A Guide to Buying a Used Caravan

C4Caravans is a marketplace for the sale of caravans. We provide a marketplace for both dealers and private sellers. There are advantages to buying from each, private sales can be considerably cheaper but you will not get the after-care service that you will get from a reputable dealer. Either way there are a number of things that it is advisable to check out when buying a used caravan so that you can accurately gauge the cost of any work you may have to do to it and avoid unforeseen and potentially expensive problems.

• Always check it first! Do not buy a caravan or part with any money without spending some time looking at the caravan and evaluating the condition. Carry out as many checks as possible, after all this is going to be your home away from home as well as being a significant financial investment so it is worth getting it right.

Firstly ask to see the paperwork.

1. Ownership Documentation – ownership can also be verified through the CRiS scheme (started in 1992). Make sure that both the windows and the chassis are etched with the same CRiS number. Do an HPI check. This ensures that your caravan does not have outstanding finance, it guarantees its provenance and checks that it is not stolen or recorded as an insurance write off.

2. Service History – including any documentation and receipts for repairs done. Any pre-owned vehicle should come with a complete service history.  It is preferable that it does because an owner that has looked after the paperwork is likely to have taken care of the caravan as well.

3. It is always worth finding out how easy it is to source replacement parts for the caravan in the U.K. particularly if it is a foreign make, old or made by a manufacturer who is no longer in business.

4. Ensure that your paperwork is in order as well.  Larger and heavier caravans require a different driving license.  Make sure that your car can safely and legally tow the weight of the caravan you are looking to buy.

Examine the exterior of the caravan. Make sure that it is placed on a flat surface and that you are looking at it in good light.

1. Ensure that the caravan stands level when on even ground. Check the chassis underneath and have a quick look on the roof to see that everything is in order.

2. Look at the bodywork of the caravan, inspect for rust, cracking, dents and scratches.

3. Check the tyres and the spare tyre. They should be changed at least every four years, ask when this was last done.

4. Examine the grab handles, awning rails, waste outlets, external sockets, corner steadies, the jockey wheel and any other running gear. All of these should be in good working order. Make sure that the mechanisms are not bent and work smoothly.

5. Gas and electrical connections – If possible check all external sockets are working and connect the caravan to a car to ensure that the electrics will work properly both whilst driving and when the engine is off.  Connect the gas to make sure that this works as well.  If there appears to have been any D.I.Y. on either the gas or electrical systems it is advisable to call in a qualified person to check them over.

6. Look at the windows and doors. They should fit perfectly and not be displaying cracks or other signs of wear. They can be expensive and difficult to replace dependant on the model. Don’t forget to check the hinges as well.

Thoroughly inspect the interior.

1. Damp – Check everywhere for damp, this is one of the biggest issues with used caravans, particularly if they have not been used for some time. Beds, corners and lockers should all be inspected. If you miss something it could be costly to repair.

2. Inspect the seals. The lifetime of seals varies depending on what they are made of, it can be anything between 5 and 20 years. Check what they are made of and find out when they were last replaced.

3. Examine the floors – they should be evenly laid, neither spongy or sagging. Weakness can be rectified but it may be costly.

4. Locks and fittings should be sturdy and in working condition on all doors, windows and lockers. Make sure that you receive a full set of keys when you buy the vehicle.

5. Investigate the smoke alarms, water pumps, ovens, electrical sockets, lights, vents and all other accessories and fittings. Ask the previous owner to show you how they work and see everything in action.

There are lots of advantages to buying a used caravan. Be thorough and you will avoid problems in the long run. You should expect that there will be some things that you will need or want to change on your caravan. When you have all of the details you can make an informed choice about what work you want to do. Then you will be able to buy yourself a used caravan assured that you will be a satisfied customer of a caravan that will keep you happy for many years to come.