How to Know if Buying a Caravan is Right for You

Sam Richards
Authored by Sam Richards
Posted Monday, July 15, 2019 - 1:55pm

Getting a caravan can be thrilling, especially if you have plans of taking it away for the summer, camping, and having adventures. Sometimes you just know when something feels right, but if you’re not entirely sure whether buying a caravan is right for you, then trust this article to tie up a few loose ends and make the decision a little clearer. 

Do Your Homework 

You cannot ever be too prepared. So, with this in mind, find out all you can about caravans and be in the know before going in search of the one that’s ideal for you. Buying a caravan is serious stuff, so consider questions such as: 

  1. Can my car tow a caravan? Your caravan shouldn’t exceed eighty-five percent of your vehicle’s weight. 
  2. What’s your budget? Set a maximum budget and avoid going over it at all. 
  3. Do I know what to look for in a caravan? Know your needs, and figure out how many miles you’ll likely be doing, whether there is enough space for you to stand, how many beds it has, the cooking facilities it can provide, and the condition of the caravan itself – both inside and out. 
  4. Do I know how to inspect a prospective caravan? You need to know how best to check for damp for example, as well as rust, and moisture levels. 
  5. When is the best time to buy? Knowing this can save you money. You should be looking to buy during the winter as there’s less demand for caravans during the colder months.

Equip yourself with all the knowledge required to find the caravan that can meet each and every one of your needs, and that can turn your travelling dreams into reality. 

Rent a Caravan 

Purchasing a new caravan can set you back some serious cash, and if you’re lusting after some of the more top of the range models, then you’re going to be set back further still. To make buying a caravan worthwhile, you will need to get your use and enjoyment out of it. 

Before going through the process of choosing the one you like and following it through to purchase, consider borrowing a to-rent caravan and taking it away for a long weekend. You need to know that the nomadic lifestyle is for you, that you can enjoy being without some home comforts and manage cooking for yourself in a more insular environment. 

Do You Have The Space To Store It? 

Unless you plan to live in your caravan, you’re going to have to sort out where it will be kept when it’s not in use. Before going ahead with the purchase, ensure that you will be able to secure the adequate permit and license and to have it parked outside of your home. 

It is, of course, safer to keep your caravan stored away in a garage, however, if you don’t have one, you will need to park it up and out of the way of potential harm and vandalism. Meticulously measure the height and width of your garage if you have one – it would be disastrous to drive your new caravan home only to find out that it’s too large to fit. 

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