Unless you are incredibly fortunate to afford a brand-new, straight off the forecourt, top-specification caravan, buying a quality second-hand vehicle is an excellent, much more affordable alternative.
So, whether you are ready right now to make that investment or else you are simply in the researching stage, either way, you have come to the right place, as the following are four things to check and look out for when purchasing a second-hand caravan.
The Exterior
As you will already know, aesthetics when it comes to vehicles are not of top priority; however, patches of rust underneath the vent, for example, could be a sign that the caravan has not been looked after properly up until this point.
Inspect the roof for scratches and dents, the sealants along the windows and doors, and that the tires are in good condition, and that there are no obvious re-painting jobs that may be covering up serious damage.
The Driving Experience
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure that you at least sit in the passenger seat as the seller tows the van or, ideally, take the used caravan for a test drive yourself.
Before setting off, ensure that the handbrake is snappy and effective, that the tow hitch can move and flex freely, that there are no visible cracks in the chassis and that the jockey wheel can be wound up and down easily.
The Interior
Whether you intend to renovate the interior of the caravan yourself, either now or at a later date, it is still crucial to thoroughly inspect the inside of the vehicle, too.
Make sure that the microwave, fridge, and other appliances are in full working order, that the sink and shower water runs smoothly and at the right speed, that there is a working smoke detector on the ceiling, and that the floor seems in good condition.
Additionally, keep your eye out for even the slightest spot of damp and that each electrical and gas component is working correctly. Should you be looking for financing for your new caravan, then make sure you check out prestigious and established financing companies, such as Auto Finance Online, whereby you can apply for the right number of the
The Documentation
Finally, the fourth section of a detailed second-hand caravan inspection is to ensure you are provided with the correct, accurate, and up-to-date documentation to accompany the sale.
Numerous websites allow you to check, for free, to see that the caravan has not been involved in an accident or has been lost, damaged or stolen in recent years. It is always worth taking two minutes to initiate such a check before purchase.
In addition, be sure to inquire initially as to the age of the van, whether or not it has been modified or improved in anyway, and whether or not it has been stored outside or undercover, as each factor could indicate whether there may be some hidden damage to the van.
