A Useful Checklist and Advice for Buying a Used Caravan

Of all the expenses people encounter, buying a caravan may well end up the second largest purchase you make behind buying a home. Nonetheless, caravan ownership opens up a world of different holiday experiences and could see you enjoying the freedom of the open road and options for traveling to places that might never otherwise be possible. 

Owning a caravan allows you to enjoy all the comforts of home while on holiday and allows you to become part of a camping community that is unlike any other. It’s no coincidence caravan holidays remain one of the most popular types of holiday experiences with most owners making repeated trips, year after year. Moreover, with the modern facilities offered by newer campsites and the convenience of being able to cook for yourself with all the comforts of home around you, you’ll still enjoy the complete vacation experience.

Reasons to Buy a Second-Hand Caravan

The cost of a new caravan can often be prohibitive for many prospective owners but, just like cars, the value of a caravan depreciates over time and checking the second-hand market could see you buying a model at a considerably reduced price.

There are now many dealerships that specialize purely in selling used caravans where you’ll find a plethora of different models on show at vastly discounted prices compared to buying new. Sure, the caravan might not look quite as good as a pristine, new model, but that’s more than made up for by the fact you could end up saving a fortune.

Also, if you’re looking to spread the cost of ownership and avoid the hit of the initial purchase outlay, there are now many Auto Finance Online specialist firms that can set up a payment scheme that will allow you to use the van while still paying back the cost. 

Things to Look for When Buying a Second-Hand Caravan

Again, similar to buying a car, there are a few common areas you should check before investing in a second-hand caravan, including:

Caravan tires: Tires can be one of the costliest things to replace on a van but are often sadly overlooked by prospective buyers. If you find you’ve got to replace them, you could end up facing a substantial bill, so it’s always a good idea to check for cracks or worn spots. Also, tires that are older than five years will normally need to be replaced, so take a thorough look at them and point out any problems to the seller. They may offer a reduction or replace them before you buy. 

Always check the caravan service history: Again, just like cars, a well-maintained caravan should have a comprehensive service history which the seller should be more than willing to show you. Always check that receipts tally with the work supposedly done to avoid any potential pitfalls. 

Check the caravan windows: It should seem obvious, but you will need to check the integrity of the windows and that they close properly. A problem in the windows won’t just cause heat loss – it could also cost a lot to replace and endanger the validity of your insurance.