>15
Aug
Buying a second-hand caravan is a great way of enjoying the freedom of the open road without breaking the bank. However, navigating the used caravan market requires careful planning to ensure your purchase is a success. From knowing what kind of caravan you want to finding the best place to buy it and checking its condition, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps to buying a used caravan so you can find a reliable option that meets your needs.
Types of caravan
You’ll first need to do your research on what type of caravan you want. Look at how many people it can sleep (which will be known as “berths” – so, a two-berth caravan will sleep two people), how big it is, if your current vehicle can tow it (you can check the towing weight in your car’s handbook for this), and how long it will be. Think about where you’ll be storing it when it’s not in use, so you’ll know you’ll have ample space for it.
You can also research any extra features or facilities that you’d like in your caravan. Folding caravans are usually smaller and more lightweight when travelling or stored but have fold-out sections which provide more room when you’re parked. Pop-top caravans are similar, in that the roof extends upwards when parked to provide more headroom.
Teardrop caravans are small, so make for easy transportation, but don’t have as many facilities as other, larger touring caravans. Instead, they’re more like tents with space to sleep but no washroom or kitchen facilities.
Dealer vs private sales
Much like buying a car second-hand, when you buy a used caravan you’ll have the choice of buying from a dealer or a private seller. Both will have various pros and cons.
Buying from a dealership usually means you’ll have a degree of guarantee along with your purchase. So, if something goes wrong after you take the caravan home, you’ll often be able to raise this with the dealership and they could rectify this for you. However, buying from a dealership can often cost you more than buying from a private seller.
Buying from a private seller can often get you a better price, but if doesn’t come with the same level of guarantee as buying from a dealership. If something goes wrong with the caravan once you get it home, you’ll likely have to pay to fix it yourself. In addition, there is more risk when it comes to buying privately, and you’ll have to do your due diligence to ensure you’re not purchasing stolen property.
Check the CRiS
If you buy from a dealer, they’ll usually be able to conduct the CRiS check themselves, but if you buy privately you can do it yourself. CRiS stands for Central Registration and Identification Scheme – this sees touring caravans assigned with a unique 17 digit number, comparable to a vehicle’s VIN number. It helps to track who owns the vehicle and also if a stolen caravan has been reported to the police.
The CRiS will be displayed on at least one window and also on the chassis. Even if the seller shows you a print-out of the CRiS documents, you might want to check it for yourself online. There is a small fee for this, but it can help to ensure the caravan definitely belongs to the seller.
Thieves might try to remove the CRiS number by grinding down the chassis or damaging the windows. If you notice any damage like this on the caravan and you can’t conduct a CRiS check, you should walk away from the sale.
What to look for when viewing a used caravan
You should always have a viewing of your caravan before you finalise the sale. When viewing a second-hand caravan, you should make sure to thoroughly check every part to ensure it will meet your needs and also that it’s in good condition.
Sit on the seats and the beds to ensure they’re comfortable, and check upholstery for wear and tears. Open and close the cupboards and doors, and ensure the catches keep them shut. Take notice of the stability of the flooring and note any areas where it feels like it might be spongy, as this could indicate the floor is giving way, which is a common problem in high-traffic areas of older caravans.
You should also ask to see the water system working, including the taps, shower, and toilet. Make sure there’s no leaks or cracks in the shower tray or toilet. You should also ask to see any gas appliances working.
Caravans can be susceptible to water ingress, damp and mould. Sometimes you can smell damp, but not always. Check storage and cupboards for signs of mould, such as black patches. If the caravan you’re buying has a good service record, it usually means that damp and mould will be less of an issue, as it should be well maintained.
As well as a thorough check of the inside, you should also look at the outside. Check the tyres to see if they’re in good condition and look at the body of the caravan to see if there are any dents, scrapes, or cracks. If there’s an awning rail, look to see this works and is undamaged.
Documents to ask for
Many caravans will come with a warranty, which can last from a month or two or up to a year. Even used caravans could have warranties that would be transferred to a new owner. Discuss with the seller what warranty the caravan has, if at all, and check the small print so you fully understand what’s covered.
You’ll also need to see proof of ownership from the seller. As we mentioned, this will usually be connected to the CRiS, so you can check the number yourself to ensure the seller is legit.
You should also ask if the seller still has the caravan handbook. Experienced caravanners might not need it to operate the caravan, but even for seasoned tourers, it can be a helpful document to have to fully utilise every feature of the caravan. For new caravanners, it will be a huge benefit to have the handbook available.
Finance your caravan with GetCarFinanceHere
GetCarFinanceHere can help you achieve your dream of owning a caravan with our caravan finance deals. Our expert team will do the hard work for you, looking through our network of lenders to find the best finance option for you, and will be able to guide you through the entire process. Apply for finance online today or take a look at our showroom to see the great second-hand caravans we have available.