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We are looking to purchase a caravan and just asking for advice. What is the one most important thing we should be looking for in a caravan?
I'm not a caravan fan but always wanted a motorhome. However there are various caravan magazines that might be worth a purchase that would review current models and give good information if you can't get fair and unbiased reviews from the internet. If you are looking at secondhand then perhaps an older issue that reviewed that caravan. Sometimes you find there is something about the spec that is a deal breaker or deal maker for certain caravans. Also loads of videos on youtube about caravans that might be worth a look. There are sites online that have downloads of older issues of magazines some free to download.
BonzoBanana I do like motor homes and have rented one three times in Australia. The downside is the price. The space and also having to pack everything up if you want to go out for the day. They are great for one night and moving on.
BonzoBanana We went and did it. We purchased a very nice Coachman four berth caravan, ticked a lot of boxes for what we need.
Make sure your car can tow the extra weight. I know that seems obvious but friends had to change their car.
Pjran We have a Land Rover sport’s discovery. When we purchased it the retractable tow bar was missing. It cost Land Rover £5000 to get a new one.
eyeballkerry wow that’s one very expensive tow bar. Hope other spares you might need are reasonably priced.
Always went on caravan holidays as a kid and loved it. It enabled us to see so much of Europe that we couldn’t have done otherwise.
I know some caravan sales rooms will let you stop overnight to test out one of their vans.
My only advice is there seems to be 2 types of caravaners, those who base themselves at 1 site who tend to have more luxuries and bigger vans or those who like to travel about who typically have smaller vans and less of the extras. You need to think about what you want to do in your van so you can decide what type to get.
jms19 We have purchased now. We wanted one to be able to travel around but also be comfortable. Our last one didn’t have a fixed bed which was a pain to set up every night and put away in the morning. Especially as my husband had a hip operation and I’m waiting for two new knees!
eyeballkerry i know exactly what you mean about a non fixed bed, my parents old van was the same and as they got older they couldn’t be bothered so traded it in for one with a fixed bed.
Enjoy your travels 
I'd love to travel about in a caravan but sadly I never learnt to drive.I had a boyfriend with a caravanette once and spent the odd night in that.My friend sleeps in the back of her Land Rover occasionaly.
MelissaLee1 We had one before and absolutely loved it. My husband does all the driving although I can drive but I would never pull a caravan.
My advice is that initially you caravan will be used a lot. Then the novelty wears off a bit until you feel dutiful to use it.
For the same amount of money you can stay in many many hotels.
We had a caravan before and absolutely loved it. We only got rid of it as people were looking to steal it. I understand what you mean about the amount but if we did sell it we will some money back whereas once it has been spent on holiday it has gone. We found this out after 9 cruises in three years! Fantasic time and great memories. I am having a knee replacement within next three months so a caravan is going to be ideal for getting away.
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