Earlier this year we bought a 03 sterling belvoir which has an identical layout to the one you just reviewed. It came with a full service and warranty for £3k even had a truma motor mover fitted. I've since spent a little more repairing a few bits and pieces ( wasn't bothered about the warranty) but overall for our first caravan we love it. With it being older I don't feel precious about doing the odd change / customisation to make things work for us. Great idea for a series and probably more relevant to a majority of your viewers if like me they found you as a first time caravaner.
We bought a 2001 Coachman Amara 500/5 for 4k one owner from new, and it is a cracking van. We recovered the seats and changed the carpet for lino and modernised the lights which cost us £700 and the transformation was priceless, looks almost modern. Took a while to find the right one but it was worthwhile!
Great video once again Dan. Thanks to your videos me and my wife finally bought our first caravan this year. It’s not brand new but new to us and it’s a 2016 coachman and absolutely love it. Great to see you do a video on different price ranges and knowing what’s out there. Keep up the great videos mate
Love this video. I am a brand new caravaner and have bought a pre loved 4 berth caravan for £5000 from a dealer with a motormover and we've been out for 17 weekends this year. I love it although its alot smaller than my tent.
This caravan looks very similar to my Ace Ambassador 2 berth which I have had for twelve years and it is still a good van. No reason to change it for a newer one ! Good video.
Thanks Dan . Back to the real world , really great to see you are encouraging people and families into caravaning . Giving you lots of credit though ( it's a big caravaning world out there and you do a great job promoting it 👍
Excellent review Dan...there is a lot of bargains out their to suit everyone needs, just go's to show if you shop around to suit your pocket you can get the van you want👍
16yrs ago i purchased a 2nd hand 1993 abbey alliance 5 birth single axle touring caravan for the sumly price of £2000. This van today is still rot free, dry and warm and gets hauled over the Highlands of Scotland 3 sometimes 4 times a year. It's not the prettiest to look at but its functional and does exactly what it's designed to do. Give you somewhere warm and cosy to relax in after a long hike..
Thank you for this, i'm looking for a starter caravan for myself and my wife. I've not done caravanning since I was a child with my parents, so want a cheaper van first to test the waters. Anyway, this was really helpful!
Looking forward to the next video, me and my wife bought a new second hand van a couple of months ago now and we love it! Abbey spectrum 4 birth, 8 1/2 grand, pristine condition. Great vid mate 👍
@@colinellis8661 I guess converting or creating a space from scratch gives you more customizable options to consider, as well as things like isolation, toilet choices and what not. For people wanting a full time small home of course. But you're right that you can practically have it in a caravan for less money, eventually.
Good video with solid advice. I'd always say go with condition over age. When I was looking for a very cheap caravan I looked initially at a 1995 swift conquer. It was absolutely rotten to the extent of being unsafe to tow. I ended up with an 85 ABI supreme which despite being ten years older was solid as the day is long. True to form it's been absolutely fantastic, and turned out to be £500 very well spent.
Thanks Dan for yet another fantastic and well explained video..As tyres are a safety issue,i wish you had explained more about the safety issues of caravan tyres..Re the date stamp etc..Looking forward for more of your caravan videos.
Some good bargains out there if you're prepared to do a bit of work to get it how you want it. Back in 1996, when I went Caravanning with my parents, we were looking for a cheapish 3 or 4 berth van & saw in a local Hampshire dealer, a 1983 (13 years old) Lynton Lance 'van for about £2,200; it was in mint condition & all really solid & dry, only thing that needed adding was mains electrics, which I did myself, & a pair of new tyres. We used that van for another 13 years without any problems. The only reason we sold it was because my parents gave up Caravanning as they were getting too old!
We have an old carvan and there is lots of places to find parts windows etc. ..I have replaced all the bits that needed doing and we will keep it for a lot longer. .good vlog. ..Alan. .
Hi Dan. I think if you are prepared to put the leg work in you can pick some fantastic deals on used Vans. Also if you have some DIY Skills you can make it look great and make it your own. Thanks Phil👍
Just purchased second hand on a private sale Bailey 510/4 2005 with service history, paid £3600, in its condition it should be £4500 upwards, it's our first van, keep up the good work
Great informative video Thank you Dan. we started caravanning this year with our 2005 Bailey Senator Vermont that costs us £4600 we’ve had some fantastic times in it so far, including a couple of trips to Cirencester park, where I had the great pleasure of meeting Angela & Yourself. Please keep the videos coming, we look forward to our Friday catch up. Kind regards Sam & Mark x
The most modern premium caravans and motorhomes tend to have an immense amount of electronic paraphernalia which one can do without..... more to go wrong.
Recently purchased a 2008 Lunar Quasar, our first van. It feels like getting my first car all over again. Great channel by the way, thanks for sharing your experience(s) Rich.
Thank you for an interesting and useful video. Other than saying that there was no musty smell, you didn't seem to make any reference to checking for water ingress / damp. Apologies if I've missed that.
Go for Dutch or German caravans. They are often a lot cheaper than the UK models as the UK market is not as familiar with them. I bought a KIP Vision that was 9 years old for about £5k and the interior and styling is a lot more up to date then the flowery UK models. Yes the door is on the other side but this has never been an issue. UK models are rebound for leaks and for being a lot more heavy. Also always check the tyres are less than 3 years old. Great video !
Looks the reverse of my Swift Challenger 530 2009 but with dinner seats.. I lived in that van for 2 years. Nice layout, just sleep on the bench seats. In fact now i can't sleep on a normal bed. Only problem my van, shower heater was wrong end of van, not next to shower so all froze up in winter. Needed on board water and heater next to shower. I could have designed the layout better than the manufacturer. I could go back to living in van no problem, loved it.
Fast forward to Autumn 2022 ,new and second hand prices are ridiculous. However with cost of living crisis people will defer or cancel big ticket purchases and this will ultimately impact on new and second hand caravan prices. This is already evident in caravans presented at auction.
We bought our first caravan last year, got an 05 bailey pageant 6 berth for 5.5k. We were really surprised at how good a condition it was for the age, we were convinced that our low budget and need for 5berth minimum we would be buying a right lemon. We have updated plug sockets to incorporate usb sockets and changed bulbs from halogen to led.
Thanks for sharing a video about used caravans, as you say there are lots of us that can only look at the used market to enjoy this amazing adventure.😀😀👍👍Ian & Sonja
Grate video mate iv been buying cheap caravans and boats doing them up and the selling them as been out of work due to Covid Won’t be goin back to work will carry on doin this now I love it
Nice looking van. Our second van was an Abbey Expression - dealer special by Michael Jordan. In our 25 year plus experience of caravans MJ were the worst dealer we ever dealt with. Great video as ever Dan - Regards Nick
Hi dan, been looking at swift charisma 535, or sterling europa 470, both the same layout 4 berth fixed bed.2006 - 2008. But its just for 2 of us, i like the fixed bed idea. Prices 5000. To 7500. Sounds good value to me. Also with a mtplm of 1310 kg most cars can tow these.
We’ve just bought a 2008 abbey vogue 4 birth for under £5000 including a new motor mover. Feels like a massive step up from our 1996 sterling Europa. Can’t wait to get out in it in the new year 😍
I’ve used EECO a few years for re-bonding service on the large centre window. (the Swift window problem !). and about to send a smaller one. Price was really good value. Their service was great. Turn around time was about a week and you have to look closely for the repaired sections. Plse note EECO won’t re-bond if you have tried/done it yourself.
Thanks Dan. I own a 2 berth Swift Challenger 460 that I purchased a few months ago privately for under£5000. It's our first van after years of folding campers with the kids. They have now grown up. I really enjoyed the video but I thought it would have been nice if you could have done 2 vans just has a comparison of issues that they may have. Just my thoughts but great work. Thanks
My wife and I are new to your videos and are enjoying them very much. We are wanting to buy a used 2 berth caravan so this video was very useful. You did not mention whether any caravans have permanent beds as all the ones you looked at all the way up the price range did not. Doesn't it become a pain making up the beds every night? If the van came with an awning at what point in the buying process would you want to see it erected? Thanks Keith
Absolutely brilliant video. Feel like listening was made for me! My self and family are looking at getting a caravan and my budget is prity much 5 grand or less. I've never had a caravan neve towed any thing my life so was thinking if getting something smaller like a 2 birth for now to get used to it and in a couple years up grade if we're enjoying it. Really helpful video. Great stuff! All the best
Sorry if I've missed it, but after such up and down prices over the last 4 years an updated 2024 version of these videos would be great. Upto 5k, 10k and 15k maybe!
Good video as always with good points .. but .. what your price bracet can get depends on the time of year that you buy . For example caravan prices are a lot cheaper in November and December .. because people are thinking of christmas .. January .. cheap still .. because no one has any money after christmas .. then they start rising .. steeply in June and July .. . Years ago people always said the best time of year to buy a caravan is at the end of summer ... wrong now .. if anything caravan prices are higher in september than june .. All this means is .. if you buy at the correct time of year then you will get a far better caravan for less money 😁😁😁
Hi Dan first time Caravan person wanting to buy there first caravan . My experience tis to date is most dealers want to sell you a lot of rubbish caravan because they want to get rid of them. I have travelled over 1500 miles in various directions from Essex. I have looked at numerous caravans and found that most traders want to rip you off. Thank you for your advice what to look for call regards Eugene ..
My 2004 abbey aventura was £3200, 6 birth (fixed bunk, dinette bunks and a super king at the front) I personally begrudge paying £20000 for a new van that does the same job. Looking forward to the rest of the series Have you done any upgrade videos?
Well presented video. Although some of your comments may fall into the common sense category, you would be surprised how many people forget looking at the basics when they fall in love with a used Caravan. Your heart needs to give way to your head.
It looks like a fairly well looked after van. However, buying any older van has its risks and people should be aware of the benefits of a full independent check for damp and water ingress. The sealants on all vans harden with age, use and exposure to UV. Expect to be resealing awning rails, windows and possibly fixing mushy floor before too long. My first van was an old one and it was great but I did have to learn how to do some maintenance to keep it going economically.
Do you know Dan I did exactly what you are doing and thought our caravan was perfect Awning rail & bottom curtain rail looked all perfect Didn't smell of damp we were so happy UNTIL We had it serviced as we were going to use it and what a shock we had Tyres were all 2005 Floor in bathroom needed replacing Toilet and sink cracked and needed replacing Electric needed replacing as wires were bare Gas pipes needed replacing as had been replaced but were not replaced in right position Front pipe for gas was nearly on floor Water pipes needed replacing as we're leaking Fire needed fixing External battery compartment toilet compartment and under bed compartment were all letting water in and had to have seals replaced Awning rail and curtain rail needed resealing we're letting water in All work and parts cost around £3000 at first We decided to look at new vans But after seeing some although our van needed all this work it was much better designed than the new ones which we looked at as ours was very big and spacious So we decided to get all work done by reputable companies We also had 4 shock absorbers on for easier pulling Then after all work was done we have now decided to modernise van All cupboard doors are now black and white All settee have been reupholstered new carpet and curtain At last we now know that our is going to last a long time But after being from a dealer in filey who we thought we could trust I would recommend everyone spend a £100-£150 getting any caravan checked before buying We were lucky we were able to do repairs but I could imagine if a family had bought this van without the knowledge like us And been pulling the caravan unknown that tyres were so cracked or work needed to make it safe It could have been a death trap With being 26ft being pulled We are now looking forward to using our caravan next year Knowing it's safe to use
First of all . love your videos. Very informative to Newby caravaner like me. Would by Interested in your thoughts of what caravan should I first buy for a first time buyer . Looking at a 2007 swift 480 Challenger was something similar . Is it is a good start caravan out to tow ?
Also further to my other post. How about taking each category. Is 2 berth, 4 berth etc and also doing a second review at the next price point is 2 berth for under £10000 and maybe a 4 berth for under £5000. If feel that there are many caravanners who by at this price point. Thanks again.
We bought our caravan two years ago, it is a 1992 Bailey scorpio, I spent nine months last year renovating it, including new wiring & plumbing, installed a new bathroom & kitchen, flooring, new wheels & tyres, new floor amongst other things. It cost £1300 to buy & we spent a further £1000 on it & it will now probably last us another five to ten years.
did you put in new kitchen worktop? i have a new caravan but really dislike the slate grey worktops.....i would prefer something much lighter in colour.
@@hikingwiththeshackletons thanks for quick response.....i am torn between sticky back vinyl and vinyl floor tiles to cover them.....i think the floor tiles ( also sticky back) would be hardwearing but the vinyl would cover the edges more easily.
@@castlequay2327 I used a kind of vinyl covering (sticky backed), it’s in B&Q. It’s hard wearing, it’s been on our worktop for nearly four years & still looks new.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with complete novices ...as I usually say "experience is something you get 10 mins after you need it " so your video is very helpful for newbies thanks ....
Great video, thanks. When it comes to older caravan, does it differs much in term of built quality and technology between a pre-2000 and post 2000 (2000-2005)
If there is one thing I can add to this is we have now had three caravans.....first two were secondhand our current one and Swifts flagship model.......well where is it currently.......back at the dealers for more warranty work....our first two vans never had any issues 🤷🏻♂️ just putting it out there but 🤷🏻♂️
It's always a good idea to Show Different Price ranges of any item. Lots of people will want The Cheapest Caravan Available For Multiple Reasons. There is a buyer at every price level. Why Buy New if it's only for Limited Use. Under £5,000 A person could buy another every Few Years. Throwing Shed Loads of money at something does not always get what you want & need.
Buying a older van like that (excellent condition for its age and price by the way) is definitely how people new to Caravanning should go. Budget price means if the new caravanner decides the hobby is not for them, they haven't wasted a lot of money. And if they like it and want a newer van or their experiences in this one tell them there are things they fell they need which are not in this van, they will probably get nearly the same amount back on a trade-in if they buy that repkacement newer van from a dealer keen to sell a more expensive van.
NIce video about caravans under 5K. I saw a (kent?) key next to the coffee machine at your office. Any chance of an item about radio amateurs and caravaning? Cheers Leo
Ha, Hi Leo, no its not a Kent key its my John Wellings key. ua-cam.com/video/vE0Qtf8cX9I/v-deo.html i have quite a collection of straight, iambics and i have a bug somewhere.... My favourite key though is my J-38. i love that on the KX3.... such a cool key. Check out my other channel, for more radio fun. Take care
I watch a lot of you videos and did make this suggestion on a video you put up. To do older Van's and the pros & cons. we own a bailey it not new but suit our needs which we use alot and useful tips thank for the videos we also use the same stealership swindon caravans and seen you about.
There is a great caravan out there for all budgets. As you know, mine was only £2k and is a cracking 5 berth with a motor mover and everything we wanted. It really doesn’t need to be expensive if you don’t want it to be.
You are spot on, my Dad bought a Fleetwood for very little, its a great van with a few small issues, all of which he's resolved. I hope to show that caravanning can be achieved on all budgets for all family sizes & requirements. Hope you are well, and keeping warm. Take care.
The Trudgians it’s a brilliant message to get across. Economy doesn’t need to factor in the decision to join in this glorious hobby. My van is terrifically warm but I, on the other hand and cold and wet.
and a lot more besides. Check out my upcoming video where i detail all the bits and bobs that should be checked when buying a second hand caravan. Thanks
I'm still battling on with 1991 swift I paid about 800 for it several years ago. Okay the varnish is peeling here and there that needs dealing with, I got the documents and owners manual for it. And I've added my own mods stabiliser hitch and motor mover. Great van and it's a dream to tow. I guess they made vans to last in 90/91. If anyone has any advice on the varnish inside on the wood. I'd appreciate it. I hope when I do sell it on I can get most of my money back on it being a classic van. 😁, so essentially I've had a free van.
@@chucky2316 No the 7 series has no more luxury, Just a Bigger car. Too big for nimble handling, They are Cheaper to buy than 5's. But Go for the e34 525i Everytime. or an Older 535i Manual. Avoid the 3.0 / 4.0 V8. If you want to Daily use the car. Aluminium Cylinder Liner Troubles. ( they aLL WENT BACK UNDER WARRANTY FOR NEW ENGINES ) Huge engine problems with the V8. The 525i are Surprisingly Quick Nimble cars for the size. The 525i 1992-96 is 2.5 petrol, 6 cyl, 24 valve, Variable valve timing, ( Vannos ) on a Chain drive. ( no belt) Earlier ones were on the old 325 Timing belt unit. WAY slower car. 90% of drivers would " Bottle It " before Use the Full Potential of a 525 performance & Handling. Very very Fast for an old classic. You would need a race track to run an e34 anywhere near it's limit. Even cheaper, is the Hidden secret e34 520i 6 cyl 24v They are also Loads faster than you would imagine. 150 bhp. Identical car & engine 500 cc's less. is the only difference. about as quick as an e30 325i. The 525i is the one to buy for pulling a caravan.
@@A1DJPaul you know you're stuff I always and still do like the look of older beemers 😁. A bit like the s60/s80 range nothing much different. I have a volvo s60 d5 2007 model it's been polestar remapped. Pulls the caravan with ease 😂. And is fun without the van on the back😁. Modern beemers just lack character well modern cars in general. Look after you're beemer 😁
@@chucky2316 Hey chucky, At first i thought we were on a Classic car / Fast Car Chat Page. Hey it's Caravans. I Sincerely Beg to Apologise if i was Brash or OTT ! Yes any Old car is Good. My Name is a Fake for obvious reasons. Which County / Area are you ? Im N yorks / Lancs Border . Not quite Yorkshire Dales but can be there in 15 mins . Ha ha lol. Hey , a 7 series will have the wheelbase , weight & stability for towing . Avoid 3.0 / 4.0 V8's unless you Know the Troubles have been sorted. & pay Peanuts Unless ABSOLUTELY MINT. 3.0 V8 is Pointless . Go 525, or 535 ( older 1970's engine ) or Full BMW history , Inc Replacement engine 4.0 V8 look up on Wikkipedia, Nicasil / alusil cylinder liners on early 90's BMW V8. Watch the Volvo Rear Suspension units. / Axle / Rear End. Can End a very Nice Volvo. due to Horrific cost. Also BMW M50 525 , Watch for Overheating & Head Gasket Trouble. Avoid any car with any doubts. ( Main Dealer / Specialist Job. £1500 - £2,000 easy. Locals Will NOT, CANNOT DARE TOUCH IT. at ANY PRICE. UNLESS BMW TRAINED. & THEY WILL CHARGE BIG TIME. 1 overheat = Whole Engine is SCRAP !! = Car is scrap. the engine will already be warped & ruined. Check Water Temp, & Coolant. The Dash Computer Warns of EVERYTHING. unless Disconnected. Coolant Level, Coolant temp', + Endless other Checks, Like Every Light bulb, Light Circuit, Brakes, ABS, Ugly Lass / Fat lass in Passenger seat, BING BING BING on entry, While Driving & on Exit BING BING BING Words Words Words EXACT info. Hey Babe, Makeup Smudged, Shoes OFF Babe, Wellies in a Carrier Bag in the Boot pls & NO Smelly Feet on my Dashboard Pls !! Child Alarms, All doors stay open until all Fries Burgers & Pizzas are Eaten & Kids are Asleep, Then the car will Start up & drive. VERY SLOWLY, SHH Bratts on board, Do Not Disturb. Radio has Child Mode, Loud as hell in the Rear, on the F/R Fader. Keep them Fast Asleep as long as Possible ! Met a Better Passenger Who Naturally Went Shoes OFF ON ENTRY EVERY TIME Without asking Out of Pure Respect. She Hand Fed Me Mc D's Chicken Nuggets as i drove , 1 for me 3 for her, 1 for me , 3 for her, & she is as Slim as you can Find em'. 1 for cool babe, one for fat boy, another for fat boy driving 6 for Cool Babe, last one shared. Top Lass Shared MY LAST CHICKEN NUGGET WITH ME. Where's your Big MAC ? oh i ate that ages ago. she says with a smile, She Gets out of the car & Cleans UP to PERFECTION . Clears it into a bin while i fill up at a petrol Stn. Not a Crumb to be found. I LOVE that Girl Forever. My DREAM PRINCESS. Even Loves My car A car older than She is , ( only just. ) She gets in & says , AHHH Ma BEEMER ! as she relaxes & Feels " at home Warm & cosy". Silly Me allowed her to Drive it ! OOPS Big mistake, She loves it even more now . She Said, " No Wonder you drive it like a Rally Car, " " it feels so secure & stable on the road like it will do anything you throw at it, " She Says it's like Riding in Bed, When you don't want to get out of bed that morning. Can we just Lay here all night, No I'm off to bed ,You sleep her babes. Nothing in life Really Matters Except the Girl that Respects You & your Life. & daft little things . Constant body contact, & Eye contact, Sit opposite at a table & make love with your Eyes. Share the same meal, Eat from the same plate, In a Restaurant. 1 desert 1 spoon, if we want more we order another desert / or a different one & share that. Being FLASH & Having the Latest Gismos does not impress Cool Totty. Being Fun pulls cool Totty.
Nice video Dan, When you were looking at the Servicing not all dealers put stickers on. Certainly our old Senator was serviced every year from new so 10 years, but never had a sticker. Our dealer does it like your car service (stamps in a book). Just so you know. Cheers Oliver
Earlier this year we bought a 03 sterling belvoir which has an identical layout to the one you just reviewed. It came with a full service and warranty for £3k even had a truma motor mover fitted. I've since spent a little more repairing a few bits and pieces ( wasn't bothered about the warranty) but overall for our first caravan we love it. With it being older I don't feel precious about doing the odd change / customisation to make things work for us. Great idea for a series and probably more relevant to a majority of your viewers if like me they found you as a first time caravaner.
We bought a 2001 Coachman Amara 500/5 for 4k one owner from new, and it is a cracking van. We recovered the seats and changed the carpet for lino and modernised the lights which cost us £700 and the transformation was priceless, looks almost modern. Took a while to find the right one but it was worthwhile!
Great video once again Dan. Thanks to your videos me and my wife finally bought our first caravan this year. It’s not brand new but new to us and it’s a 2016 coachman and absolutely love it. Great to see you do a video on different price ranges and knowing what’s out there. Keep up the great videos mate
Great video we bought a 2006 swift charisma 550 4 berth fixed bed for £5450 in 2017 from a dealer, great to see older caravans.
Love this video. I am a brand new caravaner and have bought a pre loved 4 berth caravan for £5000 from a dealer with a motormover and we've been out for 17 weekends this year. I love it although its alot smaller than my tent.
This is such a good idea for a series of videos. Not everyone wants a new van and for the price the van you found looks like a good buy. Cheers Steve.
This caravan looks very similar to my Ace Ambassador 2 berth which I have had for twelve years and it is still a good van. No reason to change it for a newer one ! Good video.
Thanks Dan . Back to the real world , really great to see you are encouraging people and families into caravaning . Giving you lots of credit though ( it's a big caravaning world out there and you do a great job promoting it 👍
Yeah cheaper ones come within a lot more peoples budgets 👍👍👍
Finally a video for us 'poor' people!
Yeeeeeeèeeeh
Excellent review Dan...there is a lot of bargains out their to suit everyone needs, just go's to show if you shop around to suit your pocket you can get the van you want👍
16yrs ago i purchased a 2nd hand 1993 abbey alliance 5 birth single axle touring caravan for the sumly price of £2000. This van today is still rot free, dry and warm and gets hauled over the Highlands of Scotland 3 sometimes 4 times a year. It's not the prettiest to look at but its functional and does exactly what it's designed to do. Give you somewhere warm and cosy to relax in after a long hike..
Thank you for this, i'm looking for a starter caravan for myself and my wife. I've not done caravanning since I was a child with my parents, so want a cheaper van first to test the waters. Anyway, this was really helpful!
Looking forward to the next video, me and my wife bought a new second hand van a couple of months ago now and we love it! Abbey spectrum 4 birth, 8 1/2 grand, pristine condition. Great vid mate 👍
As an older person with totally zero experience of caravanning this van would be an excellent option to start & possible finish with.
As a starter caravan,that one is just about perfect.
Why do people want to convert shipping containers, when you can by a good used caravan for a fraction of the price.
@@colinellis8661 I guess converting or creating a space from scratch gives you more customizable options to consider, as well as things like isolation, toilet choices and what not. For people wanting a full time small home of course. But you're right that you can practically have it in a caravan for less money, eventually.
@@colinellis8661 Thats a good question are shipping containers warmer looooooool
Good video with solid advice. I'd always say go with condition over age. When I was looking for a very cheap caravan I looked initially at a 1995 swift conquer. It was absolutely rotten to the extent of being unsafe to tow. I ended up with an 85 ABI supreme which despite being ten years older was solid as the day is long. True to form it's been absolutely fantastic, and turned out to be £500 very well spent.
Thanks Dan for yet another fantastic and well explained video..As tyres are a safety issue,i wish you had explained more about the safety issues of caravan tyres..Re the date stamp etc..Looking forward for more of your caravan videos.
Some good bargains out there if you're prepared to do a bit of work to get it how you want it.
Back in 1996, when I went Caravanning with my parents, we were looking for a cheapish 3 or 4 berth van & saw in a local Hampshire dealer, a 1983 (13 years old) Lynton Lance 'van for about £2,200; it was in mint condition & all really solid & dry, only thing that needed adding was mains electrics, which I did myself, & a pair of new tyres.
We used that van for another 13 years without any problems. The only reason we sold it was because my parents gave up Caravanning as they were getting too old!
I’ve used EECO on a 2011 Sterling window that broke. They were very good. 👍🏻 Thanks for sharing. Graham
We have an old carvan and there is lots of places to find parts windows etc. ..I have replaced all the bits that needed doing and we will keep it for a lot longer. .good vlog. ..Alan. .
A bit of TLC and that van will be a cracking van Dan, not bad for under 4k. Looking forward to the next one in this series. cheers Martin 🙂
Nice to see a damp meter used on it. Old saying, all that glitters is not gold. Very appropriate when buying a caravan, NEW or old.
Hi Dan. I think if you are prepared to put the leg work in you can pick some fantastic deals on used Vans. Also if you have some DIY Skills you can make it look great and make it your own. Thanks Phil👍
Just purchased second hand on a private sale Bailey 510/4 2005 with service history, paid £3600, in its condition it should be £4500 upwards, it's our first van, keep up the good work
Nice one, cheers Dan, especially the link for the windows by EECO one of my friends is looking for a replacement window on his Caravan 👍👍👍
Great informative video Thank you Dan.
we started caravanning this year with our 2005 Bailey Senator Vermont that costs us £4600 we’ve had some fantastic times in it so far, including a couple of trips to Cirencester park, where I had the great pleasure of meeting Angela & Yourself. Please keep the videos coming, we look forward to our Friday catch up. Kind regards
Sam & Mark x
The most modern premium caravans and motorhomes tend to have an immense amount of electronic paraphernalia which one can do without..... more to go wrong.
Beds in caravans tend to be on the rather extravagant size too
I so need a little place to call my own. It's almost impossible to buy such a perfect little caravan here in the states. I find this one perfect.
Recently purchased a 2008 Lunar Quasar, our first van. It feels like getting my first car all over again. Great channel by the way, thanks for sharing your experience(s) Rich.
Thank you for an interesting and useful video.
Other than saying that there was no musty smell, you didn't seem to make any reference to checking for water ingress / damp.
Apologies if I've missed that.
Go for Dutch or German caravans. They are often a lot cheaper than the UK models as the UK market is not as familiar with them. I bought a KIP Vision that was 9 years old for about £5k and the interior and styling is a lot more up to date then the flowery UK models. Yes the door is on the other side but this has never been an issue. UK models are rebound for leaks and for being a lot more heavy. Also always check the tyres are less than 3 years old. Great video !
So glad you said used and not “new to us”! 👍👍👍
I also dislike that saying
Looks the reverse of my Swift Challenger 530 2009 but with dinner seats.. I lived in that van for 2 years. Nice layout, just sleep on the bench seats. In fact now i can't sleep on a normal bed. Only problem my van, shower heater was wrong end of van, not next to shower so all froze up in winter. Needed on board water and heater next to shower. I could have designed the layout better than the manufacturer.
I could go back to living in van no problem, loved it.
Fast forward to Autumn 2022 ,new and second hand prices are ridiculous. However with cost of living crisis people will defer or cancel big ticket purchases and this will ultimately impact on new and second hand caravan prices. This is already evident in caravans presented at auction.
We bought our first caravan last year, got an 05 bailey pageant 6 berth for 5.5k. We were really surprised at how good a condition it was for the age, we were convinced that our low budget and need for 5berth minimum we would be buying a right lemon. We have updated plug sockets to incorporate usb sockets and changed bulbs from halogen to led.
Thanks for sharing a video about used caravans, as you say there are lots of us that can only look at the used market to enjoy this amazing adventure.😀😀👍👍Ian & Sonja
Good one Dan, it’s nice to look at caravans other than new ones , keep it up 👍🏼👍🏼
Grate video mate iv been buying cheap caravans and boats doing them up and the selling them as been out of work due to Covid Won’t be goin back to work will carry on doin this now I love it
Nice looking van. Our second van was an Abbey Expression - dealer special by Michael Jordan. In our 25 year plus experience of caravans MJ were the worst dealer we ever dealt with. Great video as ever Dan - Regards Nick
Great video from an obviously knowledgeable person who knows what he's talking about. Can't wait for your next one on this subject
Hi dan, been looking at swift charisma 535, or sterling europa 470, both the same layout 4 berth fixed bed.2006 - 2008. But its just for 2 of us, i like the fixed bed idea. Prices 5000. To 7500. Sounds good value to me. Also with a mtplm of 1310 kg most cars can tow these.
Why are caravans all white
We’ve just bought a 2008 abbey vogue 4 birth for under £5000 including a new motor mover. Feels like a massive step up from our 1996 sterling Europa. Can’t wait to get out in it in the new year 😍
I’ve used EECO a few years for re-bonding service on the large centre window. (the Swift window problem !). and about to send a smaller one.
Price was really good value. Their service was great. Turn around time was about a week and you have to look closely for the repaired sections.
Plse note EECO won’t re-bond if you have tried/done it yourself.
Thanks Dan. I own a 2 berth Swift Challenger 460 that I purchased a few months ago privately for under£5000. It's our first van after years of folding campers with the kids. They have now grown up. I really enjoyed the video but I thought it would have been nice if you could have done 2 vans just has a comparison of issues that they may have. Just my thoughts but great work. Thanks
My wife and I are new to your videos and are enjoying them very much. We are wanting to buy a used 2 berth caravan so this video was very useful. You did not mention whether any caravans have permanent beds as all the ones you looked at all the way up the price range did not. Doesn't it become a pain making up the beds every night? If the van came with an awning at what point in the buying process would you want to see it erected? Thanks Keith
Absolutely brilliant video. Feel like listening was made for me! My self and family are looking at getting a caravan and my budget is prity much 5 grand or less. I've never had a caravan neve towed any thing my life so was thinking if getting something smaller like a 2 birth for now to get used to it and in a couple years up grade if we're enjoying it. Really helpful video. Great stuff! All the best
Very helpful information 💐.
Good to share us your experience.
Take care .
Greetings from kuwait 🇰🇼
Sorry if I've missed it, but after such up and down prices over the last 4 years an updated 2024 version of these videos would be great. Upto 5k, 10k and 15k maybe!
Good video as always with good points .. but .. what your price bracet can get depends on the time of year that you buy .
For example caravan prices are a lot cheaper in November and December .. because people are thinking of christmas .. January .. cheap still .. because no one has any money after christmas .. then they start rising .. steeply in June and July .. .
Years ago people always said the best time of year to buy a caravan is at the end of summer ... wrong now .. if anything caravan prices are higher in september than june ..
All this means is .. if you buy at the correct time of year then you will get a far better caravan for less money 😁😁😁
Great video. I am in Oz, yet couldn't stop watching.
Hi Dan first time Caravan person wanting to buy there first caravan . My experience tis to date is most dealers want to sell you a lot of rubbish caravan because they want to get rid of them. I have travelled over 1500 miles in various directions from Essex. I have looked at numerous caravans and found that most traders want to rip you off. Thank you for your advice what to look for call regards Eugene
..
Great video, good start to the series, looking forward to the next vid.
Great video, very informative, wish we had brought a 2nd hand van first time out.
My 2004 abbey aventura was £3200, 6 birth (fixed bunk, dinette bunks and a super king at the front) I personally begrudge paying £20000 for a new van that does the same job.
Looking forward to the rest of the series
Have you done any upgrade videos?
Many in this price range are imported into New Zealand.
Our caravan is a 2001 Bailey Ranger and is in fantastic condition.
Nice video Dan
Looking forward to the rest of the series
Well presented video. Although some of your comments may fall into the common sense category, you would be surprised how many people forget looking at the basics when they fall in love with a used Caravan. Your heart needs to give way to your head.
It looks like a fairly well looked after van. However, buying any older van has its risks and people should be aware of the benefits of a full independent check for damp and water ingress. The sealants on all vans harden with age, use and exposure to UV. Expect to be resealing awning rails, windows and possibly fixing mushy floor before too long.
My first van was an old one and it was great but I did have to learn how to do some maintenance to keep it going economically.
Do you know Dan I did exactly what you are doing and thought our caravan was perfect
Awning rail & bottom curtain rail looked all perfect
Didn't smell of damp we were so happy
UNTIL
We had it serviced as we were going to use it and what a shock we had
Tyres were all 2005
Floor in bathroom needed replacing
Toilet and sink cracked and needed replacing
Electric needed replacing as wires were bare
Gas pipes needed replacing as had been replaced but were not replaced in right position
Front pipe for gas was nearly on floor
Water pipes needed replacing as we're leaking
Fire needed fixing
External battery compartment toilet compartment and under bed compartment were all letting water in and had to have seals replaced
Awning rail and curtain rail needed resealing we're letting water in
All work and parts cost around £3000
at first
We decided to look at new vans
But after seeing some
although our van needed all this work it was much better designed than the new ones which we looked at
as ours was very big and spacious
So we decided to get all work done by reputable companies
We also had 4 shock absorbers on for easier pulling
Then after all work was done we have now decided to modernise van
All cupboard doors are now black and white
All settee have been reupholstered
new carpet and curtain
At last we now know that our is going to last a long time
But after being from a dealer in filey who we thought we could trust I would recommend everyone spend a £100-£150 getting any caravan checked before buying
We were lucky we were able to do repairs but I could imagine if a family had bought this van without the knowledge like us
And been pulling the caravan unknown that tyres were so cracked or work needed to make it safe
It could have been a death trap
With being 26ft being pulled
We are now looking forward to using our caravan next year
Knowing it's safe to use
Very enlightening indeed 👍👍👍
Thank you glad you took up my suggestion ages ago for newby's.😀
Great to see you supporting cheaper vans great work
First of all . love your videos. Very informative to Newby caravaner like me. Would by Interested in your thoughts of what caravan should I first buy for a first time buyer . Looking at a 2007 swift 480 Challenger was something similar . Is it is a good start caravan out to tow ?
I've got to say Dan that's a very good idea and a very good and truthull vidéo. Thank you very much Dan 👏
Also further to my other post. How about taking each category. Is 2 berth, 4 berth etc and also doing a second review at the next price point is 2 berth for under £10000 and maybe a 4 berth for under £5000. If feel that there are many caravanners who by at this price point. Thanks again.
Hi there, great video thanks for sharing. Could you find a touring caravan for 4/5 berth for under 5k, also that is lightweight to tow.cheers.
Love this design and beautiful out looks ♥️🇦🇺
We bought our caravan two years ago, it is a 1992 Bailey scorpio, I spent nine months last year renovating it, including new wiring & plumbing, installed a new bathroom & kitchen, flooring, new wheels & tyres, new floor amongst other things. It cost £1300 to buy & we spent a further £1000 on it & it will now probably last us another five to ten years.
did you put in new kitchen worktop? i have a new caravan but really dislike the slate grey worktops.....i would prefer something much lighter in colour.
@@castlequay2327 yes I did, but I manufactured my own from lightweight MDF, and used a sticky waterproof covering over it. (Bought from B&Q)
@@hikingwiththeshackletons thanks for quick response.....i am torn between sticky back vinyl and vinyl floor tiles to cover them.....i think the floor tiles ( also sticky back) would be hardwearing but the vinyl would cover the edges more easily.
@@castlequay2327 I used a kind of vinyl covering (sticky backed), it’s in B&Q. It’s hard wearing, it’s been on our worktop for nearly four years & still looks new.
Thanks! Very useful info and also good it’s a balance between a lots o f aspects, not just sheer technic.
Glad it was helpful!
Great buy for a first time caravan buyer, but the problem as always with a first caravan is have you got a car capable of towing it.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with complete novices ...as I usually say "experience is something you get 10 mins after you need it " so your video is very helpful for newbies thanks ....
Great video, thanks. When it comes to older caravan, does it differs much in term of built quality and technology between a pre-2000 and post 2000 (2000-2005)
Where abouts is the caravan lot you filmed at? It looks really good 👍
If there is one thing I can add to this is we have now had three caravans.....first two were secondhand our current one and Swifts flagship model.......well where is it currently.......back at the dealers for more warranty work....our first two vans never had any issues 🤷🏻♂️ just putting it out there but 🤷🏻♂️
It's always a good idea to Show Different Price ranges of any item.
Lots of people will want The Cheapest Caravan Available For Multiple Reasons.
There is a buyer at every price level.
Why Buy New if it's only for Limited Use.
Under £5,000 A person could buy another every Few Years.
Throwing Shed Loads of money at something does not always get what you want & need.
well done geez 👍 keep it going and bless you
How can you not love the older caravans, a fridge that runs on gas, electric or battery...how good is that
You can tell that's an early 2000s Swift Group caravan. So similar to my parents' 2003 Sterling Eccles Jewel
Excellent, informative video as always!
Buying a older van like that (excellent condition for its age and price by the way) is definitely how people new to Caravanning should go. Budget price means if the new caravanner decides the hobby is not for them, they haven't wasted a lot of money. And if they like it and want a newer van or their experiences in this one tell them there are things they fell they need which are not in this van, they will probably get nearly the same amount back on a trade-in if they buy that repkacement newer van from a dealer keen to sell a more expensive van.
NIce video about caravans under 5K. I saw a (kent?) key next to the coffee machine at your office. Any chance of an item about radio amateurs and caravaning? Cheers Leo
Ha, Hi Leo, no its not a Kent key its my John Wellings key. ua-cam.com/video/vE0Qtf8cX9I/v-deo.html i have quite a collection of straight, iambics and i have a bug somewhere....
My favourite key though is my J-38. i love that on the KX3.... such a cool key. Check out my other channel, for more radio fun.
Take care
Great video, I would have pushed the budget to the 5k, but gone for a4 berth, a good family van.
I watch a lot of you videos and did make this suggestion on a video you put up. To do older Van's and the pros & cons. we own a bailey it not new but suit our needs which we use alot and useful tips thank for the videos we also use the same stealership swindon caravans and seen you about.
Thank you this is very helpful.
There is a great caravan out there for all budgets. As you know, mine was only £2k and is a cracking 5 berth with a motor mover and everything we wanted.
It really doesn’t need to be expensive if you don’t want it to be.
You are spot on, my Dad bought a Fleetwood for very little, its a great van with a few small issues, all of which he's resolved. I hope to show that caravanning can be achieved on all budgets for all family sizes & requirements.
Hope you are well, and keeping warm.
Take care.
The Trudgians it’s a brilliant message to get across. Economy doesn’t need to factor in the decision to join in this glorious hobby. My van is terrifically warm but I, on the other hand and cold and wet.
Brilliant, you do make me giggle. Have a great day (also with cold feet - oddly....)
lucky you.
What a deal - love your shows - learn so much...
Dealer special based on Abbey county also those grp sides wont polish up
Wouldn't it be prudent to check underneath the caravan.....the chassis and the soundness of the floor?
and a lot more besides. Check out my upcoming video where i detail all the bits and bobs that should be checked when buying a second hand caravan.
Thanks
I am so glad I discovered your channel. It's great. Greetings from America.
Radio cassette come on grandad Radio CD you be wanting a gramophone fitting next lol great video though keep up the good work 👍
was looking for a harpsichord and wax cylinder if truth be told.
Great idea Danno!!
Radio cassette ????? 😂
All the best,
Black Country Dave.
should that have been an 8-track to appeal to my target audience ? I hope you are well.
D
Finally 😃 excellent video !
I dont know why they dont make window protectors which can be removed or opened like french shutters.
I'm still battling on with 1991 swift I paid about 800 for it several years ago. Okay the varnish is peeling here and there that needs dealing with, I got the documents and owners manual for it. And I've added my own mods stabiliser hitch and motor mover. Great van and it's a dream to tow. I guess they made vans to last in 90/91. If anyone has any advice on the varnish inside on the wood. I'd appreciate it. I hope when I do sell it on I can get most of my money back on it being a classic van. 😁, so essentially I've had a free van.
That's the Best way to Go - A Free Van. Why Change it.
@@A1DJPaul yes 😁, I like you're 80s early 90s 5 series beemer. A 7 series of that era would be nice
@@chucky2316 No the 7 series has no more luxury, Just a Bigger car. Too big for nimble handling, They are Cheaper to buy than 5's. But Go for the e34 525i Everytime. or an Older 535i Manual. Avoid the 3.0 / 4.0 V8. If you want to Daily use the car. Aluminium Cylinder Liner Troubles. ( they aLL WENT BACK UNDER WARRANTY FOR NEW ENGINES ) Huge engine problems with the V8.
The 525i are Surprisingly Quick Nimble cars for the size.
The 525i 1992-96 is 2.5 petrol, 6 cyl, 24 valve, Variable valve timing, ( Vannos ) on a Chain drive. ( no belt) Earlier ones were on the old 325 Timing belt unit. WAY slower car. 90% of drivers would " Bottle It " before Use the Full Potential of a 525 performance & Handling.
Very very Fast for an old classic.
You would need a race track to run an e34 anywhere near it's limit.
Even cheaper, is the Hidden secret e34 520i 6 cyl 24v They are also Loads faster than you would imagine. 150 bhp. Identical car & engine 500 cc's less. is the only difference.
about as quick as an e30 325i.
The 525i is the one to buy for pulling a caravan.
@@A1DJPaul you know you're stuff I always and still do like the look of older beemers 😁. A bit like the s60/s80 range nothing much different. I have a volvo s60 d5 2007 model it's been polestar remapped. Pulls the caravan with ease 😂. And is fun without the van on the back😁. Modern beemers just lack character well modern cars in general. Look after you're beemer 😁
@@chucky2316
Hey chucky, At first i thought we were on a Classic car / Fast Car Chat Page.
Hey it's Caravans. I Sincerely Beg to Apologise if i was Brash or OTT !
Yes any Old car is Good. My Name is a Fake for obvious reasons. Which County / Area are you ? Im N yorks / Lancs Border . Not quite Yorkshire Dales but can be there in 15 mins . Ha ha lol.
Hey , a 7 series will have the wheelbase , weight & stability for towing . Avoid 3.0 / 4.0 V8's unless you Know the Troubles have been sorted. & pay Peanuts Unless ABSOLUTELY MINT.
3.0 V8 is Pointless . Go 525, or 535 ( older 1970's engine ) or Full BMW history , Inc Replacement engine 4.0 V8 look up on Wikkipedia, Nicasil / alusil cylinder liners on early 90's BMW V8.
Watch the Volvo Rear Suspension units. / Axle / Rear End. Can End a very Nice Volvo. due to Horrific cost.
Also BMW M50 525 , Watch for Overheating & Head Gasket Trouble. Avoid any car with any doubts. ( Main Dealer / Specialist Job. £1500 - £2,000 easy. Locals Will NOT, CANNOT DARE TOUCH IT. at ANY PRICE. UNLESS BMW TRAINED. & THEY WILL CHARGE BIG TIME.
1 overheat = Whole Engine is SCRAP !! = Car is scrap. the engine will already be warped & ruined.
Check Water Temp, & Coolant. The Dash Computer Warns of EVERYTHING. unless Disconnected.
Coolant Level,
Coolant temp',
+ Endless other Checks, Like Every Light bulb,
Light Circuit,
Brakes, ABS, Ugly Lass / Fat lass in Passenger seat, BING BING BING on entry, While Driving & on Exit BING BING BING Words Words Words EXACT info.
Hey Babe, Makeup Smudged,
Shoes OFF Babe,
Wellies in a Carrier Bag in the Boot pls & NO Smelly Feet on my Dashboard Pls !!
Child Alarms, All doors stay open until all Fries Burgers & Pizzas are Eaten & Kids are Asleep, Then the car will Start up & drive.
VERY SLOWLY, SHH Bratts on board, Do Not Disturb.
Radio has Child Mode, Loud as hell in the Rear, on the F/R Fader. Keep them Fast Asleep as long as Possible !
Met a Better Passenger Who Naturally Went Shoes OFF ON ENTRY EVERY TIME Without asking Out of Pure Respect. She Hand Fed Me Mc D's Chicken Nuggets as i drove , 1 for me 3 for her, 1 for me , 3 for her, & she is as Slim as you can Find em'.
1 for cool babe, one for fat boy, another for fat boy driving 6 for Cool Babe, last one shared.
Top Lass Shared MY LAST CHICKEN NUGGET WITH ME.
Where's your Big MAC ? oh i ate that ages ago. she says with a smile,
She Gets out of the car & Cleans UP to PERFECTION . Clears it into a bin while i fill up at a petrol Stn. Not a Crumb to be found.
I LOVE that Girl Forever.
My DREAM PRINCESS.
Even Loves My car A car older than She is , ( only just. )
She gets in & says , AHHH Ma BEEMER ! as she relaxes & Feels " at home Warm & cosy".
Silly Me allowed her to Drive it ! OOPS Big mistake, She loves it even more now .
She Said, " No Wonder you drive it like a Rally Car, " " it feels so secure & stable on the road like it will do anything you throw at it, "
She Says it's like Riding in Bed, When you don't want to get out of bed that morning.
Can we just Lay here all night,
No I'm off to bed ,You sleep her babes.
Nothing in life Really Matters Except the Girl that Respects You & your Life. & daft little things . Constant body contact, & Eye contact,
Sit opposite at a table & make love with your Eyes. Share the same meal, Eat from the same plate, In a Restaurant. 1 desert 1 spoon, if we want more we order another desert / or a different one & share that.
Being FLASH & Having the Latest Gismos does not impress Cool Totty. Being Fun pulls cool Totty.
Good video
Where’s this place , please?
Nice video Dan, When you were looking at the Servicing not all dealers put stickers on. Certainly our old Senator was serviced every year from new so 10 years, but never had a sticker. Our dealer does it like your car service (stamps in a book). Just so you know. Cheers Oliver
Well taken care of
Hi I’ve got low pressure on my hot water at the taps what could the cause be please
Nice, and good price compared to the USA.
Do you have a shop I can look for your prices thanks
Thanks
Good vid but When you add the fixing and extras costs I don;t think your under £5000 Dan