A guide to buying your first caravan

With staycations becoming a popular choice for summer plans in the UK, buying a caravan is a great way of touring the country without having to use public transport. It gives you freedom and convenience – what’s not to love?

With so many different types and brands of caravans to choose from, it can be difficult for first-time buyers to know which one to choose. No need to worry, we’ll answer all these questions and more here.

Contents

Do I need a high-powered car to tow a caravan?

Not necessarily, though this will depend on the size of the caravan you’d like to purchase.

If you’ve passed a category B test for cars and small vehicles after 1st January 1997, you can tow:

Small caravans weighing no more than 750kg with a car or van that has a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3,500kg
Caravans over 750kg if the combined MAM of your vehicle and caravan does not exceed 3,500kg

For those who passed before 1st January 1997, if you have a category B driving licence you can tow caravans:

Weighing up to 750kg MAM with a vehicle of up to 3,500kg MAM
Over 750kg if the combined MAM does not exceed 3,500kg MAM

Please note that the MAM should be measured when both vehicles are loaded. If you’d like to tow a caravan with a higher MAM, you’ll need to pass a car and trailer driving test.

What to consider when buying your first caravan

When making a larger purchase, like a caravan, you’ll want to do your research and consider the elements that you’re looking for. You may have already got an idea of the price point, layout, and additional amenities you want, but there are some other questions that you need to ask yourself.

A static or touring caravan?

If you’re thinking about buying a caravan you can tow and set up anywhere, a touring caravan is what you’ll need.

A static caravan should only be considered if you want to holiday in the same place each year or you want to use it as your main home as it cannot be towed easily by your car. Many holiday parks have static caravans to rent/hire so that is always an option too.

A second-hand or new caravan?

Most new caravanners tend to start off with a second-hand caravan as towing a caravan takes a little getting used to! A used caravan will also hold its value for longer than if you were to buy a new caravan – just like cars, a new caravan’s value will depreciate as soon as you take it off the forecourt.

If you have children or pets you’d like to take on your journey, a used caravan is also a great option. This is because you probably won’t be so fussed about any small nicks or wear and tear that might occur.

There are plenty of classic caravans you might want to invest in but do know that you might need to put in quite a bit of TLC to get the caravan in full working order. It’s worth noting that classic caravan insurance can be very reasonably priced.

This isn’t to definitively say new caravans are a bad choice. They’ll come with the latest mod-cons and may have a more pleasing aesthetic, so, if that’s something you prioritise, it’s worth bearing that in mind.

A dealer or independent seller?

Buying a caravan through a dealer will often give you more protection than a private sale. You might be able to get a warranty from a dealer, which you likely won’t receive if you opt for an independent sale. Of course, some private sale deals can be very tempting, but do note that if it seems too good to be true, it might just be too good to be true!

If you do decide to take the private sale route, be sure to bring a checklist of areas of the caravan to inspect, and double-check the documents you’re shown to ensure they’re legitimate. Give yourself some peace of mind and pay special attention to the areas listed below.

What to check when buying a used caravan

There are a number of common issues found in used caravans that you should look out for in order to avoid buying the wrong one.

Damp

Caravans are prone to damp, mostly because they’re usually laid up for most of the winter. As a result, it’s important that you give the caravan a thorough check for damp before you buy as buying a caravan with damp could lead to further issues like mould or rust.

You can check for this by either purchasing a damp meter or getting the caravan serviced. Make sure to take readings around windows, doors and roof lights as these areas are most prone to damp.

Registration number and signs of damage: is it stolen?

Sadly, caravan thefts are on the rise in the UK so it’s important to ensure everything about your caravan is above board.

Make sure there are no signs of damage around the hitch, door locks or windows. You should also check the Caravan Registration & Identifications Scheme (CRIS) number, which is usually displayed on the caravan windows and stamped on the chassis. In most cases, if the caravan has been stolen, thieves will try to remove the CRIS as this number identifies the caravan.

You can get a CRIS check to ensure everything is legitimate. A CRIS check is the industry standard background check for pre-owned touring caravans. You do have to pay for it and it takes 6-8 weeks, but it will let you know if the vehicle was stolen or has ever been written off.

The service history

You should also check the caravan’s full service history. This will have information on any issues the caravan has previously had with damp, electrics, wheels, brakes and more.

Best types of caravans to buy

If this is the first time you’re buying and driving a caravan, you probably have a lot of questions about which type of caravan is best. The fact of the matter is that this will vary a great deal depending on your situation, family size, and the amenities you need.

Single-axle caravans

For the most part, single-axle caravans are often the cheapest to buy, but these are smaller and therefore usually only suitable for single people, couples or small families. Single-axle caravans are also unlikely to have as much storage space and might not have as many amenities.

It should be noted, though, that as single-axle caravans are usually smaller and lighter, they’re often easier to manoeuvre. As a result, they can be a great option for those who are new to caravanning.

Imported caravans

These are generally more expensive both to buy and insure, so it might not be the best option for first-time buyers, but we know how it feels when you fall in love with an American or European caravan and you can’t get it out of your head – no matter how many British caravans you look at!

Import tax is another big expense, though the cost varies from country to country. You won’t be able to check the vehicle for faults until it’s already imported, so this is important to bear in mind too.

Small two-berth caravans

In general, these are the easiest to manage and are often the cheapest to insure. Of course, two-berths won’t work if you have a large family, but they’re great for a couple.

Folding caravans

These compact caravans are also quite cheap to insure – we offer very affordable caravan insurance for most of these different caravan types.

Folding caravans work in much the same way as a normal touring caravan, except they can be “folded” when you’re travelling or when you store your caravan in the garage.

Once on-site and expanded, they’re often fairly sizeable, although they don’t always come with toilet facilities. One thing to note is that they do usually take a little while to set up, meaning you might not be able to access your kitchen facilities while on the road.

How much is a used caravan to buy?

Caravans don’t have to be ridiculously expensive, but their price will vary depending on a number of factors. This includes the year it was manufactured, its size, and its berth (i.e. the number of people that can sleep in it). Prices will also vary depending on the caravan’s features.

Common caravan features

Every caravan model is unique, but the most common features include:
Between two and six beds
Shower facilities
Toilet
Stovetop
Sink
Kitchen work surfaces
Fridge
Microwave
Storage space

Should I buy a caravan?

As with anything in life, there are pros and cons to buying and owning a caravan that you will need to weigh to decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Pros:

The ability to roam all parts of the UK without the nuisance of booking transport or hotels
Once you have your caravan, staycations can become a lot more cost-effective
Caravan owners are very community driven and you may meet many new friends during your journeys
If you don’t use your caravan in all seasons, you can rent it out to get some extra money
Pet owner? You’ll never have to worry about pet-friendly accommodation again with a caravan

Cons:

Travelling in a caravan isn’t completely free, there are maintenance costs and site fees to pay for
Towing caravans can be hard and you may need to practice. You may also need a larger car to do it
Caravans do have limited storage so you will have to be careful with packing
If your caravan has a toilet, you will most likely have to empty it at different spots
Pitching a caravan can take some time, especially if you’re new to it

Best first caravans to buy

Now that we’ve run through everything you should know about your first caravan, now it’s time to buy one. But which should you choose? With a wide selection of caravans available, it can be difficult to make a decision. We’ve put together a list of the best first caravans you can buy.

Best small caravan under 750kg: Freedom Caravans

Need a small caravan under 750kg so you can tow it without getting another licence? Freedom Caravans are a great option.

Price when buying new: £13,995-£25,995

Used price: £8,995-£20,995

Freedom Caravans sell a range of small caravans, most of which have won awards in the lightweight trailer category. The majority of Freedom Caravan models have an unladen weight below 750kg, but you almost wouldn’t notice how compact these caravans are as they’re packed full of features.

Take the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport (two-berth), for instance. The caravan has an unladen weight of 700kg, yet it includes the following items as standard:

Oven/Grill
Fridge
Hob
Kitchen and bathroom taps
Toilet
Shower
Overhead lockers
Half-length wardrobe
Seating area, which can be converted to either:
2x single beds, or 1x super-king sized double

If you’re travelling alone or as a couple, you’d be hard-pressed to find a comfier caravan than one from Freedom Caravans.

Best caravan for beginners: La Mancelle Fantaisy 360 CL

If you didn’t have a family caravan in your childhood, the La Mancelle Fantaisy is for you. Simple but effective, this small caravan is easy to tow and offers all the standard comforts you want from your first caravan.

Price when buying new: Starting from £27,995

Used price: Previously sold for around £25,995-£27,995

It sleeps three and, for a smaller caravan, has a spacious design – the layout is a fan favourite element that makes this a popular choice. The design makes it an appealing option for young families.

Models may include:

Combined gas oven and grill
TV pre-equipped
Electric swivel cassette toilet
Combined shower & swivel washbasin
Two-burner hob
Exterior BBQ
Stainless steel tank

Best caravan for couples: Elddis Affinity 520

There aren’t many caravans more stunning than the Elddis Affinity 520.

Price when buying new: Starting at £29,499

Used price: Starting at £19,495

Described as a ‘luxurious couple’s retreat’, the 520 is beautifully designed with lots of storage and other features. This 2-berth caravan offers a luxury look without the price tag and it’s also lightweight.

The caravan includes:

Combination oven, grill and dual fuel hob
Microwave with microwave isolation switch
Speakers and TV points
Fully bonded roof
Electric flush toilet & heated towel rail
Kitchen locker doors with concealed catches

Best used caravans: Swift Challenger 570 and Bailey Pegasus 462

Swift and Bailey are two of the most popular caravan manufacturers, so it’s no surprise that some of their models are great second-hand caravans. What’s more, used models for these two caravans are in abundance and you can find some fantastic deals if you check online regularly.

Swift Challenger 570

Used price: £7,500 to £14,995

This four-berth caravan is an older model, but it’s still packed with some great features and is fairly spacious for the price. Designed with many windows, the caravan lets in a lot of natural light too, which helps make the Challenger 570 look even roomier. Although the design is a little outdated compared to the other caravans on this list, it would be difficult to find a more affordable used four-berth.

The Swift Challenger 570 includes the following features:

End washroom with a shower, toilet & sink
Rear double bed
Front lounge area can convert into either: 2x singles, or 1x double bed
Oven and grill
Four burned hobs
Fridge with freezer compartment
Microwave

Bailey Pegasus 462

Used price: £7,995-£22,000

As a two-berth, the Bailey Pegasus is a great option for solo travellers or couples. Despite its compact size, the caravan has plenty of seating space, meaning three to four people could comfortably relax in the van at a time.

Although the Pegasus 462 is a fairly old model, it still has a wide range of amenities that will make your holiday relaxing. This includes:

Gas heater
Double glazed windows
Grill and oven
Microwave
Fridge
TV aerial
End washroom with a toilet and shower

Insuring your new caravan

Once you have picked out the caravan of your dreams, you’ll want the right insurance. At Adrian Flux, we can help you find the appropriate caravan insurance policy based on your needs, helping you skip all the fuss. Call us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.