Caravans have been a popular holidaying option for many years and for a wide variety of people. The advantages are numerous: once the initial outlay has been spent, a holiday can be relatively inexpensive; a caravan provides the ability to move around to a wide range of locations, and as a mobile holiday home there is no packing and unpacking on arrival. But buying a caravan can be a big commitment; here are some factors to consider:
Car Towing Capacity
It's easy to fall in love with a large six-berth caravan; but if the towing car can’t pull the weight, then it's a no go. Before looking, check the tow weight of the car that will be towing the caravan.
Consider how much the car driver will be comfortable pulling behind the car. While the car might be capable of pulling a large van, the primary driver may not feel confident manoeuvring a long vehicle through a variety of roads and lanes. Safety must always be a priority when selecting the right caravan.
Caravan Interior
The caravanning owners need to consider their requirements for the interior of the caravan.
Consider:
- Number of people to sleep in the van
- Happy putting a bed up every evening?
- How much cooking in caravan? (many caravanners also enjoy barbequing while on holidays)
- Bathroom arrangements. Some caravanners only go to sites with showers so do not need extensive showing facilities in their van.
- Interior Layout. Some have L-shaped couches, other face to face couches. Some have a couple of separate tables allowing multiple areas for different activities (useful for families)
- Storage space. Vans can differ greatly with storage capacity. Check also how easy it is to get to some storage. While under seats provides lots of storage, if it's difficult to get to then storing items there may cause inconvenience.
New or Second-hand Caravan?
This decision may be decided by budget or by caravan requirements. Second-hand caravans can be a good, low cost alternative for first time caravan buyers, but some people choose second-hand because the designs suit their requirements better. New caravans tend to weigh more and have more luxurious (and heavy) interior fittings. Some people do not want caravans with such fittings, preferring a more simple, back to basics, style of caravanning. Equally, newer caravans tend to come with microwaves built-in and places for televisions.
If considering a second-hand caravan always buy from a reputable caravan dealer that offers a warranty on their vans. Never buy a caravan without seeing it first as problems such as dampness, or poor seals, are not evident from photographs.
Caravan Storage
Consider where the caravan can be stored, safely and securely. Depending upon suitability and local council regulations, storage at home may be an option. Caravan storage sites are a good alternative, usually at an additional monthly cost. In the UK, CaSSOA, The Caravan Storage Site Owners' Assocation, provides advice on storage as well as approved storage sites.
Considering a Caravan Holiday?
Caravanning Holidays do require an element of adventure and self-sufficiency. While a caravan doesn’t require the same setting up as a tent, there is still plenty to do when arriving at a site, such as hooking up electricity and gathering water. If a family, caravans means spending a lot of time in close vicinity, regardless of the size of the van. While caravanners can regularly eat out or collect take-away, most often take advantage of having a kitchen available.
If unsure if caravanning is suitable, hiring a caravan for a holiday can be a good way to give it a try without the upfront commitment of purchasing a van.
Buying a caravan is about making a commitment to a style of holiday. While having a caravan doesn’t preclude having other types of holidays, making an investment in a caravan worthwhile means having regular caravanning holidays. Enjoyment from caravanning is greatly affected by having the most suitable caravan. Think about the most suitable type of caravan t before looking.
Further Information
In the UK, there are two caravan clubs that provide both advice as well as club sites. The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravan Club.
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