With staycations changing into a well-liked alternative for summer time plans within the UK, shopping for a caravan is a good 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 types and types of caravans to select from, it may be tough for first-time patrons 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 automotive to tow a caravan?
Not essentially, although this can rely on the scale of the caravan you’d wish to buy.
Should you’ve handed a class B check for automobiles 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 individuals who handed earlier than 1st January 1997, if 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 observe that the MAM needs to be measured when each autos are loaded. Should you’d wish to tow a caravan with the next MAM, you’ll must 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 take into account the weather that you just’re in search of. You will have already received an concept of the value level, format, and extra facilities you need, however there are another questions that you have to ask your self.
A static or touring caravan?
Should you’re eager about shopping for a caravan you may tow and arrange anyplace, a touring caravan is what you’ll want.
A static caravan ought to solely be thought-about if you wish to vacation in the identical place every year otherwise you need to use it as your essential residence because it can’t be towed simply by your automotive. Many vacation parks have static caravans to hire/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 even maintain its worth for longer than when you have been to purchase a brand new caravan – identical to automobiles, a brand new caravan’s worth will depreciate as quickly as you are taking it off the forecourt.
In case you have kids or pets you’d wish to take in your journey, a used caravan can be an excellent possibility. It’s because you most likely gained’t be so fussed about any small nicks or put on and tear which may happen.
There are many basic caravans you may need 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 classic caravan insurance may be very fairly 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 vendor or unbiased vendor?
Shopping for a caravan by a vendor will usually provide you with extra safety than a personal sale. You may be capable of get a guaranty from a vendor, which you possible gained’t obtain when you go for an unbiased sale. After all, some personal sale offers may be very tempting, however do observe that if it appears too good to be true, it’d simply be too good to be true!
Should you do determine to take the personal 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 official. 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 variety of frequent points present in used caravans that it is best to look out for in an effort to keep away from shopping for the flawed one.
Damp
Caravans are susceptible to damp, principally as a result of they’re normally laid up for many of the winter. In consequence, it’s vital 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 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 susceptible to damp.
Registration quantity and indicators of harm: is it stolen?
Sadly, caravan thefts are on the rise within the UK so it’s vital to make sure every little thing about your caravan is above board.
Be certain that there are not any indicators of harm 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 will get a CRIS check to make sure every little thing is official. 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’ll let you understand 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. 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 quite a lot of questions on which kind of caravan is greatest. The very fact of the matter is that this can range an excellent deal relying in your scenario, 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 subsequently normally solely appropriate for single individuals, {couples} or small households. Single-axle caravans are additionally unlikely to have as a lot cupboard space 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 usually simpler to manoeuvre. In consequence, they could be a nice possibility for many who are new to caravanning.
Imported caravans
These are typically costlier each to purchase and insure, so it won’t be the most suitable choice for first-time patrons, however we all know the way it feels while you fall in love with an American or European caravan and you’ll’t get it out of your head – irrespective of what number of British caravans you have a look at!
Import tax is one other massive expense, although the fee varies from nation to nation. You gained’t be capable of test the car for faults till it’s already imported, so that is vital to keep in mind too.
Should you’re seeking to journey this summer time, you may need to have a look at different choices this time round as importing a caravan normally takes longer than when you have been to purchase one within the UK.
Small two-berth caravans
Usually, these are the best to handle and are sometimes the most cost effective to insure. After all, two-berths gained’t work if 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 completely different caravan sorts.
Folding caravans work in a lot the identical approach 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 at all times include rest room amenities. One factor to notice is that they do normally take a short time to arrange, that 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 value will range 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 even range 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 appropriate alternative for you.
Execs:
- The flexibility to roam all elements of the UK with out the nuisance of reserving transport or accommodations
- Upon getting your caravan, staycations can grow to be much more cost-effective
- Caravan house owners are very group pushed and chances are you’ll meet many new buddies throughout your journeys
- Should you don’t use your caravan in all seasons, you may hire 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 may be exhausting and chances are you’ll must follow. 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 bathroom, you’ll almost definitely must empty it at completely different spots
- Pitching a caravan can take a while, particularly when you’re new to it
Finest first caravans to purchase
Now that we’ve run by every little thing it is best to find out about your first caravan, now it’s time to purchase one. However which must you select? With a wide array of caravans out there, it may be tough to decide. We’ve put collectively an inventory of the most effective first caravans you should purchase.
Finest small caravan underneath 750kg: Freedom Caravans
Want a small caravan underneath 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 value: £8,995-£20,995
Freedom Caravans promote a variety of small caravans, most of which have gained awards within the light-weight trailer class. The vast majority 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 objects as normal:
- 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
Should 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 newcomers: La Mancelle Fantaisy 360 CL
Should 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 gives all the usual comforts you need out of your first caravan.
Value when shopping for new: Ranging from £27,995
Used value: Beforehand offered for round £25,995-£27,995
It sleeps three and, for a smaller caravan, has a spacious design – the format is a fan favorite component that makes this a well-liked alternative. The design makes it an interesting possibility for younger households.
Fashions could 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 beautiful than the Elddis Affinity 520.
Value when shopping for new: Beginning at £29,499
Used value: Beginning at £19,495
Described as a ‘luxurious couple’s retreat’, the 520 is fantastically designed with a lot 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 contains:
- Mixture oven, grill and twin gas hob
- Microwave with microwave isolation swap
- 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 will discover some unbelievable offers when you test on-line commonly.
Swift Challenger 570
Used value: £7,500 to £14,995
This four-berth caravan is an older mannequin, however it’s nonetheless filled with some nice options and is pretty spacious for the value. Designed with many home windows, the caravan permits quite a lot of pure gentle 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 will be tough 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 value: £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 individuals may 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 can make your vacation enjoyable. 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
Upon getting picked out the caravan of your goals, you’ll need the appropriate 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.
