subject: Beginners Guide to Buying a New Touring Caravan [print this page] Beginners Guide to Buying a New Touring Caravan
Buying a new caravan is a big decision. If you rush in without going into the pros and cons of what you need, it can be a very expensive mistake. Make the right choice and you will find that owning a new caravan is not only an enjoyable experience, but a worthy investment in your leisure time. Here we offer a beginners guide to buying the ideal caravan and highlight the importance of purchasing the right caravan insurance to protect your new tourer.
How do you go about choosing your caravan? It's probably best to start with a dealership near to where you live. Don't believe those dealers that say their mobile service unit will travel 150 miles to look after you! If you can, attend one of the two major Caravan Shows held each year at the NEC in February and October, as most models can be viewed under one roof.
Recently there has been a dramatic swing in caravan layout design with triple fixed bunks becoming popular for most manufacturers' ranges, enticing larger families into caravanning.
Do you need a fixed bed model? Is an island bed or side fixed bed a better option? What sort of washroom do you need? Is the storage space ample?
2010 looks to be the year of several breakthroughs in the touring caravan world. The manufacturer, Bailey, have invented their own construction system named Alu-Tech which is claimed to provide stronger and more durable construction than the industry standard of bonded sides with traditional timber frame. If you buy one of the new Bailey Alu-Tech models you gain a ten-year bodyshell warranty.
The new single axle fixed bed and end washroom design is taking the market by storm. This design layout offers sleeping for four persons and importantly can be tow by smaller cars. Dealer Specials are also becoming more popular. The idea being the dealership take a base range and adds to the spec e.g. better upholstery, alloys, spare wheel, alarm and other items. These models cost more than the standard caravan but the added cost works out cheaper than adding these items later.
Imported caravans require a little more thought as some are not made to UK spec (e.g. entrance door on opposite side) plus ovens and grills may not be fitted either. Make sure to find out where your nearest dealership is, as imported makes don't have the coverage of the UK brands. Also parts can be more difficult to obtain and wait times longer than UK brands.
If you are looking for a caravan that folds away on towing or storage, only one UK maker, Gobur, offers the folding caravan. Their caravans are available in various specifications and sizes. Pop-top tourers such as the imported Going Cockpit, Eriba and Silver by Trigano do offer easier towing for the smaller car and more choice for this niche caravan market.
Is your car capable of towing your caravan? The recommended towing limit is no more than 85% of the car's kerbweight i.e. total weight of your car and caravan together mustn't exceed the train weight limit of your car (shown in the handbook and on the car plate).
Caravan theft is still a major problem so it is essential that your new caravan is well protected with anti-theft devices, as well as buying the right caravan insurance cover to suit your needs. With premiums starting from only 49, securing a competitive caravan insurance online quote isn't as time consuming or costly as you may think.
Why not see how much you could save on your touring caravan insurance today?
