Newbie advice please

Hi, you really need to find out what the towing weight limit is for your car firstly. If you do decide to buy privately then you need to do your research. I would go around as many dealers as you can just to see whats out there as vans can vary in condition & price etc. It would help if you could could take an experienced caravanner with you as they would know what to look for. Damp is the main thing to look for but also check if they have been regularly serviced. You can always check with CRIS when buying privately fo find out if its been stolen written off,finance etc. I have just had a towbar fitted on my S-Max for £300 with 13pin socket. But quotes were as high as £400, you can find a fitter through NTTA.

Coguish, firstly have a look at the Club's "Advice and training" section at the "match your car & caravan" section. You should get some ides of the size of caravan that is suitable for you to tow with your car.

You should be OK with any caravan that has a MPTLM of 1350Kg or less, give or take 20Kg. I certainly wouldn't waste time looking at anything that is above 1400Kg.

Welcome to the world of caravanning.

All good advice above.  Have a look at the following link to search for your preferred layout options

http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/

Best advice I recieved

just spend weekends looking around dealers 

tell them you’re new to this 

you want advice but will be looking at all options for next few weeks 

remember it’s your 10 k you’re spending you want the best you can get but more importantly you want what’s right for you NOT what’s right for the dealer 

enjoy the adventures 

How old are the kids? Do they sleep ok as it is in the night or are the up and down to the toilet all the time? this is the things to think about when it comes to layout.

I would like to get bunk beds for my 3 but they all want to sleep on the top and so will have to take turns but as the youngest is only 2 1/2 I would need one that has some protection from them falling out of the bunks. also you will want to make sure there is a "solid" door closing off the end bedroom area at night, while the grownups are having a rest.

Bear in mind that if you buy privately, you will be "buying as seen" so expect this to be reflected in the price, compared with a dealership's price. If you buy from a dealer you should get some warranty, but bear in mind that it has to be that dealer who rectifies any faults that arise, and since you don't have a trade-in I would expect the dealer to give a reasonable discount on their asking price. In the perfect world it is better to buy from a local dealer as you won't have too far to go for any faults to be fixed.  

Also consider there could be many more 'additional' costs when equipping a caravan if it comes empty - everything from a knife and fork to gas bottles and an awning. this will all add to/subtract from your budget. Agree with the comments about getting a discount for non - part ex - if you don't ask you wont get.

Also agree with taking your time and look around as many dealers as you can to see what is out there and especially what layout you are looking at/ what would suit.

Caravanning can be great with kids - especially if you eventually get them to bed! Good hunting.

welcome Coguish! 

All good advice above, especially about getting the right van for your car which can be pretty disastrous if you get that wrong. We just paid £300 for our tow bar with single electrics so £450 sounds a little steep. Try Towbar Express who come to your house and fit it, good deal and its a Witter (one of the best). We have a 12yr old Coachman which we love and they still go for around £5k so your budget is fine. Perhaps if this is your first buy think about going for something a little less and you'll then have enough for all the extras you'll need. 

Enjoy!

My daughter has looked for suitable family caravans and is interested in a Sprite with twin bunks and a single dinette at the rear. Sleeps the 3 kids and gives them a day space. Parents use the front dinette. I think you might find one in budget. I suggest you try your local centre for a rally. The kids will have many friends and you will have a social life. You will also get advice from other members. Contact the rally secretary and tell them you are newbies.