1990-1993 Caravan Twin Axle?
i am looking for a twin axle 4/5 berth caravan at least 19ft internal for under 3 grand with awning and all kit i have seen several on auto trader the vans im looking at are
bessacarr cameo,bailey senator, elddis crusader,swift conqueror, and abey spectrum whats the best. and what should i be looking out for thanks
Hi there, your budget is a little tight so be very careful. We started like you nearly three years ago and ended u increasing our budget to £7k.
Anyway the things to look for are damp damp and damp. This is your main problem when you are at the cheaper end of the market. Make sure you get a damp meter from a DIY shop, but they can be caught out, the damp is not always obvious because it does not get through the inner board of the van, this means that when you use the damp meter it gives a false reading when its actually damp behind the panel. We got caught out that way!
The most liable points are round the seams of the outer skin of the van, if the sealant weakens and lets water in the inner lining gets wet.
The next thing to look at is the wiring, make sure everything works including the lights and the twin electrics of the sockets, make sure the regulator works.
Chassis, if you can tow the van and make sure it tows well and the hitch operates, visually check under the van from damage to the chassis and underflooring.
The upholstry and wooodwork in the van can all be repaired and cleaned up, so dont be dazzled by a nice clean van inside. It is worth checking that the bunks are intact and working, that all the bits for the beds are there and that the cooker, fridge etc works.
The twin axle is more stable but also far heavier to move around, be careful about your weight ratio, go to the caravan club to check the ratio for your tow car. Single axle is far easier to move around.
Bargin hard when you buy, everyone adds at least a grand to the price to try and get the best money.
We have now just bought our second van, we went new with a single axle Hobby 540/uk, an amazing van and great value at 11,900 brand new.
Hobby vans are great, as long as they are the smaller ones, single axle, 2.3m wide that can be towed legally in the UK.
The next best brand is a Coachman, well built and usually have loads of quality extras.
After that they are all much the same, consider what configuration you need, where are children going to sleep, do you want them in an awing bedroom compartment, or in the van? it makes a difference.
If you would like to chat and just need some advice please email us on prospect18@tiscali.co.uk and we can chat on the phone or email.
Good luck and enjoy, we still love our breaks in the sun but the regular use of the van makes for lots of short breaks!
Oh yes another thing, look in ebay, loads of good vans there!