Returning to the Dark Side!?
- Thread starter zennavigator
- Start date
Parksy
Moderator
Hi Zen Navigator, it looks as though you are stuck in the dark side yourself.
Have a read of the Sicky Post Here
Internet Explorer doesn't automatically update which renders it incompatible with some websites, the instructions in the forum sticky will help you to sort it out so that you can use the forum to post comments.
Have a read of the Sicky Post Here
Internet Explorer doesn't automatically update which renders it incompatible with some websites, the instructions in the forum sticky will help you to sort it out so that you can use the forum to post comments.
Hi,
Returning to Caravanning after a break of over 15 years.No caravan as yet, but purchase is imminent. Doing the viewing and have money burning a hole in my pocket!I would welcome you thoughts, views and experiences or the following:I looking to spend about 5-7k on a car.Think a good old reliable Ford Mondeo, but should I be getting a 4x4? What do you consider to be a solid tow car?The caravan 4 berth with fixed bed. What is the most popular and best all weather caravan?What must have item should I have for my return to caravanning?
Look forward to your thoughts, views and comments.
Dave, Sylvia and Smudge.
Returning to Caravanning after a break of over 15 years.No caravan as yet, but purchase is imminent. Doing the viewing and have money burning a hole in my pocket!I would welcome you thoughts, views and experiences or the following:I looking to spend about 5-7k on a car.Think a good old reliable Ford Mondeo, but should I be getting a 4x4? What do you consider to be a solid tow car?The caravan 4 berth with fixed bed. What is the most popular and best all weather caravan?What must have item should I have for my return to caravanning?
Look forward to your thoughts, views and comments.
Dave, Sylvia and Smudge.
Parksy
Moderator
Hi Dave Sylvia and 'Smudge', welcome to the Practical Caravan forum. I'm glad that you overcame the difficulties with the compatibility and can now use the forum to ask questions, exchange ideas and tips and get advice from fellow caravanners.
You will receive good advice about your towing vehicle if you ask on the Towcars message board where the vehicle experts amongst the forumites tend to look first.
As for the caravan, there are as many different answers about which is the best as there are forum users, because as soon as a person recommends one manufacturer on any caravan forum there will be another member who may have had less than positive experiences with a similar make and they will offer completely different advice.
As far as which manufacturer to choose, have a good look around dealers forecourts in as many different makes as possible to see which layout, how much storage space, worktop area, space and ease of use for the washroom etc; suits your purposes.
It can help if you can print off a sort of matrix list with pro's and con's for each caravan that you look inside, and you can tick them off so that you will be able to compare. Look at the size of the fixed bed, is it comfortable, are the seats at the front good to relax in, is there anywhere to hang your dressing gowns?
Take some time and enjoy the process, we took almost a year to decide on our caravan but we've never regretted our choice because it was an informed decision.
Set your budget, ensure that the weights will add up for you, and if buying a used model insist on evidence of regular services at the scheduled intervals carried out by approved dealers. The overall condition of a used caravan is more important than who built it generally speaking.
Click Here to have a browse through the Caravan Buyers guide, this will help you to avoid the obvious pitfalls when purchasing a caravan, and don't forget - if there's anything that you want to know just ask
You will receive good advice about your towing vehicle if you ask on the Towcars message board where the vehicle experts amongst the forumites tend to look first.
As for the caravan, there are as many different answers about which is the best as there are forum users, because as soon as a person recommends one manufacturer on any caravan forum there will be another member who may have had less than positive experiences with a similar make and they will offer completely different advice.
As far as which manufacturer to choose, have a good look around dealers forecourts in as many different makes as possible to see which layout, how much storage space, worktop area, space and ease of use for the washroom etc; suits your purposes.
It can help if you can print off a sort of matrix list with pro's and con's for each caravan that you look inside, and you can tick them off so that you will be able to compare. Look at the size of the fixed bed, is it comfortable, are the seats at the front good to relax in, is there anywhere to hang your dressing gowns?
Take some time and enjoy the process, we took almost a year to decide on our caravan but we've never regretted our choice because it was an informed decision.
Set your budget, ensure that the weights will add up for you, and if buying a used model insist on evidence of regular services at the scheduled intervals carried out by approved dealers. The overall condition of a used caravan is more important than who built it generally speaking.
Click Here to have a browse through the Caravan Buyers guide, this will help you to avoid the obvious pitfalls when purchasing a caravan, and don't forget - if there's anything that you want to know just ask
Welcome to the Forum Dave, Sylvia and Smudge.
After a 15 year break you will see a vast improvement in comfort levels and I hope quality too
I'm with Parksy. Take your time and be sure you all know exactly which layout is best for you. Try as many as you can . Once you have a better idea of model ask us and I am sure you will hear all about the good and bad points.
I assume you are not a high mileage driver so mpg will not be over critical. Just remember you wont be towing a heavy twin axle with a mini
After a 15 year break you will see a vast improvement in comfort levels and I hope quality too
I'm with Parksy. Take your time and be sure you all know exactly which layout is best for you. Try as many as you can . Once you have a better idea of model ask us and I am sure you will hear all about the good and bad points.
I assume you are not a high mileage driver so mpg will not be over critical. Just remember you wont be towing a heavy twin axle with a mini
Hi,
Thanks for taking the time to educate me in the ways of the website and replying to my post.
Lots of useful stuff there and think I am better prepared now.
Viewing my first caravan today a Bailey's Pageant Series 7. So here goes....
Dave
Thanks for taking the time to educate me in the ways of the website and replying to my post.
Lots of useful stuff there and think I am better prepared now.
Viewing my first caravan today a Bailey's Pageant Series 7. So here goes....
Dave
Mel
Moderator
We tow with a Mondeo and have done for years. We've had different models over the years, and the diesel ones have been great towcars, the petrol one less so - so go for diesel if you choose a Mondeo. Make sure the car is up to towing the size/weight of caravan you've chosen - they've got heavier and heavier in the last few years, and only recently have manufacturers woken up to the fact that weight reduction might be a selling point.
Hi and welcome to the forum.......for what it is worth I have been dithering with updating my present caravan for a couple of years now.
I have looked at a lot of caravans in that time........for me the range that stands out as good for design and value on the second hand market at the moment is the Bailey Pageant Series 7.
Many people say Bailey peeked with that range!
I have looked at a lot of caravans in that time........for me the range that stands out as good for design and value on the second hand market at the moment is the Bailey Pageant Series 7.
Many people say Bailey peeked with that range!
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