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Original poster

Tell me why I can't live without a caravan!

8 replies

LadyAlex · 20/05/2011 10:56

Hubbi and I are thinking about investing in a touring caravan.

We have a 2.5yr old DS and two dogs.

I was thinking about a second hand number, around the £3000 mark. I dont want want to glam that I dont want DS in it or the dogs! The private sales seem to come with awning etc too so we wouldn't have to buy that seperately.

I'm quite happy to get the cushions reupholstered, carpet washer out etc.

We love camping but its not great for the dogs if we go out and if the weather is pap there isn't enough room in the tent for a tot and two bouncy dogs, chairs, 2 adults, etc!

We have a large estate car to tow with.

So MN'ers, please tell me the perks and 'no so' perks to having a caravan.

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 20/05/2011 11:01

We have a second hand tourer and love it. Do plenty of research before you buy and damp will be the main issue to look out for in older caravans.

They are easy to keep clean and awnings make a huge difference when the weather isn't so good. The main advantage for me is that I cannot sleep on an airbed and so a decent bed in the caravan is bliss.

We keep ours on the drive so packing and preparing for a weekend is easy.

Selks · 20/05/2011 11:03

Go for it. They are great for holidays with young children. Stay at lovely sites and take kites, bikes etc and have loads of fun. But just make sure your DH does his fair share of the domestic tasks in the caravan as it can be less of a holiday for the woman if she has to do it all!

jeee · 20/05/2011 11:06

And as an added bonus Jeremy Clarkson really hates them.

ChippyMinton · 20/05/2011 11:11

My parents are keen caravanners, and I very happy memories of holidays when growing up, abroad and in the UK.
This summer we are borrowing their van and taking the 3DC to France, and I am very excited. I love all the pottering about with hook-ups and portaloos, and converting seats into beds etc. And being all snug and dry when the weather is foul.

Original poster
LadyAlex · 20/05/2011 11:27

Oh Chippy, Your selling it to me.

I love the pottering too and also have lots of nice caravan memories from my childhood. I can remember my hammock bunk like I slept there last night!

OP posts:
ChippyMinton · 20/05/2011 11:39

Oh gosh, the hammock bunk! Ours was slung on two poles and would frequently collapse in the night, tipping my sister onto to floor (and occasionally into the potty!! - no portaloos in those days)

Aliensstolemysanity · 20/05/2011 11:56

We have a 8 year old Bailey Ranger (6 berth) and travel with 2 children and 2 large dogs. We love our van. My advice would be get it checked out for damp before you buy it - they do a report which tells you exactly how dry a van is - it is very costly to buy a damp one! Try to buy one which is serviced as well as this will show you how much care has been taken.
If you are buying privately take the van apart (look under the seats, in the back of the kitchen lockers, in the front nose box for signs of deterioration).
And check your car can tow the weight!
Happy caravanning!

sleepwouldbenice · 20/05/2011 21:15

Hello!

we bought a van in Feb and I am loving it so far. I knew I wasn't a tent girl - usually like hotels - but loving the freedom for the kids and the general adventure

Agree with all the advice about damp etc and agree with you about buying private. I went through loads of adverts on ebay to learn about features and what we may / not want as we were clueless. there are a good few websites with pages on maintenance, what to look out for etc

Bearing in mind that I have said I love it and recommend it overall there are a few things to bear in mind:

  • of course there are more costs than the van -fitting a tow bar, possible storage, servicing, insurance, and 101 little things you will want to buy. We did well with all the extras we got but theres still many bits and peices you may want to buy.
  • seems you know lots already but it does take an hour or two to set up and dismantle when you arrive / leave
  • although I agree about making sure that you dont get stuck with all the domestic chores to be honest so far the pressure has been on DH to learn how to tow and manouvre, maintenance, set up etc. I am catching up but its lots to learn
  • but having got through all this its really great (though only been twice and lucky enough to have fab weather!)

Good luck!

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