4 Advice to Choose a caravan mobile home

The ultimate guide to choosing the best touring caravan for you and your family

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Ready to dive into the world of caravans and unlock the secret to finding your perfect match? Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sea of options out there, and not sure where to start? Hey, I get it! Choosing the right touring caravan can feel like navigating through a maze of possibilities. But fear not, because I've got your back!

Here are the Top 10 things to consider when choosing the ideal caravan to suit your needs.

They include: size, cost, berths, fixed or make-up beds, tow weights, layout, wear and tear, new or used, type of heating and whether you buy privately or from a dealer.

These are all crucial factors that will affect your choice'and that's before you get onto the details, like bed length and the height of the microwave!

Choosing the best touring caravan for you, involves a mix of all these factors, and they are all interconnected ' the layout affects the bed choice, which in turn affects the caravan length, which might have implications for storing the tourer ' it's just a case of deciding which elements are most important to you.

So, let's get started'

Think about: your part-exchange or deposit, increasing interest rates, the type of finance

Ah, the $64,000 question ' sometimes literally these days!!

How much you can afford to pay for your touring caravan may dictate whether the caravan you buy is new or used, large or small, and a luxury or budget model.
It's easy to get carried away at a show or in a shiny showroom, so, set a total budget, or an affordable monthly provision, and stick to it. If the price sounds too good to be true, then step back before you make any rash decisions.

Your deposit or part-exchange caravan will affect the deal, as might the APR interest rate you'll be charged for finance. If your finance deal is based on a variable rate, you should make sure you can afford increased monthly payments if the interest rate rises.

Negotiate hard, and be fair on the price, but don't mess the dealership around, especially if you're ordering at a show.

If you're buying with finance, you can often flex the deal by altering the loan length or tweaking the monthly payments'just don't get carried away ' the longer the repayment period, the more interest you'll pay in total.

Also, remember to factor in extra start-up costs like camping accessories, a gas bottle, a leisure battery, and you may also have to buy a bigger tow car!

For a full explanation, see our Caravan Financing Guide (coming soon).

2. Caravan Size: What Will Suit Your Needs?

Think about: Berths, Space, Width/Length, Axles, Weight, Where you store it

How big does your caravan need to be? Usually, this will be dictated by the number of beds you need, but it's also affected by the amount of internal space you require' for kids or dogs. Typically, families go for four or more berths, while couples might select a two to four-berth van.

An extra-wide, eight-foot tourer offers immense space inside, but just check it'll fit on your drive! I've towed various eight-footers and that extra few inches makes a much bigger difference inside than it does outside.

It could even be argued that the extra track width makes for a more stable tow. I certainly barely noticed the width when towing.

Of course, more beds usually means it's a longer and heavier caravan, which can affect manoeuvring, towing and storage'and, possibly, the number of axles.
The largest caravans tend to have twin-axles, and because of this, they are' easier and more stable to tow. But of course you'll have extra servicing costs, and possibly higher insurance, storage and pitch fees.

Click here for a full guide to caravan types (coming soon).
Click here for a guide to caravan layout options (coming soon).

Lighter is generally better, as lightweight tourers are easier and more fuel efficient to tow, plus they give you a greater choice of tow car. Here's why'

3. Caravan towing weights: What Can Your Vehicle Tow?

Think about: Matching your tow car, fuel consumption, maths!

In recent years, the towing rules (especially around the B+E driving licence category requirement) have been relaxed. But there are still some sensible rules to follow.

For more information, please visit caravan mobile home.

The main one is that your loaded caravan shouldn't weigh more than your towcar. In fact, the caravan clubs and the National Caravan Council have agreed on the 85% rule.
This states that novice caravanners who've recently passed their driving test in their first year or two of ownership should only tow a caravan that weighs no more than 85% of the towcar's kerbweight.

The caravan weight used in this calculation is the MTPLM (Maximum Technically-Permissible Laden Mass). You'll find this on the small weightplate, usually located on the outside of the van, near to the door.

The MTPLM is the maximum weight the caravan can be when it's fully loaded with all your possessions, food, water and gas bottle, etc.

Meanwhile, the car's kerbweight can be found on a sticker in the door jamb, or in the manual.

Here's an example (image to the right).

You want to buy a Bailey Phoenix+ 440 caravan with an MTPLM of kg.

As a novice, that weight should be 85% or less of your towcar's kerbweight, so your car must weigh kg or more. Your Vauxhall Insignia Estate has a kerbweight of kg, so you're good to go. In fact, you could tow a caravan weighing up to kg.

Tow car weight in kg x 0.85 must be higher than the caravan's MTPLM.

Once you have gained some good towing experience, the Clubs say that you can increase that weight ratio to 100% ' but never above.

Taking the same example, your towcar kerbweight only needs to be kg to pull the Phoenix, a VW Polo for example.

Based on this information, if you buy a bigger caravan, you should factor in the possibility that you might have to buy a bigger towing vehicle, too.

For a full explanation, see our Ultimate Caravan Weights Guide (coming soon).

Choosing the right caravan is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable mobile home experience. The decision-making process can be overwhelming with so many options available on the market. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you easily navigate the process.

Whether you plan to use your caravan for weekend getaways, extended travel, or as a permanent residence, selecting the right one is crucial. The right caravan should meet your lifestyle needs and provide a comfortable living space that suits your preferences. Read on to learn more.

The first and most crucial consideration is your budget. Caravans come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly to high-end luxury models. Consider what you can afford, including additional costs such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Once you have set your budget, you can focus on caravans within your price range.

Before purchasing a caravan, you should research insurance costs and requirements. Some states or territories may require you to have insurance for your caravan, and insurance costs can vary depending on the type of caravan, its age, and your driving history. Be sure to factor insurance costs into your budget and choose an insurable caravan at a reasonable rate.

Pop-top caravans are a popular option for those who want a compact, lightweight caravan that is easy to tow. These caravans have a pop-up roof that provides extra headroom and ventilation when parked but can be lowered for travel. Pop-top caravans are typically less expensive than full-height caravans, making them an excellent option for those on a budget.

Full-height caravans are larger and provide more living space than pop-top caravans. These caravans have a fixed roof and are available in various sizes and layouts, with a range of features and amenities. Full-height caravans are generally more expensive than pop-top caravans, but they offer more space and comfort for long-term or permanent living.

Off-road caravans are designed for rugged terrain and are equipped with features such as reinforced suspension, heavy-duty tires, and higher ground clearance. These caravans are ideal for those exploring remote areas and travelling off the beaten path. Off-road caravans can be either pop-top or full-height models and are typically more expensive than regular caravans due to their specialised features.

Camper trailers are popular for those who want a more compact and flexible mobile home solution. These trailers are smaller and lighter than caravans and can be towed by various vehicles. Camper trailers are available in various sizes and layouts, with features that include sleeping quarters, kitchen facilities, and storage space. Camper trailers are typically less expensive than caravans, making them an excellent option for those on a budget.

Each caravan type has advantages and disadvantages; the one that is right for you will depend on your lifestyle needs, budget, and preferences. Consider the features and amenities that are most important to you and choose a caravan that will provide you with the comfort and convenience you need on your mobile home journey.

When choosing a caravan, there are several key features that you should consider to ensure that it meets your needs and provides you with the comfort and convenience you require. This section will discuss six key features when choosing your caravan.

The layout and design of a caravan are crucial factors to consider. Choose a layout that suits your needs, whether a fixed bed, convertible lounge, or bunk bed for children. Consider the size and location of the kitchen and bathroom facilities, and make sure they meet your needs.

Once you have decided on the type of caravan you want and the key features you need, it's time to consider how you will finance your purchase. This section will discuss some key considerations for financing your caravan purchase.

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