Caravan Hunting | Do We Buy One Or Stick To Tent & Family Camping?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มี.ค. 2024
- Join us as we go caravan hunting. Do we go get rid of our tent and take the next step and move onto a caravan? We do not know anything about caravans, but we have always fancied on.
After looking at the camper vans in our last video, ( • Camper Van Window Shop... ) we have been deliberating whether to buy or maybe buy a caravan. The children want a caravan, Scott wants a caravan and now that we have a dog, maybe it is the best solution? Or is it..
Caravans are not cheap, neither are campervans, and if we are to take the plunge we wanted to see if there was one out there that the whole family would approve.
With prices ranging from £8k to £41k, there are lots of options and lots of different styles.
We had it narrowed down to 4-berth plus in size and ideally no more than £25k in price.
So off we went to our local caravan dealership in Swindon. They did have a vast range and we did end up spending a good hour plus there going in and out of all the ones that fitted our goals.
Unbeknown to us was the fact that there are so many different styles and layouts that caravans come in.
Did we get a fixed bed, did we get fixed single beds, did we get a wide one or a narrow one, single axel or double axel? The more choices the actual harder it makes it.
Not knowing anything about caravan prices, also throws a spanner in the works. Was £16k a good price for an 8-year-old 6 berth caravan? We did not know.
Hopefully for anyone thinking about buying a caravan you may get an idea of the different options available in this video.
At the caravan dealership that we went to, they did have finance options, so for a caravan costing approx. 20K, with a deposit of £5k, a buyer would then be looking at approx. £230 per month for 10 years.
In this video you will see we check out various makes of caravan, from Swift, Sterlings, Clubmans etc. This may mean a lot to caravaners and we are sure that some people swear certain brands, but to us it was a case of did we like it.
To anyone who is thinking of buying a caravan, there are aspects that, like ourselves need considering. These were the comparisons we weighed up between caravan and camper van and tent.
If we were going to buy a caravan, we would need somewhere to store it. Scott did some checking and local caravan storage places, charged in the region of £50 per month.
They do not require a MOT, but require servicing annually at an approx. cost of £160 - £180, and it is down to the owner to ensure that they are roadworthy. Then there is insurance at an average of £150 per year.
So, just this alone meant that if we were to buy one, we would be putting down £5k, and with storage, servicing and insurance we would be looking at an average bill of £320 per month.
When comparing this to a camper van, it did appear that it would work out the same, but with the campervan, there would be more initial outlay, but as we could park it on the drive, we would not have the storage costs.
With a camper van, you do have the benefit of simply jumping in and setting off...A caravan trip requires a bit more planning especially if not being stored at home.
Then there is a tent. We cannot knock the tent we have - Vango Casa Lux. It has done us proud and we have had some great adventures. But, what you get in the caravan is similar space and if it rains, you do not have the discomfort.
But, tent is nowhere near the price of a caravan or campervan. If we were to spend £1500 on a tent, we would have great air tent, with plenty of space and no monthly costs.
This would then give us more financial freedom to be able to afford holidays aboard still, whereas with a caravan and the monthly costs we would need to weigh up, how many times could we actually use it. At £300 a month, we would want to use it a lot. With School holidays and work holidays being reasonably restricted, would we be able to do this?
You will see in the video; we did find a couple of caravans that really suited us as a family. And we are in a real state of deliberation. Do we sacrifice holidays abroad and get a caravan, or do we keep the money, put up with the miserable camping days when it rains? A big decision which we will be making in the next couple of weeks...
#caravanbuying#caravanortent #caravanhunting #familycamping
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Our Bailey is amazing. Don’t believe all the negative build hype - happy shopping ❤
We were there on Sunday just having a look around
We have a Bailey Unicorn Valencia 2017 that we bought 2 yrs ago.
You will love it if you go ahead, and the caravan community is great- if you ever get stuck with something on a site, people will just come and help.
It’s easy to buy too many things for it and to take too much with you but you’ll soon work that out.
I also always familiarise myself with the route before we set off, and we invested in a Garmin Sat Nav which you can put the dimensions of your car and caravan in - this way it will only take you on roads that are big enough for your set up.
Good luck guys.
Steve
Hi Steve, and thanks for the comment. Scott is still in deliberation mode at the moment. Weighing up between caravan and holidays in UK only or holidays abroad and camping. Basically he wants it all but unsure whether we will be able to afford both...we will let you know...🤔
We started off with a tent then in 2014 nought a caravan. Many happy years with caravanning. BUT caravans are harder to store lol and generally so much more expensive. I'd recommend a swift quattro fb caravan for you. It's about 26ft tein axle which is more stable to tow. It has a fixed double at the back the central dinette can be either a big si gle or a double and the seating at the front can be 2 singles. It has a good shower room.
Hi and thanks for the comment and tip. As it stands, for this year we have just bought a new tent. Scott is travelling a lot and we are moving house within a year, so waiting to see if we can find one with drive or garage that is big enough to store one one. If we do, then it will be all systems go and we will certainly look out for a Swift Quattro 👍
Finally a new video 😂 our family love following your adventures. We’ve got the camping bug now 👍🏻
Lol, we have been hibernating through the winter, but can tell you that it does look like a new tent is on the cards..tent shopping this weekend😁
Where will you go to go tent shopping? Please film it! You guys have saved me and helped me be open minded about camping. Started last year when i was 7 months pregnant. This year we are taking the babe!!
@@TheHadwinsTV hope we will see video! :)
Bunks are brilliant for kids of different ages. Put curtains across and each has their very own space and you can accommodate different sleeping times much better. Another table area is also really useful. You can leave your bed made up if you are arriving late or going out and getting back late because you still have somewhere to sit and have a drink, something to eat or just chill for a while. My personal point of view is never go bigger than you have to. An awning gives you masses of extra space and a bigger caravan just means bigger car to tow, harder to get to some sites off smaller lanes and more hassle generally. If you are used to a tent then a caravan and awning will be more than enough. I've never found a truly comfortable caravan bed other than a fixed bed type, but if you accept that and get a memory foam mattress topper that you can roll up and store under the seat during the day then you will sleep like kings. Our dog starts the night in her bed under our bed and we wake up with her squished between us (or, stretched out between us and we are squished to the edges).
Hi and thanks for the tip. Yes the dog is something that we are considering as she loves being involved in everything. I think we were both a bit overwhelmed by all the different layouts. 6 berth, seem more spacious, but you appear to get more comfort in the 4 berth. Presently, though, we are still unsure. Do we have new tent and holidays abroad as we have been, or get a caravan and just UK holidays? We are trying to win the lottery and do both though😁
@@TheHadwinsTV If I were you, I'd look at an older caravan for much less money. Then you can afford both holidays and get the chance to see if caravans are for you. Older caravans are great, better made and you can easily tell if there have been any issues, plus they hold their price, Newer caravans are dropping badly in price at the moment.
Wow!malamang bibili Yan ng caravan.. waiting
The bigger the caravan the heavier they are, so make sure your car is suitable for the weight of the caravan. With a caravan, you can use the car to go place's, with a motorhome it's not so easy to find parking if over 6 meters long. Happy hunting.
Hi and thanks for the info. I do not think Scott looked at weight at all. We do have a volvo XC60 hybrid, and Scott has already said it could cost a fortune in fuel. It is great around town, but terrible on long journeys, so how much more pulling a caravan 4 hrs down to Cornwall? May be cheaper to buy an apartment in Spain😁 which I may and try to convince him to do.
My folks changed from a big family tent to a caravan when I was young, but only when my brother and sister were old enough to stay at home (there's 10 years between me and the next oldest) because of the lack of space compared to a big tent. They never went back to tent camping after starting caravanning, but I'd say with a caravan (with even an awning), you might rely more on site services, like playgrounds/activities etc for the kids. The biggest caravans can feel very tight when it's pouring down and kids are throwing wobblies.
We're looking at getting a caravan now my sons an adult, and that it's just us two, but we've now decided to wait until we have a drive at least, which isn't the case at the mo. Also we have an alternative lifestyle to some extent, and one of our most likely future plans is to try and become camp site wardens, which will mean permanent caravan living, so we might even end up sticking with the tent and waiting for that to happen (We wont do it while we have dogs), and then we'll make a significant investment to get a pukka caravan. Like you say though, the beige is strong in today's designs. Lets hope by then they've gone back to the good old 70's brown and orange paisley!
Hi, we actually ended up buying another tent, just to use for the next year or two. A caravan is on the cards, but with storage and Scott working away a lot at present, we do not think we could make it financially viable I.e may only use it twice a year..but, it will happen, the kids are pressurising us into it..
Ah, the first trot around the caravan sales lot. An absolutely mind blowing amount of considerations to take away and mull over! You sound like you're narrowing down on what layout is important to you.
Hi, and yes, so many options. Really is daunting considering the amount of money we could end spending. Not only that will we be able to make full use if it. Pros and cons vs a tent are really what we are deliberating. Holidays abroad and tent or holidays in UK and maybe France with caravan...🤔
We have a caravan and biggest plus over a campervan is when you arrive on site you set up and then go off exploring in the car
Hi, you hit the nail on the head there. We really do not fancy moving everything around when sightseeing. Still looking at the expense over a tent at the moment..tents are great, when not raining, but the luxury of a caravan is very appealing. Just have to get Scott to make his mind up and open his wallet😁
We have a twin bed Bailey Unicorn Cadiz, when our grandchildren stay with us they use the sofas as singles. Our friends have a middle bathroom which means everyone has access to it during the night.
Hi, yes I liked the centre bathroom models, but Scott is a bit indecisive at the moment. Unfortunately Scott is having to work away a lot this year now, so we are delaying till next year so that we can make the most of one.
Love to follow you Hadwins here on YT :)
We have just been through the same dilemma as you guys last fall, a new used caravan or a new tent?
After a weeks camping trip in Sweden during the storm Hans, the idea of changing from tent to a caravan just became stronger. The old tent we started using from the spring of 2020, an Easy Camp Palmdale 600, was pretty worn out by the summer of 2023. So we decided to bin it after coming back home with the heavy wind and rain experience of Hans :)
When we started looking at caravans we saw the great positive sides, longer season for weekend travels with heated floors and better rain protection.
Not having to do all the hassle as to set up a tent at the camp site, or to pack down the tent and all accessories when leaving the campsite.
And of course we also had to look at the downside of using a caravan, where to store it?, the speed limitations and also the weight limitations. Weight capacity varies so much from caravan to caravan, and then there is of course the issue if the car is able to pull that specific caravan or not. In the end there was also the cost of a loan if you cant afford the buying price without a loan.
So, in the end we ended up with the conclusion that if we would have to spend a couple of years paying back such a loan, this would would make us travel fewer weekends than without a loan. So with this conclusion we decided to just upgrade to a new tent of significant higher quality, an Outwell Forestville 6SA that we bought from a super offer, and we are now even able to extend the season with a tent with a much higher rain endurance and so much more wind protection than the old tent, and we are also able to travel more weekends in a year than we would with the burden of a loan :)
Good luck with your choice guys, and maybe consider to rent a caravan and try it out before buying.
Looking forward to see your final decision :)
Hi Ronny, thank you for the comment, and we are so glad we are not the only other people struggling with this dilemma.
Caravans do have a lot of perks but as you highlighted, these come at a price. Scott has said, it is caravan and no holidays abroad, or tent and holidays abroad still. So, I think you could up seeing more camping videos🙄🤔
Maganda LAHAT ah.sulit sa price
Love the video, surely you would be better of with bunks or 2 singles so the kids can go to bed while you are still in the lounge later in the evening watching tv. if you buy a fixed double you will have to go to bed early , letting the kids sleep in the lounge settee/singles or putting the kids together in the rear fixed double, choose wisely my friends its a big decision, good look, just for your info we are a couple with a 2023 elddis 860, which we love.
Hi, lol, the kids definitely fancy the single or bunk beds. We are now thinking of actually staying with tent believe it or not.
We are weighing up our time off work and expenses. Kids still want to go abroad each year, and if we do that, we are actually unsure if we will have enough days off to ensure we can utilise, what could end up being a big expense. Where as a new tent, less outlay, so we won't worry about making the most of it. Very hard choice as Scott still wants the comfort of a caravan..
Tamsak marekoy enjoy your family Day have a great day ingat
We have a big twin axle 8ft wide caravan having been tent campers. We tow all over Europe with it. Just back from euro disney. Your xc60 would tow ours due to the weight so factor that in. European sites are brilliant for kids. For your family have a look at the coachman Acadia with bunks and fixed bed.
Hi and thanks for recommendations. We have had to put our caravan plans on hold for a year unfortunately as Scott has to work away a lot this year. Shame as we are all in agreement a caravan is the route to go...
One thing, if you’ve got a dog, a stable type door is very useful. Personally it’s my first consideration when choosing a van
Hi and thanks, we never even thought of that, but great tip👍
Have you considered folding campers?
I’ve currently got a tent but I’m thinking of a used folding camper along the lines of a Pennine/Conway, with folding campers being smaller when packed down but without sacrificing living/sleeping space when erected, you can store them in a dry garage potentially avoiding expensive storage costs but without losing too much of the “luxury” a caravan affords you.
Another point that goes back to the ease of storage is that many older caravans seem to suffer damp with wood floors rotting over time. I believe this was due to cost cutting on materials, especially on the cheaper brands. I think this is changing now but it’s another thing you can be caught out by and it’s another advantage of folding campers which have an increased chance of being stored somewhere undercover over their lifespan, helping to reduce the damp risks.
Folding campers also tend to be a lot cheaper, lighter, and easier to tow than caravans meaning smaller vehicles can take advantage. That’s before we mention the reduced aerodynamic drag leading to improvements in fuel economy or (perhaps even more importantly these days) EV range.
With folding campers being caravan-like but lighter, they can potentially take advantage of both caravan and trailer tent sites, where perhaps larger caravans might be turned away. They can also use hard standing more readily as unlike trailer tents, they don’t require pegging (aside from the optional awning). The only downsides I can think of is the delay setting up vs a caravan (which appears to be minor), and the fact that you have to dry them out if you pack away wet. I will mention the (still popular) “Dandy” campers which seemed to be ahead of their time in terms of construction and ability to fold down wet but sadly no longer in production.
As always, everyone’s situation is different, be interesting to hear other’s thoughts on this though, happy camping everyone!
Hi, actually never really looked at that option. But after much deliberation, weighing up pros and cons, we are deciding to just treat ourselves to a new big air tent. Not as costly, no worries about storage and still leaves us enough money to be able to afford holidays abroad. It is definitely a case of circumstances for each family. Caravans do offer great comfort from what we could see and we think the trailer tents do offer a great alternative option.. never know, things could still change...
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we have a end bedroom and centre wash room we have 3 kids and a dog, so a big awning sorts it for us 👍👍
Hi, we were actually amazed by all the options. Currently weighing up between caravan and the expenses it will bring or a new tent and freedom to go abroad as well.. real dilemma..
@@TheHadwinsTV absolutely it’s a big decision, there are so many options, we’re fortunate enough to keep our van on our drive and just the insurance. So costs not too bad. We just spend above average on an awning as we wanted something that will last. As far as going abroad we will do France and Spain with the van too, let us know what you decide and if you join the caravan community lol 😀
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If you do go for a caravan. Set your budget. As its your 1st don't buy brand new. Look at entry level caravans (like swift sprite for instance)they are quite adequate as a step up from a tent. They all have the necessary equipment for every day living. They weigh less than top end models. You can add things you need rather and paying extra for things that you don't. 2 channels with six berth vans that might help you are Wobble box crew and Towing mad. Happy adventures what ever you decide
Hi, thanks for the tip. We are really weighing up are options. We are even unsure whether the prices we were looking at there were good or bad? But as you say as it would be our first, I don't think Scott will want to splash out to much in case we didn't like it. Plus, he has said if we get a caravan, it would mean he would not want to be paying for holidays abroad on top. So finances definitely will be a part of our decision making....
Look at The Caravan Place channel and Website. Mark seems like a genuine guy. He releases a vlog twice a week. Give advice on layouts prices and the currant caravan market news .
Enjoy Naman mamili Ng caravan
sarap mangarap sis
As an avid camper I have never understood the fascination with caravans, the size, storage, towing and general inconvenience just makes me think just rent a static or just go to a hotel. I have tried a camper van that was lovely but again just another expensive luxury sat around most of the year, tent camping all the way for me
Lol, this is what we have now also realised. We have actually decided now to treat ourselves to a new air tent instead. So it will be more camping videos from us in the future..we had the dream and wanted the luxury, but cannot justify approx £300 odd a month on something we may use 4-5 times a year... so tent, camping and a holiday abroad for us each year instead it will be..
@@TheHadwinsTV Good to hear, makes so much sense to invest in a good quality air tent just be aware of their weight and bulk, I’m looking at one of Zempire’s offerings to replace my current tent, love the videos by the way, looking forward to the new content 🍺
It’s not a hassle if it’s a life style you get into. We have towed our van all over Europe whilst sleeping in our own beds.
If you've never towed a 'van before, looking at 'vans over 24 feet long is ridiculous! My parents and I managed many years ago with a ten foot 'Sprite'. The space was quite tight at times, but children have to learn that the world doesn't revolve around them every moment of every day!
I'm just grateful that the days of toilet tents and popping outside with torches in the early hours of the morning are long gone! Best comment made on this caravan search so far is "the kitchen's a bit plain"! FFS!
Hi thanks for the comment, sorry it never reached your expectations..
You'll be better off staying with a tent, you really seem to have no idea at all about caravanning!
I say stick with tents as camper vans are more a couple than a family
Hi, after a lot of headscratching, it is what we have now decided. We have had great times camping and when weighing up the cost of a caravan or campervan or tent vs amount of times we would use them, the tent is a clear winner. So, we will be treating ourselves to a new inflatable tent, just hope it doesn't rain🙄🫣
Wow kaayo Ang sakyanan
Nindot mo a ahenti c Mr kay pas pas mag talking 😅
haha maayo jud kaayo sis
Go for fixed beds it’s a nightmare making up beds at night.
Thanks for letting us know. It is something we were thinking about. We are not the tidiest, so bouncing cushions and other bits around could end up being a chore before bed, as opposed to just collapsing...
We made the switch from a tent to a caravan best decision ever! We started with an old Avondale, we now have a sprite quattro fb which is not to heavy and it’s 6 berth. My regret was not buying a twin axle pretty much straight away as they tow so much better!
Hi, it definitely does seem to be the case that once people swap from tent to caravan they never look back. We are still weighing up the pros and cons though. We want the holidays abroad still and if we do that will we have enough time to use the caravan, plus would we have the money for both? With tent we would, but we forfeit the caravan luxury..our heads are hurting. We think it will come to a coin toss...
@@TheHadwinsTV yes we don’t go abroad that often although I’m tempted to do Europe with the caravan at some point. We done Florida just over a year ago but generally stay in the uk as we have the dogs as well.
You guys looked at vans and caravans. But how about 'motor homes' or larger campers ? Is it out of discussion/consideration? I feel like van is too small and caravan isn't my cup of tea (towing et all) but maybe camper/motor home kind of RV style thing?
Hi, actually never even thought of that. You may well see a video of us looking at them next week👍
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I would love one but ground rent is so expensive
Hi, yes that is what we have started to realise, so we are now looking at a new tent instead. Just hope we get dry weather when we go🙄
Island beds are best
Thanks for tip. It is very overwhelming trying to decide. Unfortunately after making this Scott is having to work away a lot this year, so we are delaying for a year so we can make the most of one when we do buy one..but this has defo been noted..
Hi guys, mabuhay! 🇵🇭 We do have a lot in common. My wife is also a Filipina and I’m also a TH-cam vlogger living in South Wales.
Wondering if you’ve decided which unit to purchase now that the season has arrived? 😊
Hi, Well after lots of umming and ahhing, we have decided to go for a new tent for this year as Scott has to travel a lot for work and we would not get our moneys worth out of a caravan. But it is definitely on our things to buy list for end of next year...Good luck with the vlogging👍
Caravans get old very quickly and expensive to replace
Hi, yes, after doing our research, we gave decided we will get one, but not just yet. So camping for another year or two it is...
Bibili na talaga to Ng caravan
next time n lang ulit
Bili na kasi😅 para makasakay mi
na asa man ta mo sunduon ani? 😆
Morning, a great video - it reminds me of our very first viewings of caravans, not knowing anything about them. A couple of tips for you to consider.
Think where the dog will sleep, and also where it will be during the day when you are cooking, others are getting ready and the kids are playing.
Dont be afraid to make up all the beds. All the caravans you visited will have the front make up as a double, or can be left as two singles. In terms of fitting into the front, remember the caravans are 7'6" - 8' wide, so you shouldn't have an issue.
Once you find the layout you like (buy a copy of Practical Caravan mag - their layout guide is superb) narrow it down to make and model. then understand if your car can tow it legally. Here is a video I made some time ago regarding the weights of cars and caravans. th-cam.com/video/aRONnIXuSt4/w-d-xo.html
Finally, storage around here will cost about £600 per year. A new storage site just outside Wootton Bassett still has spaces, but there are plenty of sites around Swindon.
We have lots of videos, hints and tips for all things caravan related, which may help answer your questions. Aside from that, im happy to help.
Take care
Dan
Hi Dan and thanks for the comment and we have just seen your channel. Really good and useful videos there, which we will certainly be watching in full if we do take the plunge. At the moment so we are still deliberating. Scott has said if we spend the money on the caravan then he would want to ensure we make the most of it, so lots of UK holidays, where as myself and the kids also enjoy our holidays abroad. Case of do we have enough holidays to do both, lol and the money to afford both. Think we will decide in the this/next week..🤔
@@TheHadwinsTV Thanks for the reply, and I sure do know what you mean. One thing to consider is that with a caravan, you can use it all year round. In fact, We love winter camping. Its warm, cozy and you get to see the great outdoors with a promise of a hot chocolate at the end of the day. We loved the caravan at Longleat during the Festival of lights, and in between Christmas and new year, it was fab with all the family around.
And of course, you can always take the caravan to Spain, France, Italy, in fact Italy has some superb campsites just off Lake Garda....
Anyway, enjoy the decision making process..
Take care
Dan
Caravans are an expensive hassle.
Hi and yes after looking at it all, unless we can really make the most of it I.e use at least once a month, it did work out too expensive at the moment for us..so new air tent was bought instead. 👍
Fixed beds no good have to clime over each other to go to toilet
Think we will have to see what Scott fancies..he can be fussy. But thanks for the info
Caravans aren’t worth the money these days. They’re unnecessarily expensive for the build quality you end up with.
Hi, and thanks for the comment. Scott is still pondering at the moment. As you say a lot of money, and Scott still likes his holidays abroad, so he is weighing up the expenses and whether if we still go abroad, would we have the opportunity to use it that much...?
We have a caravan that cost us nearly 50k. Worth every penny for us and we take it abroad. We’ve seen more overseas with the caravan than we ever did sitting on a plane at 40000feet.
Typical child always on there phone
Yes, tell us about. We have had to put restrictions on it now. Wasted youth otherwise...