Buying a caravan

Stuart1508

hi ya all me and my wife want to buy a caravan for use in the summer and winter to take our granddaughter away our budget is £3500 and idears on what to look for thanks stu

IanTG

Not really a lot of info given.......

what do you plan to tow with? That will have a significant impact on what is suitable re weight, and therefore to some degree, size.

do you want to make the beds up each night or want fixed beds?

are you likely to use the shower/toilet in the caravan, or will you only use sites with full facilties? The answer will influence how big a bathroom you may want.

 

Stuart1508

Hi ya I’m going to tow with a 2015 Renult traffic,a fixed bed not really bothered about bathroom size

IanTG

Suggest you stroll round a few dealers. Might be worth using the matching service on this website to see what vans fit your towing vehicle weight limits.

Stuart1508

Thanks 

lornalou1

still not enough info. is it petrol or diesel. is it auto or manual. whats the kerbweight. when did you pass your test. will get better answers in the long run. £3500 will only get quite an old van and older vans weight a dam site more than the lighter vans of today. hence the limit is smaller for what you can tow.  

Tinwheeler

As the Trafic is a commercial vehicle, it’s likely to be diesel and be capable of pulling a fair weight. 

Get yourself out there and see what’s around, Stuart, but beware of damp and eBay scams  

 

JayOutdoors

As already said look at the drop-down menu at the top of the page for matching tow vehicle to caravan weight -  you can then start searching dealers local to you.  Checking the Classified adverts also at the top of the page will give you an idea of what you can get for your budget.  I would definitely check the caravan tyres and if you find a caravan you really like perhaps even get an independent inspection it may help as a price bargaining tool. Good luck.

Stuart1508

Yep it’s a manual traffic deseil Thanks for all your advice it’s a bit of a mine feild looking for a caravan

ihatew0rk

In my opinion in that price range get a damp report done or buy a meter. I didn't bother and seriously regretted it a year later when we traded it in. 

Stuart1508

Hi all I’ve had a look at a few caravans for that price and it seems to me I would be buying problem caravans, so we are going to save more (5 to 6 k) and will be look at a Elddis avante 540 if possible 

EasyT

Sensible Stuart but keep your eyes open as well

Stuart1508

I sure will

Tinwheeler

Be aware that problem caravans come at any age, Stuart, even brand new.

Good luck with your search.

IanHNW

Stuart, Fully agree with Tinwheeler, if you did buy a new van it would probably have a load of minor faults and if any major ones develop trying to get the manufacturers and the dealer to honour their warranty would no doubt be an ordeal