Thinking of a restart!

[Jcloughie]

We packed up caravanning after 40 years a few years ago. Just because the setting up and packing up got too much for me. I have since had a major operation, (only waited 7 years), and feel massively better. However, I am no longer up to that.

So we considered a static. My brother has just sold his caravan and purchased a static. We have not been there yet but we have been invited. It looks fantastic as does his pitch, just 3 vans separate from the others with a stream running behind. Located in Snowdonia. We have had a video tour.

My finances do not stretch anywhere near his. So we did not like what was in our price range. So we have had a re-think. Looking for opinions.

At first we thought of a twin axle tourer based about one and a half hours away. Sited on a seasonal pitch. We have found a nice quiet, adult only site near Burnham. At £2216. Which give 9 months use plus 3 months storage. Electric extra. Seem reasonable to me.

I have found a van, it is a large single axle. Which might be better than a twin if I need to move it as my car might struggle. A 2021 Bailey Alicanto Esteril, for £19950

It can be near £26,000 from a dealer.

Have a look. Say what you think.

Edit, here is a DropBox link, if the Apple one does not work.



John

 

[otherclive]

Cannot retrieve the photos using IOS and WiFi via Virgin. But sounds a good idea and gives an opportunity to carry on caravanning without the work of towing and touring. We considered siting our van on a seasonal as family commitments were affecting our opportunity to tour. Paid Bracelands in November 2019, money refunded early 2020. Covid. In the end we decided to sell the caravan. But do miss caravan life.

Ps photos uploaded.

 

[Buckman]

Near Burnham and Weston we used to stay on a site called West End Farm. Good location and they have fully serviced pitches.

 

[RogerL]

Putting a tourer on a nice seasonal site in an area you like seems a sensible plan to keep caravanning when the workload becomes too much - our plan B would be a seasonal in Norfolk.

 

[Buckman]

We looked into seasonal and the biggest issue with seasonal was that the annual rate could increase dramatically each year. Some you need to take the caravan off site during the winter months. We found the rate of insurance for seasonal was a lot higher than if you were touring plus the cost was about the same as if you were touring.

In addition, they could make changes during the year that could affect your enjoyment. However this probably only happens on a few sites who then wonder why their site is half empty even in holiday season.

 

[Jcloughie]

Near Burnham and Weston we used to stay on a site called West End Farm. Good location and they have fully serviced pitches.

Worth a look at. Very similar to the one at Burnham we are looking at and might have a vacancy comming up.

John

We looked into seasonal and the biggest issue with seasonal was that the annual rate could increase dramatically each year. Some you need to take the caravan off site during the winter months. We found the rate of insurance for seasonal was a lot higher than if you were touring plus the cost was about the same as if you were touring.

In addition, they could make changes during the year that could affect your enjoyment. However this probably only happens on a few sites who then wonder why their site is half empty even in holiday season.

Higher insurance is interesting. The site we are looking at includes storage. They have a compound, but perhaps you just leave it on your pitch. One thing we liked, is we only need to be tied in for each year. And if we wanted a completely different area we could move. It does mean getting a tow bar fitted.

We worry that we may get bored of going to the same place each time. After so many years of touring when a different location was the objective.

John

 

[Beachball]

We also miss the caravan life last trip for example the bed was suppose be king size but with my feet 3ft out felt like a double bed So in three weeks time we have arranged to look at a seasonal adult site with storage included we will use it as a base and explore areas . and we are not towing again if it go there is a caravan dealer near by and they will put it on a pitch . the caravan you are looking at looks stunning , Good luck if you go for it 🙏

 

[Beardy]

We worry that we may get bored of going to the same place each time. After so many years of touring when a different location was the objective.

Surely that's the advantage of a seasonal pitch over a static. If you do get bored of the area you can re-site it the following year. The main downside is that you have less space, but you're paying much less for it - horses for courses.

The caravan looks great. Not sure about the (almost) white seating but only because we have a four legged freeloader

 

[Dustydog]

John,
That’s an amazing £42 per week over the year plus power which in the autumn winter is unlikely to be more than a fiver👍.Cheaper than a night at most places!

If the location has everything you require why not give it a bash.

There is the dark side but they don’t come cheap and will not give the same space as the Alicanto.

One small point , before committing to the private purchase how about getting your or a local AWS to give it the once over, particular the water ingress aspect?

 

[Mel]

As I have posted before, we were on a Seasonal pitch for some 7 years and didn’t get bored. Being able to escape at the weekend saved my sanity during a particular sat of life circumstances. Go for it.
Mel

 

[Jcloughie]

John,
That’s an amazing £42 per week over the year plus power which in the autumn winter is unlikely to be more than a fiver👍.Cheaper than a night at most places!

If the location has everything you require why not give it a bash.

There is the dark side but they don’t come cheap and will not give the same space as the Alicanto.

One small point , before committing to the private purchase how about getting your or a local AWS to give it the once over, particular the water ingress aspect?

As it is only for 9 month plus 3 months storage, my calc might be.

2216 less 350 (what I would otherwise pay for storage) divided by 36 weeks.

Thats £52. But still great value if only good use could be made, If we only did 50% still good.

John

 

[Buckman]

As it is only for 9 month plus 3 months storage, my calc might be.

2216 less 350 (what I would otherwise pay for storage) divided by 36 weeks.

Thats £52. But still great value if only good use could be made, If we only did 50% still good.

John

Apparently most seasonal sites are only occupied about 25-30% of the available time?

 

[Dustydog]

Apparently most seasonal sites are only occupied about 25-30% of the available time?

Great business for the site owners🙀

 

[Jcloughie]

Update on our progress.

We looked at the seasonal pitch in Burnham. Very nice. Tidy well organised sire, about 100 seasonal pitched, no statics and 2 touring as they get too wet for seasonal. No clubhouse, just an unlicensed tea room, (bring your own drink).

Would suit us.

Went to see two Estoril in Highbridge. We love the layout and colour scheme.

Tomorrow we are having a couple of days on the south coast and have arranged to view the private sale van in its storage on Tuesday. It is on a small touring site set in woods. Brushes farm at Blanford. £25 including electrics. They will bring it out of storage as and when required. Just need to book a pitch in advance. The site looks good. We need to decide if we want a location 85 miles away, though the non motorway journey can be pleasant. Nailsworth, Bath, Warminster, Shaftbury.

Alternatively, I will need to fit a towbar, or have it proffesionally move to Burham.

We will not be agreeing a sale this week. It depends first on the viewing, then on the outcome of it service which is booked for the 25th, the seller says he will do everything that the service recommends.

So we may be back to a sort of caravanning at the end of the month.


John

 

[Dustydog]

If you buy from a dealer in Highbridge maybe they will deliver it for you? Brushes Farm is on our visit list now. Plenty to do around Blandford Forum.
Hope it all works out .

 

[RogerL]

If you buy from a dealer in Highbridge maybe they will deliver it for you? Brushes Farm is on our visit list now. Plenty to do around Blandford Forum.
Hope it all works out .

Wow - £7/night difference between electric (max 20 kwh/day) and non-electric - that's a lot.

 

[Jcloughie]

If you buy from a dealer in Highbridge maybe they will deliver it for you? Brushes Farm is on our visit list now. Plenty to do around Blandford Forum.
Hope it all works out .

Highbridge will deliver for free, less than 10 mins. They said they would deliver up to Weston.

Wow - £7/night difference between electric (max 20 kwh/day) and non-electric - that's a lot.

We have not toured for a few years but I got the impression that prices have generally gone up. I thought £25 all season was fairly normal or even cheap. Is that correct.

I suppose at £7 for electric they are covering themselves. I think it also includes the hard standing. I will find out on Tuesday and report back.

John

 

[Dustydog]

Wow - £7/night difference between electric (max 20 kwh/day) and non-electric - that's a lot.

A sign of the times🤔
The average KWH is approx 25p so a couple of quid more wouldn’t be a deal breaker, especially taking account of the relatively low night fee and facilities and location. Each to their own😉

 

[Jcloughie]

Quiz.



The two connections on the right are standard fit. But the left one, with no cover, has been added. I don’t know if it should have a lid. I think it might be for the mover key. Any other ideas. That is as good as the picture gets.

Answer when we get back home.

John

 

[RogerL]

Highbridge will deliver for free, less than 10 mins. They said they would deliver up to Weston.



We have not toured for a few years but I got the impression that prices have generally gone up. I thought £25 all season was fairly normal or even cheap. Is that correct.

I suppose at £7 for electric they are covering themselves. I think it also includes the hard standing. I will find out on Tuesday and report back.

John

It was the difference that struck me, not the overall level.

I've come round to liking sites with metered electric - they've certainly encouraged us to use less.

 

[Dustydog]

It was the difference that struck me, not the overall level.

I've come round to liking sites with metered electric - they've certainly encouraged us to use less.

The CL,at Wharfdale is payg. In the winter with plenty of heat etc maxed out at £6. Summer circa £3 . But a very basic Kazi yet FSP. £22 .