Caravan advice

[shrek]

Were looking at buying a caravan and as it's 10 years since we had a 1970's 10 foot 2 berth I need some advice.

The van I'm looking at is an 1998 ABI award superstar 6 berth twin axle approx 21 foot.
It's from a long established dealer at £9k.
As we were looking round the vans it came in on the back of a disco :) from a family who had bought a new van. I spoke to the owner who highly recommended the van and said it has no faults. The condition is excellent.

Any comments on this van and the price appreciated.

Thanks. Shrek

[biggmark]

does it have a full awning?

[shrek]

does it have a full awning?

No, they'll do a (full) dorema calypso with annex and inner sleeping tent for £800. Again not sure if this is a good price so advice appreciated. May shop round for this later/ perhaps used.

[biggmark]

i certainly wouldnt part with £9k for a van without an awning,best shop around

[shrek]

i certainly wouldnt part with £9k for a van without an awning,best shop around

Cheers bigmark :)

Any idea of a value as I haven't made an offer yet.

[Bush Tucker Man]

Price sounds okay*, but what goodies are included?
Did the previous owner strip it first to put everything in the replacement?

I take that it's a side washroom.
Accomodation is?;
front lounge (2 beds)
rear 'settees' (2 bunks on each side)

Pros
1. Stable (due to 4 tyre sidewalls)
2. 'Feel good factor'
3. More space (perhaps not if 6 persons are in it together?)
4. Longer, thus easier to reverse (while hitched)

Cons
1. Thieving scrote magnet
2. Hard to manoeuvre by hand
3. Higher insurance (due to #1)
4. Can pitch more on an uneven surface, as the tow axles 'fight each other' (compression/extension)
5. Higher storage fees
6. Not all sites allow (for various reasons) twin-axles

Don't forget;
Check for DAMP!!!!
Although at that age, it ought to be okay

*Our Elddis was 'screen-priced' at £11,800(I think) in July 2003 (but we got about £2,700 for the Challenger)

Got a spare hitch lock & stabiliser going ;) (both Bulldog)

[wackyone]

Friends of mine have a 98 Abi & the side panels have come away from the front panel
on both sides, i'd have a good look at this before you buy one.

[Bush Tucker Man]

Why not nip up to 'WandaHomes' (http://www.wandahome.co.uk/), they've got a large stock in at the moment.
I nipped in this afternoon for a plug-keeper (non in stock)

They're on the roundabout at the A1/M62 interchange (http://uk.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&X=448500.999999973&Y=422000.944908247&width=700&height=400&gride=448399.999999973&gridn=422099.944908247&srec=0&coordsys=gb&db=grid&addr1=&addr2=&addr3=&pc=&advanced=&local=&localinfosel=&kw=&inmap=&table=&ovtype=&zm=0&scale=10000&out.x=8&out.y=11)

BEWARE!
If you do visit, this is one of the busiest roundabouts in the country, take care entering & leaving Grovehall Lane!!
I've seen numerous near-misses & accidents on here.

[shrek]

Price sounds okay*, but what goodies are included?
Did the previous owner strip it first to put everything in the replacement?

I take that it's a side washroom.
Accomodation is?;
front lounge (2 beds)
rear 'settees' (2 bunks on each side)

Pros
1. Stable (due to 4 tyre sidewalls)
2. 'Feel good factor'
3. More space (perhaps not if 6 persons are in it together?)
4. Longer, thus easier to reverse (while hitched)

Cons
1. Thieving scrote magnet
2. Hard to manoeuvre by hand
3. Higher insurance (due to #1)
4. Can pitch more on an uneven surface, as the tow axles 'fight each other' (compression/extension)
5. Higher storage fees
6. Not all sites allow (for various reasons) twin-axles

Don't forget;
Check for DAMP!!!!
Although at that age, it ought to be okay

*Our Elddis was 'screen-priced' at £11,800(I think) in July 2003 (but we got about £2,700 for the Challenger)

Got a spare hitch lock & stabiliser going ;) (both Bulldog)

Many thanks Richard. :)

Yes the van is stripped for their replacement.
It comes fully serviced and valeted, spare, hitchlock, years warranty. That's about it.

The accomodation is as you described. Nice solid sliding doors to make the bedroom too.
We need the six berth as we'll have our fifth child by August. Hence wanting a decent awning with inner sleeping annex.

I prefer a twin axle at this size for stability.
It will be stored at the place I'm buying it (secure compound).
Will check on insurance, sites etc. :)

I'll keep in mind the hitch/ stabiliser.;)

Manouvering is also a problem. I'm experienced (if rusty) in driving large vehicles/ trailers. As I have back/ leg problems now though, I've been looking at the motorised jockey wheels. Any experiences with these.

[shrek]

Friends of mine have a 98 Abi & the side panels have come away from the front panel
on both sides, i'd have a good look at this before you buy one.


Cheers, I'll take a look.
Is this due to damp or other fault?

[shrek]

Why not nip up to 'WandaHomes' (http://www.wandahome.co.uk/), they've got a large stock in at the moment.
I nipped in this afternoon for a plug-keeper (non in stock)

They're on the roundabout at the A1/M62 interchange (http://uk.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&X=448500.999999973&Y=422000.944908247&width=700&height=400&gride=448399.999999973&gridn=422099.944908247&srec=0&coordsys=gb&db=grid&addr1=&addr2=&addr3=&pc=&advanced=&local=&localinfosel=&kw=&inmap=&table=&ovtype=&zm=0&scale=10000&out.x=8&out.y=11)

BEWARE!
If you do visit, this is one of the busiest roundabouts in the country, take care entering & leaving Grovehall Lane!!
I've seen numerous near-misses & accidents on here.

Thanks, I work in Wakefield regulary and am due a visit soon so I'll pop in.