🛻 Guide to Buying Your First Caravan
1. 🎯 Define Your Needs
Start with the essentials:
- How many people will use it? Couples may only need a 2-berth, while families may need 4–6 berths.
- How often will you use it? Occasional trips vs. full-time travel can impact what type of caravan is suitable.
- Where will you travel? On-road or off-road? International or domestic?
- Towing vehicle? Ensure your car is suitable (see below).
2. 🚙 Check Your Towing Capacity
Your vehicle’s towing capacity is critical.
- Check the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Tare weight of the caravan.
- Match it to your car’s Maximum Braked Towing Capacity.
- Remember the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) if loading both the vehicle and caravan.
- Make sure you have a suitble tow bar that takes the correct nose weight, you can test your caravans nose weight with this device (Click here)
💡 Pro tip: Stay under 85% of your car’s kerb weight for safer towing if you’re a beginner.
3. 🏕️ New vs. Used Caravans
New Caravan Pros:
- Warranty and latest tech.
- No hidden damage.
Used Caravan Pros:
- More affordable.
- Slower depreciation.
🔍 When buying used, inspect:
- Damp, mold, and water damage. You can buy a damp meter tester. (Click here)
- Chassis and tires.
- Appliances and electrics.
- Service history.
4. 🛏️ Layout and Features
Popular layouts vary—visit dealerships or expos to explore:
- Fixed bed vs. convertible seating (Click here)
- Separate shower/toilet or combined wet room
- Kitchen space (Click here) and cooking appliances (Click here)
- Storage options (Click here)
🔧 Must-have features for many:
- Heating/AC
- Solar or battery setup (Click here)
- Awning – (Click Here)
- Security devices (tracker, wheel lock) (Click here) for the one that we use.
5. 💰 Budget and Hidden Costs
Besides the purchase price, consider:
- Insurance
- Storage (if not kept at home)
- Maintenance and servicing
- Towing mirrors and hitch locks. Towing mirror (Click here)
- Site fees and club memberships (like Caravan and Motorhome Club)
6. 🧾 Legal & Safety Requirements (UK Example)
- Valid driving licence for the weight (Check your Category B license limits)
- Number plate on the caravan
- Properly rated towbar and electrics Example Alko system requires this tow hitch (Click here)
- Working brake lights and indicators
- Ensure caravan brakes and breakaway cable are functional. Buy a replacement (Click here)
7. 📍 Where to Buy
- Dealerships – Safer, with consumer protections
- Online marketplaces (e.g., Autotrader, Facebook marketplace)
- Caravan shows – Try multiple models in one place
- Private sellers – Cheaper but riskier
8. 🧪 Try Before You Buy
If unsure, rent a caravan for a weekend. This gives you a real sense of what layout and size works for you.
9. 🛠️ Plan for Servicing and Storage
- Annual servicing is recommended (chassis, gas, electrics).
- Store under cover if possible to reduce wear. You can buy one (Click here)
10. 🧭 Join a Caravan Community
Great for advice, buying tips, campsite recommendations:
- Caravan and Motorhome Club
- Online forums or Facebook groups
- YouTube channels (many do walkarounds and reviews)
For all your caravan needs or to browse (Click here)