With staycations turning into a well-liked alternative for summer time 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 types 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 automobile to tow a caravan?
Not essentially, although this can rely upon the dimensions of the caravan you’d wish to buy.
If you happen to’ve handed a class B check for vehicles and small autos after 1st January 1997, you may tow:
- Small caravans weighing not more than 750kg with a automobile 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 individuals who handed earlier than 1st January 1997, in case 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 word that the MAM needs to be measured when each autos are loaded. If you happen to’d wish to tow a caravan with a better MAM, you’ll have to move a car and trailer driving test.
What to think about 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 on the lookout for. You could have already acquired an thought of the value level, structure, and extra facilities you need, however there are another questions that it’s good to ask your self.
A static or touring caravan?
If you happen to’re fascinated 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 fundamental dwelling because it can’t be towed simply by your automobile. Many vacation parks have static caravans to lease/rent so that’s at all times an possibility too.
A second-hand or new caravan?
Most new caravanners have a tendency to begin off with a second-hand caravan as towing a caravan takes somewhat getting used to! A used caravan may also maintain its worth for longer than if you happen to 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.
In case you have youngsters or pets you’d wish to take in your journey, a used caravan can also be an excellent 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 basic caravans you would possibly need to put money into however do know that you simply would possibly have to put in fairly a little bit of TLC to get the caravan in full working order. It’s value noting that classic caravan insurance may 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 should have a extra pleasing aesthetic, so, if that’s one thing you prioritise, it’s value bearing that in thoughts.
A vendor or impartial vendor?
Shopping for a caravan by a vendor will typically provide you with extra safety than a personal sale. You would possibly be capable to get a guaranty from a vendor, which you seemingly received’t obtain if you happen to go for an impartial sale. After all, some personal sale offers may be very tempting, however do word that if it appears too good to be true, it’d simply be too good to be true!
If you happen to do determine to take the personal sale route, remember to carry a guidelines of areas of the caravan to examine, and double-check the paperwork you’re proven to make sure they’re authentic. Give your self some peace of thoughts and pay particular consideration to the areas listed beneath.
What to examine when shopping for a used caravan
There are a variety of frequent points present in used caravans that you must look out for with a purpose to keep away from shopping for the improper one.
Damp
Caravans are susceptible to damp, principally as a result of they’re normally laid up for a lot of the winter. Consequently, it’s essential that you simply give the caravan an intensive examine for damp before you purchase as shopping for a caravan with damp might result in additional points like mould or rust.
You may examine for this by both buying a moist meter or getting the caravan serviced. Be certain to take readings round home windows, doorways and roof lights as these areas are most susceptible to damp.
Registration quantity and indicators of injury: is it stolen?
Sadly, caravan thefts are on the rise within the UK so it’s essential to make sure all the pieces about your caravan is above board.
Be certain there aren’t any indicators of injury across the hitch, door locks or home windows. You must also examine the Caravan Registration & Identifications Scheme (CRIS) quantity, which is normally displayed on the caravan home windows and stamped on the chassis. Normally, if the caravan has been stolen, thieves will attempt to take away the CRIS as this quantity identifies the caravan.
You may get a CRIS check to make sure all the pieces is authentic. A CRIS examine is the trade commonplace background examine for pre-owned touring caravans. You do should pay for it and it takes 6-8 weeks, however it can let you recognize if the car was stolen or has ever been written off.
The service historical past
You must also examine 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.
Greatest varieties of caravans to purchase
If that is the primary time you’re shopping for and driving a caravan, you most likely have loads of questions on which kind of caravan is finest. The actual fact of the matter is that this can differ an excellent deal relying in your state of affairs, household measurement, and the facilities you want.
Single-axle caravans
For probably the most half, single-axle caravans are sometimes the most cost effective to purchase, however these are smaller and subsequently normally solely appropriate for single individuals, {couples} or small households. Single-axle caravans are additionally unlikely to have as a lot space for storing and won’t have as many facilities.
It needs to be famous, although, that as single-axle caravans are normally smaller and lighter, they’re typically simpler to manoeuvre. Consequently, they could be a nice possibility for many who are new to caravanning.
Imported caravans
These are typically dearer each to purchase and insure, so it won’t be the best choice for first-time consumers, however we all know the way it feels once 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 large expense, although the price varies from nation to nation. You received’t be capable to examine the car for faults till it’s already imported, so that is essential to remember too.
If you happen to’re seeking to journey this summer time, you would possibly need to take a look at different choices this time round as importing a caravan normally takes longer than if you happen to have been to purchase one within the UK.
Small two-berth caravans
Usually, these are the simplest to handle and are sometimes the most cost effective to insure. After all, two-berths received’t work in case 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 approach as a standard touring caravan, besides they are often “folded” once you’re travelling or once you retailer your caravan within the storage.
As soon as on-site and expanded, they’re typically pretty sizeable, though they don’t at all times include bathroom amenities. One factor to notice is that they do normally take a short while to arrange, which means you won’t be capable to entry your kitchen amenities whereas on the highway.
How a lot is a used caravan to purchase?
Caravans don’t should be ridiculously costly, however their worth will differ relying on a variety of components. This contains the yr it was manufactured, its measurement, and its berth (i.e. the variety of individuals that may sleep in it). Costs may also differ relying on the caravan’s options.
Frequent caravan options
- Each caravan mannequin is exclusive, however the commonest options embrace:
- Between two and 6 beds
- Bathe amenities
- Bathroom
- Stovetop
- Sink
- Kitchen work surfaces
- Fridge
- Microwave
- Cupboard space
Ought to I purchase a caravan?
As with something in life, there are professionals and cons to purchasing and proudly owning a caravan that you will want to weigh to determine if it’s the suitable alternative for you.
Execs:
- The power to roam all elements of the UK with out the nuisance of reserving transport or lodges
- After you have your caravan, staycations can develop into much more cost-effective
- Caravan house owners are very group pushed and chances are you’ll meet many new mates throughout your journeys
- If you happen to don’t use your caravan in all seasons, you may lease it out to get some extra cash
- 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 utterly free, there are upkeep prices and website charges to pay for
- Towing caravans may be arduous and chances are you’ll have to follow. You may additionally want a bigger automobile 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 more than likely should empty it at totally different spots
- Pitching a caravan can take a while, particularly if you happen to’re new to it
Greatest first caravans to purchase
Now that we’ve run by all the pieces you must learn 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 perfect first caravans you should purchase.
Greatest 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 excellent possibility.
Value when shopping for new: £13,995-£25,995
Used worth: £8,995-£20,995
Freedom Caravans promote a spread 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 virtually wouldn’t discover how compact these caravans are as they’re packed filled with options.
Take the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport (two-berth), for example. The caravan has an unladen weight of 700kg, but it contains the next gadgets as commonplace:
- Oven/Grill
- Fridge
- Hob
- Kitchen and toilet faucets
- Bathroom
- Bathe
- Overhead lockers
- Half-length wardrobe
- Seating space, which may be transformed to both:
- 2x single beds, or 1x super-king sized double
If you happen to’re travelling alone or as a pair, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a comfier caravan than one from Freedom Caravans.
Greatest caravan for rookies: La Mancelle Fantaisy 360 CL
If you happen to 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 provides all the usual comforts you need out of your first caravan.
Value 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 factor that makes this a well-liked alternative. The design makes it an interesting possibility for younger households.
Fashions might embrace:
- Mixed gasoline oven and grill
- TV pre-equipped
- Electrical swivel cassette bathroom
- Mixed bathe & swivel washbasin
- Two-burner hob
- Exterior BBQ
- Chrome steel tank
Greatest caravan for {couples}: Elddis Affinity 520
There aren’t many caravans extra beautiful than the Elddis Affinity 520.
Value when shopping for new: Beginning at £29,499
Used worth: Beginning at £19,495
Described as a ‘luxurious couple’s retreat’, the 520 is superbly designed with numerous storage and different options. This 2-berth caravan provides a luxurious look with out the value tag and it’s additionally light-weight.
The caravan contains:
- Mixture oven, grill and twin gas hob
- Microwave with microwave isolation swap
- Audio system and TV factors
- Absolutely bonded roof
- Electrical flush bathroom & heated towel rail
- Kitchen locker doorways with hid catches
Greatest 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 could find some implausible offers if you happen to examine on-line often.
Swift Challenger 570
Used worth: £7,500 to £14,995
This four-berth caravan is an older mannequin, nevertheless it’s nonetheless filled with some nice options and is pretty spacious for the value. Designed with many home windows, the caravan permits loads of pure mild too, which helps make the Challenger 570 look even roomier. Though the design is somewhat outdated in comparison with the opposite caravans on this record, it might be troublesome to discover a extra inexpensive used four-berth.
The Swift Challenger 570 contains the next options:
- Finish washroom with a bathe, bathroom & 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 good possibility for solo travellers or {couples}. Regardless of its compact measurement, the caravan has loads of seating house, which means three to 4 individuals might comfortably loosen up within the van at a time.
Though the Pegasus 462 is a reasonably previous mannequin, it nonetheless has a variety of facilities that may make your vacation enjoyable. This contains:
- Gasoline 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 desires, you’ll need the suitable insurance coverage. At Adrian Flux, we might help 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.
