Caravans: What's the Point?
Discussion
I did it as a kid with parents. A few years ago after a decade of camping, I bought a VW Transporter and converted it. Its perfect for us at present as we tend to move about a bit, or spend a couple of nights a weekend at a place. Its full electrics,with a double bed as good as any with running water and cooking facilities. No toilet so it's a hop to the block if you need to piss but I'm thinking of getting one of those toilet bins this year!
There's 3 of us though, and our current setup only takes 3. If a 4th arrives in the near future, then I'll sell. This winter I was looking at new caravans and thought for the first time that as I enter my middle 30s, I just may be entering the age of the caravanner.........
The new ones are quite something else, particularly the Adria's which are like flash apartments on wheels
There's 3 of us though, and our current setup only takes 3. If a 4th arrives in the near future, then I'll sell. This winter I was looking at new caravans and thought for the first time that as I enter my middle 30s, I just may be entering the age of the caravanner.........
The new ones are quite something else, particularly the Adria's which are like flash apartments on wheels
Antony Moxey said:
No, Newberry Valley Park. Five minute walk up the hill on the left hand side of the beach, couldn't recommend the place highly enough.
Ah OK, does look lovely. Will bear it in mind, we tend to go for sites with swimming pools, purely as daughter will then swim daily.Chrisgr31 said:
Antony Moxey said:
No, Newberry Valley Park. Five minute walk up the hill on the left hand side of the beach, couldn't recommend the place highly enough.
Ah OK, does look lovely. Will bear it in mind, we tend to go for sites with swimming pools, purely as daughter will then swim daily.Antony Moxey said:
Fair enough, with our kids at or near adult age those are exactly the sort of sites we try and avoid!! No sense in paying for facilities you'll never use, however at Newberry Valley the washroom facilities are the best I've seen - that and being dog friendly are what we look for in a site and this site fitted the bill perfectly. Other than that I'm not sure where the nearest pool is, although I guess if she's going daily it'll cost a bit to visit a public pool.
Know where you are coming from and yes one has to choose a site very carefully to choose one that has the advantages of the facilities but not the disadvantage of the noise and other issues that can come with them. Stowford Meadows appear to do it quite well they have the additional facilities although you pay extra to use the pool etc, but as it is a traditional rectangular pool it tends to attract dedicated swimmers. Its also a huge site and we very carefully choose our field and pitch when booking using aerial views from Google etc.We have also stayed on Shorefields sites at Merley Court and Lynton Lawn both in Dorset where the main facilities are on a mobile home park and available to use by those on the touring site. It gives the advantages of the facilities without the disadvantages but they are not cheap.
However I wouldnt stay on the big sites down at Wolloacombe as they are too commercialised. Its a challenge finding the perfect site!
I used to curse caravans whenever I saw them and particularly whenever I got stuck behind one. I used to pass them by on the motorway and ponder on how anyone could be bothered sitting in the first couple of lanes doing little more than 60 at best mile after mile.
Last year, after spending many years taking the kids to static caravan parks and paying a small fortune every time, I started wondering what if? Well, we took the plunge and bought one. A Swift 586 to be exact, a brand named in irony I assume as none of their products will ever be any such thing.
Now, granted, I'm mortified whenever I'm aware of being a hold up. I also spend anything up to ten hours sat in the first couple of lanes, bored, mixing it with Hyundai i10s and trucks all the while gazing longingly at the outside lane, wishing I too could be back sat there with the cruise on playing points roulette with the local constabularies.
The pay off however is the fun, adventure, flexibility and low costs (if you ignore the initial outlay!) of camping style trips away with swmbo & our youngish kids without the discomfort of having to sleep in a field, on sponge, under a thin layer of nylon.
Also, I no longer worry about what the accommodation will be like at any holiday park type destinations, since I'm taking my own. The mini house has all the comforts of home but can of course be taken anywhere I can drag the thing to.
Further, because its there, we've made an effort to make use of it. We've gotten away for weekends when we wouldn't have otherwise bothered and visited places and engaged in activities we wouldn't otherwise have done. Its been great for the kids and us as a catalyst to enforce quality time where often work and other life distractions would have gotten in the way.
Granted for the same outlay as the 'van and the tow car we bought to put in front of it I could have a brand new Mk3 Focus RS on the drive instead, but I've visited the dark side now and I kinda like it.
Last year, after spending many years taking the kids to static caravan parks and paying a small fortune every time, I started wondering what if? Well, we took the plunge and bought one. A Swift 586 to be exact, a brand named in irony I assume as none of their products will ever be any such thing.
Now, granted, I'm mortified whenever I'm aware of being a hold up. I also spend anything up to ten hours sat in the first couple of lanes, bored, mixing it with Hyundai i10s and trucks all the while gazing longingly at the outside lane, wishing I too could be back sat there with the cruise on playing points roulette with the local constabularies.
The pay off however is the fun, adventure, flexibility and low costs (if you ignore the initial outlay!) of camping style trips away with swmbo & our youngish kids without the discomfort of having to sleep in a field, on sponge, under a thin layer of nylon.
Also, I no longer worry about what the accommodation will be like at any holiday park type destinations, since I'm taking my own. The mini house has all the comforts of home but can of course be taken anywhere I can drag the thing to.
Further, because its there, we've made an effort to make use of it. We've gotten away for weekends when we wouldn't have otherwise bothered and visited places and engaged in activities we wouldn't otherwise have done. Its been great for the kids and us as a catalyst to enforce quality time where often work and other life distractions would have gotten in the way.
Granted for the same outlay as the 'van and the tow car we bought to put in front of it I could have a brand new Mk3 Focus RS on the drive instead, but I've visited the dark side now and I kinda like it.
A week in a static caravan in peak time is around £800 (at a decent site)
Same site in a caravan is £220 using the same amenities.
Caravan and bits cost around £2000
So 3 Holidays and its paid for itself, we have had 4 full weeks since we got it and 5 weekends.
But the best thing is I get to keep the BMW/Audi tossers way below the speed limit when Im towing
Same site in a caravan is £220 using the same amenities.
Caravan and bits cost around £2000
So 3 Holidays and its paid for itself, we have had 4 full weeks since we got it and 5 weekends.
But the best thing is I get to keep the BMW/Audi tossers way below the speed limit when Im towing
eatcustard said:
A week in a static caravan in peak time is around £800 (at a decent site)
Same site in a caravan is £220 using the same amenities.
Caravan and bits cost around £2000
So 3 Holidays and its paid for itself, we have had 4 full weeks since we got it and 5 weekends.
But the best thing is I get to keep the BMW/Audi tossers way below the speed limit when Im towing
What about if you're an Audi tosser AND you have a caravan?! Same site in a caravan is £220 using the same amenities.
Caravan and bits cost around £2000
So 3 Holidays and its paid for itself, we have had 4 full weeks since we got it and 5 weekends.
But the best thing is I get to keep the BMW/Audi tossers way below the speed limit when Im towing
I've owned 3 caravans over the last 20 odd years. We moved up from tents due to the extra level of comfort and weather proofing.
Back then, the kids were babies but we started using the 'van for our summer holidays. Two weeks down to the med holiday for 4, peak time in August costs significantly less than a package deal to a similar location. We've done South of France many times, Spain, Italy and even Croatia.
Now the kids are adults. I have more cash in my back pocket. Our summer holidays are just me and the wife, flying to an exotic location. If I wished, I could pay for hotels or B&Bs for weekend breaks and sell the 'van.
But I've realised that it's not just a cost thing, and I don't want to give up camping. If I won the lottery, I'd probably invest in one of those £100k mega bus type motorhomes (with sports car slung underneath). It's not just the plastic box and awning that you're living in. You sort of also have a huge garden out in front of you to walk the dog, let kids play, get a sun lounger out, light the BBQ etc. And sometimes views to die for. We have a list of favourite sites next or close to a good pub too.
Another consideration is that you have your home-from-home, but also none of the distractions from home. Therefore once you're away, it forces you to relax. No pressure to do anything, but if you do want to there's plenty to occupy yourself with.
So I'm looking forward to our first trip away in it this year at the end of the month!
And in response to an earlier post:
Statics = council
Tourings = middle class
Back then, the kids were babies but we started using the 'van for our summer holidays. Two weeks down to the med holiday for 4, peak time in August costs significantly less than a package deal to a similar location. We've done South of France many times, Spain, Italy and even Croatia.
Now the kids are adults. I have more cash in my back pocket. Our summer holidays are just me and the wife, flying to an exotic location. If I wished, I could pay for hotels or B&Bs for weekend breaks and sell the 'van.
But I've realised that it's not just a cost thing, and I don't want to give up camping. If I won the lottery, I'd probably invest in one of those £100k mega bus type motorhomes (with sports car slung underneath). It's not just the plastic box and awning that you're living in. You sort of also have a huge garden out in front of you to walk the dog, let kids play, get a sun lounger out, light the BBQ etc. And sometimes views to die for. We have a list of favourite sites next or close to a good pub too.
Another consideration is that you have your home-from-home, but also none of the distractions from home. Therefore once you're away, it forces you to relax. No pressure to do anything, but if you do want to there's plenty to occupy yourself with.
So I'm looking forward to our first trip away in it this year at the end of the month!
And in response to an earlier post:
Statics = council
Tourings = middle class
Huffy said:
Or a BMW tosser and have a caravan 
And that's me, now that I've changed from the Merc! 520d touring, self leveling suspension. - I've only towed with it for 5 miles so far but feels just as accomplished as my E250CDI Est did.
Wouldn't want to be an Audi tosser - FWD on wet grass = zero traction.
Jarcy said:
Huffy said:
Or a BMW tosser and have a caravan
And that's me, now that I've changed from the Merc! 520d touring, self leveling suspension. - I've only towed with it for 5 miles so far but feels just as accomplished as my E250CDI Est did.
Wouldn't want to be an Audi tosser - FWD on wet grass = zero traction.
3.0 V6 Quattro with self levelling air suspension - muchos Audi tosserness!!
Rosscow said:
Jarcy said:
Huffy said:
Or a BMW tosser and have a caravan
And that's me, now that I've changed from the Merc! 520d touring, self leveling suspension. - I've only towed with it for 5 miles so far but feels just as accomplished as my E250CDI Est did.
Wouldn't want to be an Audi tosser - FWD on wet grass = zero traction.
3.0 V6 Quattro with self levelling air suspension - muchos Audi tosserness!!
I could admit to being slightly jealous of Rosscow's rig but hey, I can still overtake (its a BMW so I can't stop it
), its actually got a good turn of speed even with the van on the back, its very stable and the fuel exconomy hasn't suffered too muchHuffy said:
520d saloon here....should have got the estate but couldn't find one in the spec and condition I wanted and it actually tows my van really well. The tow bar was on it when I bought it - which was one of the reasons we decided to give caravanning a try (one less expense if it didn't work out!).
I could admit to being slightly jealous of Rosscow's rig but hey, I can still overtake (its a BMW so I can't stop it), its actually got a good turn of speed even with the van on the back, its very stable and the fuel exconomy hasn't suffered too much
Yeah, the whole towing a caravan is slow thing is rubbish, really. I can break every speed limit going whilst towing (and I probably have!).I could admit to being slightly jealous of Rosscow's rig but hey, I can still overtake (its a BMW so I can't stop it
), its actually got a good turn of speed even with the van on the back, its very stable and the fuel exconomy hasn't suffered too muchThe only time you really have to keep it slow is if you're driving along a really small road (getting to Slapton Sands the year before last was interesting!).
As for the saloon, nothing wrong with them at all! However, I think you'll find the towing limit is less than the estate. Which means your 520d saloon wouldn't be able to tow the large twin axle vans, but if you had a 520d Touring, you would!
Rosscow said:
Yeah, the whole towing a caravan is slow thing is rubbish, really. I can break every speed limit going whilst towing (and I probably have!).
The only time you really have to keep it slow is if you're driving along a really small road (getting to Slapton Sands the year before last was interesting!).
As for the saloon, nothing wrong with them at all! However, I think you'll find the towing limit is less than the estate. Which means your 520d saloon wouldn't be able to tow the large twin axle vans, but if you had a 520d Touring, you would!
It is - I make perfectly adequate progress......and have been surprised just how long it takes people to get up to speed after a roundabout on a dual carriage way.....people line me up for the overtake coming through the roundabout......and then seem to take several eternities to complete the manoeuvre....if indeed they complete it at all.The only time you really have to keep it slow is if you're driving along a really small road (getting to Slapton Sands the year before last was interesting!).
As for the saloon, nothing wrong with them at all! However, I think you'll find the towing limit is less than the estate. Which means your 520d saloon wouldn't be able to tow the large twin axle vans, but if you had a 520d Touring, you would!
And no, nothing wrong with the saloon and I find they are quieter that the equivalent estates I have owned in terms of rattles and things - the boot is still a good size too. Yes, I was a little limited in van choice but I still have a sizeable 4 berth van with end washroom and all told it comes just under the 85% figures as I recall.
I often contemplate a 6 berth van (less beds to make up so the kids could just turn in when ready) and a Jeep.............but as we were unsure it would work we didn't want the outlay, and the cost to upgrade now less than 2 years in rather defeats the aim of the budget holiday
. 
We have a MH not a caravan but the pleasures amount to the same.
We use it throughout the year: every other weekend throughout autumn - winter - spring we are away. For a £100 roughly we have 2 nights away in luxury (we have an Autotrail Comanche: fixed double bed plus front lounge with 2 full length settees); including in this are site fees; a meal out in a pub/curry house; food; drink; fuel etc. We get some fresh air when out walking; catch up with our reading; or watch a DVD if wet. We meet interesting friendly people and get to watch caravanners (aka tuggers) parking and setting up for an hour or two each time a new one arrives (as mentioned above)...which is goo fun.
At Half term; Xmas and Easter and in the summer holidays, we have extended week or 2 week trips or in the case of summer spend 30 plus nights away (last summer Italian Lakes; this summer across to Poland and the Czech Republic). The 30 nighter to Italy last year cost 2k all in (food, sites, fuel, tolls, beer etc). No brainer really: try getting a 30 night holiday for that
We use it throughout the year: every other weekend throughout autumn - winter - spring we are away. For a £100 roughly we have 2 nights away in luxury (we have an Autotrail Comanche: fixed double bed plus front lounge with 2 full length settees); including in this are site fees; a meal out in a pub/curry house; food; drink; fuel etc. We get some fresh air when out walking; catch up with our reading; or watch a DVD if wet. We meet interesting friendly people and get to watch caravanners (aka tuggers) parking and setting up for an hour or two each time a new one arrives (as mentioned above)...which is goo fun.
At Half term; Xmas and Easter and in the summer holidays, we have extended week or 2 week trips or in the case of summer spend 30 plus nights away (last summer Italian Lakes; this summer across to Poland and the Czech Republic). The 30 nighter to Italy last year cost 2k all in (food, sites, fuel, tolls, beer etc). No brainer really: try getting a 30 night holiday for that
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