We will cover all bases of choosing a caravan, taking a look at used caravans, best budget options and what perfectly suits you and your needs. Buying a caravan is a decision that you must take careful consideration. We understand that this is going to be a long-lasting purchase and selecting the right caravan is crucial.

It’s just like the same process when you buy a new car, you will always carry out your own research and find what’s best for you and budget options. Most people when buying any type of new vehicle consider it to be a long term purchase that will be with them for many years to come.

With caravans, this is something you wouldn’t typically get rid of after a year or two either. Replacing a caravan can be done but not really recommended if there’s no sign of problems or wear and tear.

Especially if the caravan doesn’t get frequently used throughout the year. Remember, your caravan will only be used every so often throughout the year for holidays and vehicle problems will occur far less often than your typical car.

Holidays away, either with the family or just spending time away with your partner, should be memorable and enjoyable. So we’ll go through and take a look at your options, your budget, and the size of the caravan you’re looking for.

How Do I Choose My First Caravan?

It can be quite easy to jump the gun and want to buy the first caravan you see if it fits the price range you’re looking for. But you need to factor in the specifications, layouts and interior which can be crucial for getting the perfect setup for you and your family.

Do your research first, look at multiple caravans, get plenty of options and most importantly, see them in person. Don’t bid on an online caravan auction without seeing a caravan in person.

In the range of caravans that are available here at Roper’s, the average selection of berths to choose from is between 2 and 6. Which we’ll explain and go through the best type of used caravans to buy.

What is the best second-hand caravan to buy?

Depending on your options, the Bailey Pegasus is a popular choice amongst our customers. Ranging from 4 Berths up to 6 berths. These caravans cater to averaged sized families, also perfect for couples with guests or a bunch of friends travelling together.

The Swift Challenger is another option to showcase its features and specifications. Consisting of a spacious and ideal setup for holidays away.

It’s important to note, looking to buy a used caravan, to ensure you carry out your own checks of the vehicle. Visit the caravan in person and look out for any signs of scratches or notable dents. Take a look into the service history and number of owners.

Also, inspect the interior and take it for a test drive. We have many available used caravans at Ropers. If you need any further advice you can contact our team.

You can rest assured that the 6 berth caravan will certainly cater to all in the family for size and comfort. The 6 berth caravans in our range are nice and big, all complete with fixed bunk beds and have space for a nice warm shower.

With 6 berth caravans coming in both single and twin-axle options, there’s not many limitations to the layouts available.

The difference between a single axle and a twin axle caravan is that the twin axle caravans are slightly larger and offer more stability when towing (however these are more difficult to manoeuvre when pitching). That said, the larger floor allows for additional space within the caravan.

How Much Does a Used Caravan Cost?

Our used caravans section here at Roper’s starts from £3,995 and can range up to £30,995 in our most prestigious range.

The most popular price point is for a 4 berth caravan which ranges from £6,495 – £22,995. This is most perfectly suited for averaged sized families and the perfect size for couples with guests.

We have caravan models dating from pre-2000 and up to 2021. With axle options of both single and twin. Our berths range from 2 up to 6. We also have 9 well-known caravan brands to choose from.

Are Caravans a Good Investment?

Whilst caravans harbour an upfront cost, they are an excellent investment. They cost far cheaper for one night’s sleep when compared to staying in a hotel, with average caravan parks charging between £15 and £25 per night compared to Hotels costing between £50-£200, on average, per night. This means (taking the higher of the average), that the average caravan would pay itself off after 40 nights.

Caravans are a great investment because you can plan a trip last minute and you’ve already got your accommodation at the ready.

Having a caravan allows you to move around easily on the road and have that sense of freedom. You will get to travel more openly and visit more attractions.

What is the Most Reliable Caravan?

A popular choice here at Roper’s, comes the Bailey brand caravan. Being recognised as one of Britain’s biggest caravan manufacturers, Bailey is the UK’s most popular name out there and a recognised people’s choice.

Known for being a long lasting and reliable caravan, our Bailey range contains an impressive specification throughout. Including central heating, solar panel, gas BBQ point, external sockets, alloy wheels, alarm, full oven, grill and hobs. Also many more specifications such as ATC trailer control and motor mover.

We have a wide range of Bailey caravans in our used and new range. Various options are available starting at 2 berths up to 6 berths, single and twin axles and more.

What is the Lifespan of a Caravan?

It’s not uncommon for people to have caravans lasting for over 20 years. You can even find that some caravans, if well looked after, can go up to 30 years or more.

You are legally required to keep your caravan in good condition since it is a road vehicle. So by having the vehicle serviced, you’ll keep on top of your caravans brakes, lights, wheels, general maintenance and many other important vehicle factors.

This will help towards your caravans overall state and lifespan for the future.

Is now a good time to buy a caravan?

The popular interest in caravans booms each year. In fact, Google searches rise for “caravan” and “camping” which peaks around July every year. Caravans are a perfect option for families to get away in the UK.

During the pandemic stages last year, where holidays abroad were put on hold, the interest rate for caravans was 56% higher in July 2020 than it was in July 2019. Also, the interest rate was at an all-time high over the last five years.

We believe right now is a perfect time to buy a caravan. With the ease of taking the family out and exploring different parts of the UK, having your own caravan is a versatile and great addition to consider for your household.

With uncertainty regarding travelling abroad at the moment, the timing could not be better to consider a caravan for planning holidays in the future.

This completes our first-time buyers guide and what to look out for. We hope you found this guide helpful. If there’s any further information you require or any general help with selecting your caravan, we’re here to help you.

You can reach us at: enquiries@ropersleisure.co.uk 

Our number is: 01748 818 666

Click here to view our contact page information and to submit an enquiry online.

We are pleased to announce that Ropers Leisure will be opening safely from the 1st June 2020. Our dedicated team will be available for sales enquiries, as well as servicing and repair work. Our re-opening has been carefully thought out and planned with both the customers and our team’s safety being the main priority.

Health and safety is absolutely paramount for our staff and customers. In order to continue to limit the spread of the Coronavirus whilst ensuring business continuity, we have decided to implement some stringent changes to the way we interact with customers and colleagues until the risk is alleviated.

Ever since closing our doors on the 23rd March, we have made numerous alterations to our premises to ensure our branch is a safe place for you to visit, and if you’re unable to visit, we are able to offer you the same level of expertise, knowledge and customer service from the comfort of your own home using video calling in your own personal consultation.

Please read through the new procedures below, which we have put in place to protect staff and customers.

Upon arrival to the site

We have installed prominent floor markings to enable compliance with the social distancing rules and to ensure customers can always retain their personal space. A hand sanitising station has been installed in the main entrance and another at the entrance to the sales park and we urge all customers to ensure they use it upon entering the premises & before entering any caravans or motorhomes.

Sales

• We will be asking that a 2-metre gap be observed at all times between colleagues, and between colleagues and customers.
• All caravans and motorhomes will be locked if you wish to enter a caravan or motorhome please contact one of our sales staff to ensure after each viewing the said caravan can be fully sanitised.
• The sales desks all have protective screens for both your and our safety and will be fully cleaned and sanitised after each appointment.
• If you have seen a caravan or motorhome you would like to view, please book an appointment to limit the number of people on the site at any one time.
• If you would rather not enter the buildings, we are happy to arrange a ‘’contactless’’ visit for you. We also offer services such as video calling.
Sales handovers
• All caravans and motorhomes will be fully sanitised before collection.
• All customers will be contacted by phone prior to the scheduled handover to discuss our changes in the handover procedures.
• The preferred option for collection would be via instructional videos.
• Alternatively, customers will be given the option to collect without a handover and return later for a full working demonstration.
• We encourage the use of bank transfer or payment over the phone to keep physical contact to a minimum.
Accessory shop
• We would kindly ask that all customers wishing to browse our accessory shop use the hand sanitising station prior to entering the premises and respect other customers and staff by adhering to social distancing guidelines. To help with this we have clear floor markings and screens fitted in the till area.
• We will be happy to take payment over the phone and send items via our preferred carriers. We are also happy to arrange car park collections if you prefer.

Servicing and warranty

• All customers will be phoned in advance of their scheduled appointment to confirm attendance and to discuss the scheduled jobs.
• At this point we will confirm that the customer is not showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and that they have not been in contact with anyone showing symptoms and have not recently returned from a restricted area.
• We will outline our current health and safety processes in this phone call.
• After the phone call an email will be sent to confirm all jobs that are to be carried out, along with our new working procedures.
• A clear and prominent tape line has been placed at the front of all desks to ensure social distancing is adhered to. Please respect this upon arrival.
• Upon delivery, please unlock your caravan and leave the caravan keys inside the door.
• A member of the team will come and unhook your caravan and take the caravan from you. We ask that you respect the social distancing guidelines set out by the government at this time.
• If you would rather not enter the buildings, we are happy to arrange a ‘’contactless’’ visit with us.
Servicing and warranty collection
• Once all the agreed work has been done, a member of the team will contact you to confirm completion and take full payment if required. Both your keys and any relevant paperwork will be left in an envelope inside the door.
• We ask that all customers please arrive as close to their appointment time as possible. This will help us limit the number of customers on the premises at any time.
• On arrival and respecting social distancing, please inform a member of the team of your arrival and we will then arrange for the caravan to be hooked to your car for collection.

We appreciate your cooperation at this challenging time. We will continue to monitor the changing situation and amend our new policies and procedures accordingly as and when needed. Please feel free to call us on 01748818666 if you have any questions or wish to discuss anything further. We hope to see you soon!

Towing a caravan for the first time may seem a scary prospect, but it needn’t be. Here are some handy hints…

When you’re towing, you’ll need to give yourself more time and space for everything. It’s best to brake earlier than normal and you’ll probably accelerate more slowly with a caravan on the back. The extra length means you will need to take corners more widely than normal so the back of the caravan doesn’t clip the kerb or cut the corner.

Remember, the legal speed limits are often lower when you’re towing. Don’t exceed 50mph on single carriageways or 60mph on dual carriageways. You may not tow in the further right (outside) lane of a three-or-more lane motorway unless instructed to do so and it is a legal requirement to always have a good view to the rear of your unit, which will mean using extensions mirrors in the vast majority of combinations (don’t forget to take them off when you’re not towing!).

Never carry passengers in the caravan when you’re towing it. It’s theoretically legal to transport animals inside a caravan, but it’s definitely not recommended.

Your number plate must show your car’s registration number, conform to the relevant British Standard, and be illuminated at night. This means no felt-pen on cardboard!

Remember to check before driving off and keep an eye out for anything that changes during your journey. Your car must show that the indicators are working while you are driving.

Park carefully where you won’t cause an obstruction. Caravans must not be parked in parking meter bays.

Your ability to legally tow will depend on the driving licence you hold. It’s paramount you’re fully covered by your driving licence for towing your caravan, as it’s against the law and your caravan insurance can be invalidated if you are not.

If you obtained your licence on or after 1 January 1997, you will be able to tow a car/caravan combination weighing 3,500kg or less – that’s the total gross mass of car and caravan or trailer combined (as identified on the vehicle weight plates). To be able to tow a heavier caravan, you’ll need to pass an additional driving test.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has information and a list of course providers covering courses and training to help you reach the required standard. Local training organisations can also be found through the DVLA.

If the thought of towing is preventing you from buying a caravan, then talk to us. There are places where you can have a go before you buy a unit, and at Ropers Caravan World we can help point you in the right direction for the help and advice you need. Give us a call today!