Buying a caravan is a uniquely challenging experience.  Not only do you encounter all the trials and tribulations of purchasing a ‘home’, but also the confusing specifications which come with a new vehicle.

Those who find decision making tricky will be saddened to learn that caravans come in huge numbers of types and styles.  But fear not, because there are clear advantages and disadvantages of each, so you should be able to determine exactly the right type for you.

Static Caravan
Although designed for transport, caravans do not have to move anywhere at all.  In fact, if you enjoy hitting the same spots every holiday period, parking up your caravan permanently can have distinct advantages.  If you manage to arrange a good deal with the site owner, you could end up saving money overall in transport and site fees, despite a land rental cost.  Static caravans also allow you to build up permanent features around the vehicle, such as gardens or pot plants.

Mobile Caravans
Of course, there’s nothing better than the freedom of being able to hit the open road before parking up at the spot of your choosing.  Mobile caravans come in a huge range of styles.  Long gone are the days when caravanning was entirely about cold baked-beans and uncomfortable tin beds.  Features can include anything from kitchens and beds to baths, flat screen TVs and mood lighting.  The larger mobile caravans are often fitted with a double axel, but beware that these will significantly increase your fuel consumption on the journey.

Folding Caravans
Not everybody has vast amounts of freely available parking space in which to store a caravan for most of the year.  For these people, folding caravans can provide the perfect solution; full functionality at the fraction of the size.  Tow your caravan to the site, and then simply unfold it to full size.  This can be a good option for those concerned about towing such a large vehicle on the roads.  Disadvantages include sometimes high set up times, and a lack of storage space for luggage within the caravan.

Slide Out Caravans
Some of the newest technology to appear in the caravan market has been the slide out caravan.  Operating in a range of different ways, from extension panels in the middle of the vehicle to instantly accessible extra rooms below the caravan, slide out caravans help keep the vehicle become more manageable on the road whilst maximising living space during the holiday.  Again, this can cause some limitations in terms of luggage storage.  Another key considerations is that, however well tested they are, extensive moving parts in caravans can occasionally be subject to wear and tear.

Choosing the right caravan for you isn’t easy, but it is worth putting in the effort into researching the market before you buy.  If you’re really stuck, it can be possible to rent caravans for a test holiday before you decide.

Whichever caravan you opt for, make sure that you have covered it fully with Caravan Insurance.