Idiots guide to Caravans

[ADogg]

Hello,

Having dabbled with Motorhomes and it not really working for us (had an ‘03 Hymer B584 and a ‘20 Etrusco), we’ve now happened upon the idea of a caravan. This won’t be for typical use, however more something to put in the garden for occasional use for visitors, as we’ve a small house with a large garden!

I’ve been round the houses with log cabins etc but I think a caravan will be a far easier, although somewhat uglier solution, with the added bonus of if/when we move we can sell it.

Now I know prices have gone mad in the last couple of years, but, what would you recommend at the up to £10k segment? I’ve still firmly got “motorhome” head on so I’m thinking of avoiding anything British - is this the case? I know damp is a biggie - can anyone recommend a damp meter?

We’ve been to 3 dealers over the weekend and have seen a couple of ‘08 Swift Conquer 530s at dealers which we like the layout of, and my wife wants to buy, but, well they’re British, and I like to research these things!

What are Hymer and/or Burstner caravans like? Are insulation levels OK in general for early noughties vans or do they significantly change at any time?

Thanks in advance!

[ADogg]

I do like the look of these, thank you!

[ADogg]

dave_s13 said:

It sounds like an unusual, and not ideal, use-case for a caravan.

It'll just sit there going mouldy through underuse if not careful.

Obviously a lot more money but small house/big garden sounds like the ideal scenario for an extension or large garage with annexe. It'll be an investment also.

All opinions welcome, thank you! We understand the importance of ventilating and using the caravan, as we did the motorhome.

An extension was our first idea but, due to the right for light and our house being a bit “odd”, it isn’t that straightforward unfortunately!

[ADogg]

nagsheadwarrior said:

Big issue is where as German Motorhomes are better, German caravans are a very risky proposition in the country as they are often very likely to get stolen.
An Adria crosses the boundary of Euro build quality with good resale and strangley less popular with the segment if society that like to borrow other people's tourers .
An older single axle Geist or Burstner Vantana isn't too risky either if it must be German just avoid Hobby, Fendt, LMC etc which is a shame as they build great vans.
No need to even spend £10k, £6-7k bags 06-07 Geist

Thank you!

[ADogg]

Hmmm lots of things to think about, thank you! Those folk you speak of were always a worry when I had the motorhome - pre covid there is a “traditional celebration” of which they attend a few miles away. The caravan would be pretty out of sight but still definitely one to consider!

We have considered a static but the issue would be dropping it where we would want it.

We have a Hymer and Burstner lined up locally to look at asap, and I’ve bought a damp meter to take with me. There doesn’t appear many Geists about, but will keep a look out for those and Adrias. Up to £10k would be the absolute tops, £6-£7k would be much more comfortable!

Thanks again

[ADogg]

Thanks for all of your input, I may now circle back to some form of log cabin…

Any opinions on a Swift Conqueror of 2008 vintage? Liked the layout on these when we viewed one last weekend and the salesman keeps calling!

Edited by ADogg on Thursday 5th May 23:07

[ADogg]

Thanks for all of your input, I may now circle back to some form of log cabin…

Any opinions on a Swift Conqueror 530 of 2008 vintage? Liked the layout on these when we viewed one last weekend and the salesman keeps calling.

Edited by ADogg on Thursday 5th May 23:12

Edited by ADogg on Thursday 5th May 23:12