Newbie saying hello

Hello DiD. Just approach buying a van like you would buying a second hand car. Check absolutely everything, accepting reasonable wear and tear, don’t be reeled in by dealer talk, don’t be afraid to walk away. Choosing a preferred van layout is important, as is checking for damp and any major potentially expensive faults. Get a reasonable warranty if you can, ask for extras such as aquaroll, waste container to be included, check condition of leisure battery and any motor mover fitted.

Insurance will depend on how and where you intend to tour, in storage or at home, but again shop around. Insurance offered by both major Clubs is usually good, but not always cheap, there are other providers. Think about rescue and recovery as well.

Theres a lot more, but other will be along soon no doubt. Good luck for some happy trouble free touring.😁

Hi Davey

and welcome 

Hi Davey, 

One thing I would say is that the club offer their own caravan insurance products. Probably worth a look, 

Chris

I definitely endorse Caravan Cover by the club, have had no issues with the process

I would also certainly endorse the Club's caravan insurance.  I have heard one or two horror stories from folk who have had to claim through various insurance companies, but when we had to claim for the theft of our caravan some years back, the Club dealt with the claim sympathetically, efficiently and fairly.  It not until you come to claim that you fully realise what the insurance company is like.

David 

I have been purchasing the Caravan Cover for 3 years now. If a quick, simple, and reliable service is what you are looking for... then go for that, 

Craig

We have caravan cover via the club ,it is not the cheapest but we have found them to be very sympathetic and efficient when needed 

Couldn't have said it better myself...

Thank you TTDAL for the very useful info, rescue and recovery cover a very good point indeed, will check with my current recovery provider for that to see if it is covered. Thank you all for the welcome, now starts the "looking around" for a suitable van and deal

Be prepared to haggle if you buy from a dealer. Caravans don't depreciate in value in the same way as cars. Our first caravan was advertised at £5000 but we offered £4000: the dealer (Tyneside Leisure part of Catterick Caravan Group) said no, so we walked away and as we were getting into our car he ran out after us and said we could have it for £4000!!

When we traded it in with the same dealer 3 years later we saw it up for sale on their website the next day for £5000 again 😀! !