Buying your first caravan
Monday, 07, Dec 2009 03:37
You've read the magazines, seen the caravan sites, spoken to caravanners and you're now ready to buy your very first caravan. The best place to begin is your local dealer.
Dealers tend to sell both new and used caravans, so a visit to the forecourt gives you a good idea of what you will be able to afford. As a general guide, new caravans will be priced up at between £8,000 to £15,000 (depending on specification). High-spec caravans bought new can exceed the £20,000 mark.
You'll notice that many dealers (nearly all, in fact) specialise in just a handful of caravan brands. For that reason, it's important that you visit as many dealers as possible. Get a good overview of the market and you'll be better placed to decide exactly which caravan you want - don't just settle for the first caravan you see (for example - even if someone else buys that particular caravan, it's not unique)
Those new to caravanning are sometimes surprised by the importance of their car. There is a limit to how much weight any car can pull, and exceeding the maximum towing weight is not only unsafe - it also invalidates your car insurance. A number of sites can offer advice on this - try www.whattowcar.com to find out if your chosen caravan is a suitable match for your car.
It's also important to check that your driving licence qualifies you to tow. If you passed your driving test after 1997, you'll need to sit a special towing test before you can legally take some heavier caravans out on the road (car and caravan can weigh no more than 3500Kg).
When you've found your perfect match, a good caravan dealer will take the time to go through the workings of the caravan with you - inside and out. If there is anything you are unsure about, just ask - a caravan is an expensive purchase and you need to be certain before making the commitment to buy. Make sure there is enough room for you and your family and that there is plenty of storage space.
Delivery of your caravan represents your final chance to check it over. While this is perhaps more important in a second-hand purchase, it's still important to ensure that all is as it should be before signing for the caravan.