OMG I think I'm going to become a 'caravanner'
Discussion
I've come to the realisation that I 'need' to own a caravan!
The reason is I crew for a pals 9 second drag car during the season which means 7 to 8 weekends a year at either Santa Pod or Shakesphere County.
For the last couple of seasons I've tented it, but last year was soooo wet I'd like to have somewhere dry & warm to kip after a day spannering.
I'm only going to use a caravan for these race meets so don't intend so spending a lot on one, but as I've never had any dealings with caravans what I'd lke to know from anyone with experience of caravans is;
1. Is a 'cheap' caravan just a bag of hassle?
2. What do you look for when buying a caravan?
3. What's a good make & what's a bad make of caravan?
Any advice appreciated.
The reason is I crew for a pals 9 second drag car during the season which means 7 to 8 weekends a year at either Santa Pod or Shakesphere County.
For the last couple of seasons I've tented it, but last year was soooo wet I'd like to have somewhere dry & warm to kip after a day spannering.
I'm only going to use a caravan for these race meets so don't intend so spending a lot on one, but as I've never had any dealings with caravans what I'd lke to know from anyone with experience of caravans is;
1. Is a 'cheap' caravan just a bag of hassle?
2. What do you look for when buying a caravan?
3. What's a good make & what's a bad make of caravan?
Any advice appreciated.
buy one, I got one 
I have a Dethleff van, but not cheap at 15k but the famiyl all use it.
as for a cheap van you get what you pay for BUT as long as its sounds, no/not much mold or moisture and most things are working it should be fine.
Main thing is don't rush into buying a van and do your home work
I have a Dethleff van, but not cheap at 15k but the famiyl all use it.
as for a cheap van you get what you pay for BUT as long as its sounds, no/not much mold or moisture and most things are working it should be fine.
Main thing is don't rush into buying a van and do your home work
Edited by RemaL on Saturday 7th March 18:57
I borrow my mum and dad's caravan - it's a cracking thing. It's a German "Fendt" thing and it's got aircon, underfloor heating (fully winterised for yer skiing hols), proper bed, proper bog and shower, plasma telly - you name it.
Only thing is that despite the fact that it's not all that big (single axle) it weighs f
king tons so needs a big towcar. And it was a bit pricey at 19 grand 
.
Only thing is that despite the fact that it's not all that big (single axle) it weighs f
king tons so needs a big towcar. And it was a bit pricey at 19 grand .
I used to have a caravan when i crewed at the track , much quieter than a tent , its a nice luxury and means you have the car free to go down the pub
Important things to check as well as the usual damp etc
Often overlooked is the CRIS register ie HPI check , make sure its not nicked if possible phone them with the chassis number and see if its registered
Should get something ok for £500 something quite nice for £1k
Important things to check as well as the usual damp etc
Often overlooked is the CRIS register ie HPI check , make sure its not nicked if possible phone them with the chassis number and see if its registered
Should get something ok for £500 something quite nice for £1k
I have one and it's great. Ours was bought for when we do car shows etc, but now we use it for holidays as well. You get what you pay for but there are some bargains to be had right now. Mine is a 24ft Lunar with a fixed bed!Dead comfy and easy to tow being twin axle. Get yourself a damp meter from B&Q - they are not expensive and good at detecting any hidden damp. Enjoy!! It's not caravans that hold traffic up - just the driver behind the wheel!!
Second hand caravans are currently selling 10-15% up year on year (what credit crunch) and glass's values are now below trade buying prices for 1-3 year old models. Basically there are may people like you, and me, who wish to trade up from the tent!
Coachman are known as best built but won't go wrong with a dealer supplied Swift brand.
What's your budget?
I'm a little biased to this product as my business has supplied product to caravans for over 40 years!
Hope I can help.
Coachman are known as best built but won't go wrong with a dealer supplied Swift brand.
What's your budget?
I'm a little biased to this product as my business has supplied product to caravans for over 40 years!
Hope I can help.
I am currently the (proud) owner of a 1989 Elddis Shamal GTX. Just spend £200 getting it ready for the summer - new tyres, towbar for motor, new gas bottle etc, and we're off.
Working shifts, I get 4 days off every 10 so am planning on taking baby gti away to the coast, into the Lakes, Dales etc every couple of weeks. Going to one of the Haven parks later this month - ok its off peak, but swimming, activities, fishing (for me) and stuff for mrs gti to do - total cost of £9 per night. Spend more on fags!!
Working shifts, I get 4 days off every 10 so am planning on taking baby gti away to the coast, into the Lakes, Dales etc every couple of weeks. Going to one of the Haven parks later this month - ok its off peak, but swimming, activities, fishing (for me) and stuff for mrs gti to do - total cost of £9 per night. Spend more on fags!!
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