What do I need to know about buying a caravan?

What do I need to know about buying a caravan?

On top of this there are various caravan-specific checks to consider:

• Are there any cracks in the chassis?
• Is the axle in good condition?
• Does everything look as it should underneath the van: wiring, piping, etc?
• Is the van’s handbrake effective?
• Does the tow hitch move freely?

When’s the best time to buy a caravan?

The best time to buy a brand-new caravan is in the winter. This is when dealerships secure fewer sales and may be willing to do a better deal. Spring is the time least recommended to buy new. Normally in the summer months, there are more second-hand caravans available.

What is the best size caravan to buy?

There are small family caravans, but generally you should be looking at something around 20-22ft long to co-exist happily on a long trip. If it’s just you and your partner, you can lop off a little length and settle for something from 18ft 6in to 21ft 6in.

Can you negotiate on a caravan?

When you’ve found the van you want (and it’s in dealer stock) then there’s nothing wrong with haggling. Provided you’re respectful and not aggressive about it, negotiating a better deal won’t upset a dealer or make him not sell the van to you – you won’t be the first or the last customer to haggle on a caravan deal.

What can go wrong with a caravan?

Caravan Maintenance Mistakes

• Neglecting Window Seals. Weather sealing and insulating your caravan’s windows will keep the air inside healthy for you and the caravan.
• Misusing the Fridge.
• Skipping Cleanings.
• Not Maintaining Tyres.
• Overloading.
• Undervaluing Safety and Preparation.
• Not Stowing Properly.

What is the best caravan brand?

Coachman has had a successful year, being crowned the best overall caravan manufacturer at our Owner Satisfaction Awards, achieving a superb rating of 89.6%.

How do I value a caravan?

If a caravan is being bought or sold privately then the value tends to be around the average price. They are sold as they are, no added value is added on. If you are trading a caravan in at a dealership you should expect less than the market value.

What is the average lifespan of a caravan?

around 14 years
Most experts agree that the practical lifespan of a caravan is around 14 years, and that’s for one that’s been properly maintained.

Should I buy a caravan from a dealership or private dealer?

Using a reputable dealer is essential. Buying from a ‘pop-up’ caravan dealership on an old petrol forecourt could be just as risky as buying privately, and you may not make the financial savings either. You can get more caravan for your money by buying privately. Prices could easily be 10-20% cheaper than a dealership.

How can I get more for my money on a caravan?

You can get more caravan for your money by buying privately. Prices could easily be 10-20% cheaper than a dealership. You get to meet the owner and can quickly gauge what type of person they are and how they’ve looked after the van.

Where can I buy a used caravan for sale?

Visit a few dealerships and have a look around their ‘used’ section to get an idea of what’s available. Get in the vans, think how you would live in that space to see if that floorplan will suit you. Scour private adverts, too, as well as Practical Caravan ’s used caravans for sale pages.

What size caravan do I need for my holiday?

A 2 berth caravan should give you plenty of space. Do you have a big family and/or are planning to take friends on your caravan holiday? A family-size 6 berth caravan will be best for you. If you are going for a smaller caravan but would like some extra space, you can make use of an awning.