We understand that buying a used caravan can be a significant investment and for that reason it’s important to choose the right one. Here are our top 10 recommendations for finding the right caravan for you.
1) Should You Choose A Caravan Or Camper Van?
This is probably going to be your first decision and it really is going to be dependent on what kind of activities you are planning. If you want to spend your holidays moving to many different camp sites and touring areas regularly then a camper van is probably going to make things a lot easier.
If however you will be spending a week or more at the same site then a caravan is definitely the better option, it also offers a more homely experience, and a lower cost option.
2) What Size Caravan Do You Need
When it comes to selecting a caravan then size really does matter. You need to consider the standard of living that you require and also how many people will be staying in the caravan with you. Obviously bigger caravans will cost more, but offer a far superior living experience.
Also bear in mind that a larger caravan is going to need a more powerful car to tow it, so make sure that whatever size you decide on, that your vehicle is up to the job! A general rule that you can follow is that your caravan should not be any more than 85% of the kerbside weight of the vehicle towing it.
3) Do Some Research Into The Model You’re Looking To Buy
It’s worth doing your homework and looking for reviews about the model you are hoping to purchase. The internet is a great place to start and you can find many people’s experiences plus pick up on any common faults and features of the model in question. We would recommend spending a decent amount of time on your research before committing to buy.
4) Check Out The Seller
Once you’ve found a seller check them out. If it’s a dealer then you are probably going to end up paying more but you will most likely have the peace of mind of a warranty. In fact we would recommend insisting on a warranty from a dealer. You should also have extra statutory legal protection if you buy from a dealer should anything go wrong.
If you are buying from a private seller then expect on paying less and visit the caravan at the sellers address if possible, you can also check the registration document and make sure that everything matches up as it should.
5) Do A Thorough Check On The Caravan
When you actually go and view the caravan make sure you do a comprehensive inspection, always go in daylight and take a torch with you as well so you can check out the underside. If you can, take along a qualified mechanic.
Here are a few things that you might want to check on…..
The chassis and running gear, obviously it’s very important that these are in good condition. Repairs can be expensive. Give the chassis a good looking over and check for signs of corrosion, welding can be expensive and weak joints could cause you massive problems. You also want to look out for any signs of recent painting on the chassis to make sure that someone hasn’t done a dodgy filler job to try and hide a hole!
You can also check the steadies and jockey wheel, they should operate smoothly and easily and be in good condition, you might also want to check the handbrake as well. In our opinion a caravan with significant corrosion should be rejected and even slight corrosion should warrant a significant price decrease.
Check the gas and electrics, this should be done by someone qualified if possible, faults in either of these supplies can be lethal and often invertors are used to bump up the electrics to normal household voltage, plus gas is also lethal if it is allowed to run wild. Don’t neglect these checks.
Check for dampness, having a damp caravan is not going to be pleasant and can lead to all kinds of problems. Dealing with failed seals can be very expensive and could effectively write off a caravan. If you can its worth investing in a damp meter to take along with you, they are not expensive and the best way to check for dampness. You should check in corners, under any carpet, bed boxes, cupboards and also lockers. Concealed areas are good as showing signs of damp if there’s a problem.
You should also check sealed window units for signs of condensation inside the glass, this is a sign of failed seals and replacement can be expensive.
As well as the points mentioned above you should check the overall condition of the caravan to make sure that it is satisfactory.
6) Check The Age
You need to ascertain the age of your potential caravan and this isn’t always easy to do purely by looking at it, check the registration document and if it’s a newer caravan then an HPI check can tell you the true age of the caravan.
7) What Comes With The Caravan?
When you’ve bought your caravan it can be an expensive game to get it kitted out with all of the extras that you need such as batteries, chargers, gas bottles, hitch locks, entertainment equipment, cooking equipment, awnings etc…. If you can find a caravan that comes with some of these items then you’re probably onto a good thing, as it will save you a good deal of money overall.
8) Check The History Of The Caravan
You should always check out as much history of the caravan as possible. If it comes with the original owners manual then it’s a good sign that’s it’s been well looked after. Also check for service history that is documented, if this is not available then you will need to quiz the owner and rely on your own judgement.
9) Invest In An HPI Check
This is a worthwhile check to ensure that there’s no finance outstanding on the caravan and gives other essential information such as, identity, insurance write off history, if it’s been stolen etc…… All caravans made after 1992 are going to have a VIN stamped on the chassis and on many later models it will be etched on the windows as well.
10) Be A Good Buyer
To make the transaction go smoothly be prepared and only go and look at caravans that you’re actually interested in. If you are arranging finance then make sure that everything is approved and you have the money in your account ready to make the purchase. Most, if not all sellers will insist on cleared funds before giving you the keys.
These are our top 10 tips from Used Caravans For Sale.org, we hope you found them useful, please feel free to share them with others!