If you’re thinking of buying a second-hand caravan then I am sure there are lots of questions that you may have that need answering. Luckily we are here to answer a lot of them. So if you’re thinking what is the best caravan to buy? Where shall I buy one? is there anything I should know? we have the answers to your questions.
So let’s start…
Should I Buy Used or New?
Firstly, the question is should you buy used and why? Well, that really depends on a few factors with budget being one of the main ones. As you can imagine buying used can be a lot cheaper than buying new. You can find some huge bargains with previously owned caravans and you can also find yourself owning a better spec caravan than a new one for lower the cost – winner.
Buying used is also perfect for first time buyers who are wondering whether it is a good idea or if carvanning is right for them. Owning a used caravan can be seen to be an entry level option to building yourself up to potentially owning a brand spanking new one. Keeping your investment to a limit whilst you find your feet is the perfect way to start for first time buyers.
The value of a used caravan depreciates slower than a new one would. We have seen that a new caravan can depreciate by up to (but not limited to) £3,000 once it has left the forecourt. So if your wanting to purchase an asset that you can get some fun out of but don’t want it to devalue so quickly, then definitely opt for used.
Now, as much as you may not want scratches or marks in your caravan regardless, there is something less problematic if a used caravan does get the odd scuff than a new one. Hopefully, it can result in less arguments and stresses on those family holidays of yours.
One major benefit of buying used is that once you’ve paid for it, it is yours and you can take it away. Unlike new caravans the van you have purchased may not have even been built yet. So you’ll have to wait and even then we can’t promise that there maybe a delay.
Then there is the array of choice you get with used as well. Like most things; cars, phones, TV’s they all have new makes and models coming out and then we are left with lots of used and pre-owned items to choose from. All with different specs, colours, styles etc. So with a caravan there are lots more opportunity to find your perfect van with used as there will be more choice out there with all the different makes, models and layouts that may not even be producing new any more.
Finally, if the points mentioned above don’t help your decision then one thing that will be music to many people’s ears, are that you could get add-ons, enhancements and extras for free. Whereas you’d have to pay extra for these if you bought a new caravan. When you buy a new van, you’ll have to pay for the van and then you’d have to pay extra for the add-ons and accessories. Where as if you buy privately or even with a dealer the van may get sold with some additional extras. The good thing is that these extras don’t actually increase the value of a caravan, they just make it more saleable meaning that motor movers, solar panels, awnings etc could be included at the same price as what the van is worth on its own. Although, private owners would want to recoup some of this cost so they may increase the price a little however, dealers normally price the caravan as it is without the extra add-ons making these extras free. The caveat on this though is that the dealers warranty doesn’t cover these enhancements or extras.
Here’s a quick summary of why you should buy used compared to new…
Why Buy Used:
- – It’s cheaper.
- – Good place to start if you’re new or unsure about caravanning.
- – Used caravans hold their value better than new and depreciates much slower.
- – Less stressful or problematic if someone makes a mark in your caravan (than if it was brand new).
- – No unexpected hold-ups or delivery times, just pay and take it away. Unlike new where new caravans can have delivery times delayed and hold-ups due to caravan production.
- – Lots more options to choose from including makes, models, age, styles, layouts making it easier to find the perfect caravan for you.
- – You can benefit from extra add ons and enhancements that come with the caravan from the previous owner which wouldn’t of been included on the original specification e.g. awning, motor mover, solar panel etc.
Why Buy New:
– The purchasing experience can be a lot more luxurious and nothing more exciting than buying a new caravan and stepping inside and seeing everything looks and smells brand new.
– The warranties tend to be far more superior than a used warranty that you can get with a used dealer. The manufacturer tends to provide a minimum of 3 years warranty with some offering up to a decade on the body-shell.
– Modern features and technology with new caravans including more advanced construction techniques to prevent water ingress leading to damp. Equally, with new models there can be hold-ups and delays in delivery times. With a used version, it’s yours once money has changed hands and you can get on the road right away.
What Caravan Should I Choose?
When choosing a used caravan there is a lot to consider such as, what can you get for your budget, best make and model, what layout and specification are you after etc. All of these are just some of the things you need to consider.
Can you tow the caravan?
Firstly though, other than budget, one of the most important questions when considering to buy a caravan is whether your car can actually tow. There is quite a bit of information that you need to know when looking at whether your car can tow a particular caravan. Information that we just can’t cover in this little section of this article.
To check if your car can tow a caravan or what size caravan you can tow, then use our online tow check. We will get back to you with all the information on what is safe for you to tow.
Also be aware of your own licence as well. If you passed your test after 1st January 1997 and have not taken any additional driving test you maybe on a Cat B licence meaning that you can only drive a car with combined tow weight of 3,500kg.
Berth
Now you’ve done your research on towing capabilities it is time for the fun part, choosing the perfect caravan for you. A good place to start is by asking yourself ‘how many people are intending to stay in the caravan?
The most common caravans are a 4 berth, followed by a 2 berth than a 6 berth. As much as they do exist it is rare to get a touring caravan that is more than a 6 berth but you can find them.
Even if there is only 2 of you who will be sleeping in the caravan sometimes a 4 berth is what many people opt for. This is because 4 berths tend to have more space and arguably less hassle when it comes to the bed arrangements which we’ll run through later.
Depending on what berth you opt for will determine what layout you can get.
Layout
One of the most desirable things to consider when choosing a caravan is its layout. The berth can determine what layouts are available. For example, it is very rare to see a fixed bed in a 2 berth caravan, in fact we are fairly confident this is never seen when it comes to mainstream caravan manufacturers. So let’s go through some of the most common layouts with you depending on the caravan berth.
2 Berth Caravan Layout
As mentioned, when it comes to 2 berth caravans the sleeping arrangements are very limited. Where the key difference comes is to the rear of the caravan. Commonly, 2 berth layouts are described as either ‘End Washroom’, ‘End Kitchen’ or ‘End Washroom / Kitchen’. There maybe some other layouts but these are the most common layouts you see.
If the caravan is an end washroom then the shower, toilet and sink will be at the rear of the caravan and you will tend to see the kitchen positioned on the side of the caravan. The same applies with end kitchen layouts, the washroom is positioned on the side. As you may have already guessed, for the End Washroom / Kitchen, they are both positioned at the rear.
Below are some caravan floor plans to help you visualise the differences.
4 Berth Caravan Layout
4 berth and 6 berth caravans become a little more versatile, as there is a little more to choose from. Unlike 2 berth layouts, all other layouts that are over a 2 berth are described mainly by its sleeping / lounge arrangements (broadly speaking).
The most common layouts on a 4 berth is a ‘Fixed French Bed’, ‘Side Dinette’, ‘Transverse Island Bed’, ‘Rear Island Bed’, ‘End Lounge’ and ‘Single Beds’. The list doesn’t stop here though as you can find ‘Bunk Beds’, and other slight variations such as ‘Rear Single Beds’, ‘Rear Fixed Bed / Washroom’ etc.
4 berth caravans are the most common and most popular. Not only because it caters for families of up to 4 people but also provides better sleeping arrangements for couples. As mentioned previously, 2 berths are limited when it comes to sleeping arrangements. If you want to sleep in a double bed you have to make the front lounge area into a double bed, every night. Then in the morning if you want your breakfast at the dinner table, you’ll have to dismantle the bed again. Whereas, having a 4 berth fixed bed allows you to keep the front lounge area as it is and you don’t have the hassle of making the bed up every night. That is just one example of many why some couples still opt for a higher berth caravan than what they need.
6 Berth Caravan Layout
Similar to 4 berth layouts, 6 berths are described mainly by its sleeping / lounge arrangements (again, broadly speaking). As you can imagine there are a lot more to sleep in a 6 berth and you have to fit them all within a limited space. So bunk beds are commonly found in 6 berths, although not all 6 berths have fixed bunk beds. They tend to have the versatility to adapt from a lounge or a side dinette into bunk beds, to allow for more space and social areas within the van.
Most common 6 berths layouts are ‘End Lounge’, ‘Fixed Bunk Beds’ and ‘Fixed French Bed / Side Dinette’.
Make / Model
When it comes to choosing the make and model there are a quite few to choose from. Some of the manufacturers you may find don’t produce caravans no more. Nowadays the most common UK manufacturers are Swift, Elddis, Coachman and Bailey.
Choosing the right make and model really comes down to your own preference, as they all have their own differences from the specifications to the upholstery and interior styles.
One thing we recommend to consider though when purchasing a used caravan is to see whether it is easy to get parts for it, in the event of the caravan getting damaged. To find out just ask a reputable dealer whether parts are easy to get hold of before buying a used caravan.
Age
Just like make and model, age is also down to preference and budget. The older the caravan the cheaper it is but this can also affect your chances of finding the correct parts. As well as this, depending on the age will also depend on how the caravan could have been built. Older caravans tend to have been built using ply or timber, where as newer caravans uses fibreglass and with advanced construction technology, newer vans ‘should’ be less prone to damp compared to older ones.
Where Should I Buy A Used Caravan?
Should I Buy Privately?
The main reason why people buy privately is because they believe they can get a better deal. This may have been the case however, as information is becoming more easily accessible online more and more private sellers tend to list their caravan at the same price, if not more than what dealers do. Although, you can still find yourself picking up a bargain from the likes of AutoTrader, LeisureBe or eBay.
One beauty about private sellers as well is depending on if they are getting out of the caravan industry altogether. You may find yourself buying a caravan with a lot of extras included with it such as, motor movers, solar panels, awnings, even camping equipment.
The risks you do have though is that you could be dealing with someone who isn’t very trustworthy or may not necessarily know all the answers and may sell you a caravan that isn’t what was advertised at including the year of the van and the history. We have heard some horror stories in the past so please be careful.
Another issue with this route is there isn’t as much buyers protection when it comes to purchasing from private sellers. Unlike dealerships, there is no guarantees or warranties included in the sale of a private seller resulting in any damages or breakages caused will need to be repaired by yourself.
Pros:
– Could grab a bargain and get a caravan cheaper.
– You could get more for your money with accessories, awnings, motor movers etc chucked in with the price.
Cons:
– May not be a very trustworthy person.
– No guarantees or warranties come with the caravan when buying privately.
– Got a part exchange? You’ll have to sell this another way. Private sellers are very unlikely to part exchange your van with theirs.
– It can be a little awkward and intimidating to go to a strangers house to view a caravan.
Should I Buy From A Dealer?
Buying from a dealer is one of the most reliable ways of buying a caravan. From a dealer you’re almost certain that you won’t be mis sold and as the buyer you are more protected incase something goes wrong. Although, this isn’t always the case. It’s important to do your research and look at a dealers online reviews to weigh up whether they are a trustworthy company and haven’t featured on Watchdog before.
With dealers you are more likely to get a warranty with your caravan as standard, minimising the risk of your investment. It is worth checking the exclusions and restrictions on this as well. Normally if a caravan doesn’t have warranty with the van it may indicate there is an issue with the van. In that case we would recommend that you check that they have told you everything you need to know and whether you are getting a better deal e.g. the caravan is cheaper than what the caravan is worth if it was in good condition.
It’s good to know the law offers greater protection to an individual purchasing from a dealer. Understanding your rights as a buyer is invaluable and the key things to know are: that the caravan’s condition must be as described by the seller; it must be fit for its purpose and it must be of satisfactory quality.
Another positive from buying from a dealer is that they should provide you with a PDI service (Pre-Purchase Inspection) and thorough handover process including how to tow the van and how to use key features. Some dealers like ourselves, even provide you with a video as well. As well as this you can expect that the caravan will be prepped before they hand over the keys including a good spring clean.
Some dealers can also agree to fix certain issues before you pick up the caravan if there are certain damages that you aren’t happy with and let’s face it, there is something good about walking around a forecourt thinking what is my next van going to be.
There are some cons though. Some dealers may price their caravans more expensive than private (although not all of them do), and you may not get the added accessories that you would get from a private seller such as awnings, water & waste containers, dinner sets etc. Some dealers buy the caravan and they may include the awning but some just remove them and don’t pass it on to the next owner. Although, if an awning does get passed down to you, don’t expect any warranty on the awning – There maybe damages, that you can’t expect the dealer to replace or repair.
Pros:
– Peace of mind and minimise the risk of your investment with warranties and guarantees.
– Nice shopping / buying experience.
– PDI (Pre-Purchase Inspection) service before you dispatch the caravan.
– If you have an existing caravan you can part exchange it making less hassle to exchange and can be used a bargaining tool.
– The consumer is more protected when it comes to consumer laws.
Cons:
– Any added accessories will more likely be an extra cost.
– Sometimes dealers can price caravans higher than private sellers.
Inspect The Caravan Thoroughly?
Seems obvious but it is always good to have a list or an idea of what you should look out for when inspecting a caravan. Here is a list of what you should look out for when viewing a used caravan.
Exterior Checks
– Check that the tyres aren’t damaged or worn down which makes it unroadworthy.
– Check the doors, windows and locks, make sure you can easily operate these at ease.
– Check that the trims around the van and see if there are any holes or dents in the van that could cause water ingress.
– Is the running gear in good working order? Check the brakes, lights, breakaway cable, stabilisers and suspension.
Interior Checks
– Inspect the floor and see if there is any warping or delamination. Does it feel spongy to stand on?
– Check the electrics, plumbing and gas for any wear and tear on pipework.
– Test the features on the van make sure that it is in working order. Does oven, hob and fridge turn on? Does the heating work? Are there any lights that are out?
– Try the bed and seating area, make sure that it can support the weight and if applicable check the slats and that you have all the cushions to make the bed.
– Check that the toilet isn’t leaking or has a dirty smell.
– Look for any joints and check that there are no cracks.
– Look for signs of damp. Are there any wet stains on the walls or ceiling? Check in the cupboards as there could be signs of damp hidden behind closed doors. The best way is to use a damp meter to be sure.
Do You Get Warranty?
As already mentioned, if you’re buying a caravan privately, we can only assume that in most cases, if not all cases it will be a no. You won’t get any warranty on your caravan, leading to any damages that occur the moment you tow away into the distance will have to be repaired and paid by you. This is why it is even more important to do your checks although, sometimes damages may happen that are unexpected or isn’t noticeable at the point of purchase, but this is the choice you’ll have to make if your buying privately or from a dealer with no warranty.
If you buy from a dealer however, most likely you will be offered warranty but check what is included and excluded in the warranty and for how long for. You can expect a minimum of 6 months and it will exclude wear and tear items such as tyres.
Do You Need Any More Equipment / Add Ons?
Best advice to give you is that you should make a list of all the kinds of items you will really need or want. For example the heating, do you prefer blown air heating or Alde wet central heating? Undercounter fridge or tall fridge? Take all this into account whilst shopping for your new caravan.
The beauty about buying used though is that some add ons maybe already included because of the previous owner. So chargeable items such as solar panels, motor movers etc may already be fitted.
Some items though we are certain you would need:
– Corner Steady Winder / Leg Winder
– Electric Mains Lead
– Water Pump
– Step
– Towing Mirrors
Check All Documentation?
Just like you would with a car, check all documentation carefully before parting with your money. Read everything, sales order, the warranty booklet, all of it.
It is also good to make sure it is CRis checked. This is a service that provides the status of a caravan before purchase at a small fee. It can check a range of things such as whether the caravan has any outstanding HP payments but most importantly it also checks to see if the caravan is stolen.
There are a few signs you can spot to check if the van has been stolen. Sometimes there maybe some damage around the hitch or the wheels where either and hitch lock or wheel lock has been broken open. Ask the seller whether dealer or private seller to show you any receipts relating to the ownership.
Again when it comes to buying from a private seller or an on-the-road dealer you should be cautious of any large, twin axle caravans being sold cheaply. These tend to be a favourite when it comes to caravan thieves. Also, be suspicious if a seller wants you to view the caravan away from their house or premises.
Summary
So now you know almost everything. you need to know about buying a caravan why not get browsing. We have a range of quality used caravans in stock, all with a 12 months warranty.
