Silverline Pegasus 12/2 caravan - thoughts?

[The_long_way_round]

I went to view a Silverline Nova Princess yesterday, which I loved but it was in awful condition But it's given me the Silverline bug now, I do like their shape, they're lightweight and small enough for my little car. I've searched the whole of the UK for another Nova Princess but to no avail, I have however found a Silverline Pegasus, which slightly disappointingly isn't quite as narrow, but still offers all the charm.

Problem is that there is practically no information out there and I'm wondering why? Are they unpopular?

Does /has any one had one? Could you share any thoughts with me on this little caravan? If anyone had a copy of the manual I would be very interested in it. There are lots of reviews of the Nova and loads of people praising it's towing ability, especially for the likes of newbies like me.

I have added the only information that I can gleen together on this model. It's all anecdotal and from people trying to sell theirs so it's all taken with a pinch of salt:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverline-Pegasus-12-2-a-slimline-ultra-light-weight-caravan-2-berth-/331198200105?nma=true&si=pz7arM1YTGR5H1ExQ4XQLIB6qY0%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/silverline-pegasus-122-two-berth-caravan/1032856034
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=8&TopicID=30894
http://www.touringandtenting.com/forums/index.php?/topic/20124-silverline-pegasus-122/

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi, as far as I know silverline caravans were built in a aircraft hangar, on a WW2 airfield just outside York , originally building motorhomes in the early 1970's based on the ford transit, they gradually moved on to build caravans including several nova models from 1985 but ceased production in 1992, during this period they were popular as they were exeedingly lightweight, yet very well equipped. I seem to remember however they did have problems with rear end damp from the top seams of the bonded back panels. a new innovation at the time (now used extensively) there are a few good examples still about but many were scrapped as they were difficult to repair.
the layout of the vans are very close to the bailey ranger series of models although quite a bit narrower.
as this van as been out of production now for more than 20years I would think finding documentation and spares quite difficult as some of the equipment used was unique for a touring van made during that period.
as with any old, out of date caravan, ownership could be problematic and as far as I know there is no owners club in existence for any kind of support or backup.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello again LWR,

Oh dear one of those heart over head words has crept into your post ("loved") which leads me to suspect your not really thinking through what you are trying to achieve, and the realities of the situation. That's two caravans you have suggested to us that you have 'fallen in love with' both out of production, and both from manufacturers that have ceased trading. I know you are on a tight budget, and it seems very keen to start caravanning, but I think you are being unwise to try and purchase so quickly especially as you tell us you are new to the hobby. Where there is a saving grace here is you are asking questions, which I hope have been answered and at least prevented you from ending up with a lemon.

I strongly suggest you go and see as many caravans as possible - go to a dealers and have look round.

What I also suggest you do is find a caravanning friend, now I know that might be easier said than done, but having someone to go with you who knows something about caravanning will help you avoid some of the easy mistakes you can make. Most of the guys on here are pretty friendly, and if you were to ask, some of them who live in your area may even agree to help you look at some vans. Post the question, and anyone interested will arrange through a moderator to contact you.

Just as a footnote, I really think you should probably avoid a private sale. Yes you may get what appears to be a better deal, but with so much potential for things to wrong with very aged caravans, having the backup of using a dealer could be prove very worthwhile. Also bear in mind there is a monthly cost to owning a caravan, for example Insurance & storage. that could easily add up to £30 to £50 per month. So by holding off purchasing at this stage, and putting that amount of money towards your cash pot it will grow and that will give you more choice when it comes to looking for a caravan a few months down the line.

I wish you the best of luck, but i think you need to slow down and look at the bigger picture.

 

[The_long_way_round]

This time it is from a dealer
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SILVERLINE-PEGASUS12-2-BERTH-1992-MODEL-AWNING-SALE-BARGAIN-DONT-MISS-OUT-/261473685811?clk_rvr_id=638401783769

They are doing an inspection on it, won't 'guarantee' it not to be damp free but I've taken advice and that seems to be a the norm.

 

[The_long_way_round]

I do struggle to get we links on this forum! Try again....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SILVERLIN...ISS-OUT-/261473685811?clk_rvr_id=638401783769

 

[The_long_way_round]

Argh!Will this link work? Fingers crossed

 

[The_long_way_round]

Yay!

 

[The_long_way_round]

On the budget I'm on, it will be a risk what ever I buy. I'm not prepared to spend any more until I know I am happy towing, and we see how much we actually use the van. So inevitably I am only ever going to be able to buy a van of a certain age. I am prepared to loose the money I spend on this, I'm not expecting to get my money back on it... However I do expect to get a years use out of it at least. Got caravan insurance quoted at £60 a year ( that's very reasonable and a nice surprise) and it will be stored on my drive. I am approaching it as a business deal, I walked away from the one the other day with no questions. I didn't get into bidding wars with the vintage one. I set a budget and stuck to it. I will honestly say I have to 'feel' it's the right one... Maybe that's intuition, and maybe 'love-it' is the wrong phrase.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

If you want a 'cheap' van then a lot of dealers have 'bargain basement' vans tucked around the corner and not displayed on the forecourt. You might enquire at your local dealers.

Edit - such vans will NOT have warranty with them, but the dealer has to ensure they are safe before they sell them.

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi LWR,
specifically regarding the van in question, the more I look into them the more convinced I become that there is a link between this manufacturer and bailey not sure why but it is like an itch you cannot scratch.
the timing of the ranger series is close to the timeline of the demise of silverline a comparison of the models is remarkable, I own a ranger 380/2 and it is like looking at a older brother, at the end of this post I will send a link for you to make a comparison, other similarities are the type of construction (bonded board) and seams and general design features included in the package, it may or may not be significant but the new bailey range is also called Pegasus.
as a van mine is very comfortable and the layout is easy to live with although working space is limited. I can see why you love the van so do I!!!, it is easy to tow and store even though it is 9in wider than the silverline, in my opinon if you do really like one of these vans the last made ones are the ones to go for but make sure you get a good one buy a damp meter and test the van completely some of the equipment will be out of production but in theory the bailey stuff should fit!!.

in general terms being on a budget should not deter you from finding a good serviceable van as a starter, there are some bargains out there you just have to find them, ask lots of questions if nessesary write them down so you dont forget, if the answers dont add up the warning bells will start ringing, so walk away. intuition is good word you will know when it looks and feels right when the seller has all the right documentation and does not dodge awkward questions allows you to test the equipment is working correctly, and does not make excuses like theres no gas or EHU, afterall you wouldnt buy a car if you could not hear it running because the battery was flat and there was no petrol in it!.
also dont buy unless you can inspect it before parting with any money.

now here is the link to the bailey make your own mind up. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bailey-ranger-380-2-2-berth-/251538043545?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item3a90d5f299

 

[The_long_way_round]

Thank you Colin,

You seem to be having the same problem as me with web links

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi again LWR

The reason I suggest you use a dealer is that whilst they may not offer a guarantee on the caravan, but they cannot avoid their legal responsibilities under the Sale of Goods Act, which requires the goods must be as described accurately, and of merchantable quality. This means as "experts" they should tell you if anything is not working and at least it should be safe,as Woodlands pointed out.

You can then make a better informed decision, with the knowledge that if they are hiding anything that you later discover is contrary to their description you have a legal come back on them. That is something you cant do so easily with a private seller.

 

[The_long_way_round]

:woohoo: bought it!