Trading Your Touring Caravan for a Static: A 2026 Guide for Coastal Buyers

Thinking of trading your touring caravan for a static caravan or lodge at Min Y Don? This 2026 guide is for you.

1. Why Tourers Make the Switch

You don't fall out of love with touring overnight.

It usually happens one wet pack-down at a time.

Then you catch yourself thinking: "I'd pay good money to skip this bit."

That's what a static gives you. Not "more caravan".

A different kind of break. One that's already waiting.

And at Min Y Don, it's a straightforward choice: static caravans and lodges only. No touring pitches. No weekly changeovers. Just owners arriving for their own time away.

2. From "Go Anywhere" to "Always Ready"

The "Sunday Slog" vs the "Friday Reset"

People who've made the switch usually describe two opposite feelings.

Sunday slog (touring life):

• Awning down, wet and heavy
• Everything back in the car
• Hitch, check, tow
• Traffic, weather, stress
• Home… and you need a lie down

Friday reset (static life):

• Finish work, throw a bag in the boot
• Drive normally (no towing limits)
• Arrive, park, unlock
• Kettle on. Heating on. Done

Ask yourself:
Do you spend the first two hours setting up… and the last two hours packing down?

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

Space and Comfort: A Different Experience

Touring caravans have to stay light and towable. That usually means compact layouts, tighter storage, and "make-do" sleeping setups.

Statics and lodges are built for comfort:

• Space: Wider layouts and more usable storage
• Furniture: Proper seating you don't need to pack away
• Plumbing: Full showers and mains-connected toilets
• Warmth: Many modern units are designed for shoulder-season use, not just summer weekends

3. Touring vs Static: Side by Side

4. Understanding the Costs

This is where touring owners often hesitate.

A static has higher fixed annual costs. But touring has "per trip" costs you stop noticing because you've accepted them as normal.

The "Cost Per Night" Perspective

If you're doing 20–30 weekends a year in the same region, a base can be surprisingly good value.

Touring costs that add up:

• Storage: home or compound fees
• Fuel: towing reduces real-world MPG
• Pitch fees: nightly charges, electric add-ons, extras
• Wear and tear: tyres, servicing, hitch gear

With a static, you're trading unpredictable trip costs for a simpler annual budget — and you remove the setup hassle.

Running Costs to Budget For

Being realistic matters. Budget for:

• Insurance: specialist static/lodge cover
• Utilities: metered electric and gas usage
• Winter care: drain-down/winterisation where required
• Repairs buffer: even £200–£400 a year helps

Depreciation

Both touring and static caravans depreciate.

Mindset shift: treat ownership like a lifestyle purchase — value comes from use, not resale.

5. Why a Coastal Base Makes Sense

If your touring trips keep pulling you back to North Wales and the Snowdonia coastline, a permanent base starts to make sense.

Min Y Don isn't about busy holiday parks.

It's about time outside. Quiet mornings. Beach walks. Castle views. And golf you don't have to "earn" with setup.

World-Class Golf on Your Doorstep

Min Y Don sits directly opposite Royal St David's Golf Club — one of the finest links courses in Britain.

The quiet advantage of ownership is simple: you arrive and you're straight into your weekend.

The "same place, better weekends" upgrade

Touring gives you variety.

A base gives you rhythm — and for many owners, that's the upgrade that sticks.

6. Part Exchange & Making the Move

Can I Trade In My Tourer or Motorhome?

Often, yes.

Many dealers and parks can work with touring caravans and motorhomes as part exchange. It can:

• remove the hassle of a private sale
• create an immediate deposit
• speed up the move

The "Age Limit" Check

Most parks have rules about how long a unit can stay on the park.

• Worth knowing: the clock is often tied to manufacture date, not the day you buy.
• The solution: confirm the licence term and key rules in writing before you commit.

7. Are You Ready? A Quick Checklist

Ask yourself:

Result: If you ticked 3+, you're probably ready.

8. The Salop Caravan Sites Approach

Across all Salop Caravan Sites parks, owners benefit from:

• Clear pricing and straightforward answers
• Well-kept, owners-focused communities
• No-pressure guidance from experienced park teams
• Long-term value through park standards and stability

9. Your Next Step

Touring gives you freedom. Static ownership gives you ease.

It's the difference between planning a break… and arriving at one.

If you're tired of towing but still want that escape feeling, a coastal base gives you something touring can't:

Your time back.

• Come and walk the park
• Ask to sit inside a similar unit for ten minutes
• Shut the door and imagine arriving on a Friday night with zero setup

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

Common Questions Answered

Can I use my touring caravan as a deposit?
Often, yes. Part exchange is common, and it can reduce the hassle of selling privately. Always get the valuation and terms in writing.

Do static caravans hold their value?
Like cars, they depreciate. The real value is in how often you use it — and how easy it becomes to actually go.

Can I sublet my static to help with costs?
No — Min Y Don is owners-only and does not allow subletting. Always check licence terms on any park before you buy.

Is a static caravan warmer than a tourer?
Usually, yes. Many modern static caravans and lodges are designed for comfortable shoulder-season use with proper insulation and heating.

Do I pay Council Tax on a static caravan?
In most cases on holiday parks, no — because it cannot be your sole or main residence. You pay Council Tax on your main home. Some parks recover a contribution towards non-domestic rates through annual site fees.

How do I get to Min Y Don?
Approach via the A496 coastal road. The park is located on Beach Road in Harlech, directly opposite Royal St David's Golf Club. Use postcode LL46 2UG for sat-nav.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and reflects typical industry practice as of 2025/2026. While we aim for accuracy, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information provided, and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. Costs, policies, licence terms, and facilities vary between parks and manufacturers and may change without notice. Any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk — always confirm details directly with the park manager before making any purchase decision. This content does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. If you need specific guidance, please consult a qualified professional.