Buying a second-hand caravan; what should I pay attention to?
You are planning to buy a caravan. But will you choose a second-hand caravan or a new caravan? In both cases you need to have a good caravan insurance. If you are planning to buy a second hand caravan you need to pay attention to a number of things. In this article we give you some tips to make sure you are well informed.
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Buying a used caravan from a private person
When buying a used caravan, you are faced with a number of choices. Caravans are offered all over the Internet these days, such as on Marketplace. Of course, you can buy a used caravan from a private individual just fine. But there are still a number of things you should pay attention to. Often there are large price differences between the various providers. Be well informed. If necessary, take someone with you who knows a little more about it.
Ask a lot of questions and pay attention to the value of the inventory, if any. Are there any inspection reports? Has the caravan been damaged? It is also possible to have a purchase inspection carried out by a caravan dealer. This can be a good thing to do if, for example, there are no inspection reports available. In the worst case scenario, the purchase will be discouraged, but then you know where you stand. Buying a second-hand caravan is generally still quite a big expense for many people.
Do you still prefer some extra security and possibly more warranty? Then it may be wiser to purchase your used caravan from a dealer. BOVAG dealers provide a warranty on caravans, depending on the age of the caravan and purchase price. This can be convenient. Be sure to inquire exactly what the warranty is for.
There are also more and more people who go to Germany to buy a caravan. Our eastern neighbours have a larger selection, which can be advantageous for you.
What weight can my car pull
When choosing a caravan, you should also consider the weight that your car is permitted to tow and whether this fits in with your driving licence. First of all, you should check the maximum permitted weight of the trailer in relation to the caravan. Driving licence B is suitable for driving with a caravan / trailer in most cases. With driving licence B you are allowed to:
- and towing a trailer of up to 750 kg (empty weight + load capacity);
- towing a trailer of more than 750 kg if the car and trailer together do not exceed 3,500 kg (empty weight + load capacity)
In other cases, you need driving licence E. On the RDW site you can find more information about the maximum load capacity of your car.
What should I pay attention to when buying a second-hand caravan?
There are many different types and sizes of caravans. When you look online, it can be difficult to decide what you want. That's why it's a good idea to visit a dealer first, where you'll find several types and models. What layout appeals to you? How much space do you need? How many people will be camping with you? These are things you need to experience in real life. It is difficult to determine this from a picture. Make a note of some brands and types and, of course, also select on price. Also look at what you do not like.
Age of the caravan
The age of a caravan determines the price you have to pay for it. The registration certificate states the date when the caravan was registered. But this is not the same as the model year of the caravan. Caravans do not have a year of construction like cars, but a year of model.
Please note any damage
Small dents are no problem. But watch out for large cracks and dents. Repair costs can be very high. Also check for hail damage to the exterior of the caravan. A new roof plate, for example, is very expensive. The corner strips must not be damaged, otherwise there is a risk of water penetrating.
Would you prefer to buy a new caravan instead of a second-hand one? Read our tips on buying a new caravan.
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