Buying a caravan is a major financial decision for most families. A caravan can be a wonderful tool for travelling and enjoying nature with family and friends. Here are some tips for you to use when choosing a caravan.

Types of Caravans
There are two basic types of caravans. The first is a motor home which offers transportation and living quarters and the second type is a separate caravan (also called a tourer) which you have to tow behind a car or van. A motor home is invariably more expensive than a tourer offering equivalent accommodation as you are purchasing not only accommodation but a motor vehicle.

How To Choose a Caravan
The first step in choosing a caravan of either type is to consider your own interests, needs, and budget.

Who will use the it? How big should it be / how many sleeping berths do you need? In other words, will you travel with family, friends, or both? How many people will use it at any one time?

Where will you take it? What kinds of places will you visit? Will you travel through rough terrain, such as unmade roads? Will you travel in snow? Depending on where you plan to travel, you may need a tough, durable caravan. If you�re going to drive on narrow roads, a smaller caravan may be easier to manoeuvre.

If you plan to buy a tourer, can your vehicle pull it? Most car handbooks will show you the maximum permissable towing weight. Failure to stick to this is not only potentially damaging to your car but has safety ramifications and is a motoring offence.

One often ignored question is whether the caravan will fit on your driveway or in the space planned for its storage? You should also check the deeds of your house (if you are a house owner) or with you landlord if renting: there are covenants governing many properties, particularly newer ones, which actually prohibit the long term storage of vehicles other than domestic cars on the property.

How much are you able to spend on your caravan? For most people, the caravan they ultimately choose is necessarily a compromise between their desires, needs and their budget.

Once you have a good understanding as to the size and type of caravan that is likely to suit you (and your budget), carefully assess each section of the caravan. Is it liveable for you and your family? Is there enough storage? Are the bedrooms comfortable and are there enough of them? Will the bathroom facilities meet the family's needs? Is there enough storage? Is it comfortable? Always try the beds as well as the seating areas: buying replacement mattresses later can prove to be a relatively expensive proposition. Is the kitchen and dining area big enough?

Motor Homes vs. Tourers
The main advantages that a motor home has over a tourer is that you don't need to pull it behind your car, making driving far easier (as anyone who has ever tried reversing into a tight space with a tourer will testify). Motor homes can potentially be very large, offering perhaps more of the home comforts many people seek. Many have central heating and increasingly offer air conditioning. That said, there is a big difference in price because you are buying a fair sized motor vehicle in addition to the mobile accommodation. Many people struggle to justify the additional cost when they have a car or van that is capable of towing a fair sized tourer: hence the popularity of the tourer. If you are willing to accept the driving limitations (driving with a tourer is usually more difficult and the overall speed is legally limited in the UK when towing) and perhaps some level of compromise on accommodation, a tourer can be financially very attractive.

Costs
You will have additional costs for your caravan besides the initial purchase costs. There will be insurance and licensing fees (indeed all running costs applicable to any motor vehicle in the case of a Motor Home). There may be storage fees if you are unable to store it at home. There will be site fees when you travel. You will also pay gas, electricity, waste disposal and other services bills when on site. These fees vary from site to site, but can soon mount up. In addition, there will be repair bills and maintenance costs.

Where to Buy a Caravan
Buying a caravan is a big investment, potentially the biggest one you will make after your house and car. The best way to buy is to purchase a new caravan from a reputable dealer or website. You may be able to ask your friends and family for recommendations. To get the best value from a new caravan, you should plan to use it for at least 10 years as it is likely depreciate in value faster than a car. Don�t pick the first caravan you see; look at a reasonable number before making a decision. Perhaps renting a caravan or two before buying one will help you make a good decision.

If you can�t afford a new caravan, consider a second-hand one. There are usually plenty for sale here at classifieds. Try to haggle over the price although always keep negotiations polite and friendly. Try to get a warranty if you can (many nearly new caravans may still be within the manufacturer's original warranty period). There are many things to check when purchasing a second-hand caravan including:-
  • 1. Carefully check the entire caravan for rust, especially around the chassis and underneath the vehicle. Fresh paint may indicate rust. Rust is a big problem and expensive to repair.
  • 2. Check every appliance to make sure it works, including the cooker, fridge, heater, sinks, toilets, oven, etc.
  • 3. Make sure the windows work and the beds are clean and comfortable. Any flaws can be a route to bargaining down the price.
  • 4. Check for water leaks. It can be a disaster if your roof leaks and can cause considerable and often unseen damage.
  • 5. If you are buying a tourer, check the tow hitch to make sure it moves easily and that the hand brake holds well.
  • 6. Make sure that, if a tourer, its weight means that it can be pulled by your car or van.
  • 7. Check to see if the frame is bent and ask if the caravan has ever been in an accident. If it is a Motor Home, you will be able to buy an HPI check as you would for any other motor vehicle which should verify this.
  • 8. Check the tyre treads for wear (another bargaining point!).
  • 9. Find out the mileage on the caravan if possible and, if a motor home, its fuel consumption.
  • 10. Check the maintenance history of the vehicle, including its age and how many owners it has had. A vehicle that has had many owners may be a warning sign that all is not well.
Bear in mind that when purchasing a Motor Home, you should apply the same checks as you would when buying any other motor vehicle.

Conclusion
If you have decided to purchase a caravan, think long and hard about budget: not only for the initial purchase but for the ongoing running costs. Decide which type is likely to suit you best: a motor home or a towed tourer. Then check as to whether you are permitted to store it on your property or, if not, what the likely storage costs will be. Whether buying new or second hand, always check that all appliances work, look for any signs of damage and try to get a warranty. There are so many components to any caravan that there is usually an option to use some of them to negotiate. Always check for the availability and value of a warranty and, if buying a motor home, perform the same checks as you would when purchasing any motor vehicle. Following a wise purchase, caravanning can be a terrific way for you and your family to travel, providing many budget holidays in the longer run and offering you a wonderful way to enjoy nature and the outdoors life.
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30 August 2010
Swift Charisma 620 complete setup..
Showroom condition, immaculate. complete set up ready to go, 4 berth fixed double bed, full size dual power cooker, microwave, full size 3 way refrigerator (gas, mains, 12v) full width washroom (shower, toilet, sink), 2 way heater (gas, mains) & blown air remote motor mover . .
CO15
Swift Charisma 620..
Showroom condition, immaculate. complete set up ready to go, 4 berth fixed double bed, full size dual power cooker, microwave, full size 3 way refrigerator (gas, mains, 12v) full width washroom (shower, toilet, sink), 2 way heater (gas, mains) & blown air remote motor mover . .
CO15
29 August 2010
Compass Avantgarde 400 (2004) Rear Lounge..
This motor home has been maintained with the intention of keeping the vehicle for a long time but house move costs forces very reluctant sale. full service history, tax & tested for 6 months the under side & front cross-members have been fully weather treated. electri. .
£18,000
CH65
28 August 2010
Delta Santana Holiday Home..
The delta santana is an ideal starter holiday home. it is for sale on nodes point holiday park. there are 2 bedrooms, open plan lounge, with pull out sofa, dining room and kitchen. the bathroom has a walk in shower. nodes point is set on the beautiful isle of wight with breat. .
£26,384
PO33
Willerby Rio Holiday Home..
the willerby rio comprises of a light and spacious living room and dining area which goes into a modern kitchen. the kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge, oven and full inventory, i. e crockery and cutlery etc. moving on to the bedrooms ,all rooms have built in wardrobes. th. .
£32,224
PO33
26 August 2010
Static Caravan For Sale..
Pemberton elite(2001) spotlessly clean and well cared for. double glazed. 2 bedrooms. walk in shower. fitted kitchen with full size cooker and fridge. very spacious living and dining area. situated in a private spot on a lovely quiet site near leominster. (1 of 6 in walled garde. .
£10,250
24 August 2010
2006 SWIFT CHALLENGER 510..
Swift challenger 510 2006 4 berth caravan in immaculate condtion, it has the rare two single fixed rear beds, also the front seating area turns into a double bed, the rear bedroom has a door to shut it off which is great if you have kids and you want a bit of time to yourselves,. .
£4,100
SK15
19 August 2010
Fiat Danbury Sunchaser for Sale at Kent Motorhome Centr..
Fiat danbury sunchaser, 2006, 2. 3 jtd, pas, 5 speed, 2 berths, 31809 miles, electric windows & mirrors, cab central locking, drivers air bag, 240v mains hook up, auxiliary battery, fresh water tank, fridge (12v/gas), cassette toilet, rear 3 point seat belts, water heater (24. .
£23,995
ME20
Peugeot Compass Calypso 220 for Sale at Kent Motorhome ..
Peugeot compass calypso, 2007, 2. 2 hdi, power steering, 5 speed, 2 berths, 902 miles, one owner, low profile, rear u-shaped lounge, electric windows & mirrors, drivers air bag, 240v mains hook up, auxiliary battery & charger, fresh & waste water tanks, removable carp. .
£33,995
ME20
Fiat CI Riviera 181 for Sale at Kent Motorhome Centre..
Fiat ci riviera 181, 2006, 2. 8 jtd, power steering, 5 speed, 6 berths, 23721 miles, rear u-shaped lounge, electric windows & mirrors, cab central locking, drivers air bag, 240v mains hook up, auxiliary battery & charger, awning, roof rack & ladder, fresh & waste . .
£28,995
ME20
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