how about a touring caravan?

[JaxTellersOldLady]

said my DH this evening! Camping didnt really work for our family (mostly husband) and we have a lovely new tent, and all the bits and pieces put away, not being used, except on one occasion.

We have fond memories of touring around UK in a caravan at weekends and holidays. Always used to make friends and it would work for us as a family, we can take the dog have our own 'home' and it seems like a good idea.

So, although I did this as a child I really think things will have moved on a huge amount and would appreciate any advice on caravans and awnings and the like.

Towing not a problem we can get a towbar fitted to our 4x4.
many thanks

We have acquired a touring van this summer and love it. We have been away nearly every weekend since May when we bought a second hand one.

We can take the dog and DS usually brings a friend. We have a small 2 berth but have an awning for DS and friend which doubles the space.

I can honestly say we get as much enjoyment out of it as going abroad on an all inclusive holiday.

How many beds and layout of the caravan - ie do you want a fixed bed? end bathroom?

Look up the max towing weight of your car

If not used to a caravan think about going on a caravan towing course, especially for reversing, hooking up etc

Join the Camping and Caravan Club and/or the Caravan Club

If going away for a long time then a full awning really increases your living space but if only going away a weekends then a partial awning would be better as it takes much less time to put up/dry off.

Where will you store it when not in use? Factor into your costings storage, yearly servicing and insurance. You might also consider a caravan mover - costs about £800

hi, we have thought of storing the caravan and insurance, servicing etc.

What is a caravan mover?

We are after a 4/5 berth and definitely an awning. Not bothered about a fixed bed and I have no idea about an end bathroom. I saw on advertisements that an end bathroom is desirable. CAn you tell me why?

Thank you so much.

End bathrooms - roomy shower, sep toilet rather than a toilet and shower over, lots of storage. Requirement would depend, I guess, on whether you mostly stay at sites with a shower block. This site shows you possible caravan configurations.

Caravan mover - attaches to the wheel caravan can be move in any direction using a remote control, useful for precision positioning of caravan. ILs think it's essential, dh doesn't.

thanks for that link Dinah - have forwarded it onto DH, think we might be buying "What Caravan" pretty soon.

I am not sure of makes nowadays, is it much of a muchness or is there a clear leader for water tightness etc?

I can't speak for newer caravans, but if you are looking in the second market between 2-3 k there is very little difference in quality between models. Essentially you are looking for something that is not damp. If the caravan is damaged on the outside then there is a good chance damp might have got in. Ideally you are looking to find an older couple who have cared for their van, stored it in their garage and not had any pets.

BTW a friend of mine was sick on another friend's carpet after eating something she was allergic to. Other friend charged her £120 as she found the most expensive carpet cleaner going (it would seem).

Ugh wrong topic! Sorry! (Very interesting one about guests pooing on carpet elsewhere!)

pmsl loopy - I have read that thread so understand your post!

we have joined the caravan club, DH has bought magazines and read them, I have skimmed through, but found some lovely sites already.

Told my friend what we were planning and she said "oh god DO NOT tell her DH" so of course she did and he is so excited, been trying to get her into caravanning for ages!

Woohoo, now we might have friends doing it too!

Dear switchtvoffdosomelessboring,

Regarding to your message I would like to say that as a small family we are planning to start caravanning and we would like to buy a caravan (second hand); do you know anyone that is selling their caravan with 3 to 6 berth, within the price range that you mentioned?

This message is for everyone as well that may know anyone that want to sell their used caravan.

Many Thanks to all.

Anyone thinking of buying a caravan make sure you are allowed to tow
the license you need to tow

We are thinking to start even with a 2 berth caravan to try and see if you like caravanning.

Does anyone knows any second hand CARAVAN FOR SALE?

Many Thanks to All.

hey Chris, try googling or ebay or similar. There are numerous dealerships throughout the country. Word of mouth is good too - speak to people who you know have a caravan and ask them for advice.

Or go on the for sale board on here and have a look.

you cant just advertise on any old thread.

Hi,

Where is the Sale Board at Mumsnet? Where I can place an WANTED Add?

I was looking at e-bay and I saw some caravans for £40, £70 & £150,00.

We are going to buy a caravan at this price range and try it and see if we like caravanning or not.

Please let me know if anyone knows any second hand caravan for sale.

Many thanks in advance to all.