We’ll cover the essentials, so you can spend more time planning your next road trip.
Probably the most important aspect of your new purchase. It’s vital that you know the weight of your caravan for two reasons:
*Rule changes in late 2021 mean that any licence holder who passed their test from 1 January 1997 can now tow a trailer up to a maximum authorised mass of 3,500kg. Drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 are allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM.
Check your car’s handbook or chassis plate for the ‘gross combination weight’ (maximum combined weight of the car and any trailers/caravans) of your vehicle.
Remember, you’ll need to pack your caravan properly too. Store heavy items on the floor of the caravan near the wheels and medium-weighted items further away. Your lightest cargo can be stored on the shelves at higher levels.
By law your new caravan should measure no wider than 2.55 metres and no longer than 7 metres for a trailer weighing up to 3,500 kg. This length does not include the A-frame.
Do you want something small and easy to tow? Or a caravan with maximum space for a comfortable holiday? Before handing over your cash, you should also be aware that ferry companies can charge more money to carry longer caravans.
Although legal requirements are quite generous, wider caravans can be tricky to drive through country lanes. Ask yourself how confident you’ll be when navigating narrow rural roads.
And finally, how much space do you have to store the caravan? Although a larger vehicle may be more comfortable, you might struggle to safely store your purchase in a garage.
How many people do you want to sleep in your caravan?
Some berths, or beds, may be on the small side for taller adults, so take a tape measure when you inspect any potential purchases, or ask the seller if you can lie on beds to make a more hands-on assessment.
If things are getting tight, consider setting up beds in the awning of your caravan. The coverings are a simple solution for using the space on your pitch but outside your vehicle.
The key differences between caravan layouts usually concern beds and bathrooms.
Fixed beds are a great idea for anyone who doesn’t want to convert a living area into a bed each night. However, many believe the permanent fixtures take up too much room.
You’ll also need to decide on the type of bed or beds you’ll need. Twin singles, doubles and bunk beds are widely available. Some bedding areas are placed at opposite ends of a caravan to offer added privacy. These layouts are particularly useful if you’re travelling with young children with an early bedtime.
Some caravan owners consider a toilet and shower as optional extras. With bathroom services available at many caravan parks, the space used for plumbing could work better as part of a living area.
Most caravans are available in single or twin axle options, that is, one or two pairs of wheels. A single axle vehicle is more agile and perfect for beginners, whereas a double axle will be trickier to drive but better suited to support a larger caravan.
The Camping and Caravanning Club offers courses to build your confidence and develop the skills to reverse and pitch your caravan properly.
You’ll need to leave your caravan somewhere safe when it’s not being used.
A private garage will help keep the vehicle out of site and minimise catching the attention of potential thieves. Check the deeds of your home for any restrictions about storing caravans.
Alternatively, The Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) uses a Gold, Silver and Bronze award system to mark secure locations where you can keep your vehicle.
Insuring your caravan will give you peace of mind that your new purchase is protected against theft. Your insurance provider will probably ask for some security features to be fitted for your policy to remain valid.
Door locks should stop would-be thieves from entering your caravan, while a hitch lock will prevent the handle on your hitch from being raised to stop a connection with another vehicle. Wheel clamps are another great way of deterring someone from taking your prized caravan away.
