New or second hand, twin wheel or single axle, end bedroom – just some of the questions that spring to mind when considering the purchase of a caravan. Where do you start? There are many useful websites out there that will give you detailed advice and guidance about caravanning but here are a few basic considerations.

If you are new to caravanning, it can all get a little confusing but the more experienced caravan enthusiast may have definite ideas on what they want when they are changing their caravan. The choice of caravan will depend on your family size and what you want to use your caravan for, whether it will be for long weekends or for extended periods of time during the school holidays.

Another consideration is where you intend to take your caravan. Many decide to avail of the growing number of excellent caravan and camping sites scattered throughout Ireland. Others may opt for further afield and head towards the continent. In these tough economic times, enjoyable family holidays can be had for all ages in Ireland and a cheaper alternative to going abroad. Those wishing to use their new caravan on the continent will have to ensure that their new purchase is safe and reliable as it can prove very costly to get a caravan back to Ireland, should something happen.

Layout

Over the years, the options for inside caravan layout have improved greatly. Caravans now come equipped with easy to erect bunk beds, sliding bed bases, folding tables and under seating storage. Folding doors are also a feature in newer caravans to separate sleeping compartments from the main living space, ultimately making your caravan more comfortable and visually appealing. Many families choose a layout with two seating areas – one either end of the caravan. This layout allows children to use one end of the caravan to watch TV, play and sleep without disturbing the adults. These are just a sample of the internal layout options available across the different ranges of caravans:

End bedroom (4-berth)

End bed/bunks (5-berth)

U-Shaped Seating (4-berth)

End bed/side bunks (6-berth)

Features

Caravans may look small but it is surprising the amount that can be stored away. Modern caravans have an array of overhead storage and every space, however small, is utilised. Many caravans now come with all the modern conveniences from home including full cooker, air blown heating, air conditioning, flushing toilets/cassette toilets, microwaves and full fridges.

Towing Capabilities/Weight

Obviously you need a tow bar, however, there are other considerations before you invest in your new caravan. You will need to know the kerbweight (weight of car with a tank of fuel only – no passenger or luggage), noseweight (maximum downward force your tow bar can bear) and maximum towing limit (the maximum weight your car can tow) appropriate to your own car. It is not wise to assume that because you have a tow bar that you will be able to tow any type of caravan.

Accessories

Again, there are numerous websites out there that will give you a detailed list of all the items you will need for your caravanning holidays. You may be fortunate enough to get some of these included with the caravan that you purchase but, more often than not, the sellers will retain the items for their new caravan if they are trading up. The list below is not exhaustive but will give you an idea of the items you will need:

Water container (needed if your caravan is older with no onboard water tank)
Waste container (for collecting sink(s) waste)
Caravan step
Caravan toilet additives (for porta-potti and cassette toilet systems)
TV extension lead
First Aid kit
Optional but handy : torch, screwdriver, pliers, insulation tape and fuses
Useful extras : drying rack, dustbin, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils, folding crates

Security

You need to take sensible precautions with your caravan when on site. In fact, some caravan parks insist on caravans being fitted with a basic security device like a visible wheel clamp or hitch lock. Other measures that could be taken would be the installation of an alarm or tracking advice.