Buying a caravan: what you need to know

What you need to know before you buy a caravan

The two biggest things to consider are your budget and whether your car can tow the caravan.

Within the budget considerations you need to think about how many people the caravan will accommodate, ergo, the size, and most importantly you need to understand the weight or MTPLM of the caravan and whether your current car is sufficient to tow.

MTPLM is the maximum technically permissible laden mass of your caravan.

Don't worry about knowing the technicalities of this acronym. Just look for the plate attached to a caravan (if you are at a dealership). Or search online to find the MTPLM of any caravans which interest you.

Manufacturers will have the MTPLMs of their latest models on their websites. Or, check our 'Reviews' section to look through older models, too. You can use a service like Towmatch to check whether your car is big enough to tow the MTPLM of the caravan you are looking at.

The different types of caravans

There are many different types of caravan. In fact there are layouts and budgets to suit most buyers' lifestyles.

You can choose two-berth, or four-berth and more; island beds; fixed beds; twin beds; rear washrooms; L-shaped lounges; twin-axle; single-axle; the list is endless and there is likely a caravan out there that has what you are looking for.

How much does a caravan cost?

Working out if you can afford a touring caravan is often people's first concern. And, the cost of a caravan depends on many factors, including its age, quality, condition, size and specification.

Let's break the cost of buying a touring caravan into some price ranges. You'll see what you can expect to get for the money:

(Photo courtesy of Richard Chapman)

(Photo courtesy of Richard Chapman)

What to look for when buying a caravan

Before you go to a dealer at its showroom or a show, prepare yourself with a list of what you want and your budget.

Meeting a dealer is easier when you are clear about what you want. There'll be less pressure on you, and you can negotiate better when you have a plan.

Buying a secondhand caravan

A used caravan is likely to have all its 'snagging issues' fixed when it becomes available on the market. The previous owner(s) should have made use of the warranty on it to correct any defects.

You may benefit from extras previous owners have added, including air-conditioning, satellite dishes or microwave ovens.

There will be a significant choice of makes and models so you can find a model to fit what you need.

A significant benefit of buying a used caravan is availability. You can visit the private seller or dealer, and look around the caravan which interests you. Then, buy it and pick it up soon after you've agreed on a deal.

With new models, you often have to wait for months before your caravan rolls off the production line.

Where to buy a caravan

Timing is essential when you buy a touring caravan. Firstly, you need to understand the cycle of caravan manufacturing.

When manufacturers release most new touring caravan models

UK caravan manufacturers bring out new models yearly. They show them to the public around October at shows.

Customers order their caravans then and get them in March, April or May the following year.

Dealers need to sell last year's models in December, January and February, making this the best time to pick up a deal on a new caravan.

When most used caravans come onto the market

Caravanners who've bought a new caravan in October may trade in their old caravan as part of their deal.

That means the dealers will want to sell these trade-in caravans after the peak delivery time, namely in late May, June and July.

Get your timing right, and you can buy a brand-new caravan (albeit last year's model) at a great price. You need to understand how the industry works.

Now you know when to buy, how about where to buy your caravan?

Many people purchase caravans from private sellers. That's fine when you know what to look for in a new or used caravan.

NCC-approved dealer

If it's your first caravan, it's wise to buy from a dealer. And, make sure you visit an NCC-approved dealer. Why?

Because you'll benefit from:

• Being able to look at various caravans
• Warranties and guarantees they offer
• Finance deals to help you pay for it
• Deals on accessories, like awnings, outdoor furniture or TVs
• Help with aftersales servicing and maintenance

Buying at the NEC Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show

In October yearly, the National Caravan Council runs the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC, Birmingham. It's the most prominent UK 'selling' show.

You'll find show deals and offers on all the stands.

Caravan towing

Towing a caravan puts many people off buying one.

To drive a car, you have to take a theory and practical test. Before the tests, you will have trained and studied for weeks or months. Only once you've passed can you drive on your own.

There's a lot to learn to drive safely and efficiently.

Hook a touring caravan onto the back of your car, and you will notice how different it feels. The car will be slower. Drive over a bump in the road with a caravan in tow, and you will feel the caravan affect your vehicle.

At first, it can unnerve you. The movements you feel change how you drive. Towing a tonne or more of caravan behind changes the physics and dynamics of your car.

But, you get used to towing the more you do it. You soon learn to drive in a different way when you pull a caravan. You become aware of your speed limitations, width and height limits.

Towing gets easier. Soon enough, you feel confident and in control. There are towing courses available from the caravan clubs, and these will build your confidence.

Owning a caravan

Although it's cheaper per night to stay on a campsite than in a hotel or B&B, there are other costs to note.

It's a good idea to jot down the monthly running costs of owning a caravan. On top of your finance costs (if you've bought the caravan on finance) there are other costs. You will need to pay for insurance, servicing and, perhaps, storage.

It's better to be aware of the full costs of owning a touring caravan before you commit. Here are some frequently asked questions and points about the costs of owning a touring caravan.

Touring caravan insurance

Make sure you insure your caravan. You'd be upset if someone stole it or you had an accident when towing which might write it off. Caravan insurance varies in cost depending on the model, where you store it and more factors.

All the above are extra costs you should build into your budget.

When you eventually sell your caravan, it will have lost some of its value, but not all of it.

If you've noted down the running costs while owning the caravan, you'll see how much it costs per year.

That's a useful number to know and compare to the cost of other types of holiday you would have taken.

Top tips

• Travel light – Get into the habit of storing as little as possible in your caravan when you're towing it. Make sure that anything you store in your caravan is as light as possible.
  For example, store plastic crockery in your cupboards and not products made from clay (they won't chip, either). Everything you put in your caravan adds to your payload. The less weight you have to tow, the more efficient you'll be on fuel.
• Put it overhead – If your payload is modest, consider buying a roof box for your car. You can store items in there when you're towing and transfer them into the caravan when you pitch up.
• Watch the MTPLM – Much as owning a big, spacious caravan is attractive, the heavier your caravan, the more you need a big car with a big engine to tow. It's wise to start with a light caravan with a modest MTPLM which you can tow with a car you already own (assuming your current car has a suitable kerbweight).
• Ditch the gas guzzler – Is the car you plan to use to tow with efficient? Towing a caravan can increase your fuel consumption by about 40%. That's why having a fuel-efficient towcar which has enough power to tow a caravan is essential. Do this, and the saving on fuel can add up.
• Be a smooth operator – When you tow a caravan you need to adopt a different driving style. That style needs to be calm and efficient. Take it slower, give yourself time to think and plan for when you're on the road.
  Caravan towing speed limits dictate you mustn't drive faster than 30mph in a built-up area, 50mph on single carriageways, and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
  But, when you tow a caravan, make a mental note of anything that does not handle right about it. That might be how it moves when you're towing. Does it sway easily, for example? Does it feel balanced?
• Check it in for regular care – Taking care of your caravan is worthwhile. Like most products, if you look after it, you will keep on top of any breaks, leaks, bashes or bumps to it. Keep it clean on the outside and inside, too. When you sell it, a well-kept caravan with a service is more attractive to buyers or dealers, so you should get a better price for it.
• Keep it secure – Storing your caravan costs money, but it can bring down your insurance costs. Do your sums and work out what you can save on insurance depending on where you can store your caravan securely.
• Insure it like a pro – Before you commit to your caravan, shop around for the best insurance quotes. Ask the providers what they need to give you the best insurance policy at an affordable price.
• Join a club – There are two caravanning clubs, namely the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
  For a small annual fee, you get many benefits, aside from being able to pitch up at their sites. You can save money on insurance, ferry costs, accessory costs and more. The savings will pay for the membership in no time.

FAQ

Do I need insurance for a touring caravan?

It's not compulsory, but it'd be foolish to skimp on this cost. Your car insurance covers third-party liability of your caravan. But, it does not cover damage or theft.

How much is a service on a caravan?

To service, a single-axle caravan can cost around £200. A twin-axle caravan costs around £230. But, check with an Approved Workshop Scheme company for a precise quote.

Does a touring caravan need an MoT?

No. A caravan doesn't need an MoT, but you do need to keep it in a 'roadworthy condition'. Your caravan has moving parts and will be shaken about on the road. It's not only wise; it's essential to service it regularly, so you and other road users are safe.

Where should I store my caravan?

It's possible to store a caravan on your drive. But, that depends on whether your local authority allows you to store it on your property. Also, your insurance premiums might be higher than storing it in a particular caravan storage site.

Final thoughts

Caravanning is fun, and once you have got the bug, it will be with you for a long time. Make sure you do your due diligence before parting with any cash to ensure what you have purchased doesn’t cost you more. Take out the right insurances and employ security measures such as tracking devices to keep your new investment safe.

When you started reading, you probably felt overwhelmed by the thought of buying a touring caravan. But, with these tips, you should feel more confident about buying the best touring caravan for you.

The sense of freedom you will experience when on a touring caravan holiday means a lot to caravanners. It's a wonderful experience whether you're with your family, friends or go as a couple.