Member Since: 19 Mar 2016
Location: Highland
Posts: 45
Thinking of buying a caravan
Hi folks,
Thinking of buying a 4berth caravan second hand up to around £3000 and was wondering what the pitfalls are.
I understand I need a moisture meter. Have bought and sold cars privately before but delving into the world of caravans for the first time.
Any tips are appreciated, thanks
Stephen.
4th Sep 2017 9:55 am
Brian_DL13
Member Since: 25 Aug 2013
Location: Teesdale
Posts: 1418
Damp is the main thing. Most other things can be fixed, but damp often spells doom.
As with cars, look for a documented annual service history.
How does it smell (damp?)
How does it look (has the owner kept it polished, or is there green mould (check the roof)
Tyres over 5 years old need replacing
Gas working OK?
240v electrics OK?
How is the battery ? How old is it ?
Windows OK ? Are any misted / scratched ?
Any cracks in the exterior ?
4th Sep 2017 10:06 am
nearlee
Member Since: 15 Dec 2012
Location: where the sheep are scared
Posts: 1777
Layout layout and layout
Best advice that was given to me was go to caravan show at NEC and check out all the layouts and see which ticks your box's then search second hand market for as close as possible to that layout, it's what I did 18 months ago and haven't looked back.Just remember:-
Amateurs built the Ark
Professionals built the titanic
4th Sep 2017 10:08 am
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4540
I'm looking for a caravan now. I've had caravans in the past, but not owned one for about 10 years.
Layout is key. Choose the correct layout for your needs.
I'm looking for a 5 or 6 berth, with fixed bunks for the kids, at the back end or side, middle bathroom.
End bathroom vans would be a waste of space for my use.
I've viewed 2 vans last week, both had rot and damp, even though both sellers swore blind there was no damp!
Look under every seat box, in every corner, around every window and roof light. External corner damage inevitably lets the water in, unless repaired very, very well !Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
4th Sep 2017 10:13 am
THUB
Member Since: 10 Dec 2005
Location: West Berkshire.
Posts: 717
Make sure you have a good damp meter. As with everything the are damp meters and there are damp meters. Check about every 12 - 18 inches round all internal seams and joints. Check all the sealant around roof lines, roof lights and various small doors. Check main door for warping or twisting. They do tend to be caught in sudden gusts of wind and can distort. Check tyres for age. I never go beyond 5 years but have seen 11 year old tyres on caravans. If the van has shock absorbers fitted check for efficiency. Make sure all electrics, 12v and 240v work. Leave fridge and heating running for some minutes to see that they "do" work. Same for any gas appliances. Test corner steadies by winding through the full range, up and down. They may have been twisted, inadvertently if not fully retracted prior to towing. Pay particular attention to hitch, must be 50mm not 2," and the overrun braking systems. Depending on the axle assembly and wheel bearing configuation check brake condition, linings and drums. Stand back, think hard and then enjoy caravanning. Take the caravan for a test run 3 -4 miles minimum. Check that it will reverse.
Much like buying a second hand car.;
4th Sep 2017 10:18 am
Judderman
Member Since: 19 Mar 2016
Location: Highland
Posts: 45
Thanks for all the quick responses guys, cheers
4th Sep 2017 11:35 am
Benners66
Member Since: 09 Mar 2016
Location: Southampton
Posts: 86
Having a good browse through all the layouts on here will give you a good idea of what is available.
trust me damp meter is your friend. I had an older caravan that I part exchanged against a new one. they offered me £1500. when he came out to view it he put damp meter on it was riddled. price came downt o £350 even scrap man was going to offer me £700 changed it down to £450. believe me it did not smell of damp and had no visual signs of damp so I did not bother checking even though I have a proper damp meter and have dealt with flooded homes so know the importance of it (lesson learned) other than that as said layout is key do the research and decide on what you think is best for you. buy one and enjoy for a few years. trust me layout is an acquired taste and you tend to try a few before you find the perfect layout for you
4th Sep 2017 7:23 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
nearlee wrote:
Layout layout and layout
Best advice that was given to me was go to caravan show at NEC and check out all the layouts and see which ticks your box's then search second hand market for as close as possible to that layout, it's what I did 18 months ago and haven't looked back.
Best advice that was given to me was go to caravan show at NEC and check out all the layouts and see which ticks your box's then search second hand market for as close as possible to that layout, it's what I did 18 months ago and haven't looked back.
I also agree with this, I made the mistake and ended up changing vans less than 2 years later! It is so important to get it right.
Buy a damp tester offline, and check the whole van, around windows and doors especially.
23rd Sep 2017 6:51 pm
MorganD379
Member Since: 29 Sep 2016
Location: SA62 3PP
Posts: 425
Echo the comments on the electrics, test everything on mains and the gas.... Some better owners get their vans serviced, much like a mot for the car covers gas, electrical and running gear checks.
When I picked up my last caravan from the stealers, they neglected to tell me there was no leisure battery wasn't happy, initial inspection there was... Beware!
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wasn't happy, initial inspection there was... Beware!
