Advice on purchasing first caravan

PLEASE someone - we know you want the last word, but surely this isn't helping the original poster who asked a perfectly reasonable question.  Whoever is right, you've both aired your views plenty of times now.

PLEASE someone - we know you want the last word, but surely this isn't helping the original poster who asked a perfectly reasonable question.  Whoever is right, you've both aired your views plenty of times now.

I agree .

best go to a local dealer and look at as many vans as you can to get an idea of what layouts you like, Word of warning about lightweights - we had a Lunar L'wheight and even the dealer warned us to treat everything gently, things broke easily!

Hi everyone,

I’ve Deleted User the argumentative comments from this thread, and have asked Kelly, our Technical Advisor to offer advice to the OP. She will be along shortly with answers!

To Laura, I hope you find the van you’re looking for and that you enjoy your time with The Caravan Club 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your replies, I didnt realise the kerb weight was more important. I've had a look online and the kerb weight is 1570Kg so 85% would be 1334kg so around the maximum limit I was looking at already.

Layout wise I wanted a 3 or 4 berth, I was looking for a compact model really so probably not a fixed bed but to be honest because I am limited by the weight I dont feel like I can be too fussy. I just wanted a good solid caravan without any problems, I am a bit worried about being scammed because its only me and my mum looking and we dont know a lot about caravans.So I may try and get an engineer if I find something I'm interested in.

We're located in south east london, we are planning on going to the caravan show in october at the nec to look at the different models and hopefully pick up some tips for buying. I also booked on the towing experience so I can have a go because I havent towed before.

I'm nervous about buying but really excited about getting a caravan!

Thanks so much for being so helpful.

Laura

Enjoy the towing experience at the show. They are really a great way to get some initial skills.

Both clubs also do a more comprehensive courses aimed at newcomers and those who want to brush up their skills.

These are based usually somewhere like HGV training centers and enable you to safely learn how to reverse and pitch up safely. It's dead easy when you know how and these courses are excellent starting points.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your replies, I didnt realise the kerb weight was more important. I've had a look online and the kerb weight is 1570Kg so 85% would be 1334kg so around the maximum limit I was looking at already.

 ....

Bizzarely, the lower weight of your car gives you a little more leeway with the weight of your caravan. You're still restricted to 3.5 tons so your caravan is LEGALLY allowed to be that bit heavier than if your tow car was 2.2 tons, Rememeber that the 85% is only a guide, not a legal requirement, but ensure  that your caravan is NOT heavier than the car. 

Hi All,

This is my first ever post so I'm sorry if it is in the wrong place. I'm hoping to buy my first ever caravan this winter/spring and I'm a bit of a novice to it all so I was wondering if any one had any advice. 

I can only afford around £3000-5000 so I'm buying second hand, I am also only allowed to tow maximum 3500kg because I dont have an B&E license and my car is 2170kg gross vehicle weight.

Does anyone have any advice on the best place to purchase a caravan, am I better off buying privately or from a trade dealer? Are there any websites I should avoid when looking for caravans for sale?

Also does anyone have an idea of what weight van I can get, can I push it to the max and get one at around 1300kg or am I better off trying to get a lightweight model at around 1200kg or less?

Finally if anyone has advice on models that would be greatly appreciated as it would really help the search!

Thank you for any advice you have.

Laura

Hi Laura, its great to hear you're buying your very first caravan 

As you've said your licence has category B which means you are restricted to towing a combined weight up to 3,500kg. This limit can be increased by passing the B+E test, but you should find plenty of choice of lighter caravans around which means you don’t need to worry about this for now.

As the GVW of your car is 2170kg, 1330kg is left spare for towing a caravan. Even at that limit, the ratio of caravan to car weight should be fine for you (with sensible care over how you load things into it), and looking at 1300kg caravan will widen your choice quite significantly. Where to buy one can be tricky, as your budget will cover caravans for sale privately and from some dealers. Do look for evidence of service history which should give more confidence around roadworthiness, general safety of the gas and electrics etc and evidence of major repair or damp issues. You might get more for your money privately, but from a dealer you should get at least a basic guarantee of the condition, and hopefully some form of warranty. Always check the legitimacy of the caravan for sale (CRIS check from the National Caravan Council and/or Theftcheck via The Club). As with any secondhand vehicle, deals with look too good to be true probably are….

Do try and visit the caravan to ensure that it is exactly what is on the seller’s advert before making an offer. Have a good look in lockers and around the washroom, looking (and smelling) for signs of mould/damp. Check the age of the tyres, industry advice recommends changing tyres ideally after 5 years, no more than 7 years old. Enquire what you’re getting with the caravan - are they including the electrical cable and battery? Do they have an awning included in the deal? Is the Aquaroll (fresh water container) and Wastemaster (grey waste water) included?

If the caravan is bought from a dealer, enquire what warranty they offer. Read the small print to see what the warranty covers, and how long it lasts. You can have the caravan inspected by independent assessors before purchase, and this is a good idea if you’re parting with a significant amount of money and you’re not familiar with what you’re buying. It’s also a good idea to budget for a service before using the caravan. Dealers might be willing to build this into the sale agreement.

Pretty much all UK caravan manufacturers make caravan models in the 1300kg weight range. Foreign makers such as Adria and Eriba also have suitable models, but these are not as common. Stick to the mainstream UK makes for maximum choice and good spare parts support. I would advise having a mooch around a few caravan dealers, just to get the feel of what layout suits you best– end kitchen or side dinette etc. You could do the same at the forthcoming Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham, where although the models of display will be outside your budget, you’ll get a good feel for which layouts suit your needs. Don’t rush into buying something – find the right ‘van in the right condition, and at the right price.

Please feel free to call Technical on 01342 336611 for any further advice.

Hi Milopearlindie - welcome to caravanning.

You've had enough advice about weights etc. I would just take your time and go and visit as many dealers as you can and just look at vans and layouts. You'll find ones you like/don't like and ones you positively hate. So many layouts and choices. At this time of year dealers will be pretty desperate to clear stock ready for the spring and you should be able to drive a pretty hard bargain and/or get things thrown in as part of the deal. 

The MTPLM is the figure you need to look at as the maximum weight. All dealer will be able to quote this but if buying privately make sure you see evidence of it. I should be on a plate usually by the door. If it is missing something is wrong and avoid that caravan.

Make sure you have a damp repoort as that is potentially the biggest problem if it has this. If the seller cannot provide this there are mobile engineers who should be able to do this for about £50. Check the NCC website for names.

Have everything demonstrated to you and make sure it all works and if possible get service reports and the handbook. Without the first you are taking a risk and without the hand book then you will be bopund to find there are things you need to know that bthe book would have given you.

Get the serial number and if buying privately check it with HPI to make sure it is not on HP and CRIS to confirm it is owned by the seller and is not stolen. Never buy from someone who brings is to you. Ideally you want to visit them at their home.

These may sound as if it is making life difficult but it is very like buying a car.

If buying from a dealer haggle.

Hope you find something you like.