-chickengeorge.

SWMBO has decided that the small motorhome (Mazda bongo ) we have is not big enough, and must go.
So, we are looking at caravans.

Must haves :
4 Berth +
ideally fixed bunk beds at rear - to lock the monsters away,
or 2 rear sofas, that convert into a double with a single bunk above.
under £10,000

any suggestions from my future vanners 

What ever you decide on, just make sure you have it tested for damp before you buy, preferably by someone who's independent. MY13 HSE LUX Aintree Green
MY57 SE Stornoway Grey. Gone
Nissan X Trail
Discovery V8 LPG
Series II Land Rover

Go to a few dealers, see what your preferred layout is - i.e. bedroom/bunk configuration. Possible actually choose a preferred caravan.
Then look on autotrader and the caravan club sales sites.
Autotrader has a comprehensive menu for most features such as bedrooms etc.
I've been doing it for years and had a few. Overall, in terms of build quality, I've found Swift to be my preference.
Oh, and before you get one, check out storage unless you want it in front of your home. In some areas caravan storage is very difficult to find.

As its for kids I would recommend a knaus deseo family plus. Ours was 12k new, it has a big bunk at the back that will sleep 2 kids, a folding bed underneath that doubles as a chalk board, there is a screen to seperate the kids from the adults and they also have there own door to the outside. It's also very pimpable if that's your thing, it didn't come with many luxurys but that makes the holiday much more fun. It will carry about 400kg (that's a lot for a caravan) payload and weighs under 1ton (without payload).

It is a continental van from automotive leisure in Poole Dorset, it has had no issues at all other than I crashed it. Def recommend this if you have kids or are into pimping, it's like ikea on wheels.

Take a look here http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk

you can view by layout, make etc and there are 1000's

Good hunting   MY2014 SD4 XS
Ipanema Sand

MY10 TD4-e GS Manual
Lago Grey Now retired after 8 trouble free years

was just goona put that link on as well.

The other thing that my experience has taught me is that kids can ruin the interior of a caravan - the less you pay, the less angst you have.

I've been chatting to the owner of a small caravan park, he want to set up trip advisor in reverse so he can vet his 'guests' before accepting their bookings.

issues include thefts, vandalism, and unspeakable horrors left in the toilet block At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

After some of the horrors I have seen, I agree with him...  MY2014 SD4 XS
Ipanema Sand

MY10 TD4-e GS Manual
Lago Grey Now retired after 8 trouble free years

Sorry about that  MY13 HSE LUX Aintree Green
MY57 SE Stornoway Grey. Gone
Nissan X Trail
Discovery V8 LPG
Series II Land Rover

As a first caravan owner I got stung 😱
But luckily I can repair the damp probs my self easy enough
I would tern up unannounced and and have a smell when they open the door
Look for any black type stains in the corners behide curtains etc
Walk round to feel the floor, should have no give / springy bits etc
Hook the Walter up and check for leaks etc when it's under presser

But most importantly don't tell chicken George 😇😇 2008 xs
Snorkel
raised axle/gearbox breathers
Mantec tank guard
Cb radio
Blanked EGR
Sump guard
Scratches
Snolkle

I would suggest buying from a dealer. You should get a warranty and a 'van that has been checked over if not actually serviced. You then have redress should anything go wrong. Also, pay as much as you can on credit card so that the credit card company also gives you rights of redress.

As to layout etc - go ask people on sites who have a 'van that you like the look of. Most caravaners are only too keen to show off. Everyone can spread it - Anyone can catch it. Stay home - the life you save can be your own!

I almost thought about it once, totally put off with the anal Colin's that seemingly inhabit every site waiting to pounce and tell you, you're doing it all wrong.

some useful, and some not ( not naming anyone !!) , comments here

hadnt thought about the damp issue until mentioned.
Yes, agree a dealer is preferable, as is CRIS and service history paper work
100% set on the rear bunk layout, and want a twin axel as probably more stable.

the search continues

cheers all 

Good luck 👍👍 2008 xs
Snorkel
raised axle/gearbox breathers
Mantec tank guard
Cb radio
Blanked EGR
Sump guard
Scratches
Snolkle

It's difficult to recommend a 'van for somebody else as everybody's priorities and needs are different. When you see the right one for you, you'll know which one to buy. The second time you buy you'll know even better what is right for you.

On the twin axle / stability thing, assuming that the mtplm is within the car's and the driver's capabilities then a properly loaded, well driven single axle will be as stable as a twin. A twin is not without it's niggles - wheel locks, on site manouvreability, servicing costs etc.

Good luck with your search though... You'll find the one that suits. Don't buy from CG Caravan Enterprises though whatever you do. Proper dodgy dealership there.