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Thinking Of Buying A Fifth Wheel?

Unsure about where to buy from and what you need to know before buying your fifth wheel?

Eurocruiser

Eurocruiser is an industry leader in the production of high-end fifth wheels and caravans with residential quality features. We are truly setting the tone for the future of caravanning, boasting a wide range of carefully designed floorplans which include a catalogue of interior and exterior features, all to your taste.

Stepping inside one of our units will be an experience you will not forget in a hurry.

We are Eurocruiser located at Lincolnshire, England, specializing in fifth wheels and caravans for over a decade. We are an innovative company with the ability to customize our products to meet our customer's needs.

Considering construction, design, features, and eye appeal, our models have been carefully crafted to provide the highest level of owner satisfaction. All designed with your satisfaction in mind. Eurocruiser was established in 2008, on the principle of quality, fairness courtesy and integrity, strives to be one of the most innovating companies in the caravanning industry.

Eurocruiser, The Elms Centre,
Croft Bank, Skegness
PE24 4AW

0800 228 90 69

Eurocruiser
ccrv

We are Paul and Avril Chapman, owners of Cross Country RV (CCRV).  We've been importing Recreational Vehicles from America since 1998 and have developed a wealth of knowledge and experience that makes us second to none.  Over time we have built solid relationships with stateside manufacturers and are proud to have been the UK's exclusive authorised dealers for Rockwood and Puma 5th Wheels for many years.

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We run our business in a simple and down to earth way.  Although we are a professional business we don't have flashy brochures or shiny suits.  In fact you can get a feel for us by visiting us on our YouTube channel here.

62 James Carter Road, Mildenhall,

Bury Saint Edmunds,

IP28 7DE

01638 515700

ccrv

Unsure about where to buy from and what you need to know before buying your fifth wheel?

Lets help you make the right choice, learn everything you need to know right here, from which vehicle you may need, what modifications your vehicle will need and where to get this sorted. Find out what all the abbreviations mean when searching through different layouts for each make and model of fifth wheel caravans and search through many dealers to see what they have in stock.

There will also be details of what certifications to look out for when buying.

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There are many different makes and models to choose from and they come in so many different layouts.

If you need help with deciding what would best suit you, just send an email with your requirements and we will try our best with matchmaking to help you find your dream rig.

You may see some of these abbreviations when looking at what to buy, here is a breakdown of what it all means to make it easier for you to understand.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

Is the maximum permissible weight of the unit when fully loaded. It includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional equipment and accessories.

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For safety and product performance do NOT exceed the CVWR

GAWR (Gross Axel Weight Rating)

Is the Maximum permissible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by the combination of all axles.

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)*

Is the typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit's axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas.

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The UVW does not include cargo, fresh portable water, additional optional equiptment or dealer installed accessories.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)**

Is the amount of weight available for fresh portable water, cargo, additional optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accomodate fresh portable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before filling the fresh water tank, empty black and grey tanls for more cargo capacity.

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*Estimated Avarage based on standard build optional equiptment. **

Estimated avarage based on standard build optional equiptment.

Common Abbreviations & Their Meanings When Searching Through Different Models

These abbreviations can help you quickly identify the layout and features of a particular caravan or fifth wheel model. However, please note that abbreviations may vary between manufacturers and models, so always consult the specific model's documentation or the manufacturer's website for accurate information.

When looking at caravan or fifth wheel model names, you may come across various abbreviations that indicate specific features or layouts of the vehicle. Here are the meanings of some common abbreviations:

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  1. BH: Bunkhouse - A model that features a separate bunk bed area, usually designed to accommodate families with children or larger groups.

  2. RK: Rear Kitchen - A model with the kitchen area located at the rear of the caravan. Rear kitchen layouts often provide more counter space and separation from the living and sleeping areas.

  3. RB: Rear Bathroom - A model with the bathroom located at the rear of the caravan or fifth wheel, providing more privacy and separation from the living and sleeping areas.

  4. RL: Rear Living - A model with the living area situated at the rear, often featuring comfortable seating, large windows, and entertainment options.

  5. RE: Rear Entertainment - A model with the entertainment center or TV located at the rear, typically surrounded by seating options.

  6. FW: Front Window - A model with a large window at the front of the caravan, offering panoramic views and natural light in the living area.

  7. QB: Queen Bed - A model featuring a queen-sized bed, often found in the master bedroom of the caravan or fifth wheel.

  8. TB: Twin Bed - A model with twin beds, usually in a separate bedroom or as part of a bunkhouse configuration.

  9. SS: Slide-out or Super Slide - A model with one or more slide-out sections that extend the living space when the caravan or fifth wheel is stationary.

Please check for certification when looking to purchase your fifth wheel

IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval)

IVA, or Individual Vehicle Approval, is a certification process in the UK for vehicles that have not been type-approved to British or European standards. The IVA process ensures that a vehicle meets specific safety and environmental standards before it can be registered and legally driven on public roads.

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Fifth wheel caravans imported from countries outside the European Union, such as the United States, may require an IVA if they do not have European type-approval. The IVA process typically involves a thorough inspection of the vehicle by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure compliance with UK regulations.

There are two types of IVA:

  1. Standard IVA: For vehicles manufactured in low volumes or for individuals importing a single vehicle. The standard IVA process is more straightforward and requires a visual inspection, documentation review, and some basic tests.

  2. Enhanced IVA: For vehicles manufactured in higher volumes or those with more complex modifications. The enhanced IVA process is more rigorous and may involve additional tests and inspections.

To obtain an IVA for a fifth wheel caravan, you will need to complete the necessary application forms, provide documentation related to the vehicle, and pay the appropriate fees. Once your application is processed, the vehicle will be scheduled for an inspection at a DVSA-approved facility.

If your fifth wheel caravan passes the IVA inspection, you will receive a certificate, which you can use to register the vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If the vehicle fails the inspection, you will need to rectify the issues and reschedule another inspection.

For more information on the IVA process and requirements, visit the UK government's official website:

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/individual-vehicle-approval

Vehicle identification number

Your vehicle needs a vehicle identification number (VIN) before having an IVA inspection.

Apply to DVLA if it does not have one.

K and R
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1ZZ

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Basic and normal IVA

There are 2 levels of IVA inspection: basic and normal.

Basic IVA

Basic IVA involves a visual inspection and other tests to make sure the vehicle meets the necessary standards. You will not normally need to provide any documentary evidence.

You can apply if you have a passenger car or light goods vehicle in one of these categories:

  • left-hand drive vehicles

  • personal imports

  • amateur built vehicles (kit cars)

  • rebuilt vehicles

  • very low volume production vehicles

  • ambulances

  • motor caravans

  • hearses

  • armoured passenger vehicles

  • a vehicle manufactured using parts of a registered vehicle

Read the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA ) guide on the IVA scheme for more on these categories.

Normal IVA

You’ll have to apply for normal IVA if you do not meet the criteria for basic IVA.

This involves a more detailed inspection. Vehicles have to meet extra standards and you’ll have to provide documentary evidence.

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