I've seen a caravan which is for sale (£950 ono) parked outside someones house for about a week now, I noticed it when I was driving home from work - I couldn't tell you the make only that its lovely . This is my heart ruling my head again!!!
Now it looks immaculate, and its all white and shiny but don't know the first thing about caravans as we've always used a tent. I can't get this caravan out of my head (i've even dreamt about holidaying in it - what is up with me) and would love to go and have a look but don't have a clue as to what to ask the current owners .
Can you give me any advice before I make an impulse buy part with my hard earned cash.
OH says we don't need a caravan BUT I WANT ONE.
oooh, the other thing is we have a Renault Koleos (basically a 4x4 so i'm "presuming" we would be able to tow it ok with that??
Thank you.
------------- x Ann x
People who don't know me think i'm quiet - people who know me well wish I was.
Just go and have a nosy first and see what you think of the inside (and get the make, model & age info - and weight).
If you still like it, you need to check for damp etc. I expect someone will be along later to explain how to do that properly! Alternatively, to check you're not going to be buying a wreck, you can get an independent check done (a bit like an AA/RAC used car check) by a mobile caravan engineer or similar. Do not buy it without checking it's dampfree though (and this involves a dampmeter - you can't just touch the walls and say it's dry!).
As well as the condition, you need to check that the seller does actually own it. Depending on it's age it might have a certificate (a bit like a car's V5) to prove this; and like an HPI check on a car, you can check the caravan too.
As for towing, get your car manual and see what weight limits are specified in it (there might be a few and none of them might make sense!). Then post over on the towcars board all the details that you can find plus your exact car (including fuel type, engine size etc) and someone should be able to give you the right limits for you. There is also a website (whattowcar.com) you can enter the car & caravan and it'll give you an idea of how well the combination will work; but that relies on you knowing the make & model of the caravan!
There are also towing limits based on driving licence. Again (like everything in this post!), I can't remember the details but it depends on when you passed your test.
Point one Any fool can polish a tin box and make it look "nice and shiney" even me.....took a car sorry HEAP to auction once and to get it sold i made it nice and shiney and it sold!!!!!
First thing to do is have a look at it. If it smells of damp inside, or any of the walls feel spongey then walk away. If you still haven't been put off then go back with a damp meter.
Another sign of damp would be pinholes in the bodywork where moisture inside the walls has corroded the aluminium from the inside.
Check for damp is the big thing. I've never done it myself, but I know you need a damp meter. I'd get someone dead knowledgeable (like a service engineer) to go with you.
Weight is also dead important, as you need to be sure your car will tow it. There will be a plate on the 'van somewhere (it's by the door on ours) telling you the MIRO (this is the weight of the van with nowt extra in) and the MTPLM (this is the weight of the van with max payload, ie stuff, in). You need to be sure the MTPLM is 85% or less of your car's kerbweight. Some people tow at 90% or more, I don't. Nothing in law.
When did you pass your driving test? If on or after 1st Jan 1997 you need to take an extra test, I'm afraid.
Quote: Originally posted by chilephilly on 04/7/2010
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Ask to see the CRIS documents. If there are none the van is probably nicked - walk away.
HTH
No CRIS documents can also mean a pre-1992 built van, a continental van or maybe the owner has never held CRIS documents, not necessarily a 'nicked' van
If there are numbers etched on the windows make a note of them or else make a note of the chassis number and then ask CRIS if they can give you details on the van.
------------- Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby
Don't buy a caravan just because its lovely. What is the layout? Would that suit your family situation?
Can you afford all of the extra gear required to properly enjoy the caravanning experience? Water Hog; Waste Hog; Wheel lock; Hitch Lock; Fire extinguisher; Pumps; Gas; Battery; Awning; Table and chairs etc.
Insurance costs?
Where to store the caravan? Is there space in the drive and to get the car in? (Some properties do have covenants prohibiting caravans in the drive...just check.) Is there any secure storage nearby and what does it cost?
Check your cars kerbweight and work out 85% of that as that figure should be the max MTPLM of a van for that car to pull. Check out towing sites for reports on the cars towing performance.
Compare other caravans. Just a pleasure wandering around dealers anyway!!!!
Enjoy
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
When i buy any van i always have a good look round. and sniff !!! any damp walk away unless you are very good at DIY !!!! i am not ;-) under cushions in cupboards underneath and look at the water outlet hoses. bought on once all the pipes were rotten and the water wet the underneath of the van.open windows to check catches get them to show you everything working. cheque all documents look on the net and get an idea of the true price check what you are getting with it and haggle !!!! what they ask and what they will accept are two different things. hope this helps good luck.
Quote: Originally posted by Rune Caster on 04/7/2010
Quote: Originally posted by chilephilly on 04/7/2010
...
Ask to see the CRIS documents. If there are none the van is probably nicked - walk away.
HTH
No CRIS documents can also mean a pre-1992 built van, a continental van or maybe the owner has never held CRIS documents, not necessarily a 'nicked' van
If there are numbers etched on the windows make a note of them or else make a note of the chassis number and then ask CRIS if they can give you details on the van.
That's what I meant to say, Rune ol'chum. Thanks for that.
Haven't been to see it yet - OH is adament we don't need a caravan but i'm planning on going to see it without him
I've drawn up a list of things I want to ask the owners and hopefully they will oblige or I will walk away, also from the advice you guys have given me, one of the most important things to check for is damp so i'll be havin a right good sniff when I have a look round.
My son has just said that £950 seems a bit cheap for a caravan "and if something seems too good to be true then it probably is "..... I will trust my judgment and won't dive in with blinkers on. I know there's no point buying a caravan for £950 and having to spend £1000 doing it up.
Now, if I do buy it - when do I tell OH we own a caravan
------------- x Ann x
People who don't know me think i'm quiet - people who know me well wish I was.
Hello, oooo you sound so excited as well, TODAY our friends have bought a 1990,,,,20 year old van, and its lovely, so there is some bargains out there, we went with them as we already have a van, so could guide them as much as possible, we did spend all weekend looking at some terrible vans before finding this one though, so go in with your eyes wide open, ask lots of questions,,,,like you said sniff about, move all the cushions etc, lots and lots of luck,,,,and as for telling your other half,,,,,after a few beers.....and maybe abit of 'passion', tell him how exciting it would be in a caravan,,,hehehe x
------------- wishing everyone,,,,what you would wish for yourselves x
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Topic: Help - seen a caravan but need advice pls
. This is my heart ruling my head again!!!
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