Hi everyone. My hubby and I are hoping to buy our first caravan after years of tent camping. We are both in our early 60's and we have arranged to see an ABI Marauder Gold 380/2 1998 2 berth caravan over the coming weekend. Could anyone advise us on whether there are any known common faults to be aware of with this caravan? Any general tips on buying first caravans would be gratefully received!!!
The only main thing that will really effect you is damp, most leaks come from awning rail but if you push and prod every last bit of the van inside the walls should be solid.
They are basically ply wood walls so any soft bit are rotten. There is no ifs or buts its rotten.
Also any movement in the walls sides, front and back. Any movement , its rotten.
Any thing else can be fixed or replaced like, water pump, fridge, battery, toilet flush. Heating system. Water heater. These can cost but are easy to fix or replace and can mostly be done on site.
So check for damp, any damp areas will rot, this is a very long time consuming job to fix.
check the tyre side walls for cracks the tread may be grate but if the tyres are old then the walls will be shot. Not to expensive to replace but still cash you don't want to spend and always a bargaining point. while your down there have a squint at the chaise for any big dents or twists.
Thanks everyone for the advice. We are now compiling a rather long list of questions for the seller - just wish we had a damp meter. But never mind will have to settle for a visual/touch inspection instead. It's all a bit daunting for us newbies...it is so much easier choosing tents!!!
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Looking over caravans is easy, in theory, same as in cars.
If you havent been already...
Take your time, completely ignore the salesmans waffle (he is there to sell; not advise) and go through everything with a fine tooth comb.
Problem is when buying a van, if from a dealer, is no electrical connection to check everything works. The last dealership van we nearly bought, I made the salesman eat his own words. He came out with that classic line "Oh yeah its fine, everything works...". I said, "Well go on then, prove it". It was moved into the workshop, plugged into the 240V, and low and behold, a whole raft of stuff wasnt working properly. Based on him being a liar, we walked away. Ended up buying privately, and this time the van was connected to the 240V at the older gents house. Lovely couple, selling van to put children through Uni. We got a great deal, bought every last piece of kit he had, and he was happy with the price he got.
I would have a good look at everything, push & poke the walls methodically all along sides & front if you cant find a damp meter, look for external cracking or signs of repair. If a gas bottle is present, check anything that is thermostatic or piezo will light. Check date stamps on the leisure battery (WWYYYY) and also a small area on the tyres will have a date stamp (I think they are WWYY). Battery is usually replaced at 3 years; I think tyres 5 years, or if starting to crack, before next towed.
Let us know how you get on; good luck, hope its a nice find.
------------- Regards
Chris
Caravanning for 22 years
1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0TD & 2004 Avondale Mayfair 510-5L
Previous towcars:
2002 Nissan Primera - sold
2002 Ford Galaxy - Died & scrapped. Good riddance.
1998 BMW 525TDS SE - PEx
1998 VW Passat SE - Crashed into & scrapped
1997 Peugeot 406 GLX - PEx
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Caravan advice please
