Buying a second-hand caravan; what should I look out for?
You are planning to buy a caravan. But will you choose a used caravan or a new caravan? In either case, you should at least have proper caravan insurance. When you are planning to buy a used caravan you need to pay attention to a number of things. In this article we will give you tips so that you are well-informed on the road.
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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 lots of questions and also note the value of inventory, if any. Are there any inspection reports present? Has there been any damage to the caravan? You may also want to have a purchase inspection done at a caravan specialist garage. This can be fine to do if there are no inspection reports present, for example. In the worst case scenario, the purchase will be discouraged, but then you will know where you stand. Buying a used 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.
More and more people are also going to Germany to buy a caravan. With our eastern neighbors, the offer is greater, which can be advantageous for you.
What weight can my car pull
When choosing a caravan, consider the weight your car can tow and whether it matches your driver's license. The first thing to consider is the maximum permitted weight of the trailer in relation to the caravan. Driving license B is suitable for driving with the caravan / trailer in most cases. With a driving license B you may:
- and towing trailer of up to 750 kilos (empty weight + payload);
- towing a trailer of more than 750 kilos if the car and trailer together do not exceed 3,500 kilos (empty weight + payload)
In other cases, you need driving license E. You can find more information about the maximum payload of your car on the RDW site.
What should I pay attention to when buying a used caravan?
There are many different types and sizes of caravans. When you start looking online, it is sometimes difficult to decide what you want. That is why it is wise to first go to a dealership where there are several types and models. What layout appeals to you? How much space do you need? How many people will you be camping with? These are things you have to experience in real life. This is difficult to determine from a picture. Make a note of some brands and types, and of course select by price. Also look at what does not appeal to you.
Age of the caravan
The age of a caravan determines the price you have to pay for it. The registration certificate shows the date the caravan was registered. But this is not the same as the model year of the caravan. This is because caravans do not have a year of construction as cars do, but a model year.
Note any damage
Small dents are not a problem. But beware of large cracks and dents. Repair costs can be enormous. Check carefully whether the caravan has been damaged.Also pay attention to any hail damage on the outside of the caravan. A new roof plate, for example, is very pricey. The corner strips must not be damaged, otherwise there is a risk of watering in. n cracks, the repair costs can be considerable.
Still prefer to buy a new caravan instead of a used one? Read our tips on buying a new caravan here .
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