Joined: 23/8/2009 Diamond Member 
Forum Posts: 10275 Tent Reviews: 4
| Site Reviews Total: | 28 |
|
| Site Reviews 2026: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2025: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2021: | 0 |
| Site Reviews 2020: | 0 |
|
| Site Nights 2026: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2025: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2021: | 0 |
| Site Nights 2020: | 0 |
|
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.
|