If you are considering buying a second hand caravan, you will undoubtedly be preparing yourself to make a significant investment. If you lack experience of purchasing a second hand caravan, you must take the time to investigate the types of caravans available to you. Once you have narrowed down your selection, you will need to thoroughly check over the caravan to determine the condition that it is in and hence, whether it is worth the investment.
Damp
When checking over the caravan, ensure that you inspect all of the corners, roof lockers, bed boxes and cupboards for signs of the development of damp. This is easy to do if you possess a damp meter.
Seals
A range of sealant types are used in the production of a caravan, including acrylic and oil-based sealants. These sealants last for between five and 20 years. Ensure that you look around the panels of second hand caravans for signs of missing or penetrated seals. You may be able to re-seal the caravan. However, this could cost you around £1,000.
Doors and Lockers
Ensure that all of the doors open and close properly. You should not be able to see daylight through the seals. Ensure that all of the hinges are secure and that the locks turn freely.
Windows
Check around the windows and seals for cracks as, as a caravan ages, the plastic trim surrounding the inside of the windows can crack. The windows should lock securely and there should be no signs of rust around the screws. If the windows are not double-glazed, there should be no condensation to be found between the layers.
Floors
Take a good walk around the caravan to determine whether any of the floors are weak or show signs of sagging. Pay close attention to the floors around the doors, kitchen area and seating areas. The cost of fixing floors can vary considerably and a second hand caravan with sagging floors should be avoided unless it is sold at a heavily discounted price.
Electrics/Gas
Ensure that the dealer checks that the gas and electrics fully comply with the legal safety requirements and ask them to show you the way in which the appliances function.
Hitch and Chassis
While the hitch and chassis of a second hand caravan should have been serviced, you should check that the mechanism functions freely and that the push bar moves in the correct manner.
Stabiliser
Replacement pads can be purchased for some types of second hand caravans. However, they will need to be set at the correct torque in order for them to prove effective. New stabilisers can be purchased from around £60.
Tyres
When checking the tyres you must concentrate on the condition of the tyres' walls. Cracking of the tyres' walls indicates that the side walls are malfunctioning and may blow at any time. Tyres cost between £30 and £70 to replace.
Brakes
The handbrake of a used caravan should move freely and effectively. The breakaway cable should be in good condition and should display a secure connection to the handbrake base.
Breakaway Cables
The breakaway cables should be secure and must be replaced if rusty. New breakaway cables will cost around £5.
Michael P Richards is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans, specialists in Second hand Caravans and Second hand Motorhomes
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