With staycations changing into a well-liked 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 provides 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 want a high-powered automobile to tow a caravan?
Not essentially, although it will depend upon the dimensions of the caravan you’d wish to buy.
When you’ve handed a class B take a look at for automobiles and small autos after 1st January 1997, you’ll be able to 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 many who handed earlier than 1st January 1997, in case you have a class B driving licence you’ll be able to 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 must be measured when each autos are loaded. When you’d wish to tow a caravan with a better MAM, you’ll must move 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 wish to do your analysis and think about the weather that you just’re searching for. You could have already bought 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?
When you’re excited about shopping for a caravan you’ll be able to 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 every year otherwise you wish to use it as your predominant residence because it can’t be towed simply by your automobile. Many vacation parks have static caravans to lease/rent so that’s all the time an choice 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 a little bit getting used to! A used caravan may also maintain its worth for longer than in the event you have been to purchase a brand new caravan – similar to automobiles, 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 also be an excellent choice. It is because you in all probability received’t be so fussed about any small nicks or put on and tear which may happen.
There are many traditional caravans you may wish to put money into however do know that you just may must put in fairly a little bit of TLC to get the caravan in full working order. It’s price noting that traditional caravan insurance coverage might be very moderately priced.
This isn’t to definitively say new caravans are a nasty 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 supplier or unbiased vendor?
Shopping for a caravan by a supplier will usually offer you extra safety than a non-public sale. You may be capable of get a guaranty from a supplier, which you doubtless received’t obtain in the event you go for an unbiased sale. After all, some non-public sale offers might be very tempting, however do observe that if it appears too good to be true, it’d simply be too good to be true!
When you do determine to take the non-public sale route, be sure you carry a guidelines of areas of the caravan to examine, and double-check the paperwork you’re proven to make sure they’re legit. Give your self some peace of thoughts and pay particular consideration to the areas listed under.
What to test when shopping for a used caravan
There are a selection of frequent points present in used caravans that it’s best to look out for with a purpose to keep away from shopping for the flawed one.
Damp
Caravans are liable to damp, principally as a result of they’re normally laid up for a lot of the winter. Because of this, it’s necessary that you just give the caravan an intensive test for damp before you purchase as shopping for a caravan with damp may result in additional points like mould or rust.
You possibly can test for this by both buying a humid meter or getting the caravan serviced. Ensure that to take readings round home windows, doorways and roof lights as these areas are most liable 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.
Ensure that there are not any indicators of injury across the hitch, door locks or home windows. You must also test the Caravan Registration & Identifications Scheme (CRIS) quantity, which is normally displayed on the caravan home windows and stamped on the chassis. Generally, 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 things is legit. A CRIS test is the business customary background test for pre-owned touring caravans. You do must pay for it and it takes 6-8 weeks, however it’ll let you already know if the car was stolen or has ever been written off.
The service historical past
You must also test the caravan’s full service historical past. It will have data on any points the caravan has beforehand had with damp, electrics, wheels, brakes and extra.
Greatest forms of caravans to purchase
If that is the primary time you’re shopping for and driving a caravan, you in all probability have numerous questions on which sort of caravan is greatest. The actual fact of the matter is that it will fluctuate an excellent deal relying in your scenario, household dimension, 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 won’t have as many facilities.
It must 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 choice for individuals 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 of test the car for faults till it’s already imported, so that is necessary to keep in mind too.
When you’re trying to journey this summer season, you may wish to take a look at different choices this time round as importing a caravan normally takes longer than in the event you have been to purchase one within the UK.
Small two-berth caravans
Basically, these are the best 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 coverage for many of those totally different caravan sorts.
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 usually pretty sizeable, though they don’t all the time include rest room amenities. One factor to notice is that they do normally take a short while to arrange, which means you won’t be capable of entry your kitchen amenities 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 quite a few components. This contains the yr it was manufactured, its dimension, and its berth (i.e. the variety of folks that may sleep in it). Costs may also fluctuate relying on the caravan’s options.
Frequent caravan options
- Each caravan mannequin is exclusive, however the most typical options embody:
- Between two and 6 beds
- Bathe amenities
- Bathroom
- Stovetop
- Sink
- Kitchen work surfaces
- Fridge
- Microwave
- Space for storing
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’ll want to weigh to determine if it’s the correct alternative for you.
Execs:
- The power to roam all elements of the UK with out the nuisance of reserving transport or inns
- After getting your caravan, staycations can turn out to be much more cost-effective
- Caravan house owners are very group pushed and it’s possible you’ll meet many new associates throughout your journeys
- When you don’t use your caravan in all seasons, you’ll be able to 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 web site charges to pay for
- Towing caravans might be exhausting and it’s possible you’ll must apply. You might also 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 bathroom, you’ll most probably must empty it at totally different spots
- Pitching a caravan can take a while, particularly in the event you’re new to it
Greatest 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 must you select? With a big selection of caravans out there, it may be troublesome to decide. We’ve put collectively an inventory of one of the best first caravans you should purchase.
Greatest small caravan underneath 750kg: Freedom Caravans
Want a small caravan underneath 750kg so you’ll be able to tow it with out getting one other licence? Freedom Caravans are an excellent choice.
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 under 750kg, however you virtually wouldn’t discover how compact these caravans are as they’re packed stuffed 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 customary:
- Oven/Grill
- Fridge
- Hob
- Kitchen and loo faucets
- Bathroom
- Bathe
- Overhead lockers
- Half-length wardrobe
- Seating space, which might be transformed to both:
- 2x single beds, or 1x super-king sized double
When you’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 novices: La Mancelle Fantaisy 360 CL
When you didn’t have a household caravan in your childhood, the La Mancelle Fantaisy is for you. Easy however efficient, this small caravan is simple to tow and presents 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 ingredient that makes this a well-liked alternative. The design makes it an interesting choice for younger households.
Fashions could embody:
- 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
Greatest caravan for {couples}: Elddis Affinity 520
There aren’t many caravans extra gorgeous 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 plenty of storage and different options. This 2-berth caravan presents 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 change
- Audio system and TV factors
- Absolutely bonded roof
- Electrical flush rest room & 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 most well-liked 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 will discover some improbable offers in the event you test on-line recurrently.
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 permits numerous pure gentle too, which helps make the Challenger 570 look even roomier. Though the design is a little bit outdated in comparison with the opposite caravans on this checklist, 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, 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 good choice for solo travellers or {couples}. Regardless of its compact dimension, the caravan has loads of seating area, which means three to 4 folks may 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 can make your vacation stress-free. This contains:
- Fuel heater
- Double glazed home windows
- Grill and oven
- Microwave
- Fridge
- TV aerial
- Finish washroom with a bathroom and bathe
Insuring your new caravan
After getting picked out the caravan of your desires, you’ll need the correct insurance coverage. At Adrian Flux, we might help you discover the suitable caravan insurance coverage coverage based mostly in your wants, serving to you skip all of the fuss. Name us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or ebook a callback at a time that fits you.
