I bought a caravan off a traveller – it’s been a nightmare since I got it & it nearly caught on fire – but it’s my fault
A WOMAN has revealed how she bought a caravan — but it hasn’t been all it crept up to be.
Despite having endless issues with the caravan, Jessica Brown explained that it is still the best thing she’s ever done.
Taking to her TikTok account, ‘jessicabrown2982’, she shared a video of her caravan, revealing exactly what it has been like since purchasing it.
In the video, she explained how the issues are “not for the reasons you might think” — but that the issues were coming from her own actions.
First off, Jessica explained that they weren’t able to use their table — which comes out of the wall — because they pushed it “so far back into the wardrobe.”
She also revealed how she ripped through the wire fuse box, which meant she was left with no electricity.
She then added that she nearly managed to set the caravan on fire by plugging in a faulty extension lead, before adding that she put her “big fluffy bunny” against it — but it made it so hot it melted through the plug socket.
Jessica also explained that she got wall tiles which keep peeling off, as well as lino flooring.
She also added that she didn’t have her caravan serviced, which meant she couldn’t use the hob or the oven.
But despite all these issues, Jessica explained that she couldn’t “fault it” — although she has got a “leak in the roof.”
The video was captioned: “Was getting a caravan off of a traveller a bad idea? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!”
Within 15 hours of sharing the video, Jessica gained 16.4k views with many people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
She also clarified how she was “absolutely pro traveller community.”
One person commented: “Looks great though! Bet you’ll have some brilliant holidays.”
A second added: “It will come together at least you get away when you want too, always a silver lining.”
A third suggested: “Scrap it! leaky roof, will end up with damp and mould all through the trailer!”
But Jessica replied: “Na!! She’s a good old girl.”
Jessica previously revealed that she wanted the caravan to use for holidays with her kids.
She shared another video of the Sterling Wayfarer on her TikTok page, explaining that it was “the best thing I ever did!”
Jessica insisted: “We need to stop all this discrimination and prejudice towards these kinds of things because the amount of people that I had telling me not to do it, it might be this, it might be that.
“But what if it’s not? Why are we judging people just for what we hear from other stories?”
She also explained that she did “background checks” on the caravan, before gushing: “It’s fantastic and I honestly sing the praise for whoever lived in this because my God had they looked after this!”
Jess also previously revealed that her caravan was “pristine” and is working on it “just modernise it a little bit”.
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.