Thinking about first Van - Page 4

HarryM1BYT · 31st December 2014, 19:56

I would start with something both lighter and cheaper, as well as take some courses. You have no idea whether you will like caravanning, you will be inexperienced in towing so smaller is better to begin with.

I learned on the road, when things were much quieter. It would scare me half to death learning the techniques on the busy roads of today.

Most recommend a maximum of 85% of the tow cars weight anyway, certainly for the inexperienced.

arnosvale65 · 13th January 2015, 15:22

I got my first caravan with the huge help of this forum especially KC who was a life saver. I ended up with a small two birth Fleetwood which is superb. Over 20 years old but sound and dry. I went to give her the once over the other day, fearing the worst after the gales and rain, but she is fine shape and doesn't feel damp at all. Just the right size for me and my dog and easy to tow with my CDT. All this for £900, a bargain. Do your research and see as many as you can which is what I did. Poor old Keith must have been dreading the next PM. "What do you think of this one!"
Try to get as many extras as you can with the deal as they all ad up, water containers etc.

mick160 · 17th January 2015, 06:30

Have you considered a folding camper?

I was considering a caravan a couple of years ago and this camper turned up in the next street so I bought it and so glad I did. It's lighter than a van (750kg fully loaded), easier to tow and easier to store (goes in the garage). Only takes about 20 minutes or so to set up the main cabin when you get there and the beds are always set up so no faffing about every night getting beds out.

I realise they are not for everyone but for me (a camper at heart

) and the family it's perfect. Here it is on our hols in Wales last year.

johnnyb44 · 18th January 2015, 16:10

We used to love our Conway Trailer tent. We paid the grand total of £400 for it and kept it for 5 years. The best holidays ever ( when the weather was dry ).
We then bought a brand new Cabanon trailer tent which we felt never had the same good quality as the Conway. We enjoyed them that much we spent a couple of years buying and selling them and became quite knowledgeable in restoring them. We have know got a micro caravan called an ERIBA .
Very expensive for what they are but they have a very long life span as the frame work is constructed of metal instead of wood that's seen in other caravans. They also hold there money well.
We often go to Eriba rallys and spend a few good evenings eating and drinking ( to much ) with fellow enthusiasts
All good fun :-):-)
Can't wait for some decent weather so we can head off into the sunset again.

Mothman · 19th January 2015, 11:56

We bought a Gobur last year as our first van and have absolutely no regrets. It's a delight to tow and surprisingly easy to put together. Built by a small firm in Norfolk who offer 5 star customer service.

They are not for everyone, but we love ours

Discofan · 7th February 2015, 15:18

Folding campers certainly have their place, easy to tow, store etc but I dont think Id fancy one for winter use. We're planning to head away over half term next weekend. The Swift Challenger Sport will be toasty with the heating on, canvas doesnt have just the same appeal - OK for France in summer but not for year round use.

31st December 2014, 19:56	#31
HarryM1BYT This is my second home 75 Contemporary SE Mk II 2004 Man. Sal. CDTi 135ps, FBH on red diesel, WinCE6 DD Join Date: May 2010 Location: Leeds Posts: 17,273 Thanks: 2,160 Thanked 2,061 Times in 1,586 Posts	I would start with something both lighter and cheaper, as well as take some courses. You have no idea whether you will like caravanning, you will be inexperienced in towing so smaller is better to begin with. I learned on the road, when things were much quieter. It would scare me half to death learning the techniques on the busy roads of today. Most recommend a maximum of 85% of the tow cars weight anyway, certainly for the inexperienced. __________________ Harry How To's and items I offer for free, or just to cover the cost of my expenses... http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...40#post1764540 Fix a poor handbrake; DIY ABS diagnostic unit; Loan of the spanner needed to change the CDT belts; free OBD diagnostics +MAF; Correct Bosch MAF cheap; DVB-T install in an ex-hi-line system; DD install with a HK amp; FBH servicing. I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

13th January 2015, 15:22	#32
arnosvale65 Posted a thing or two 75 facelift CDTi Connie SE Tourer. MGF 1.8 VVC Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: bristol Posts: 1,424 Thanks: 176 Thanked 176 Times in 119 Posts	I got my first caravan with the huge help of this forum especially KC who was a life saver. I ended up with a small two birth Fleetwood which is superb. Over 20 years old but sound and dry. I went to give her the once over the other day, fearing the worst after the gales and rain, but she is fine shape and doesn't feel damp at all. Just the right size for me and my dog and easy to tow with my CDT. All this for £900, a bargain. Do your research and see as many as you can which is what I did. Poor old Keith must have been dreading the next PM. "What do you think of this one!" Try to get as many extras as you can with the deal as they all ad up, water containers etc. __________________ Onwards and upwards. MGZT-T MK1 front and rear ends fitted, specialist- components in line thermostat mod done, retro fitted cruise control, Mk1 real wood dash fitted, real walnut steering wheel fitted, Pioneer DAB radio fitted.

17th January 2015, 06:30	#33
mick160 Loves to post MG ZT 1.8t Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northumberland Posts: 495 Thanks: 48 Thanked 53 Times in 44 Posts	Have you considered a folding camper? I was considering a caravan a couple of years ago and this camper turned up in the next street so I bought it and so glad I did. It's lighter than a van (750kg fully loaded), easier to tow and easier to store (goes in the garage). Only takes about 20 minutes or so to set up the main cabin when you get there and the beds are always set up so no faffing about every night getting beds out. I realise they are not for everyone but for me (a camper at heart ) and the family it's perfect. Here it is on our hols in Wales last year.

19th January 2015, 11:56	#35
Mothman Loves to post Rover 75 CDT Club SE Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Newbury, Berkshire Posts: 252 Thanks: 47 Thanked 31 Times in 27 Posts	We bought a Gobur last year as our first van and have absolutely no regrets. It's a delight to tow and surprisingly easy to put together. Built by a small firm in Norfolk who offer 5 star customer service. They are not for everyone, but we love ours

7th February 2015, 15:18	#36
Discofan Loves to post (Land)Rover Freelander 2 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Stuck in the 1980's Posts: 477 Thanks: 118 Thanked 135 Times in 94 Posts	Folding campers certainly have their place, easy to tow, store etc but I dont think Id fancy one for winter use. We're planning to head away over half term next weekend. The Swift Challenger Sport will be toasty with the heating on, canvas doesnt have just the same appeal - OK for France in summer but not for year round use.