What To Consider When Buying Your First Caravan
So you've decided to purchase a caravan. You are aware of the responsibilities (including caravan insurance), the expenses and the maintenance that will have to be kept up. Do you know how to select the caravan that will be best for the purposes you have in mind? There are a lot of things to consider so you won't be buying a caravan that is too large and costs too much, or is perhaps too small to suit everyone in your camping crew. Here are a few things to think about when looking for the perfect tourer for you.
One of the biggest deciding factors in your purchase will be how the caravan will be used. If you are looking for something to holiday in, you should consider how many people generally go along on the trip, you will want to pick something with enough sleeping berths for everyone on the trip. If youre planning very short trips, the accommodations can be sparser -- you may not need the shower, oven, built in televisions, and other creature comforts, but will want extra storage and perhaps refrigeration.
If you are buying your caravan for a more family oriented purpose, expect to look for more comfort options, and keep in mind how many people you will usually be accommodating. Will your partner or children be travelling with you? Everyone will want differing amenities that you will have to plan for. Remember though, the more options you select, more maintenance, and expenses will be incurred.
More important than all the things that have been mentioned above, is your vehicle. If you purchase a tow-behind trailer that uses a ball hitch, you should have a heavy duty suspension package, or possibly look into air shock absorbers. The vehicle in question should also be in good condition, with a fairly powerful motor. If the auto you use is under-powered problems could occur very quickly. If the caravan that has caught your eye requires a fifth wheel, the cost can go really go up.
Okay, now you know which caravans are viable options, and maybe decided on the size, number of berths, and taken into consideration your wifes concerns about creature comforts and hygiene. Time to start looking!
One of the biggest deciding factors in your purchase will be how the caravan will be used. If you are looking for something to holiday in, you should consider how many people generally go along on the trip, you will want to pick something with enough sleeping berths for everyone on the trip. If youre planning very short trips, the accommodations can be sparser -- you may not need the shower, oven, built in televisions, and other creature comforts, but will want extra storage and perhaps refrigeration.
If you are buying your caravan for a more family oriented purpose, expect to look for more comfort options, and keep in mind how many people you will usually be accommodating. Will your partner or children be travelling with you? Everyone will want differing amenities that you will have to plan for. Remember though, the more options you select, more maintenance, and expenses will be incurred.
More important than all the things that have been mentioned above, is your vehicle. If you purchase a tow-behind trailer that uses a ball hitch, you should have a heavy duty suspension package, or possibly look into air shock absorbers. The vehicle in question should also be in good condition, with a fairly powerful motor. If the auto you use is under-powered problems could occur very quickly. If the caravan that has caught your eye requires a fifth wheel, the cost can go really go up.
Okay, now you know which caravans are viable options, and maybe decided on the size, number of berths, and taken into consideration your wifes concerns about creature comforts and hygiene. Time to start looking!
