We are thinking about buying a caravan to tow. We would also need to buy a bigger car to tow it as we currently only have a very small car. Our family consists of 2 adults, one 9 year old child and two small dogs (westies).

Can any of you shed any light on what makes of caravans we should look at? And what we would need to tow it? I  seem to remember a former work colleague extolling the virtues of a diesel peugeot 40something or other to tow his caravan.

I vaguely recall reading somewhere once of the importance of buying a good make of caravan in order to be able to get replacement parts for it. Non of my family have ever owned a caravan so stabbing in the dark on this one.

Also don't want to buy a brand new caravan or car one in case we don't really take to it (plus can't afford brand new either!!)  but how old a caravan should we consider in order for it to be still in reasonable condition?

Any ideas on thios gratefully received.

Ailsa

we have an avondale leda grampian that we tow with a 2.5 v6 vectra estate and its great its a 1992 model. What to look for in a second hand caravan are design - it has to be practical, looks - no point buying a cheap one if your not keen on the looks, accessories that come with the van like aqua roll for water, awning (can be expensive).
I would make a list of all the things you want like do you need hot and cold running water, how many berths, separte dining area etc.. etc..
As for make of van i would go for avondale although we did have a ABI Ace Maurder before this one that was a little gem although not that practical for our needs. Go and look round some to get an idea whats on offer and and have a budget and stick to it within reason our first van cost 1000 but this one set us back nearly 5k. Just one main thing to look out for in caravans is DAMP! example - one we saw had one wall inside cupboard very spongy - do avoid caravans with damp as it is very expensive to repair. All caravans have a little damp in them the dealer will tell you this but if you can see it and its like a sponge cake walk away.
Tow cars vary it all depends on what you want but you have to make sure you do not exceed the cars kerbweight with the van you are towing a good match is about 85% Hope this helps

Hi Sonny - thanks for your reply. Your idea of making a list of what we would be looking for in a caravan is a good one. We made a similar list the last time we went car hunting but hadn't thought about doing the same for a caravan.

We are going to look at some at a local dealer and will take it from there. I am slowly but surely building a list of stuff from your email plus from looking at ads in the papers also. I notice that very few ads in the papers give the age of the caravans but I expect a dealer would be more up on that side of things.

I have also just joined a couple of caravan groups also.

Thanks again.

Ailsa

Other information you might find of use -: from the 90's caravans had to have some lights high at the back on both sides to make them visable at night when being towed. Watch out with the dealers some will try to sell you what they have not what is a suitable match for you and your car. Try to get a awning with it as well as this will be the most expensive accessorie if you buy privatley your more likely to get more extras, look for someone who's giving it up. All caravans made from 1992 have to be registered with CHRIS you could check out the history ie outstanding finance, vans before this can be voluntary registered.

some links
http://www.practicalcaravan.co.uk
http://www.touringandtenting.com
http://www.caravan-forum.co.uk

caravaning and dogs the perfect combination :)

What you need is to see how much room you need how much you want to pay  caravans can be cheaper in the paper but you have to do HPI check by AA to check the van isnt on finance also the AA will tell you what the tow safe is ie: which car can tow your van or vioce versa what your car can tow.
also join either caravan and camping club or caravan club about £30 a year but they will give you site book and guide all you need to find the perfect places to stay  also you can go to rallies they are great for families with young children  lots to do and make great friends
We have just bought our 7th caravan but sadly due to lack of time as we run rescue kennles we dont have much camping time so have put it on a site to nip off when we can.
you will love caravanning good luck

I have been caravaning with the dogs round the shows for 18 years and it is great, you meet up with all your breed friends and talk dogs late into the night, no early morning trapped in traffic jams to get into the show, no 5 a.m. starts, just a quick wander over the night befor to sus out the benching and rings, sometimes get good buys from the stall holders that are setting up the day before.

If you are definately getting a caravan join either the caravan club or the caravan and camping club, and they will do a match for you free, £27.00 if you join with yearly direct debit, and you get reductions on you site fees, the £27  can usually be recouped in 1 trip because of the reduced site rate, and they will help with technical details ,if you use there sites instead of the showground sites that mostly have basic water points and cabin toilets. But there are a lot of good cheap sites in the surrounding area's around show that have the full works, laundry showers and some dog walks, It is well worth it cheaper caravan insurance, use of CL's sites 5 caravan's only great for dogs as not a lot to bark at.

Would recommend getting on with casette toilet built in, easier cleaning, and no trecking across field to find the tiolets at 3 a.m. But I would highly recommend caranvaning, it is my second love after my dogs.

Have a look on auto trader site, there are some good one usually on there at resonable prices, but do the HPI and chris checks ( security)

Hi there,

We just recently bought a caravan. We bought a 2 berth last year just to make sure we would like it etc then this year decided to spend a bit more get one with all the mod cons and a 4 berth and  a good awning etc.

We tow ours with a 2.0 diesel  Zafira.    This can tow most caravans well up to 1285 weight. which is a bit better in fuel. Towing a caravan with a petrol can can be very expensive.

I did a lot of research over about 8 months.

If you want to mail me privately I would happy point you in the right direction. I know a very good site that gives out lots of advice etc also , you can join and ask questions to your heart is content.

Pamela