Hi, first time "Caravaner" here. I am looking to buy my 1st ever caravan from David McKee in Castlewellan Northern Ireland. I can't find any reviews either positive or negative online for him. Caravan looks good in pics with motor mover and gull awning and price is quite reasonable. I just wondered if anyone else here knows or has had dealings with thus man as I don't want to make the long trip up to see caravan unless I get some feedback as to how genuine he is. Seems like a lovely fella and I have no reason to doubt him, but just want to do my due diligence before I commit.
Many thanks in advance for any help/advice/review!
Before you travel to see the caravan I would ask him for the CRIS numbers for it and get in touch with CRIS registration people to find out what history the caravan has. Just an idea.
When buying a second hand caravan the most important thing to look out for is damp. Often this is not immediately visible and if you are new to Caravanning you may not spot it yourself. I would never buy any second hand caravan without first getting an independent damp report from a qualified caravan engineer. The internet is awash with stories of people who have dashed out and bought a caravan during the pandemic, which looked immaculate, only to find that it is riddled with damp. The first thing I would be asking any seller is to provide you with a full service history and damp report for the caravan before you make the journey to see it.
Some wont service them till they are 'sold'. Which sort of negates why you need to know if they are good before you shell out. Any dealer that shirks away from 'proving' the van is sound prior to purchase, needs swerving.
Quote: Originally posted by malkeiron on 12/4/2022
Before you travel to see the caravan I would ask him for the CRIS numbers for it and get in touch with CRIS registration people to find out what history the caravan has. Just an idea.
Welcome to the group by the way
We certainly would never entertain giving a complete stranger the CRIS number for the caravan over the phone. CRIS registration is not compulsory so no obligation to register the caravan with CRIS.
I would question the usefulness of a CHRIS number, but I would second having it inspected by a qualified technician, if you're not experienced in the use of a damp meter yourself.
Years ago, my brother who had a caravan with a damp problem, went to see a newer caravan with the intention of buying it, this was from a reputable dealer. With the experience of his present van, he went straight to the same location..........and found serious damp. He subsequently bought it, but only after the dealer had sorted the damp issue.
I am slightly familiar with the dealers in NI, and this guy sounds as if he's a second-hand dealer. Of course he sounds like a lovely guy on the phone, all NI people do(lol), but he wants to sell you a caravan!!
Buyer beware!
A used van should have had an annual service and damp check, essential,to maintain the warranty. They have a service book which should be stamped.
We keep all the receipts for ours as the service report shows the damp check readings. Ask to see it.
Newer vans have a warranty against damp ingress which may be transferable if it's been serviced and checked.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Quote: Originally posted by Newbes on 16/4/2022
Hi. I was just wondering how your experience went using the tips mentioned. Thanks in advance from a fellow newbee.
Well the CRIS check does give peace of mind but cost €22 each time, so not cheap if checking a few out! Also it obviously can't tell you if there is any damp or problems of which there is always some. I have travelled north and south and I can tell you everyone will claim no damp no problems etc etc....some small dealers didn't even want to give a warranty!! Another only put one stabiliser down to hide a rocky floor. Another one had painted over obvious damage on the outside and claimed it to be perfect, even though awning rail was bent out of shape and cracked. I didn't use a damp meter in the end as the damp was so obvious in most. Discolouration on walls, soft spots in walls and things like that which were obvious when you know what you are looking for.
I found Tricam near Newry to be the best all rounder but his caravans are a little out of my budget at the moment. I would have no hesitation in buying from him at all. It does seem to be worth spending extra if you can afford it, to get a good warranty and service done. In the end I am taking a punt on a 2nd hand van from a couple who have kept this one in storage over the winter months. No signs of damp, but some wear and tear which I would expect. No awning or motor mover but as I am on a budget I will hopefully pick these up over the summer.
I was glad I brought an experienced caravaner with me who was able to show me what to look out for. Without that help I would have bought a disastrous van at this stage🙈.
I would recommend taking along a service engineer to inspect the van before purchase. They cost around "£200 but can save a lot of grief and even strengthen a bargaining hand.
Hope you have a better experience than I did with Raymond James Caravans, Atherstone. That experience has pretty much put me off buying a caravan off a dealer ever again. Suffice to say I have decided to keep 20+k in the bank and keep my 2006 caravan for a few more years…
Hi, I was just wondering did you go see this guy?? I’m due to go see him too & was doing the same as yourself and I can’t find any reviews good or bad on him either.. which is sort of putting me off a bit..
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Topic: Buying new caravan
via mobile 12/4/2022 at 10:20am
