Buying a Caravan
Caravanning is fast becoming the most popular type of family holidayin the UK. Lots of people are trying caravans as an alternative to expensive annual holidays abroad. After the initial outlay the holiday cost is very reasonable. Plus with global warming the UK now enjoys better summers, right? If you are new to the caravan game, bear these tips in mind before you buy:
Consider what you require. Obviously you need to match the caravan or trailer tent size or number of berths to the size of your family. An awning with internal bedrooms can increase the accommodation for older children and/or other adults.
Consider your budget: Caravans and trailer tents hold their value very well, consider buying an older one to see if you like it, then maybe upgrade later on. After deciding what you need, buy privately or from a dealer but consider the following:
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Analyse the finish on the caravan, this can be seen on the inside of cupboards. Most manufacturers, nowadays, have switched from the weighty and short-lived chipboard to genuine timber
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The general rule is the smaller the caravan the easier it is to tow. Bear in mind your vehicle’s towing capacity when buying a caravan
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Check everything, from the cooker to the fridge, beds and windows, If you don’t you’re bound to find something that bites you later on. Sniff lots, if it whiffs steer clear, there could be damp or it could be a dog or smokers. Caravan smells are hard to get rid of.
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Check the history : Find out as much as you can about the history of the seller and reviews of old customers.
Caravan and Trailer Tent Insurance is very reasonable, you can get a quote and cover online at www.lifesure.co.uk

If you’re new to caravanning then make sure you take a test drive pulling the van before you go on your holiday. Towing a caravan calls for a very different, more cautious approach to driving. There are some great towing courses available through the caravan clubs. I went on one myself when I bought my first caravan and it was great. I had a ’snaking’ incident on one holiday and controlled it without a problem thanks to the course. I can also reverse onto pitches!

The best thing for me about the caravan is that you can just hitch up and go somewhere for the weekend. It doesn’t even have to be far, I use a site sometimes that is only 10 miles from my home. I would much rather have a couple of long holidays and weekends away during the year in the caravan than just one main holiday abroad.
Right now is a great time of year for the buyer, you will save money on the same caravan for sale in spring or summer.
