The Pros and Cons of Buying a European Caravan

The laws surrounding the maximum size of a caravan allowed on UK roads have recently changed. This change has opened the door on a wider market for new caravans which includes some European caravan manufacturers. We explore the benefits and drawbacks of buying a caravan from the continent.

More than 90 per cent of the caravans sold in the UK were built in the UK, and this should hardly be surprising, given the number of top-quality manufacturers that are based in the British Isles.

However, following a recent change to UK road rules, it is becoming more and more tempting to look at overseas manufacturers and the advantages they can bring.

Many continental caravan manufacturers, such as the Slovenia-based Adria, build eight-foot wide caravans that take advantage of the recent change in legislation to offer the widest model that you can legally tow in the UK.

Hobby and Dethleffs are renowned for offering the high build quality and durability that you would expect from a German-built caravan.

Both companies also offer striking modern designs that are very different from the majority of British-built vans, which are more traditionally-designed.

If you're looking for super lightweight touring, then companies such as Freedom and Eriba are well worth a look, since they offer a more flexible level of specification, with some models sold without ovens or showers.

Cutting out these heavy items can bring the overall weight under one tonne, and frees up more space for those who prefer to use on-site shower blocks or cook on a barbecue.

Insurance for European caravans is different too. Many caravan insurance companies will only cover UK models. There are a few companies who will provide insurance but expect your search to take slightly longer. Everywhen does provide caravan insurance for some European caravan models, just call us on 03300 296 827  to see if we can cover yours.

Before you make your final decision to buy a caravan from the continent, there are a few things that you should consider carefully.

For starters, most European caravans are built with the door on the right hand side. This may seem like a small aesthetic change, but it can make a big difference when pitching up, particularly if you are planning to fit an awning.

Some caravan sites ask owners of foreign caravans to pitch up with the nose end in first, so as to leave enough space for your neighbour. The downside of this is that the view from your front lounge can be a hedgerow, instead of the rolling countryside.

For this reason, owners of foreign caravans will often phone ahead to make sure that the site wardens can accommodate them without any problems.

What's more, if you are importing a European caravan without the help of an NCC approved dealer then you will need to consider what you need to do to get insurance.

The minimum requirements for insurance cover will apply to imported caravans, so you will need to get your new tourer registered via the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRIS) before you can get a quote.