Daisy2 replied on 09/10/2017 17:07
Posted on 09/10/2017 17:07
Hi all
I've been a motorhomer/campervanner for about 10 years now, but holiday funds are running out and the van needs new tyres next year :( So, now that my daughter is no longer a toddler (8) I'm thinking of selling the van (its getting valued later in the week...if it isn't worth what I think then plans might change again!) and buying a used caravan, freeing up some capital in the process to fund another few years of holidays :) We only have a small car (Vauxhall Meriva 1.4T (120bhp)) with max tow weight of 1050kg. Its just the 2 of us, and the cat, so was considering the Lunar Ariva. Found a few around the country for sale and would probably be looking at 2011 - 2013 models. Off to the NEC show next week to get more ideas/options but then I started looking at caravanning forum threads and am now terrified to buy one of any description! So many threads talking about leaks, water ingress, damp, delaminated (is that the right term?) flooring etc. Is this really as widespread a problem as it sounds? Is buying a van of the age I'm looking at likely to mean that if its going to be problematic it will already be apparent, or does it mean its getting older and more likley to be an issue? Are motorhomes less problematic, or are we just lucky with our 15yr old van? So I'm looking for some comments please on :
- how worried should I be about damp etc (I was thinking of getting club inspector report before buying anything)?
- Anyone any experience of the Lunar Ariva (particularly 2011 -2013) - good/bad?
- Any suggestions of other (better?) suitable vans with our towing weight restriction. Needs to have separate bed options rather than 1 double.
- Am I being unrealistic hoping to hitch up on my own (not sure an 8yr old can provide more than moral support)?
Really appreciate your comments as would hate to sell our van, free up holiday funds only to have to use them to repair a soggy caravan!
Daisy2
Daisy2
Motorhomer