from them, some will actually return your hire fee. This can be a good way to decide exactly the layout you want.
We love a double fixed bed, others will prefer singles but a good sized bathroom, others prefer to make up the beds in the lounge each night.
You seem to have given this much thought so perhaps you could tell us what floats your boat at the moment. We all have different layouts so there is no one "correct" layout. Also ensure the MTPLM does not exceed Citroens recommendations for your car.
Good luck.
 

Parksy

Moderator
Nov 12, 2009
11,904
2,399
40,935
Visit site
Hi Alamo, welcome to the Practical Caravan forum.
There are lots of nice 2 berth caravans for sale at the moment, so after you have fixed your budget have a look around as many dealerships as possible where you will be able to look inside the caravans for sale.
This will give you a 'hands on' chance to decide exactly what layout and level of equipment you would like.
If you are likely to use quieter sites or attend rallies and will therefore use the on board washbasin, shower and toilet for instance a 2 berth tourer with an end washroom complete with good sized lined shower would be a starting point.
On the other hand if all or most of your touring will be done on sites with full facilities and you enjoy cooking the end washroom may not be as important as perhaps a fully equipped kitchen with lots of work surface, a domestic style cooker and maybe a microwave.
Of course, you will need to know the obvious things to avoid, Click Here to find a wealth of information to browse at leisure about buying a used tourer, most of it written by highly respected caravan expert Andrew Jenkinson who is a member of the Practical Caravan team and who contributes to this forum.
Use the rectangular buttons and the links on the l.h. side of the guide and you will find enough information to ensure that your quest for a first time caravan is an enjoyable one with a successful outcome.
Good luck and if there is anything that you want to know please don't hesitate to ask
smiley-laughing.gif
 
Apr 20, 2009
5,569
949
25,935
Visit site
Hi Alamo, welcome to the forum and as others have said take your time choosing the right van, it is out there waiting just for you
smiley-smile.gif


7.gif
 

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts