Buying a used caravan? Here are some quick tips!

Summer is fast approaching and now is the time to think about upgrading your caravan or joining the many happy caravanners and buying your first caravan.
We don’t want you making an expensive mistake, so to help you along we have compiled a few tips, on caravan buying.

Always when buying second hand check:-
• Make sure the van has no outstanding finance and that the seller is legitimate – CriS will check.

• First of all think how many berths you need, are you looking at the right size vans. Most caravans have a single axle and sleep between 2 and 6 people.

• What will your current vehicle be able to tow? You don’t want to kill your engine, or break the law.

• No one wants to buy rust, check underneath and around the chassis, be suspicious of new paint. Look for scrapes, bubbles etc on the chassis, all indicators of repairs.

• Carefully check everything including the windows, beds, kitchen equipment – if anything is broken factor it into the price negotiation.

• What sort of layout suits you, end bedroom etc

• Sniff hard, can you smell damp? Look for signs of water damage around the roof and windows. Are there any damp stains on the carpet etc? Check the roof.

• The tow hitch should move easily and the handbrake must hold the van when applied.

• Ask for the service history and more importantly proof of ownership.

• Is there still manufacturers’ warranty remaining on the van? Is it transferable?

• What does the price include? Extras such as awnings, canopy, gas bottles, security clamps, can all add up if you have to buy them separately.

• Don’t be pressured into buying the first one you see, look around. When you do find one that really suits you haggle over the price!

• Depending on the caravans’ age it should be CRiS registered, there should be a 17 digit code etched into the caravans’ windows. Letters in the code reveal the caravans year of manufacture.

Do your research carefully, take your time, buying second you may have to compromise a little, but there are some good buys out there, so happy hunting.