Essential Caravan Buying Guide: Key Tips for UK First-Time Buyers
- Sep 30, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 6
Purchasing your first caravan can be both exciting and overwhelming. With a range of options on the market and several factors to consider, it’s essential to choose wisely to make the most of your investment. This guide is tailored specifically for UK buyers and will cover all the key aspects to consider before purchasing your first caravan.
Set Your Budget
Caravans in the UK vary widely in price, ranging from around £1,500 for used models to £50,000 and upwards for new, well-equipped ones. Before starting your search, set a realistic budget that includes not just the cost of the caravan but also additional expenses like:
Insurance: While caravan insurance isn’t legally required in the UK, it’s strongly recommended to protect your investment from theft, damage, or accidents. The cost can vary depending on the type and value of the caravan.
Additional Equipment: To make the most of your new caravan, you’ll need items such as gas bottles, water carriers, and drainage connections. Some dealers offer a complimentary starter pack for newcomers, typically worth around £1,000.
Storage: If you don’t have space at home, consider where the caravan will be stored when not in use. Caravan storage costs vary based on security level and location, ranging from roughly £600 to £3,000 per year. The Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association (CaSSOA) offers a directory of secure storage options across the UK.
Servicing and Maintenance: Regular maintenance and servicing are crucial for keeping your caravan roadworthy and safe. Budget for annual servicing and any potential repairs.
If buying a second-hand model, ensure you’re not stretching your budget too thin, as used caravans may require additional maintenance. Financing options are available through caravan dealerships, or you can explore a personal loan.
To get a clearer picture of how much you could save, try using our Caravan Cost Calculator, which helps break down the cost of ownership.
Understand the Different Types of Caravans
Choosing the right type of caravan depends on how you intend to use it. In the UK, common caravan types include:
Touring Caravans: The most popular option for UK buyers. These caravans are towed behind your car and come in a range of sizes and layouts, offering flexibility and comfort.
Pop-Top Caravans: These have a collapsible roof, making them more economical and easier to tow.
Twin-Axle Caravans: Larger and more stable, ideal for long stays but require a more powerful tow vehicle. Note that some sites do not permit the use of twin-axle caravans.
Understanding the differences between these options will help narrow down your choices and ensure the caravan you pick fits your needs and driving capabilities.
Check Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Before purchasing a caravan, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is capable of safely towing it. This involves understanding several key factors to avoid overloading and ensure a stable and secure towing experience:
Kerb Weight: The kerb weight is the weight of your vehicle in a fully roadworthy condition, including all necessary fluids (oil, coolant, fuel) and standard equipment, but without passengers or additional cargo. For safe towing, the caravan’s Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM)—the maximum allowable weight of the caravan when fully loaded—should ideally not exceed 85% of your vehicle’s kerb weight. This guideline, known as the 85% rule, is recommended for novice and occasional towers to provide greater stability and control.
Towing Capacity: The towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can legally tow, which includes the weight of the caravan and any items loaded within it. This information can be found in your car’s manual or on its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate. It’s crucial to ensure the caravan’s fully loaded weight, plus any additional cargo (including luggage, equipment, and accessories), remains within this limit to prevent strain on the engine, brakes, and suspension.
Gross Train Weight (GTW): The GTW is the combined maximum weight of your vehicle and caravan, including all passengers and cargo in both. Ensure that the total weight does not exceed this limit to maintain safety and compliance with regulations.
Nose weight: The nose weight is the downward force the caravan applies on the car’s tow ball. It should typically be around 5-7% of the caravan’s weight, but always refer to your vehicle’s handbook for the recommended nose weight. An incorrect nose weight can cause instability, affecting steering and braking. Use our Nose Weight Calculator to take out the guess work and simplify the process.
If you’re uncertain about your car’s towing capacity or its compatibility with a particular type of caravan, consult a local dealership or a towing specialist. They can provide tailored advice, including calculating safe towing ratios and suggesting suitable tow bar fittings or stability control systems. Alternatively, try our Outfit Compatibility Checker.
Choose the Right Layout and Features
Caravans come in various layouts, and choosing the right one is essential for a comfortable experience. When selecting a layout, consider:
Number of Berths: Do you need a 2-berth caravan for couples, or a 4-6 berth for family trips? UK caravans often have fixed double beds, single beds, or bunk beds.
Living Space: Consider how much seating and kitchen space you’ll need. An end-kitchen or end-washroom layout might provide more living space, making the caravan feel less cramped.
Bathroom Facilities: Some caravans come with a full shower and toilet setup, while others may only offer a basic toilet or wet room.
For UK buyers, heating and insulation are essential considerations. Caravans with a good Truma or Alde heating system will be more comfortable for year-round use, especially during the cooler months.
Buying New vs. Used Caravans
Deciding whether to buy a new or used caravan depends on your budget and preference:
New Caravans: These come with manufacturer warranties, modern interiors, and the latest features. However, they tend to depreciate quickly in the first few years.
Used Caravans: These can offer excellent value for money but require careful inspection. Look out for signs of damage, damp, and wear and tear. Caravans with good, documented service history should be prioritised, as this indicates that they have been well-maintained.
When buying used, consider purchasing from a reputable dealer who offers a dealership warranty. This can help reduce the risk of any overlooked or newly developed issues.
CRiS ID and Caravan Security
The Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) is the national register for UK caravans. When purchasing a caravan, especially a used one, ensure it has a valid CRiS registration. This scheme provides a unique 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and stores information about the caravan's history.
Why CRiS is Important:
Proof of Ownership: CRiS registration acts as proof of ownership and can help prevent theft and fraud.
Security Marking: The caravan's VIN is etched onto windows and chassis, making it more difficult to sell a stolen caravan.
Checking for Theft: Always check the CRiS database to confirm that the caravan you are viewing hasn’t been reported stolen. This can be done by entering the VIN number on the official CRiS website www.cris.co.uk.
Insurance Requirement: Many insurance providers require caravans to be CRiS-registered before issuing a policy.
If a caravan is not registered or has discrepancies, it’s advisable to investigate further or consider another option. Having a CRiS-registered caravan also provides added peace of mind and increases the likelihood of a successful insurance claim if needed.
UK Caravan Towing Laws
The weight you can tow with a car depends on when you obtained your driving licence.
If you got your licence before 1 January 1997, you can drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250 kg MAM, or a minibus with a trailer over 750 kg MAM.
For licences obtained from 1 January 1997 onwards, you can tow trailers up to 3,500 kg MAM under the ‘category BE’ entitlement, which will be added to your licence at the next renewal if not already present. To check your towing allowance, refer to your driving licence information.
If you need to tow heavier combinations beyond what your current licence allows, you must obtain a provisional licence for a medium-sized lorry and trailer (category C1+E), pass the lorry theory test, and take the C1+E driving test. Completing these steps enables you to tow up to 12,000 kg MAM.
The maximum weight a car can tow is specified in its handbook, specification sheet, or on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, usually located under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door. This "gross train weight" includes the weight of both the fully loaded car and trailer and must not be exceeded. If the VIN plate does not list a train weight, the vehicle should not be used for towing.
The maximum trailer width for any towing vehicle is 2.55 meters. For vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg or less, trailers cannot exceed 7 meters in length. However, these maximum lengths do not include the A-frame (the frame that connects your car to the trailer).
For full up to date details check the official GOV.UK site: Towing with a car - www.gov.uk/towing-with-car
Get a Professional Inspection
If you’re considering a second-hand purchase, getting a professional inspection is a must. Organisations like the Caravan and Motorhome Club or The Camping and Caravanning Club can provide guidance and resources, or you can hire an independent inspector.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first caravan is a significant investment, but with careful planning and consideration, you can find the perfect model that suits your needs and budget. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Once you find the right caravan, you’ll be ready to enjoy all the freedom and adventure that caravanning in the UK has to offer. Happy travels!
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