Caravans

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14 October 2009 at 22:22

Sales of caravans and camper vans are soaring despite their reputation as 'boxes on wheels'. Jeremy Taylor tells you why caravans can be cool.

Who owns a caravan?

Caravans are popular with families, but young buyers are the driving force behind the latest boom. Thirty-somethings are being targeted by manufacturers, who are providing caravans with trendy interiors and flat-screen TVs.

Celebrity caravan owners include Robbie Williams, Jeremy Vine, Dame Kelly Holmes, singer Jay Kay and actor Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell in EastEnders.

How many people own a caravan?

• there are 141,000 motorhomes registered on UK roads
• the Caravan Club has 1 million members
• 11,646 new motorhomes were sold in 2007
• 69,000 caravans were sold in 2007

(all statistics from the Motorhome Information Service.)

Why buy a caravan?

With air travel becoming increasingly expensive, motorhomes, caravans and camper vans can make a great choice for holidays.

• Caravans and camper vans are ideal for travelling to weekend events like festivals.
• They can be big enough to fit your whole family.
• You can have a full kitchen, shower and toilet wherever you are.
• Your caravan or motorhome can be customised to suit your individual tastes and needs, with air conditioning, cruise control and upholstery of your choice.
• As well as giving you a sense of freedom, caravans can be stylish and cool!

Aren't caravans difficult and expensive to drive?

Not necessarily. Here's what you can expect from a modern motorhome:

• a powerful turbo-diesel engine
• good fuel consumption
• good manoeuvrability and ease of driving

Which caravan should I buy?

There are lots of great motorhomes and caravans on the market. Here's a selection to suit all budgets:

• Danbury Rio Volkswagen (from £20,000) - retro-look van imported from South America
• Auto-Sleepers Sigma EK (£40,000) - sleeps 4 people and the 2.2-litre engine can be upgraded to a quieter 3-litre one
• Pilote G690 TP (£49,000) - mid-range model that sleeps up to 5 and can be fitted to a variety of chassis
• Winnebago Vista (£85,000) - 32ft American mobile with V10 engine

Where can I stay with my caravan?

• Llangollen, Wales. Great camping and plenty of beautiful sites. Try Wern Isaf Farm near Castle Dinas Bran
• Yorkshire Moors. Wild, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful. Try Cote Ghyll Caravan and Camping Park
• Somerset. For garden walks and great fishing, go to Batcombe Vale. It's won countless awards.
• Norfolk. Long, sandy beaches and wonderful skylines. Really get away from it all at secluded Top Farm
• Dorset. Try Rowlands Wait overlooking the beautiful Purbeck Hills and conveniently located between Dorchester and Poole.

Insure your caravan now
Cover for your caravan or trailer if your car breaks down.

Buy RAC Breakdown Cover
RAC can rescue you, your car and your caravan all year round.

Find out more about caravans and camper vans from the Motorhome Information Service
RAC is not responsible for external websites.