The trials and tribulations of changing caravans...
Discussion
After a short break over summer on the Isle of White (very nice - recommend The Orchards) it became obvious that our caravan was no longer doing the business. A 6 berth van, but only 3 of us, we rarely use it to full extent - usually the daughter brings a friend. Ideally it has 2 permanent bunks. Having turned 11, she is finding it hard to get into the top bunk due to height. She tried the bottom, and fell out. So we made up the single dinette, which was fine. But no point in having 2 bunks we can no longer use...
Studying the classifieds I found a caravan that I had always liked - a Elddis Crusader Super Scirroco for £7k. Given that our caravan is work £6k, I was given permission to hit savings temporarily. That caravan was in the North East, and while I was more than happy to go up and view the day after we returned home, it sold the same day. My wife accused me of sulking, which may be true.
At this point, my target was set. There was one of the same model for sale in Glasgow. It needed a new front window. The distance, the window and the price were all putting me off, and then they dropped it to £6,500. I did the deal (not much of a deal lol) over the phone last Friday morning. Timing meant the only way I could make it work was to drive back from my last inspection in Preston, to change cars and drive to Glasgow that night, picking up the Caravan the next morning.
All went well, the next day until I locked my car keys in the boot. That delayed me by 2.5 hours, and meant that I had to dump the caravan overnight at a friends house so that we could attend a party. Some tight manoeuvring but jobs a good'un.
Have since spent some time on getting to know the van. Some stuff I'm not happy with. The front window needs replacing. Used one's are hens teeth, so it's £320. The toilet does not work (a surprise), but probably a cheap pump. I suspect the battery is not the healthiest. the front marker light covers have gone. All little stuff that I can sort. I get the impression that the last guy bodged what he had to, so I have some of that to sort out. The electrics look odd, but work. For some reason an aftermarket 3 stage battery charger has been fitted. It's probably better than what is stock.
This weekend is all about swapping over the stuff and preparing the old caravan. I do have someone interested who is looking to import a van to New Zealand. Did not make sense until I looked at values over there....
Studying the classifieds I found a caravan that I had always liked - a Elddis Crusader Super Scirroco for £7k. Given that our caravan is work £6k, I was given permission to hit savings temporarily. That caravan was in the North East, and while I was more than happy to go up and view the day after we returned home, it sold the same day. My wife accused me of sulking, which may be true.
At this point, my target was set. There was one of the same model for sale in Glasgow. It needed a new front window. The distance, the window and the price were all putting me off, and then they dropped it to £6,500. I did the deal (not much of a deal lol) over the phone last Friday morning. Timing meant the only way I could make it work was to drive back from my last inspection in Preston, to change cars and drive to Glasgow that night, picking up the Caravan the next morning.
All went well, the next day until I locked my car keys in the boot. That delayed me by 2.5 hours, and meant that I had to dump the caravan overnight at a friends house so that we could attend a party. Some tight manoeuvring but jobs a good'un.
Have since spent some time on getting to know the van. Some stuff I'm not happy with. The front window needs replacing. Used one's are hens teeth, so it's £320. The toilet does not work (a surprise), but probably a cheap pump. I suspect the battery is not the healthiest. the front marker light covers have gone. All little stuff that I can sort. I get the impression that the last guy bodged what he had to, so I have some of that to sort out. The electrics look odd, but work. For some reason an aftermarket 3 stage battery charger has been fitted. It's probably better than what is stock.
This weekend is all about swapping over the stuff and preparing the old caravan. I do have someone interested who is looking to import a van to New Zealand. Did not make sense until I looked at values over there....
Chrisgr31 said:
So the man maths are you have bought a caravan for £6,500 and you will sell it for £6 so its only cost £500?
However in reality you need to spend £320 on a new window, £200 on other sundries items, have driven 300 miles, half of which towing a van, and had an overnight stay?
Are you my wife?However in reality you need to spend £320 on a new window, £200 on other sundries items, have driven 300 miles, half of which towing a van, and had an overnight stay?
The fuel costs nothing in my head as I use tons anyway. If it hurt I would be really hurt on a frequent basis. The Van itself is a relatively rare one to market, so yes it has only cost £500. Don't tell me otherwise!
Gavin0478 said:
The pump flush for the toilet may be that the fuse holder is corroded where you empty the toilet tank as any over fill sits in the holder and rusts the connectors. Seems common on Explorer group vans.
Checked this. Seems relatively ok. Will have a close look before taking things to pieces. 
We have an Elddis Crusader, different format though - ours is a 2013 SuperStorm 6 berth (we don't have to have the bunks up).
The wife loves it. It's on a seasonal pitch on Anglesey, so fingers crossed it'll blow in to the sea.
Its a fabulous van, I'm just not really in to Anglesey as it's far too windy!
Fingers crossed she'll see sense and let me pitch it in the lakes next year
The wife loves it. It's on a seasonal pitch on Anglesey, so fingers crossed it'll blow in to the sea.
Its a fabulous van, I'm just not really in to Anglesey as it's far too windy!
Fingers crossed she'll see sense and let me pitch it in the lakes next year
Nothing to add other than you went on holiday to the Isle of Wight! (not White!)
I work for a small aerospace company just behind 'The Orchards' and despite being so close, I cannot face going on holiday a stones throw from work!
I have heard very good reviews about it though.....
I cannot add anything to the Caravan debate though..............
Mike
I work for a small aerospace company just behind 'The Orchards' and despite being so close, I cannot face going on holiday a stones throw from work!
I have heard very good reviews about it though.....I cannot add anything to the Caravan debate though..............
Mike
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