If you are going camping, campers are a great way to start. You will find a plentiful inventory of campers on the market due to the economy. This is what to look for in a caravan.

Two types of campers. These days, you’ll see two types of campers, pickup trucks and tugboats, which are now generally called pop-up motorhomes because the top appears when you expand it. The pop-up motorhome is very practical and inexpensive. And don’t think emergent means primitive. Increasingly, you can look for hard-walled walls, a larger refrigerator, and a dining room inside and out. And you can tow them and store them anywhere. Something that cannot be said for most RVs. Most motorhomes will fit in the back of a three-quarter to one-ton truck. They vary in price based on size, fixtures, and construction, although in general, you will pay much less than you would for other motorhomes because you will not buy an engine or chassis. And many truck campers have equipment similar to what you would find in a moderately priced motorhome.

Equipment. You’ll want the caravan to sleep at least 4, include a dining table (and you should expect it to turn into a bed), a roof bunk, and a queen-size bed over the cabin. Also look for a double sink, a rear toilet, and a shower. The shower will be indoor in higher priced models and outdoor in lower price.

Slide out. The latest craze in RVs of all kinds is gliding. Sliding exits allow travelers to quickly and easily expand the size of the caravan, often turning a “hallway” into a corner. The slides are very controversial. Everybody wants one; no one wants to do the maintenance to prevent it from dripping around the seals. If you want a caravan with sliding exits, be sure to look towards the awnings for added protection.

Often overlooked. If you are buying used caravans for sale, which makes your good deal great, be sure to get service records. They should have at least receipts for repairs, service work, and possibly routine maintenance.

Inspect anyway. Even if the records are flawless, don’t hand over your money without an inspection. You will save time, money, and heartache by passing the lemons instead of fixing them.