Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
Advice on Getting a caravan....
Ok, so as some of you know, Swmbo has been on about getting a caravan for a while. If it means I get to go camping more then that's all fine.
Not bothered about the discussion around towing turds etc, but I would like to know which order brands are regarded
Looking to spend only about £5k
Needs to be fixed double bed with toilet at the side, not in the middle of the van.
I would strongly recommend you take a damp meter with you and check very carefully aroundwindows and doorsd roof lights etc.
If you want any questions answered then please PM me. i have been a caravaner for over 40 years, i like to think there is very little i do not know about it.
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5th Jan 2014 12:17 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
Hi Bodsy, we've got 2007 a Bailey senator wyoming. Twin axle, fixed bed, bathroom is at the rear tho' (although it is quite a large bathroom), great to tow. They have full size fridge freezer, L shaped seating, they are only 4 birth, not sure what birth your after. Loads of storage too, best thing is parts are cheap if kids break anything.
5th Jan 2014 12:30 pm
rockcrawler
Member Since: 31 Oct 2012
Location: Ferring
Posts: 2884
Hi Bodsy we have a Bailey Loire. We bought it brand new and have used it loads in the last 3 years and it still looks new inside and out. It has a fixed bed and a side dinette but one of the things that sold it to us was the fact that it has a solid roof meaning that you can stand up there making it a lot easier to clean.
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Last edited by rockcrawler on 5th Jan 2014 1:27 pm. Edited 1 time in total
5th Jan 2014 12:44 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8243
Hobby make some Excellent Easy tow caravans,(pardon the pun), they are not all twin axles and some have the design you like, once you have looked inside a Hobby you will not be interested in any other make, look around as many as you can before you buy. I have tried many makes but none compare with the Hobby.
I have had my present one 8 years, bought it new and collected from the factory in Germany, it's still as good as the day I bought it. They are one of the few that have a roof strong enough to walk on and that can be used in winter without freezing up as they are well insulated (some English 'vans do not have any) all pipes and pumps are internal.
I have owned and run a large caravan site for many years and find the biggest mistake new comers make is buying the biggest caravan they can and then find they cannot manoeuvre it, unless you intend parking all season on the same pitch buy the smallest 'van that is suitable, you will make far more use of it It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
5th Jan 2014 12:48 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
But Hobby's are HUGE
5th Jan 2014 12:51 pm
simon645
Member Since: 22 Feb 2012
Location: cumbria
Posts: 141
try caravanfinder website, you can put in your budget and layout required. Take a damp meter with you and if from a dealer service and warranty.
5th Jan 2014 12:52 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8243
The smallest caravan Hobby make is the 365, that is 3.65 mtr long. I have the 395 which is 3.95 mtr long, single axle of course, and yes they do also make some huge twin axles, but they are all made to the same high standard.
You will not need a damp meter if you buy Hobby, 5 year warranty against damp, indeed after owning mine for 6 years I had a letter from Hobby instructing me to take mine to the nearest Hobby agent to have a new sunroof fitted without charge .It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
Last edited by M3DPO on 5th Jan 2014 1:01 pm. Edited 1 time in total
5th Jan 2014 12:57 pm
rockcrawler
Member Since: 31 Oct 2012
Location: Ferring
Posts: 2884
Sorry about my pic being sideways. Can I edit it on here to turn it around ?D3 Metropolis Bonatti Grey-Alpaca Leather-adaptive headlights-fridge-EGR blanking kit-Harmen Karden-Cruise-4x4 info enabled-Tinted Windows-Heated F&R Seats-Rosen rear Entertainment-LED'S everywhere -Smoked Side Repeaters-Rear Aircon-Vredestein Wintrac 4 Extreme-Puddle and Footwell Lamps-Stainless Steel Side Protection Tubes- NEW ASHTRAY ( thanks to dsd1036 )
Club BAS Remote FBH
Club MXS10 Ctek
Club Beanie Grill
Rear D4 Lamps
Geoff Gearbox Flush
BAS Remap
5th Jan 2014 1:00 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
Some of those latest Hobby's look 8)
5th Jan 2014 1:04 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8243
And they don't cost any more than English 'vans, pykies don't live in them without good reason.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
5th Jan 2014 1:06 pm
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
Thanks for the extra info.
Looking at 4 berth, certainly don't need or want bigger, just need big enough for three plus the odd additional from time to time.
Looked at quite a few,
Definitely don't want toilet In the middle
Don't want L shaped seating unless it's the ones that you can change the middle bit for a table.
Want fixed bed, not bothered if toilet is at the end or not.
Will probably not be stored on a fixed site as want to get around a bit, but will need to store it somewhere.
Cash buyer, no trade in so looking for the best for the right price. Bodsys Brake Bible
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5th Jan 2014 1:12 pm
rockcrawler
Member Since: 31 Oct 2012
Location: Ferring
Posts: 2884
Can even take a spare car with you D3 Metropolis Bonatti Grey-Alpaca Leather-adaptive headlights-fridge-EGR blanking kit-Harmen Karden-Cruise-4x4 info enabled-Tinted Windows-Heated F&R Seats-Rosen rear Entertainment-LED'S everywhere -Smoked Side Repeaters-Rear Aircon-Vredestein Wintrac 4 Extreme-Puddle and Footwell Lamps-Stainless Steel Side Protection Tubes- NEW ASHTRAY ( thanks to dsd1036 )
Club BAS Remote FBH
Club MXS10 Ctek
Club Beanie Grill
Rear D4 Lamps
Geoff Gearbox Flush
BAS Remap
5th Jan 2014 1:15 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8243
Don't forget with an awning on the side it will double the size of the van, new awnings are very easy to erect and again with the Hobby it has a facility extend the heating system into the awning along with all electrics and built in Satellite tv.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
as they are well insulated (some English 'vans do not have any) all pipes and pumps are internal.
