Choosing an area:
How do you choose an area? This varies from person to person, but it is important to consider what you enjoy on a holiday, is it being near stunning coastlines or would you prefer to be surrounded by the countryside? Sometimes it is not just you going on holiday so it is important to look at the needs of family or friends. There are hundreds of holiday destinations across Devon and Cornwall so finding a location can be overwhelming but worthwhile.
Choosing a park:
Choosing a park is much like choosing a location, it is about evaluating the needs of yourself and the others that may be coming on holiday. If you have a dog, then it is important to find somewhere that will accommodate your furry friend. There are over 300 parks to choose from across the southwest so there is something for anyone and their set of needs.
Finding your pitch:
Once you have found that perfect park then it Is time to hunt for that perfect pitch with a view that captivates you every day. This may sound silly, but this is the place you will be holidaying for the next 10 - 15 years and it is incredibly important that you love it. One key thing to remember is that the plot will affect the price of the static caravan. Prices may change depending on plot size and how desirable it is.
Choosing your holiday home:
Once you have the location and the pitch it is time to find a caravan. Much like the pitch the caravan you choose needs to have a wow factor, these holiday homes are expensive and you will be holidaying in it for a long time. It needs to not only meet your needs now but also in 15 years. The best course of action here is to have a look online and narrow the search down to 5 or 6 caravans and then make an appointment to come down to our sales centre.
Placing your order:
You have nearly obtained your dream static caravan now it is time to sit down and go over the details. When trying to purchase a static caravan on a holiday park generally it won’t be sold directly to you but instead, it will be sold to the park who will then add their mark up for the plot and privilege. The colleague who has helped will send the park a quote for the chosen static, and the park will quote you. If you are happy let the park know and we can handle the rest.
Maintaining your caravan:
Now you have your dream caravan on your dream pitch, the key thing to keep in mind when thinking about caravan maintenance is checking windows and seals for degradation as this could lead to a build-up of moisture in the van. If you do happen to notice any dampness it is always good to ensure that you open the windows in your van to improve air circulation and to help stop the dampness spreading or getting worse. If the seals are all good just make sure there are no leaks anywhere
The other thing to keep in mind is the chassis condition. It is always important to make sure that both the anchor chains and chassis are still in good condition. This is especially important nearer the coast. If the chassis is starting to rust it is a good idea to catch it early, sand down the affected area, and paint it with wax oil.
In the winter months, the key focus needs to be on draining down the water system and ensuring that all the pipes are empty as we do not want that water to freeze, expand, and then cause a leak that you don’t find out about till the winter months are over and there is a nice puddle in your van.
Insuring your caravan:
When you are on park with your van the static caravan park will be able to point you in the direction of a trusted insurer or may even allow you to sort the insurance through them. It is important to have insurance as much like a car it is better to be safe than sorry. In the southwest, the storms can be nasty, and caravans are not as solid as a house might be so getting them protected as best you can is always a good way to move forward.
Site fees and ground rent:
Site fees include your gas, water, and other utilities that you may use in your day-to-day. Some of these are fixed rates and some are metered, this varies from park to park but is a part of finding the correct park for you. The ground rent is what you pay per year to be on that pitch. The average ground rent in the UK is £3000 per year but like with lots of things it can vary from park to park, pitch to pitch. It is always best to check these things before committing to make sure that you are 100% happy with everything.
Have a good holiday!
In the 1920’s Britain saw the rise of the touring caravan, designed to be towed along by the motor car. This was brilliant as it meant holidays around the country were now more accessible to the average family. This innovation led to the idea of caravans being left on a particular site for longer periods of time, so people didn’t have to keep dragging this heavy, unaerodynamic trailer around with them whenever they went on holiday.
Individuals are given the opportunity to not only look and ask about caravans but also speak to park owners. This allows buyers to make an informed choice around the lifestyle they will lead for the next 10 -15 years.
The lifespan of a Static Caravan can vary, however, like with most things if it is looked after and properly maintained then you could expect the static caravan to reach up to 30 or more years on private land. Parks will generally ask for it to be upgraded around the 15-year mark to keep the park looking appealing and safe.
What is the ideal location? This varies from person to person, but it is important to consider what makes a holiday special to you, is it being near stunning coastlines like you might find in Tintagel or would you prefer to be surrounded by the countryside like you might find near Winkleigh. Luckily if you enjoy both these things then the Southwest has it covered. The sea and countryside are never more than a 30-minute drive away from each other.
If you enjoy the wonders of the natural world then this is the blog for you! Lets explore the weird and wonderful things that you could encounter beneath the picturesque waves this summer.