With staycations turning into a preferred alternative for summer season plans within the UK, shopping for a caravan is an effective way of touring the nation with out having to make use of public transport. It offers you freedom and comfort – what’s to not love?
With so many differing kinds and types of caravans to select from, it may be troublesome for first-time consumers to know which one to decide on. No want to fret, we’ll reply all these questions and extra right here.
Do I would like a high-powered automotive to tow a caravan?
Not essentially, although it will rely upon the dimensions of the caravan you’d wish to buy.
In case you’ve handed a class B take a look at for vehicles and small autos after 1st January 1997, you may tow:
- Small caravans weighing not more than 750kg with a automotive or van that has a most authorised mass (MAM) of three,500kg
- Caravans over 750kg if the mixed MAM of your car and caravan doesn’t exceed 3,500kg
For many who handed earlier than 1st January 1997, when you have a class B driving licence you may tow caravans:
- Weighing as much as 750kg MAM with a car of as much as 3,500kg MAM
- Over 750kg if the mixed MAM doesn’t exceed 3,500kg MAM
Please observe that the MAM ought to be measured when each autos are loaded. In case you’d wish to tow a caravan with a better MAM, you’ll must go a car and trailer driving test.
What to contemplate when shopping for your first caravan
When making a bigger buy, like a caravan, you’ll need to do your analysis and contemplate the weather that you simply’re in search of. You will have already received an thought of the value level, structure, and extra facilities you need, however there are another questions that it’s worthwhile to ask your self.
A static or touring caravan?
In case you’re excited about shopping for a caravan you may tow and arrange wherever, a touring caravan is what you’ll want.
A static caravan ought to solely be thought of if you wish to vacation in the identical place annually otherwise you need to use it as your most important dwelling because it can’t be towed simply by your automotive. Many vacation parks have static caravans to hire/rent so that’s all the time an possibility too.
A second-hand or new caravan?
Most new caravanners have a tendency to start out off with a second-hand caravan as towing a caravan takes slightly getting used to! A used caravan can even maintain its worth for longer than for those who have been to purchase a brand new caravan – similar to vehicles, a brand new caravan’s worth will depreciate as quickly as you’re taking it off the forecourt.
When you have youngsters or pets you’d wish to take in your journey, a used caravan can be an ideal possibility. It is because you most likely received’t be so fussed about any small nicks or put on and tear that may happen.
There are many traditional caravans you would possibly need to spend money on however do know that you simply would possibly must put in fairly a little bit of TLC to get the caravan in full working order. It’s price noting that classic caravan insurance could be very fairly priced.
This isn’t to definitively say new caravans are a foul alternative. They’ll include the most recent mod-cons and will have a extra pleasing aesthetic, so, if that’s one thing you prioritise, it’s price bearing that in thoughts.
A vendor or impartial vendor?
Shopping for a caravan by a vendor will usually offer you extra safety than a non-public sale. You would possibly be capable to get a guaranty from a vendor, which you probably received’t obtain for those who go for an impartial sale. In fact, some non-public sale offers could be very tempting, however do observe that if it appears too good to be true, it would simply be too good to be true!
In case you do determine to take the non-public sale route, remember to convey a guidelines of areas of the caravan to examine, and double-check the paperwork you’re proven to make sure they’re respectable. Give your self some peace of thoughts and pay particular consideration to the areas listed beneath.
What to test when shopping for a used caravan
There are a selection of widespread points present in used caravans that it’s best to look out for to be able to keep away from shopping for the fallacious one.
Damp
Caravans are vulnerable to damp, principally as a result of they’re normally laid up for many of the winter. Because of this, it’s necessary that you simply give the caravan a radical test for damp before you purchase as shopping for a caravan with damp might result in additional points like mould or rust.
You may test for this by both buying a moist meter or getting the caravan serviced. Be certain that to take readings round home windows, doorways and roof lights as these areas are most vulnerable to damp.
Registration quantity and indicators of injury: is it stolen?
Sadly, caravan thefts are on the rise within the UK so it’s necessary to make sure all the things about your caravan is above board.
Be certain that there aren’t any indicators of injury across the hitch, door locks or home windows. You also needs to test the Caravan Registration & Identifications Scheme (CRIS) quantity, which is normally displayed on the caravan home windows and stamped on the chassis. Most often, if the caravan has been stolen, thieves will attempt to take away the CRIS as this quantity identifies the caravan.
You will get a CRIS check to make sure all the things is respectable. A CRIS test is the trade normal background test for pre-owned touring caravans. You do must pay for it and it takes 6-8 weeks, however it should let if the car was stolen or has ever been written off.
The service historical past
You also needs to test the caravan’s full service historical past. This can have info on any points the caravan has beforehand had with damp, electrics, wheels, brakes and extra.
Finest forms of caravans to purchase
If that is the primary time you’re shopping for and driving a caravan, you most likely have numerous questions on which sort of caravan is greatest. The very fact of the matter is that it will fluctuate an ideal deal relying in your state of affairs, household measurement, and the facilities you want.
Single-axle caravans
For essentially the most half, single-axle caravans are sometimes the most cost effective to purchase, however these are smaller and due to this fact normally solely appropriate for single folks, {couples} or small households. Single-axle caravans are additionally unlikely to have as a lot space for storing and may not have as many facilities.
It ought to be famous, although, that as single-axle caravans are normally smaller and lighter, they’re usually simpler to manoeuvre. Because of this, they could be a nice possibility for individuals who are new to caravanning.
Imported caravans
These are typically dearer each to purchase and insure, so it may not be the most suitable choice for first-time consumers, however we all know the way it feels while you fall in love with an American or European caravan and you may’t get it out of your head – regardless of what number of British caravans you take a look at!
Import tax is one other massive expense, although the price varies from nation to nation. You received’t be capable to test the car for faults till it’s already imported, so that is necessary to keep in mind too.
In case you’re trying to journey this summer season, you would possibly need to take a look at different choices this time round as importing a caravan normally takes longer than for those who have been to purchase one within the UK.
Small two-berth caravans
Normally, these are the best to handle and are sometimes the most cost effective to insure. In fact, two-berths received’t work when you have a big household, however they’re nice for a pair.
Folding caravans
These compact caravans are additionally fairly low cost to insure – we provide very inexpensive caravan insurance for many of those totally different caravan varieties.
Folding caravans work in a lot the identical method as a standard touring caravan, besides they are often “folded” while you’re travelling or while you retailer your caravan within the storage.
As soon as on-site and expanded, they’re usually pretty sizeable, though they don’t all the time include rest room services. One factor to notice is that they do normally take a short while to arrange, that means you may not be capable to entry your kitchen services whereas on the street.
How a lot is a used caravan to purchase?
Caravans don’t must be ridiculously costly, however their worth will fluctuate relying on a lot of elements. This consists of the yr it was manufactured, its measurement, and its berth (i.e. the variety of folks that may sleep in it). Costs can even fluctuate relying on the caravan’s options.
Widespread caravan options
- Each caravan mannequin is exclusive, however the most typical options embrace:
- Between two and 6 beds
- Bathe services
- Rest room
- Stovetop
- Sink
- Kitchen work surfaces
- Fridge
- Microwave
- Cupboard space
Ought to I purchase a caravan?
As with something in life, there are execs and cons to purchasing and proudly owning a caravan that you will want to weigh to determine if it’s the precise alternative for you.
Execs:
- The power to roam all components of the UK with out the nuisance of reserving transport or lodges
- After you have your caravan, staycations can turn into much more cost-effective
- Caravan homeowners are very neighborhood pushed and you could meet many new pals throughout your journeys
- In case you don’t use your caravan in all seasons, you may hire it out to get some more money
- Pet proprietor? You’ll by no means have to fret about pet-friendly lodging once more with a caravan
Cons:
- Travelling in a caravan isn’t fully free, there are upkeep prices and web site charges to pay for
- Towing caravans could be exhausting and you could must observe. You may additionally want a bigger automotive to do it
- Caravans do have restricted storage so you’ll have to watch out with packing
- In case your caravan has a rest room, you’ll most probably must empty it at totally different spots
- Pitching a caravan can take a while, particularly for those who’re new to it
Finest first caravans to purchase
Now that we’ve run by all the things it’s best to find out about your first caravan, now it’s time to purchase one. However which do you have to select? With a wide array of caravans out there, it may be troublesome to decide. We’ve put collectively a listing of the very best first caravans you should purchase.
Finest small caravan beneath 750kg: Freedom Caravans
Want a small caravan beneath 750kg so you may tow it with out getting one other licence? Freedom Caravans are an ideal possibility.
Worth when shopping for new: £13,995-£25,995
Used worth: £8,995-£20,995
Freedom Caravans promote a variety of small caravans, most of which have received awards within the light-weight trailer class. Nearly all of Freedom Caravan fashions have an unladen weight beneath 750kg, however you nearly wouldn’t discover how compact these caravans are as they’re packed stuffed with options.
Take the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport (two-berth), as an illustration. The caravan has an unladen weight of 700kg, but it consists of the next objects as normal:
- Oven/Grill
- Fridge
- Hob
- Kitchen and loo faucets
- Rest room
- Bathe
- Overhead lockers
- Half-length wardrobe
- Seating space, which could be transformed to both:
- 2x single beds, or 1x super-king sized double
In case you’re travelling alone or as a pair, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a comfier caravan than one from Freedom Caravans.
Finest caravan for inexperienced persons: La Mancelle Fantaisy 360 CL
In case you didn’t have a household caravan in your childhood, the La Mancelle Fantaisy is for you. Easy however efficient, this small caravan is straightforward to tow and gives all the usual comforts you need out of your first caravan.
Worth when shopping for new: Ranging from £27,995
Used worth: Beforehand bought for round £25,995-£27,995
It sleeps three and, for a smaller caravan, has a spacious design – the structure is a fan favorite component that makes this a preferred alternative. The design makes it an interesting possibility for younger households.
Fashions might embrace:
- Mixed fuel oven and grill
- TV pre-equipped
- Electrical swivel cassette rest room
- Mixed bathe & swivel washbasin
- Two-burner hob
- Exterior BBQ
- Stainless-steel tank
Finest caravan for {couples}: Elddis Affinity 520
There aren’t many caravans extra gorgeous than the Elddis Affinity 520.
Worth when shopping for new: Beginning at £29,499
Used worth: Beginning at £19,495
Described as a ‘luxurious couple’s retreat’, the 520 is fantastically designed with plenty of storage and different options. This 2-berth caravan gives a luxurious look with out the value tag and it’s additionally light-weight.
The caravan consists of:
- Mixture oven, grill and twin gas hob
- Microwave with microwave isolation change
- Audio system and TV factors
- Totally bonded roof
- Electrical flush rest room & heated towel rail
- Kitchen locker doorways with hid catches
Finest used caravans: Swift Challenger 570 and Bailey Pegasus 462
Swift and Bailey are two of the preferred caravan producers, so it’s no shock that a few of their fashions are nice second-hand caravans. What’s extra, used fashions for these two caravans are in abundance and you’ll find some improbable offers for those who test on-line usually.
Swift Challenger 570
Used worth: £7,500 to £14,995
This four-berth caravan is an older mannequin, however it’s nonetheless full of some nice options and is pretty spacious for the value. Designed with many home windows, the caravan allows numerous pure mild too, which helps make the Challenger 570 look even roomier. Though the design is slightly outdated in comparison with the opposite caravans on this listing, it will be troublesome to discover a extra inexpensive used four-berth.
The Swift Challenger 570 consists of the next options:
- Finish washroom with a bathe, rest room & sink
- Rear double mattress
- Entrance lounge space can convert into both: 2x singles, or 1x double mattress
- Oven and grill
- 4 burned hobs
- Fridge with freezer compartment
- Microwave
Bailey Pegasus 462
Used worth: £7,995-£22,000
As a two-berth, the Bailey Pegasus is a superb possibility for solo travellers or {couples}. Regardless of its compact measurement, the caravan has loads of seating house, that means three to 4 folks might comfortably chill out within the van at a time.
Though the Pegasus 462 is a reasonably outdated mannequin, it nonetheless has a variety of facilities that may make your vacation enjoyable. This consists of:
- Fuel heater
- Double glazed home windows
- Grill and oven
- Microwave
- Fridge
- TV aerial
- Finish washroom with a rest room and bathe
Insuring your new caravan
After you have picked out the caravan of your goals, you’ll need the precise insurance coverage. At Adrian Flux, we can assist you discover the suitable caravan insurance coverage primarily based in your wants, serving to you skip all of the fuss. Name us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that fits you.
