Advertisement
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
If we do not hit our goal we will be forced to close the site.

Current status: https://keepboardsalive.com/

Annual subs are best for most impact. If you are still undecided on going Ad Free - you can also donate using the Paypal Donate option. All contribution helps. Thank you.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.

Advice on lightweight 2 berth caravan

  • 25-07-2020 09:37PM
    #1
    seashells2020
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 ✭


    Like many folks lately, I'm considering buying a lightweight (850kg-950kg max MRO) 2 berth used touring caravan. I like the Elddis Mistral ex300, and L-shaped lounge layouts in general. It will mostly be just me and a toddler for one or two nights, occasionally Mr. Seashells2020 will join us on longer adventures. I've done a fair amount of homework, but now I need some real-world advice please!

    I currently drive a Skoda Fabia hatchback, with a max noseweight of only 50kg, is this realistic? Is any particular brand or style of tow bar better for hauling caravans? Any recommendations on an installer in Limerick or Galway?

    I know prices are inflated in these strange times, and I've seen the posts about folks flipping damp caravans days after buying them. I'm seeing prices ranging from €700-12,000; what sort of price range is realistic for my purposes?

    Besides checking for damp, looking at every last detail, and running a CRiS check, is there anything else I should do when buying? If I was to buy up North, do I need to do anything extra to bring it back into the Republic? I appreciate any recommendations, warnings, or advice!


Comments

  • #2
    _Brian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 19,254 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    Nothing needed to bring from the north, it’s just a glorified trailer really.

    Make sure you see every appliance working.

    Open and close all windows and skylights. Check catches etc.

    Keep an eye on the floor, there can be a problem called delamination which weakens the floor in older vans.


  • #3
    dory
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 4,675 Mod ✭✭✭✭dory


    Unfortunately if you're looking at second hand vans, it seems smaller is more expensive. I love T@B 320s , Eriba Pucks, Freedom Caravans etc. They really hold their value though. People don't seem to want big, second hand caravans. I've seen a few 2 berths go up on the Facebook groups selling caravans, but they seem to go very fast. If I were going old I'd go Eriba or Freedom, and they're light to tow.


  • #4
    PhilipJ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 84 ✭✭PhilipJ


    Have a look at this website https://towcar.info/
    Match up your car with the van you would like, it will give you a review on your car towing capabilities and towball weights etc.


Advertisement