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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23 December 2008
Seeking VW T4 AND T5 Campervan or Motorhome owners..
To participate in our free online community for likemined owners and enthusiasts to enduldge their passions we have a magazine like website with regular monthly changing features such as readers rides, alongside 60+ pages of informtaion and assistance to all owners. an. .
G63
14 December 2008
Renault midliner racehome..
With regret we are selling this racehome due to injury,two years ago we had a new interior, all the mod cons,hot & cold water,fridge/freezer,sink,4 ring hob,double bed and two bunks permanently made up,dining area,full sized shower. 5 metre awning with sides and fr. .
£7,000
B50
02 December 2008
COSALT CAPRI SITED AT HORNSEA EAST YORKS..
Cosalt capri 35x10 1999 two bedrooms sleeps 6. vgc newley double glazed august 2008 fitrite veranda fitted august 2007 3 outside storage boxes one housing a freezer, outside water point plus all pipes laged for winter seperate toilet. walk in shower fully equiped. .
S74
30 November 2008
mk1 transit..
1971 mk1 transit landliner motorcaravan, taxed and tested, free tax, mot july, 2. 5di, 4 speed with overdrive, swop for pre 72 classic car with some mot.
BB2
25 November 2008
caravan..
Monza 2 berth caravan 2 way fridge gas heater/gas hob/grill .
EX13
24 November 2008
ELDDIS VOGUE 215 LTD EDITION 2 BERTH 1995 END VANITY LA..
This elddis vogue is in excellent condition throughout fitted with hot water, shower, blown air, oven, fridge, carver fire, mains, cassette toilet, etc. ideal first time van or for someone looking to upgrade view anytime.
£2,450
PR5
10 November 2008
caravan alco stabilizer ,hitch lock..
Alco stabilizer with hitch lock ,taken off caravan i just sold , easy to fit 3 year old hardly used, hitch lock never used. .
£120
DY11
caravan awning..
Pyramid tuscany awning size 13, 985cm long in green used on 21ft lunar lexon 2 year old used couple of times a season. inner curtains, easy to erect , bought from towsure erecting video free on website. email for pictures.
£260
DY11
04 November 2008
2007 Winchester Willerby Static Caravan..
This caravan has gch/dg ,fitted kitchen, full size fridge freezer, gas oven/hob, microwave, dining area with dining table and 6 chairs, large living area with modern units and tv unit. main bedroom has walk in wardrobe, en suite wc and under bed storage, 2nd bedroom ha. .
£35,000
TN28
27 October 2008
Amazing Price for an Amazing Vehicle £22000 ONO..
Auto-trail apache 2003 fiat ducato 2. 8 jtd white diesel manual berths: 6 coachbuilt 9300 miles description: integrated awning, overcab double bed, u-shape end lounge, centre dinette, large central skylight features: · awning · blinds and fly screens &midd. .
SN3
vw camper van t25 4berth,aircooled..
Wonderfull westfaile joker vw camper van,it is a v reg(1980),the body is in fantastic condition,no rust,under the van is solid as a rock and it has a pop up roof,inside the van it has 3 way fridge,toilet,sink,running water,built in heater,electric hook up,cd player,sol. .
TW2
19 October 2008
Comfortable Camper Van....
White renault trafic t1000, 1984 model, mileage -150184. petrol. good lighting, comfy bed, fridge, gas stove and warm interior. all electrics in the van work off a seperate battery. also has a hook-up cable for camping sites. great van for touring though she needs a bi. .
£1,300
TR11
17 October 2008
Bailey Pageant Burgundy Jan 07..
All you need to go. plus derima full awning. bradcote porch awning. two aqua rolls. wastemaster. alarmed. hitch lock. wheel lock. power lead. fixed bed. extra front cupboard £9500 ono. .
£9,500
15 October 2008
HOBBY 640 CARAVAN..
Total price is £3300 and free shipping anywhere in uk. for more information and pictures contact me at ralphquindy@yahoo. co. uk.
£3,300
NE22
13 October 2008
2006 Series 5 Bailey Pageant Bordeaux 4 berth - For Sal..
Mint condition, fixed bed, shower and wc (cassette). full oven, hob and grill, 3 way fridge/freezer, extractor fan, 2 way fire and blown air heating, cd/radio. sold with full bradcot awning and porch awning, water and waste containers, pump, gas, electric hookup cable,. .
£9,250
PO22
new and,used static caravans for all the uk and ex..
Please see our web site for more photos. 1999 abi prestige 30x10ft 2 bedrooms/6 berth in very good condition shower room with shower,toilet and wc. good kitchen with cooker/grill/hob and a fridge. separate dining area. we are long established reputable suppliers . .
£3,200
LN4
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