Car and Caravan Choices - European Road Trip

[lotuselan7]

Hi all
As title says we are planning spending 6 months touring Europe in 2016 probably. As part of a year long round the world trip. 2 adults and 1 child who will be 4 this coming December. Now live in Australia but I am English (wife is Aussie) but want to see some of the world before im to old to enjoy it. Im 50 this year.

Decided that a caravan and car combo would be best option as we dont want to be upping stckis every few days / weeks also seems best financial option.

Re budget seem to be able to get decent Vans 2005 onwards for £5K, never owned a Caravan before so any advice appreciated. Car, I Im not sure which way to go, budget of say £7-8K can go bit higher to say £10k. Think 4 wheel drive would be best so rules out big Mercs and BMWs. Leave me with Audis (3.0 ltr Diesel) or SUVs thinking of everything from Landcruiser to Quashqai. Fuel economy important as expect to do at least 10,000 miles probably more and do like a bit of luxury.

So suggestions on a post card welcome.

[GreatGranny]

Maybe not the best place to ask about caravans but there are a few owners on here.

Most vans of that budget will have similar equipment including blown air heating, double glazing, decent fridge, oven hob, shower etc...

Bailey are a popular make and there's a great choice of models.

I would look privately . Less money and you are more likely to get one with all the equipment including awning.

Go on the caravan club website for advice.

With the towcar go for any 2 litre diesel and it will tow upto approx 1400kg with no problems but check towing weights.
Again good advice on caravan club website.
MPV have short overhangs which makes it a stable car to tow with.

Anything bigger will only do 20-23mpg when towing.
I'd be looking at..

Rav 4
Honda CRV
X Trail
Etc...

[Dog Star]

Caravans - I'd avoid most UK stuff - it's flimsy and a bit naff (think buttoned velour) and - most importantly- generally not winterised. Look toward fully winterised German stuff like Fendts for example. Very rugged.

As to tow cars - mpg is not the be all and end all - BMW/Audi big stuff is going to be dear on servicing.

If I were lucky enough to be planning such a trip as yours OP I'd be looking for a very solid caravan as described and a bomb proof tow car. Landcruiser top of list.

Whatever you choose - I'm jealous. I'd love to do that.

[lotuselan7]

Thanks guys couple of points worth thinking about.
The issue re twin axles not being liked on French camp sites. I assume its around the axles ripping surface or is it shear size.

[mikal83]

Funny how you get replies that offer "advice" and then finish off by saying....Oh but we havent done that???

Well we have. Last yr we drove 10k miles car and caravan all around southern EU, AND 4 months campervanning around OZ.

So OP, if you want some tips etc, from someone thats actually done what your asking, fire a pm. Or your email and I'll help as much as I can.

[littlebasher]

lotuselan7 said:

Thanks guys couple of points worth thinking about.
The issue re twin axles not being liked on French camp sites. I assume its around the axles ripping surface or is it shear size.

Some sites have poor access, and can't easily accommodate large vans (although that being said, these days there are plenty of SA vans that are as long as a typical TA so the same access issues apply to those as well).

You'd need to plan ahead and prebook sites, as some sites will refuse TA's while others may whack on a surcharge. I'm sure the ACSI website used to mention access restrictions so maybe worth looking there. I've also heard mutterings of municipal campsites in France turning away TA's to keep Travellers out, but i can't see that being an issue unless you're pulling your caravan with a Transit!

Personally, if it was me and i was planning a epic cross Europe voyage i would go for a TA anyway. They're nicer to tow and ultimately, if you get a puncture at least you still have another wheel in contact with the road.