subject: 20 Top Caravan Buying Questions to ask any park owner before buying a static caravan [print this page] 20 Top Caravan Buying Questions to ask any park owner before buying a static caravan
Buying a Static caravan is a big decision, finding somewhere to put it is even bigger! Here are 20 questions that you really need to know the answers to before you commit to staying on a static caravan park:
1. What are the opening & closing dates? How long is the caravanning season?
As this will deduce how many months of the year you can stay on the holiday home park and use your caravan for. A Holiday home parks season can vary between 8 and 11 months. While a 11 month season in theory let's you use your caravan more, you have to realistically ask yourself whether you would use it during the harsher winter months and the longer season will be reflected in the price.
2. Are children catered for?
What facilities and activities does the park provide? These can range from swimming pool, nature walks, activity play area's to name just a few.
3. Are pets allowed?
Best to find out before you buy whether Pugsey can come with you.
4. Are the pitch fee's the same for every pitch? If not, what are the lowest and highest siting prices?
Most parks, like ourselves have just the one price for all pitch fees. However some do charge more for what they consider their premium pitches. Best to find out first before any heartache later.
5. Are their any sporting and entertainment facilities? Are they open all season? Are they included in the pitch fee?
Again a lot of parks, including ourselves, host a range of free activities which can make it feel like having your own "all inclusive holiday" which you can have again and again at any point throughout the season!
6. What attractions are nearby?
You can not beat local knowledge for the best fishing spots!
7. How much are the site fee's?
This is usually a reflection of the caravan sites location, size and length of season. Caravan parks next to the sea with 11 month seasons command higher site fees. This figure varies between 1200 and 5000.
8. What are the History of Site fee increases?
As this will be a reflection of future price increases.
9. What are the arrangements for paying for electricity and gas?
Electricity is usually done on an annual basis via individual meters. Gas is either piped and paid on an annual basis like the electricity or by Bottle on a pay as you go basis.
10. Is there email/internet access on site?
Important if you need to check your work emails when you are away, not so if you don't.
11. What are the car parking arrangements?
Each caravan pitch usually comes with its own parking space. With caravan parks having additional car park areas for visitors.
12. Is their a shop on site; if not, where is the nearest one?
Check to find where the nearest shop is. On site shops usually have a price premium for their convenience.
13. Are their any other charges? Do I need to pay to use the facilities?
It is always worth checking what is and isn't included to allow you to budget better. For fir view tan y ffridd all the facilities are free, the only additional costs are for the electricity and gas you use and caravan insurance, which is calculated on the caravan size.
14. Are there any age restrictions on Caravans staying on site?
This is at the caravan owner's discretion and most employ a 15 year age limit. Fir view tan y ffridd does not have any age limits on caravans, we simply ask that you keep your caravan and pitch presentable and in good condition.
15. How long is the guarantee on my caravan?
This will be in your Manufacturers guide. Most are between 1-3 years and can be extended to 5.
16. Will the site owner arrange caravan insurance or should I do it myself?
Most parks can arrange and sort out all of your insurance for you.
17. Are there any finance arrangements available?
Yes, you can either look to take out a loan, or take out finance with the caravan distributor.
18. Does the park have a tourist board rating?
Stars are awarded from 1 - 5 and work the same way as hotel star ratings.
19. Are staff on hands at all times?
In case of an emergency it is important to know how many staff members work on site, where they can be located and whether they are there at night time.
20. Is the park secure, especially during the close season?
Again for peace of mind it is worth knowing the parks security arrangements and the number of staff who work in the close season.
