Are you dreaming of a mobile holiday apartment without breaking your holiday budget? Then a used caravan could be the solution. But caution is advised so as not to turn the dream into a nightmare. Find out in the following article from Caravanmarkt.Info what you should pay attention to when buying!
Take your time when purchasing!
Plan the purchase of your used caravan carefully and take your time. Avoid spontaneous decisions that could lead to expensive, bad purchases. Ideally, you should start your search in the fall , when manufacturers and rental companies change their models, and take enough time for viewings. A personal inspection is essential to avoid disappointment. And four eyes see more than two!
Individual requirements should be defined before the search!
Take into account the number of people who will be traveling with the caravan to determine the appropriate number of beds and size. Families may have different needs than friends traveling together. Also think about your planned travel destinations and the time of year you will be traveling. The equipment should be adapted to the different conditions, be it a powerful heater for winter camping or sufficient ventilation options for summer trips. Also consider the towing vehicle: Check the maximum towing capacity of your car and calculate the weight of the caravan and possible additional equipment. Think carefully about what interior equipment is necessary for you - from the kitchenette to the shower. Determine which amenities are essential for you and which are considered luxuries. Once you have established your requirements and determined your budget, you can start viewing. Attention during the viewing is crucial for a successful purchase.
Moisture, moisture, moisture!
Moisture is the enemy of every caravan. As soon as you enter, look out for a musty smell that could indicate mold. Carefully check the seals on windows, doors and the roof hatch for any damage. Dents in the floor and warped boxes can also indicate moisture. A simple pin test can help identify damp wood. If the pin can be inserted into the wall at the corners without resistance, this indicates damp wood. The motto here is: check again or stay away!
Go one level deeper!
The interior of a caravan does not necessarily reflect its actual age. The degree of wear may vary depending on the previous owner. But first impressions can also be deceiving. That's why a fine sense of instinct is required! Open each box and turn each pad over. The signs of use are often hidden and only become visible at second glance or at the latest when used. Traces of moisture and mold can also be found in the boxes. Therefore , see, smell and touch everything so that no damage remains hidden!
Fill the interior with life!
Test all electronic components and systems to ensure they are functioning properly. Don't forget to check the heater, chemical toilet, gas stove and other appliances.
The caravan in motion
You should not sign a purchase contract without having experienced the caravan in motion. Listen to noises while driving. A squeaking or grinding noise can be detected as soon as you start driving. This is where we need to get to the bottom of the matter! Outdoor lamps can also become problem areas. In addition to checking the functionality, attention should be paid to cracks and cracks that allow moisture to penetrate and therefore short circuits. If you have the opportunity to rent the caravan before purchasing, you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity. A lot of things only become apparent in everyday use.
Scratches, rust and sheet metal damage
A used caravan with scratches and minor damage does not necessarily have to be excluded from your purchase decision. What is important is the extent of the damage and of course the costs of any repairs. In order not to experience an explosion in maintenance costs, it is advisable to lie down under the caravan and look for rust. The wheel arches in particular are popular hiding places for rust. Stickers should also be viewed skeptically. Have these removed to ensure no additional scratches or damage have been covered up.
Even the best caravan is worthless without documents
Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including the vehicle's MOT sticker and gas system, as well as sales contracts and service records. Check whether conversions have been properly registered and, if in doubt, have the purchase contract checked by a legal professional.
After careful consideration and following these tips, you should be ready to purchase your used, yet reliable caravan. Please share with us your experiences with a Caravanmarkt.Info dealer – we look forward to your feedback! And if you are already thinking about where your first trip with your new vehicle should go, you will certainly find inspiring travel destinations on Camping.Info or Stellplatz.Info , partner sites of Caravanmarkt.Info .
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