BUYING A CARAVAN is likely to represent one of the largest investments that you’ll ever make, so it’s really important to get it right. But what exactly does that mean? And how do you go about tracking down your perfect caravan?
If you’ve owned tourers before and have a little experience of them, you’ll no doubt have refined your ideas by now, but if you have never owned one, where do you start?
Magazines and online reviews
Begin by immersing yourself in as much caravan content as possible – it might be baffling at first and you will be offered all sorts of random advice, but it will give you an overview of the things to look out for.
Make sure you know the source of the information, though – magazines and their associated websites are independent and without doubt the best source, because they’re run by professional journalists who have been reviewing tourers for many years. You can check out our own website at www.practicalcaravan.com.
YouTube reviews are also valid, but do make sure that you know whether you are looking at an independent review, or one that is sponsored or paid for. Any reputable reviewer will clearly indicate if there’s a financial element to their video.
We all have different needs
One thing to keep in mind at all times is that everybody lives slightly differently. We all have different needs and use our tourers in various ways. What suits one individual, couple or family group will not necessarily suit another.
So there really is no such thing as one perfect layout, because we all prioritise the habitation space differently and there is no one-size-fits-all caravan that excels in every area. The trick is to pick a model offering the correct balance of features that will suit you best.
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Practical Caravan.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Practical Caravan.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DASH CAMS
John Sootheran explores the 'big brother' world of dash cams - with caravanners in mind...
CARAVAN SAT-NAVS
State-of-the art satellite navigation just for caravanners? Yes, it exists. John Sootheran investigates
COACHMAN ACADIA 460
This comfortable two-berth is a welcome addition to the range, although the décor might not suit everyone
SWIFT SPRITE EXCLUSIVE QUATTRO MB
Innovative design in the latest addition to this popular range provides a cleverly repositioned corner bed
NORTH WALES FROM ALL ANGLES
Peter Baber finds Palladian splendour, mighty castles and fashionable hotspots on a tour of North Wales
SOUTHERN SEES
Titanic struggles, medieval halls and otters are among the many highlights of Victor Charles' Hampshire tour
LAKES, RIVERS & CANALS
Get a brand-new perspective on the UK by exploring its lakes and waterways on your next caravan tour!
Feeling Peaky
A journey through the Peak District's Hope Valley leads Susan Taylor through caves and caverns, Pride and Prejudice, and an attempted push up Mam Tor
Easy ULLSWATER
Within reach of the M6, Penrith is the perfect launchpad for a jaunt around Ullswater, as Peter Baber discovers on a Lake District tour
83 ERRORS TO AVOID!
Veteran or first-timer, there's always something new to learn about caravanning, especially when it comes to sidestepping mistakes that could spoil your fun! Our expert team has decades of caravanning experience under their belts, so here we reveal the errors we've made - and learned from - over the years, to help you avoid doing the same in future...