Touring caravans and sites

[Loulou127]

Thanks everyone, some great information here, are all brands created equal? would a caravan that’s say over 8 years old be outdated by now? The caravan finder site is a great source of information I’ve already taken a look on there x

[greekgranny]

Originally Posted by Loulou127

Thanks everyone, some great information here, are all brands created equal? would a caravan that’s say over 8 years old be outdated by now? The caravan finder site is a great source of information I’ve already taken a look on there x

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If buying a second hand one check for damp and delamination.

(A common problem for people with campervans, motorhomes and caravans is something called delamination. ... To give the technical explanation, delamination is when some of the glue holding the different layers of the floor together starts to wear off.)

The walls and floor feel spongey

[spikeybee]

We too have a caravan, fixed bed(great not having to make up a bed)and end bathroom. A great layout, also don’t forget that you can add an awing, this doubles you living area. Would highly recommend an kampa air awning, we are able to get ours up in about 20 minutes.

[Tigger71]

We used to have a motorhome and much of the selection principles are the same as for a caravan. Agree with other - research, research, research. Practical Caravan magazine (also online) will have reviews and comparisons. Look for specialised Facebook groups and on Youtube for loads of reviews and info.

We started with the bed layout and then research which makes had that layout (practical motorhome had lists for these - I assume Practical caravan have too).

Once I knew the makes, I researched the reviews and reputation of those and narrowed it down to the good ones.

Then I looked at for sale adverts and dealer websites. We bought our in the month of July when the dealer wanted to start clearing exhibition space to get new stock in for next years models so got a good deal.

We rented one for a week just to figure out what we liked and didnt. (that might not be an option for you). From this we settled on certain key layout items:

* Fixed beds (either a central bed or two singles - so that we could get out without climbing over eachother)
* We cook rather than eating out so large fridge, plenty of kitchen storage and enough worktop space.
* Seating area layout and where TV would go
* Enough storage for the incredible amount of “stuff” you’ll end up bringing - tables, chairs, bbq, clothing, shoes, boots, towels, kitchen stuff, boardgames, books and so on.
* We never used the shower as intended but it was a brilliant place to hang wet coats, boots etc
* Do you intend to get an awning tent? make sure your caravan has fixtures for that
* I liked that the one we picked had flyscreens for windows and doors
* If using in the winter - how is water and waste tanks isolated
* Security - is an alarm fitted?

[Cosworth]

Hi, we have had our touring caravan on seasonal pitches in recent years, (on the North East coast and also on an inland Site, overlooking a Scottish river). We always go for a fully serviced pitch, where the water and drainage are directly connected, so no need to collect water and empty the waste water container every day. Some sites will allow you to leave your van in position during the winter, so no need to remove it at the end of the season. In this case, if you can get someone to tow the van to the site for you, you will not need to have a tow car.
Some sites include Electricity and WiFi in the seasonal charge, but some charge extra.
Some sites allow awnings to be left up all season, but some insist on them being taken down every time you leave the caravan unoccupied.
When selecting a Park, consider what is important to you:-
* How far from home;
* Good TV signal;
* Mobile network coverage;
* What Site facilities would you like?
Are you planning to use it regularly, e.g. weekends, or just for occasional longer holidays? This will be important when considering the driving time to and from your caravan.
When choosing a caravan, it is worth looking at several different layouts (visit some dealers) and decide what works best for you. In our case, we decided against the fixed bed option because the bedroom occupied too much space and this resulted in smaller bathrooms, kitchens and living areas.
It takes only a few minutes to switch from daytime seating to night time bed configuration. Another consideration is full central heating – definitely worth having.
Whatever you decide, good luck with your planning, but bear in mind there may be a rush to fill available spaces as soon as the Sites re-open because many people are now planning to holiday in the UK.

[Loulou127]

Originally Posted by Tigger71

We used to have a motorhome and much of the selection principles are the same as for a caravan. Agree with other - research, research, research. Practical Caravan magazine (also online) will have reviews and comparisons. Look for specialised Facebook groups and on Youtube for loads of reviews and info.

We started with the bed layout and then research which makes had that layout (practical motorhome had lists for these - I assume Practical caravan have too).

Once I knew the makes, I researched the reviews and reputation of those and narrowed it down to the good ones.

Then I looked at for sale adverts and dealer websites. We bought our in the month of July when the dealer wanted to start clearing exhibition space to get new stock in for next years models so got a good deal.

We rented one for a week just to figure out what we liked and didnt. (that might not be an option for you). From this we settled on certain key layout items:

* Fixed beds (either a central bed or two singles - so that we could get out without climbing over eachother)
* We cook rather than eating out so large fridge, plenty of kitchen storage and enough worktop space.
* Seating area layout and where TV would go
* Enough storage for the incredible amount of “stuff” you’ll end up bringing - tables, chairs, bbq, clothing, shoes, boots, towels, kitchen stuff, boardgames, books and so on.
* We never used the shower as intended but it was a brilliant place to hang wet coats, boots etc
* Do you intend to get an awning tent? make sure your caravan has fixtures for that
* I liked that the one we picked had flyscreens for windows and doors
* If using in the winter - how is water and waste tanks isolated
* Security - is an alarm fitted?

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Thank you for all the advice, really helpful, will check out Practical Caravan x

[Loulou127]

Originally Posted by Cosworth

Hi, we have had our touring caravan on seasonal pitches in recent years, (on the North East coast and also on an inland Site, overlooking a Scottish river). We always go for a fully serviced pitch, where the water and drainage are directly connected, so no need to collect water and empty the waste water container every day. Some sites will allow you to leave your van in position during the winter, so no need to remove it at the end of the season. In this case, if you can get someone to tow the van to the site for you, you will not need to have a tow car.
Some sites include Electricity and WiFi in the seasonal charge, but some charge extra.
Some sites allow awnings to be left up all season, but some insist on them being taken down every time you leave the caravan unoccupied.
When selecting a Park, consider what is important to you:-
* How far from home;
* Good TV signal;
* Mobile network coverage;
* What Site facilities would you like?
Are you planning to use it regularly, e.g. weekends, or just for occasional longer holidays? This will be important when considering the driving time to and from your caravan.
When choosing a caravan, it is worth looking at several different layouts (visit some dealers) and decide what works best for you. In our case, we decided against the fixed bed option because the bedroom occupied too much space and this resulted in smaller bathrooms, kitchens and living areas.
It takes only a few minutes to switch from daytime seating to night time bed configuration. Another consideration is full central heating – definitely worth having.
Whatever you decide, good luck with your planning, but bear in mind there may be a rush to fill available spaces as soon as the Sites re-open because many people are now planning to holiday in the UK.

See more...

Thank you, that’s great advice, I’ll check out the layouts without fixed beds as well x