Upgrading From a Touring Caravan to a Static Caravan 2026 Buyers Guide

1. Introduction

You love the caravan lifestyle. The freedom. The fresh air. The escape.

But lately, you've started to resent the preparation.

The turning point usually comes on a wet Sunday morning. You're wrestling a muddy awning into its bag, thinking: "There has to be an easier way."

There is.

Upgrading to a static isn't just about more space. It's about trading "go anywhere" flexibility for "always there" simplicity.

This guide is for touring caravan and motorhome owners who keep coming back to Wales — and are ready to swap the tow-hitch for a permanent base on the coast.

2. The Core Shift: From "Go Anywhere" to "Always There"

The "Sunday Dread" vs the "Friday Feeling"

Seasonal touring pitch customers at Green Meadow who've made the switch often talk about two opposite feelings.

Sunday Dread (Touring Life):

• Deflate and pack away the awning.
• Empty the cassette toilet.
• Pack everything back into the car.
• Hitch up safely.
• Tow home for 2–4 hours, usually in traffic, in the rain.

Friday Feeling (Static Life):

• Finish work, throw some basics in the car.
• Drive a normal, unhitched car at normal speeds.
• Arrive, park, unlock, turn on the lights.
• The bed is made. The kitchen is stocked. The heating works at the flick of a switch.

Seed question:
Do you spend the first two hours of your break setting up — and the last two hours packing down?

If yes, a static might already make more sense than you realise.

Space and Specs: A Different League

Touring caravans must be light and narrow enough to tow. Width is usually restricted to 2.2–2.3m, with convertible beds and compact wet rooms.

Static caravans are built to be lived in. Typical specs include:

• Width: Typically 10–12ft (3.0–3.7m), sometimes up to 14ft.
• Furniture: Free-standing sofas and armchairs.
• Plumbing: Full-size showers and mains-connected toilets. No more chemical cassette trips when it's dark and raining.
• Thermal Comfort: Many modern statics are built to BS 3632 residential standards. Domestic insulation, double glazing, and central heating. November in Mid Wales becomes a comfortable stay, not an endurance test.

3. Key Differences at a Glance

4. The Financial "Switch": Understanding the Investment

This is where a lot of touring owners get stuck.

A static has higher fixed annual costs. But touring has hidden "per trip" costs that add up fast.

The "Cost Per Night" Reframe

On many mid- to higher-spec owner-focused parks in Mid Wales, annual static caravan pitch fees typically sit around £3,500–£5,000, depending on location and view.

At first glance, that feels steep compared with a £35 per night touring pitch.

But you have to look at the whole year.

Touring costs add up:

• Storage: £300–£600 per year.
• Extra fuel: Towing can reduce real-world MPG by 30–50%, especially on long M6/M54 runs from the West Midlands.
• Campsite fees: £30–£50+ per night.
• Wear and tear: Extra servicing, tyres, and hitch gear.

If you regularly visit Wales for 20–30 weekends a year, the cost per night of a static becomes very reasonable — and you remove all the setup hassle.

Hidden Costs to Watch (Static Ownership)

We're pro-static, but honesty matters. These are the extra costs you must factor in:

• Insurance: Higher than a tourer due to flood/storm risk. Budget £300–£500 per year.
• Utilities: Electricity is metered. Gas is usually bottled (19kg or 47kg). You pay for what you use.
• Winterisation: You must drain the water system in winter to stop pipes bursting. Parks charge about £60–£100 for this, or you can learn to do it yourself.

Depreciation

Both touring and static caravans lose value. However, the markets work differently:

• Touring: Easier to sell privately on Auto Trader.
• Static: Usually sold via the park or to a trader. The depreciation curve is steeper in the first few years.

Mindset shift: Think of a static like a gym membership or a boat — a lifestyle expense that gives you regular use, not a financial investment.

5. Regional Perks: Why Upgrade in Mid Wales?

The "Dark Sky Deck"

The Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay coastline is known for its vast skies, clean sea air, and incredible stargazing — especially above the Cambrian Mountains and along the Mid Wales coast.

• Touring: You sit on a camping chair on the grass or gravel.
• Static: You build a secure, raised deck. On a clear night, you step straight out of the lounge with a hot drink to watch the stars. No mud, no wet chairs, no packing away in the dark.

Community and Security

Touring parks can be fun, but neighbours change daily.

Static parks in our region offer a stable community:

• The Village Feel: You see the same faces. Neighbours watch your van when you aren't there.
• Events: Many parks host owner-exclusive barbecues or wine tastings.

Flood Risk & Views (The "Must Know")

Some of the most beautiful parks in Mid Wales sit along scenic river valleys and coastal estuaries (Rheidol, Ystwyth, Dyfi).

• The Risk: A touring van can be towed away if the river rises. A static cannot.
• The Advice: Ask the park about their flood history and check the Natural Resources Wales flood map for your specific pitch. Weigh up the waterfront view against your peace of mind.

6. Making the Move: Part Exchange & Logistics

Can I Trade In My Tourer or Motorhome?

Yes. Most static caravan parks and dealers in Mid Wales (including ours) are happy to take touring caravans, motorhomes, and sometimes even cars in part exchange.

• Why do it: It avoids the hassle of a private sale and creates an immediate deposit.
• Valuation: Dealers use Glass's Guide to value your tourer, just like the car trade.

The "15-Year Rule" (Insider Tip)

This is the single most important thing to check.

Most parks have an age limit for statics on their site — often 15 or 20 years.

• The Trap: The clock starts from the date of manufacture, not the date you buy it.
• The Advice: If you buy a 10-year-old static on a 15-year park, you only have 5 years of use left. Always check the licence agreement expiry date before you sign.

7. Decision Framework: Are You Ready to Upgrade?

Use this quick checklist:

• ☑ The Location Test: Do we naturally return to Wales more than 3 times a year?
• ☑ The Stress Test: Do I secretly dread the towing, loading, and awning setup?
• ☑ The Season Test: Would we like to use our holiday base comfortably in November or February?
• ☑ The Space Test: Do we need separate bedrooms for grandkids or a secure space for the dog?
• ☑ The Result: If you ticked 3 or more, you are likely ready to upgrade.

8. Why Choose Salop Caravan Sites?

We know you have choices in Wales. Here's why touring owners choose to put down roots with us.

Across all Salop Caravan Sites parks in Mid Wales — especially our coastal locations such as Green Meadow Holiday Park — owners benefit from:

• Fair, transparent pricing.
• Well-maintained coastal and countryside settings.
• Owners-only areas and quieter developments for predictable, peaceful stays.
• Experienced, approachable park managers who offer honest advice.
• Clear information and no hidden conditions.

Transparent Advice

We are a family-run business with deep roots in the region. We don't believe in hard sales. We want you to stay for 15+ years.

• Part Exchange Guarantee: As part of the Salop Leisure group, we can offer competitive part-exchange values for your touring caravan or motorhome, making the switch simple and secure.

9. Conclusion & Next Steps

Touring offers freedom. Static ownership offers sanctuary.

It's the difference between "going on a trip" and "going home."

If you're tired of the towing but still in love with the coastline, the sea air, and the dark skies of this region, a static is the natural next step.

You keep the views you love. You lose the work you hate.

Best next step:

• Book a stay in your tourer at Green Meadow.
• Wander into the owners-only area.
• Ask to sit inside a static for ten minutes.
• Shut the door. Look at the space. Imagine arriving on a Friday night in February with zero setup.

Most people know, in that moment, if it's right for them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use my touring caravan as a deposit?

Yes. We accept touring caravans and motorhomes in part exchange. The value is deducted from the price of your new static caravan.

Do static caravans hold their value?

Like cars, they depreciate. The steepest drop is in the first few years.

However, the true value is in usage. A static used 30 times a year offers immense lifestyle value compared to a tourer used twice a year.

Can I sublet my static to help with costs?

At Green Meadow, we do not allow commercial subletting. We prioritise a quiet, secure community for our owners over rental income.

Always check the specific licence agreement for the park you are interested in.

Is a static caravan warmer than a tourer?

Almost always, yes. Most modern statics have domestic-grade central heating and insulation (BS 3632 standard), making them comfortable even in freezing temperatures.

Do I pay Council Tax on a static caravan?

In almost all cases on holiday parks, no. You pay Council Tax on your main home. A small share of the park's business rates is usually included in your site fees.