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Subject Topic: What to look out for or ask
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25/1/2014 at 8:57pm
 Location: St Helens
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 540
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Hi, we are going looking at a couple of caravans tomorrow, we have started to make a list of what to ask just wondered if you could point me in the right direction to a link of what to look out for or ask when looking at caravans

Or from your experience what should I be looking for

Thanks


25/1/2014 at 9:10pm
 Location: Essex
 Outfit: 2016 Swift Conqueror 630
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Have a read of this issued by the Caravan Club.
It pretty much covers everything


25/1/2014 at 9:15pm
 Location: East Midlands
 Outfit: Coachman VIP 575.Santa Fe
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Damp.get a damp meter -essential. Be on the safe side and dont take anything for granted. Look at all seams especially round window and fan frames.We must have looked at about 20 vans before we found a dry one - all said to be dry by owners. Check floors not spongey. Thay can be repaired but not cheaply. Ask if any srvice history. Confirm ownership CRIS certificate. I may be a cynic but it really is a minefield but agreat joy to get a good one. I presume you have an idea about weights etc in relation to youur tow car. Make sure gas and electrics are OK including 12volt. Ask for them to be connercted esp fridge fire and oven.Good luck!

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Mister G


25/1/2014 at 9:22pm
 Location: west country
 Outfit: None Entered
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What misterG said.

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Steve




25/1/2014 at 11:28pm
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There is lots of advice above but damp is the main killer of caravans. You literally need to check every square inch of the panelling. All walls, ceilings and especially around the windows, vents, skylights, doors and lift the front seats to examine right into the front corners. This includes inside the cupboards, shower rooms etc. You can never be too careful because the owners won't tell you a thing.

Take your time and don't be rushed or harrassed by the owner.

A damp meter is a great help but any serious damp can usually be felt by hand. All caravan panelling should be solid to the touch. If it feels soft, spongy, or crackles when you push on it...walk away. Don't think that just because one section of panelling feels solid it will still be solid a foot away. Don't let your heart rule your mind...a beautiful caravan that has damp soon becomes a millstone round your neck.

Another thing that many people overlook are the caravan stays underneath. Unfortunately, some people use the stays like jacks to level the caravan and in some cases this seriously damages the floor underneath. On one caravan I looked at the stay had been pushed right through the floor.

As mentioned, it's an absolute minefield out there but don't be too embarrassed to say sorry and walk away...it's the owner should feel embarrassed not you. Stick at it and eventually you will find that good one but it often takes several months of disappointment. 




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