Well, you’re nearly there. For weeks or even months now you’ve been watching with envy on Friday nights as your soon to be fellow caravanners set out on yet another weekend away whilst you’re left to man the queues in Sainsbury’s!
Now you’re itching to get out there and enjoy the freedom as well…but before you do, take just a moment to review the 6 mistakes that I have seen people repeat time after time over the years. It could save you some money or more…
Mistake No. 1: Buying the wrong caravan for your car (or visa versa):
The first mistake you need to consider when looking for new or used caravans for sale is towing it with an appropriate vehicle. Inappropriate vehicles are not only illegal, but very dangerous as you cannot easily tell whether the car will tow smoothly or not. So, please don’t turn to the bloke down at the pub for advice or put your trust in a commission hungry car salesman for a recommendation. Get an independent recommendation from HPI Tow Safe who maintain a comprehensive database of which cars are suitable to tow which caravans.
Mistake No. 2: Being sold the wrong caravan:
When I was a lad (no really, I’ve been involved in the caravan business since I was 17!) we sold caravans on a handshake. Times have unfortunately changed and some of the sales tactics I’ve heard of being used by some people in our industry would make a double-glazing salesman cringe. These new breed of ‘hot shot’ salespeople can spot a first time buyer a mile off and reel them in with seemingly irresistible deals. But you needn’t get fooled by their slick sales tactics; ask for proof of charred wood, or softwood, or fulltiming -yswitch the sales person on this and forthcoming terms. Suspect something is fishy and double-sure about the way they’re selling your beloved van.
Mistake No. 3: Buying a stolen or written off caravan:
When you buy with the mentality that they’ll last forever, you end up living with what is essentially a second-hand caravan that you have to foot the cost of. When you buy with integrity and knowledge of what it can withstand, you are both wiser and happier in the long run. Find a reputable dealer either online or near you and look for proof of what they can and can’t do. Don’t rely on promises; look for evidence of repairs and maintenance. Buy as much as you can afford to spare and then hope it lasts.
Mistake No. 4: Choosing a caravan that’s too small:
A modern caravan should have enough room to sleep 2 people comfortably plus their camping gear. If the manufacturer’s definition of ‘ comfortably’ is ” Surviving Cold Weather ” then you obviously don’t need to buy a van that’s under 40ft long and 4ft wide. Find a caravan that sleeps somewhere between 17 and 20 people and with enough space for all the gear you’re likely to be bringing.
Mistake No. 5: Buying a van that’s too big:
This mistake usually occurs when the family are on a gain – meaning they’re on their feet – and there isn’t enough space to put all the camping gear into. Even if it’s a pop-up caravan or trailer, make sure it’s still big enough to fit the basics such as the food and cooking equipment. If it’s not big enough, you’ll have problems.
Mistake No. 6: Don’t use a power drill or other such marvel when trying to fix a flat tyre. You might think that a little petrol and a socket wouldperspire toffees from the luxury of the van and give you a chance to fix the flat. Sadly, it’s not a good idea to plunge in head first into winter snows to find that the fuel level is too low or has probably been topped off. If you have to push your way out of a van that’s filled with carbon monoxide, you’ll soon realise that it’s not such a great idea.
Mistake No. 7: Don’t ignore theitary system. If you are fixing something that affects the plumbing, gas, or electrical systems – such as a broken water heater – find someone who can put it back into operation securely. You don’t want to be extra guilty of a fire or electricalstorm during a storm.
Mistake No. 8: Don’t turn up for the first time at a campsite. You’ll almost always find something wrong with the toilet, the shower, the toilets or for that matter, the road. Before you rent babes in the nearby city, do yourself a big favor. Choose a bit of camping experience in the country for your first taste.