Caravan Buying Guide

The Complete Guide to Buying a Caravan

Buying a caravan opens up a completely different way to holiday. From spontaneous weekends away to longer touring adventures, having your own caravan gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and take many of the comforts of home with you.

But with different sizes, layouts, weights, specifications and manufacturers to choose from, finding the right caravan can initially seem complicated.

At United British Caravans, we've been helping customers choose caravans for many years. This guide explains the main things you should consider before buying, whether you're looking for your first caravan, replacing an existing model or considering the move from used to new.

1. New or Used Caravan?

One of the first decisions is whether to buy new or used.

Buying a New Caravan

A new caravan gives you the latest designs, equipment and technology, together with the reassurance of manufacturer warranty cover.

Other advantages can include:

• Latest layouts and interior designs
• Modern heating and hot-water systems
• Improved insulation and energy efficiency
• Latest safety equipment
• Manufacturer warranty
• No previous ownership or usage
• Greater opportunity to choose the exact model you want

United British Caravans offers new caravans from leading manufacturers including Bailey, Coachman and ERIBA.

VIEW NEW CARAVANS →

Buying a Used Caravan

A quality used caravan can offer exceptional value.

Your budget may allow you to purchase a larger or higher-specification caravan than would be possible when buying new.

When buying used, condition and history become particularly important. Look carefully at the caravan's bodywork, interior, appliances, tyres and signs of water ingress or damp.

Buying from an established caravan dealer also gives you somewhere to return to if you need help after your purchase.

VIEW USED CARAVANS →

2. How Many Berths Do You Need?

A caravan's berth number tells you approximately how many people it is designed to sleep.

2 Berth Caravans

Usually compact and relatively lightweight.

They're particularly popular with couples and can be easier to tow, manoeuvre and store.

4 Berth Caravans

One of the most popular choices.

Four-berth caravans cover an enormous variety of layouts and are suitable for couples wanting additional space as well as small families.

5 and 6 Berth Caravans

Designed particularly with families in mind.

They can provide additional beds, larger living spaces and layouts designed to make longer family holidays more comfortable.

Tip: Don't automatically choose your caravan based solely on how many people will sleep in it. A couple may prefer a four-berth caravan because of the additional living space or permanent bed.

3. Choosing the Right Caravan Layout

Layout is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Two caravans with similar dimensions can feel completely different inside because of the way their living, sleeping, kitchen and washroom areas are arranged.

Front Lounge

The traditional caravan front lounge remains extremely popular.

Parallel sofas provide comfortable daytime seating and can usually be converted into a double bed or used as individual single beds.

Island Bed

An island bed provides access from both sides and can make a caravan bedroom feel much more like home.

They're particularly popular with couples who don't want to make up their bed every evening.

Fixed Single Beds

Twin fixed beds are another popular touring layout.

They provide permanent beds while allowing each person easy access without climbing over their partner.

French Bed

A French bed normally sits lengthways against one side of the caravan.

This can provide a permanent double bed while using less floor space than some island-bed arrangements.

Bunk Beds

For families, fixed bunks can be extremely practical.

Children have their own sleeping area without the main living space having to be completely converted every night.

Rear or End Washroom

An end washroom can provide a surprisingly spacious changing and shower area across the full width of the caravan.

There isn't one universally "best" layout. The right layout is simply the one that works best for how you intend to use your caravan.

4. Caravan Weight – What Does MTPLM Mean?

This is one of the areas that can initially appear confusing.

You'll commonly encounter two important figures.

MiRO – Mass in Running Order

This is essentially the caravan's weight in its standard condition, although the precise calculation can depend on the manufacturer and specification.

MTPLM – Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass

This is the maximum permitted laden weight of the caravan.

In simple terms:

Your caravan must not weigh more than its MTPLM when loaded.

The difference between the relevant running-order weight and maximum laden weight determines how much capacity is available for your belongings and optional equipment, subject to the manufacturer's figures for the particular caravan.

Always check the specification of the individual caravan, rather than relying on figures for a similar model.

5. Can My Car Tow the Caravan?

This is extremely important.

Don't choose a caravan and only afterwards discover whether your car is suitable for towing it.

You need to consider factors including:

• Vehicle towing limit
• Caravan MTPLM
• Tow-ball/noseweight limits
• Gross train weight
• Your driving licence entitlement
• How the outfit will behave when loaded

The legal maximum towing capacity of the vehicle must not be exceeded.

However, being legally capable of towing a caravan doesn't automatically mean a particular car/caravan combination is desirable.

If you're uncertain, ask us before purchasing. We can help you understand the relevant caravan figures so that you can check them against your tow vehicle.

6. Single-Axle or Twin-Axle?

You'll see both when looking at caravans.

Single-Axle Caravans

Single-axle models are extremely popular and cover everything from compact two-berth caravans to spacious family layouts.

Advantages can include:

• Lower weight
• Easier manoeuvring
• Easier storage
• Wide choice of layouts
• Potentially suitable for a broader range of tow cars

Twin-Axle Caravans

Twin-axle caravans use two axles and are generally found towards the larger end of the market.

They can provide:

• Greater interior space
• Large permanent-bed layouts
• Larger washrooms
• Additional storage
• Premium specifications

Examples include larger models in ranges such as the Bailey Unicorn Grande and Coachman Lusso.

The trade-off is increased size and weight, so your tow vehicle, storage arrangements and intended use all need consideration.

7. Think About How You'll Actually Use Your Caravan

This can be more important than comparing specification sheets.

Ask yourself:

Will we mainly take weekend breaks or long holidays?

Will we tour frequently or stay on one site for longer periods?

How many people will regularly travel?

Do we want permanent beds?

Will we use the caravan throughout winter?

Do we need a large shower and washroom?

How much storage do we need?

Do we intend to use an awning?

Someone touring every few days may value compact dimensions and easy setup.

Someone spending several weeks on one site may prefer a larger caravan with a permanent bedroom, generous kitchen and full-size awning.

8. Don't Forget the Awning

An awning can dramatically increase the usable space available on holiday.

It can provide somewhere for:

• Outdoor furniture
• Dining
• Cooking
• Bikes
• Wet clothing
• Dogs
• Children's equipment
• Additional storage

There are several main choices, including:

Porch Awnings

Quick and convenient for touring and shorter stays.

Full Awnings

Provide considerably more space and can be particularly useful for longer stays.

Air Awnings

Inflatable structural beams replace many or all traditional poles, making setup considerably easier for many users.

Traditional Pole Awnings

Still extremely popular, particularly where strength, longevity or seasonal use is important.

United British Caravans supplies awnings from leading manufacturers including Isabella, Dorema, Kampa and Telta.

SHOP CARAVAN AWNINGS →

9. What Equipment Will I Need?

You don't need to buy everything immediately, but some equipment is essential or extremely useful.

A typical starter list might include:

• Water carrier
• Waste-water carrier
• Electric hook-up cable
• Gas bottle
• Leisure battery where required
• Toilet chemicals
• Levelling equipment
• Wheel chocks
• Security equipment
• Hitch lock
• Wheel lock
• Towing mirrors
• Steps
• Water hose/accessories
• Basic tool kit

Then there are the things that make touring more comfortable:

• Outdoor chairs
• Table
• Awning
• Outdoor cooking equipment
• Coolers
• BBQ
• Lighting
• Storage equipment

Our Leisure Shop at Sandy Lane carries a large range of caravan, camping and outdoor equipment, and many products are also available through our online shop.

VISIT THE LEISURE SHOP →

10. Caravan Security

Caravan security should be considered from the beginning rather than after you've bought the caravan.

Depending upon the caravan and your insurer's requirements, security equipment may include:

• Hitch locks
• Wheel locks
• Wheel clamps
• Tracking systems
• Alarms
• Security posts
• Door security
• Secure storage arrangements

Always check the requirements of your insurer because specific approved security devices may be required.

11. Servicing Your Caravan

Regular servicing helps keep your caravan safe and in good working order.

A caravan service can include checks of important areas such as:

• Braking system
• Running gear
• Tyres
• Chassis
• Gas system
• Electrical systems
• Water system
• Appliances
• Bodywork
• Damp/moisture levels

Manufacturer servicing requirements can also be important for maintaining warranty cover on a new caravan.

United British Caravans has its own service facilities at Sandy Lane.

BOOK A SERVICE →

12. Should I Consider a Motor Mover?

For many caravan owners, a motor mover becomes one of their most valued accessories.

A mover allows the caravan to be manoeuvred electrically at low speed using a remote control.

They're particularly useful when:

• Parking at home
• Manoeuvring onto a pitch
• Space is restricted
• Moving a caravan on your own
• Precise positioning is required

Larger twin-axle caravans may require different mover arrangements from smaller single-axle models, so the correct system needs to be matched to the caravan.

13. Storage

Before buying, consider where the caravan will live when you're not using it.

Options generally include:

• Home driveway
• Secure caravan storage facility
• Seasonal site

Check access carefully.

Gate widths, driveway gradients, tight corners, overhanging trees and available manoeuvring space can all become surprisingly important once a caravan arrives.

14. Set a Realistic Budget

Don't use your entire budget on the caravan itself.

Allow something for:

Insurance + security + accessories + awning + servicing + storage + touring equipment

You may already own some of these items, and not everything needs purchasing immediately.

If finance is available on a particular caravan, compare the total amount payable, interest rate/APR, deposit and monthly payments rather than considering the monthly figure alone.

15. Sit Inside Before You Decide

Specification sheets are useful, but caravans need to be experienced.

Sit in the lounge.

Lie on the bed.

Stand in the shower.

Open the wardrobes.

Imagine preparing a meal.

Consider where coats, shoes, bedding and food will go.

If you're buying as a couple or family, everyone should ideally try the caravan together.

A layout that looks perfect in photographs can feel very different when you're actually inside it.

Choosing Your Caravan at United British Caravans

At United British Caravans, Sandy Lane, North Gosforth**, you can compare different caravan manufacturers, sizes, layouts and specifications in one place.

We offer a selection of new Bailey, Coachman and ERIBA caravans, together with a regularly changing range of quality used caravans from many manufacturers.

Our team can also help with accessories, awnings and servicing, meaning you can get much of what you need for caravanning from one location.

Ready to Start Looking?

VIEW NEW CARAVANS →

VIEW USED CARAVANS →

VIEW CARAVAN DEALS →

VISIT OUR LEISURE SHOP →

BOOK A SERVICE →