The Selection Process
Take everyone who will be using the caravan with you. The kids will want a say and usually are keen to air their views on storage and where they will lounge and have their own space - so it’s wise to listen.
Try the bunks out for comfort see if the beds make up easily. What sort of washroom do you need? If you use larger sites and use the facilities then this isn’t a priority. But if it you intend to go more for rallying (basically a field in many cases!) a larger end washroom model may be just what you need. Also look online at manufacturer’s websites and check dealers for availability should you decide to go to the forecourt for your choice. It’s possible that your local dealership will also have more time to spend with you as you decide on the caravan of your dreams. They are there to help and advise, not just to push a certain model.
Tow Car Choice – Know Your Options
The other deciding factor to your new tourer choice is the towcar you own. Make sure you know its limits and check with the manufacturer - this info can be found on most car manufacturer’s websites. Depending on your experience, the recommended towing limit is no more than 85% of the car’s kerb weight of course. But this figure is a guide only and not law, but I wouldn’t exceed 99% myself. Without getting technical the total weight of your car and caravan together mustn’t exceed the train weight limit of your car (also in the handbook and on the car plate ) or you’ll fall foul of the law.
However as a rule of thumb, it’s best to keep to a dealership near to where you live. Any problems will have you driving miles out of your way otherwise. Local dealers will make sure they look after you and they will always try their best to keep your custom too. Don’t believe those that say their mobile service unit will travel 150 miles to look after you!
Once you have your limitations set and your layout determined, your choice could rely on spec for the money you have to spend. Don’t forget that caravans today can be used all-year around in excellent comfort so it’s down to décor and comparing various model ranges to what suits your needs.
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