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Post by supernannyjane on May 27, 2013 17:41:15 GMT
We're keen to get rid of our modern 'van and buy a two-berth Safari. Having owned several caravans over the years we'd be able to suss out the obviously grotty ones but need advice on the finer points of Safari buying. Caravan DIY is not our strong point so restoration would not be an option for us, although we'd not turn our nose up at a restored 'van - in other words we want to buy a straight damp-free 'van with a solid chassis (and with no shabby chic/Kath Kidson/woodburning stoves/bunting going on!). Any advice gratefully received.
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Post by henry on May 28, 2013 4:46:49 GMT
You will really struggle to find a genuinely damp free safari simply because of their age what would be best to do is find yourself the most original safari possible that shows as little sign of previous repair as possible and have it resealed / restored diy repairs are usually the most horrific but some professional caravan workshops can botch with the best
Really beware paying a premium for a safari that the owner claims has been restored go equipped with a damp meter you get them for under £10 on eBay ask very specific questions about where when how the work was carried out
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Post by Brian M on May 28, 2013 6:14:18 GMT
Interesting question which is being raised more often as the popularity of classic caravanning and especially Safaris is increasing.
There are posts all over the forum covering various aspects of working on a less than perfect Safari but there is no "buyers guide" as such.
I will start working on one but it will take a couple of weeks to put it together.
In the meantime if you see a Safari for sale that appeals to you let me know privately and I will try to find out more information on it to guide you in your inspection and negotiating. I have a lot of history on individual Safaris and can often find previous owners. Whereabouts in the country are you?
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2013 15:47:03 GMT
Hello and welcome to the forum, There are very few completely damp free safaris out there, Those that are damp free are in the region of 3k.... It might be worth thinking about buying a caravan and handing it over to someone such as Henry to restore for you. You will then be guarenteed a completely damp free safari which you can have many happy holidays in. Remember although these caravans have been very well built, they are 40+ years old and will always require maintenance, I dont think many modern caravans will survive this long. Chris
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Post by supernannyjane on May 29, 2013 20:47:02 GMT
Thank you, I really appreciate all your advice, and the offer from Brian to look over a potential purchase. We live in Gloucester - my parents bought a new 13/4 in the late 60's from Pearman Briggs and we had many brilliant holidays in her. My father was only reminiscing the other day about a family trip to Lake Constance which involved towing the 'van over a mountain pass with our trusty Wolseley 1500! I have 3 or 4 photos from that holiday which show the caravan and I'll attempt to upload them onto the site at some point.
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