Static Caravans
Static Caravans are like a home from home. You choose a static caravan then they are transported on site where they normally remain (sites all over the UK ). Static caravans are like 2nd homes, with all the trimmings but without the high price.
Mobile or Touring Caravans
Mobile Caravans or Touring Caravans come in lots of different types and they have moved on since the tin can style caravans with the uncomfortable beds that defined the 50s until the 70s. Most have one axle and are built to be driven on roads and not off-road, although they can probably cope short distances along rough tracks.
These caravans normally come fixed up with a small kitchen area, toilet, shower and seats that can convert into beds which can sleep up to 6 people but test them out before you buy as they may feel cramped with that many people in even if it was meant for that amount.
These touring caravans are not designed for rough use, but that is where the bigger caravans with two axles come into play. They are sturdier on the road and off over rougher ground. The only downside would be because they are heavier they will use up more fuel pulling them but they still have the modern accessories you want.
Slide out or Folding Caravans
Slide out caravans or folding caravans are not common but they have increased in popularity over recent years. A bonus is that they are easier to pull as they are not very big but once you have arrived at your destination they fold out to a normal sized caravan after a few mins.
Slide out caravans add an extra room from below the caravan at a touch of a lever. This originated from America and has made caravans of today more luxurious without hauling round something massive. Slide out caravans are well worth a view as they are an amazing site.
Folding cravans are easier in theory and work differently. Folding caravans are more like a big trailer and once parked up on site it is opened into a tall normal size caravan. It does take slightly longer to put together and take down that can be a downside for some along with less storage. Others find the ease of towing folding caravans outweighs these though.
Fifth Wheel Caravans
Fifth Wheel types of caravans come from America also and are pretty rare here. The front of the fifth wheel caravan is like a platform that reaches over what ever is towing it(pick up truck usually) and connects to the vehicle bed using an articulated connection, called the 5th wheel, which controls the caravan.
Fifth wheel caravans are chic, have more sleeping space and some even slide out making them like small mobile homes. The disadvantage of fifth wheel caravans is that you would need a pick up truck to own one!
Compact Caravans
Compact caravans are straightforward and easy to tow, but then lack room and facilities inside. The facilities in compact caravans are more basic than a standard caravan. So these are ok if you need some shelter and a nicer sleep than a tent can give but compact caravans isn't the life of luxury.
Buying a Caravan
Caravans today are greatly different than years ago with more luxuries and features which makes them more expensive to buy so it might be more realistic to buy second hand. There are a couple of ways to buy a used caravan: privately or by using a dealership.
Buying caravans privately can normally be cheaper but the disadvantage is that you will not have the protection. If you buy from dealerships you know the caravan has been checked, tested electrics/gas and passed as safe to tow. Remember if buying a caravan privately to ask the seller to give proof of servicing and the log of repairs that have been undertaken. Caravan thefts are increasing so ask for verification of ownership and check the manufacturer's warranty is still valid and it's exchangeable?
Checking the age of the caravan – Verify this using CRiS (Caravan Registration & Identification Scheme). Etched in the windows should be a code number which should match the Touring Caravan Reg Document that the registered owner has. The letters within the code correspond to the date of manufacture.
When buying caravans via a dealership apart from carrying out the safety checks described above, you have more rights and support as a buyer. You can probably negotiate more on price especially if you find faults on the caravan prior to the sale to get a better deal and get the price down.
Examine before you buy - the outside of the caravan may seem to be immaculate but check for scrapes or dents. Stand with your cheek against the caravans panels and view the sides whilst checking for small holes or bubbles in the aluminium as any small pinprick will expose that glue was used in the repair and the reaction can cause the aluminium to rot. Look at seals, tyres, stabiliser friction pads, damp patches and most importantly the roof (especially seals around roof-lights).
The interior layout of a caravan is a matter of taste and can be changed so look past this and work out if the current layout will be suitable for your family's needs. However if it isn't but you like it as a whole then find out the price of any redesign to see if it is worth the added expense overall. Inside the caravan make sure you feel for any spongy feeling under foot (de lamination) as it could mean water might be getting into the caravan and this needs to be sorted, other signs include water marks on any carpets or near windows or doors and under roof lights.
Lastly, ensure that the size and weight of the caravan is suitable for your vehicle pulling it as there are strict laws governing this that you need to abide by.
Now you are ready to get out there, so Happy Caravanning!