With staycations turning into a preferred 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 kinds 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 would like a high-powered automotive to tow a caravan?
Not essentially, although it will rely upon the scale of the caravan you’d wish to buy.
In the event you’ve handed a class B check for automobiles and small autos after 1st January 1997, you’ll be able to 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 automobile and caravan doesn’t exceed 3,500kg
For individuals who handed earlier than 1st January 1997, when you have a class B driving licence you’ll be able to tow caravans:
- Weighing as much as 750kg MAM with a automobile of as much as 3,500kg MAM
- Over 750kg if the mixed MAM doesn’t exceed 3,500kg MAM
Please be aware that the MAM must be measured when each autos are loaded. In the event you’d wish to tow a caravan with the next MAM, you’ll have to cross 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 take into account the weather that you just’re on the lookout for. You might have already obtained an thought of the worth level, format, and extra facilities you need, however there are another questions that you have to ask your self.
A static or touring caravan?
In the event you’re excited about shopping for a caravan you’ll be able to tow and arrange anyplace, 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 wish to use it as your 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 a little bit getting used to! A used caravan may also maintain its worth for longer than should you have been to purchase a brand new caravan – similar to automobiles, a brand new caravan’s worth will depreciate as quickly as you are taking it off the forecourt.
When you’ve got youngsters or pets you’d wish to take in your journey, a used caravan can be a fantastic possibility. It’s because you in all probability received’t be so fussed about any small nicks or put on and tear that may happen.
There are many basic caravans you may wish to spend money on however do know that you just may have to put in fairly a little bit of TLC to get the caravan in full working order. It’s price noting that classic caravan insurance will 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 should have a extra pleasing aesthetic, so, if that’s one thing you prioritise, it’s price bearing that in thoughts.
A supplier or impartial vendor?
Shopping for a caravan by way of a supplier will usually provide you with extra safety than a non-public sale. You may have the ability to get a guaranty from a supplier, which you possible received’t obtain should you go for an impartial sale. In fact, some non-public sale offers will be very tempting, however do be aware that if it appears too good to be true, it’d simply be too good to be true!
In the event you do resolve to take the non-public sale route, you’ll want 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 under.
What to test when shopping for a used caravan
There are a selection of widespread points present in used caravans that you need to look out for to be able to keep away from shopping for the incorrect one.
Damp
Caravans are vulnerable to damp, largely as a result of they’re normally laid up for a lot of the winter. Consequently, it’s essential that you just give the caravan an intensive test for damp before you purchase as shopping for a caravan with damp might result in additional points like mould or rust.
You possibly can test for this by both buying a moist meter or getting the caravan serviced. Be sure 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 essential to make sure every little thing about your caravan is above board.
Be sure there are not 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. Usually, 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 every little thing is respectable. A CRIS test is the trade customary background test for pre-owned touring caravans. You do should pay for it and it takes 6-8 weeks, however it should let if the automobile 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.
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 a number of questions on which kind of caravan is finest. The actual fact of the matter is that it will range a fantastic deal relying in your scenario, household dimension, and the facilities you want.
Single-axle caravans
For probably the most half, single-axle caravans are sometimes the most affordable to purchase, however these are smaller and subsequently normally solely appropriate for single folks, {couples} or small households. Single-axle caravans are additionally unlikely to have as a lot cupboard space and may not 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. Consequently, they could be a nice possibility for many who are new to caravanning.
Imported caravans
These are usually dearer each to purchase and insure, so it may not be the most suitable choice for first-time patrons, however we all know the way it feels once 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 take a look at!
Import tax is one other huge expense, although the associated fee varies from nation to nation. You received’t have the ability to test the automobile for faults till it’s already imported, so that is essential to keep in mind too.
In the event you’re seeking to journey this summer time, you may wish to take a look at different choices this time round as importing a caravan normally takes longer than should you have been to purchase one within the UK.
Small two-berth caravans
Usually, these are the simplest to handle and are sometimes the most affordable 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 reasonably priced caravan insurance for many of those completely different caravan sorts.
Folding caravans work in a lot the identical method as a traditional 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 services. One factor to notice is that they do normally take a short time to arrange, that means you may not have the ability to entry your kitchen services whereas on the street.
How a lot is a used caravan to purchase?
Caravans don’t should be ridiculously costly, however their worth will range relying on quite a few components. This consists of the 12 months it was manufactured, its dimension, and its berth (i.e. the variety of folks that may sleep in it). Costs may also range relying on the caravan’s options.
Widespread caravan options
- Each caravan mannequin is exclusive, however the commonest options embody:
- Between two and 6 beds
- Bathe services
- Rest room
- 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 will want to weigh to resolve if it’s the suitable alternative for you.
Execs:
- The flexibility to roam all components of the UK with out the nuisance of reserving transport or motels
- Upon getting your caravan, staycations can develop into much more cost-effective
- Caravan homeowners are very neighborhood pushed and chances are you’ll meet many new pals throughout your journeys
- In the event you don’t use your caravan in all seasons, you’ll be able to 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 website charges to pay for
- Towing caravans will be onerous and chances are you’ll have to apply. 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 probably should empty it at completely different spots
- Pitching a caravan can take a while, particularly should you’re new to it
Greatest first caravans to purchase
Now that we’ve run by way of every little thing you need to find out about your first caravan, now it’s time to purchase one. However which do you have to select? With a big selection of caravans accessible, it may be tough to decide. We’ve put collectively an inventory of one of the best first caravans you should purchase.
Greatest small caravan beneath 750kg: Freedom Caravans
Want a small caravan beneath 750kg so you’ll be able to tow it with out getting one other licence? Freedom Caravans are a fantastic possibility.
Worth 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 filled with options.
Take the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport (two-berth), as an example. The caravan has an unladen weight of 700kg, but it consists of the next gadgets as customary:
- Oven/Grill
- Fridge
- Hob
- Kitchen and toilet faucets
- Rest room
- Bathe
- Overhead lockers
- Half-length wardrobe
- Seating space, which will be transformed to both:
- 2x single beds, or 1x super-king sized double
In the event 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 newcomers: La Mancelle Fantaisy 360 CL
In the event 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 presents all the usual comforts you need out of your first caravan.
Worth when shopping for new: Ranging from £27,995
Used worth: 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 factor that makes this a preferred alternative. The design makes it an interesting possibility for younger households.
Fashions might embody:
- Mixed fuel oven and grill
- TV pre-equipped
- Electrical swivel cassette rest room
- 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 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 a number of storage and different options. This 2-berth caravan presents a luxurious look with out the worth tag and it’s additionally light-weight.
The caravan consists of:
- Mixture oven, grill and twin gasoline hob
- Microwave with microwave isolation swap
- 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 could find some incredible offers should you test on-line repeatedly.
Swift Challenger 570
Used worth: £7,500 to £14,995
This four-berth caravan is an older mannequin, nevertheless it’s nonetheless full of some nice options and is pretty spacious for the worth. Designed with many home windows, the caravan permits a number of 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 listing, it could be tough to discover a extra reasonably priced 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 good possibility for solo travellers or {couples}. Regardless of its compact dimension, 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 can make your vacation stress-free. 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
Upon getting picked out the caravan of your goals, you’ll need the suitable insurance coverage. At Adrian Flux, we will help you discover the suitable caravan insurance coverage based mostly 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.
