Improving Your Automobile

Five Things To Check Before You Buy A Used Caravan

25 November 2014

Addison Morris

While you could buy a new caravan from a dealer, you have more options when buying used. Buying second hand can mean huge savings, with large, luxury caravans going for the same price as smaller, less equipped new ones. But you need to scrutinise a used caravan before you buy. If you don't, you could end up paying a lot of money to put things right.

Pay particular attention to the following areas of caravan sales before you hand over your money.

1) Damp.

If water gets into a caravan, it can damage the roof, walls and floor and cost a lot to fix. If it doesn't smell of damp, that doesn't mean there isn't a problem.

• Check the walls for damp and mould – and remember that fresh paint or wallpaper could be masking damp.
• Check the interior of cupboards, as well as cushions and mattresses.
• Check the sinks and shower for leaks.
• Use a moisture meter to take readings.

2) Security.

If you buy a used caravan with faulty locks, you might go on your first trip and find that a lock breaks, leaving your caravan unsecured.

Check all the locks, on the door and all the windows. If any are broken, they will need replacing. Do you have sufficient funds for new locks?

3) Mechanical and structural parts.

Check the chassis and running gear to make sure that everything is in good condition. Does the handbrake work? Apply and release it to make sure. What about the tyres? If they're cracked or low on tread, they will need replacing.

Look underneath the caravan to examine parts like the wheel arches. Is there any rust, or evidence of recent repairs, such as welding, filler or paint? It could mean structural problems. Use a torch so you can see everything clearly.

Is there a service history? Check the documentation and see if everything tallies with the condition of the caravan.

4) Accessories.

These are internal, such as a television, and external, such as an awning. Make sure that everything works properly. Electrical equipment will run off the battery, so make sure you check that, too. Are there any gas bottles included in the sale price? If not, you will need to purchase some.

5) Handling.

Hook up the caravan to your vehicle and take it for a test drive to see how it handles with your vehicle. Before you set off, check that the lights work. When you're towing the caravan, you will get a feel for how it runs, and whether the brakes work properly.

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