How to choose your PERFECT CARAVAN

You've decided to buy a caravan, but how do you pick one that's just right for you? And how do you avoid the common pitfalls? We take a look at what you need to know

BUYING A CARAVAN is likely to represent one of the largest investments that you’ll ever make, so it’s really important to get it right. But what exactly does that mean? And how do you go about tracking down your perfect caravan?

If you’ve owned tourers before and have a little experience of them, you’ll no doubt have refined your ideas by now, but if you have never owned one, where do you start?

Magazines and online reviews

Begin by immersing yourself in as much caravan content as possible – it might be baffling at first and you will be offered all sorts of random advice, but it will give you an overview of the things to look out for.

Make sure you know the source of the information, though – magazines and their associated websites are independent and without doubt the best source, because they’re run by professional journalists who have been reviewing tourers for many years. You can check out our own website at www.practicalcaravan.com.

YouTube reviews are also valid, but do make sure that you know whether you are looking at an independent review, or one that is sponsored or paid for. Any reputable reviewer will clearly indicate if there’s a financial element to their video.

We all have different needs

One thing to keep in mind at all times is that everybody lives slightly differently. We all have different needs and use our tourers in various ways. What suits one individual, couple or family group will not necessarily suit another.

So there really is no such thing as one perfect layout, because we all prioritise the habitation space differently and there is no one-size-fits-all caravan that excels in every area. The trick is to pick a model offering the correct balance of features that will suit you best.