Finding the right caravan can be a headache , this guide should help to make
your decision easier , and ensure you end up with a van which will last you for
years to come!
1. Make sure you look at plenty of different vans and take a notebook to note
down things about each one you are interested in.
2. Take a torch for checking out some of the darker recesses and underneath.
3. If the caravan you are looking at is closed and the windows shut, have a
sniff when you open the door, if you smell mustiness it might be damp, not
always caused by water ingress but also caused by condensation. If there is air
freshener in the van what is it hiding?
4. Look for signs of external damage, fresh paint jobs can hide a multitude of
sins, and possible future damp areas. Damp is like cancer in a van so check out
the back corners of roof lockers and under the bed areas both front and back
discoloured wood and wall coverings.
5. Check the chassis dirt suggests a careless owner corrosion on the chassis is
almost impossible to get rid of and check especially were the A-frame connects
to the chassis for damage, if all looks OK it probably will be, Galvanised
Chassis are best as they require minimum maintenance.
6. Inspect the Tow hitch does the handle lift easily, is the breakaway cable
intact Does the handbrake hold the van when fully engaged. Check the electrical
pins in the lighting and connection sockets, rusty ones can cause poor contacts
and may even require replacement. Pull on the D-handles if they are loose this
could be a sign of damp.
7. Check the Tyres for even wear and good tread depth across the tyre, Perished
or cracked tyres are a sign of a bad owner, is there a spare tyre and jack, very
expensive to buy.
8. Check the water pipes in the cupboards under sink, shower etc, for signs
of leakage, is the fridge clean and free from rust, are the hob burners rusty
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9. check that there is a service history for the van and that all internal
electrics and gas systems have been serviced and checked.
10. Check out the Layout, if you have kids would you be able to put them to bed
and still have sufficient room to move!
11. Special editions are almost the same price as standard vans and quite often have more comfort features built in.
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12. What extras are in the van, step, waste and fresh water tanks, toilet, spare
battery, spare wheel and jack, stabiliser (I use a Bulldog) leg brace, mains
cable, gas bottles, Fire extinguisher and smoke alarm, hitch lock, wheel clamp,
awning, you probably wont get many of these items but if you can its a bonus as
they add up to a fair amount of money.
13. Don't be afraid to try putting up beds, checking out wardrobes, battery and
gas lockers, look and check everything, you don't want to have to fix problems
before you get away.
14. If you have any doubts about the van you are looking at walk away, there are
plenty to choose from.
15. Most importantly Can your car tow the van comfortably, 85% of the cars
weight is recommended.
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16. Don't forget to haggle about the price and try to get extras thrown in. They
want to sell all of the vans so you are one up already.
Top Tip:
A highly recommended book , which could probably pay for itself is The Caravan Manual by John Wickersham.
As well as guidance on maintaining older caravans, it includes details about the very latest models. There's new information on caravan weights, the use of public weighbridges, and related legal issues, along with electronic and computerised wiring systems in cars. The fourth edition contains major updates to the chapters on chassis, running gear, body construction, gas and all electrical details. This essential manual describes all the vital maintenance tasks and repair work that keeps a caravan in tip-top condition.
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