Tips for buying a used caravan
How heavy can your used caravan be?
Before you go to buy a used caravan, it is important to check whether your car can tow it. So match your search for a used caravan to your car’s maximum towing weight. On your registration card, “Techn. max. mass AHW (braked) O.1” states what the maximum is. Almost all caravans have brakes, so the weight unbraked does not apply. If no weight is listed, then your car may not tow a trailer. Please note that the maximum shown on the registration card includes loading. The maximum weight of the car and caravan including load must be under 3,500 kg if you have a B license. You can also consult the ANWB’s “caravan tractor” calculation tool.
Determine your budget for the used caravan
The second limiting factor in your choice of a used caravan is your budget. Also keep in mind the cost of servicing and any repairs you may face. Especially if you buy a used caravan from an individual for a bargain. Of course, with a caravan of around a thousand euros, you quickly run the risk of being stuck with a wrecker. If you buy a used caravan from an authorized caravan and motorhome company, you will pay more, but you often get a warranty.
Be critical when buying a used caravan
Just like a used car, check a used caravan for its condition and any damages. Preferably do this outside, in daylight you can see everything best. The seller must honestly tell you the condition of his used caravan, but you must also do your own research – this is required by law. Damage and shrunken sealant edges between panels are easy to spot, but not all repairs can be seen immediately. Ask.
Technical inspection of a used caravan
To assess the condition of a used caravan’s chassis, you have to get on your knees. A good chassis is essential, as it is the supporting part of your “tow vehicle,” but other than rust, you can’t discover much about it as a layman. For that, you really need a connoisseur. But you can check that the hitch is working properly when hitching and unhitching the caravan. And when you do pull the caravan off its place, you can check right away that the handbrake is working, the nose wheel is functioning properly, and that the “legs” are easy to turn on and off. Also check that the breakaway cable and its attachment are in working order. Should the caravan become detached, the breakaway cable pulls on the caravan’s handbrake, causing the detached caravan to slow down and eventually stop. To check the overrun brake, you really need to go to a caravan specialist.
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The tires of a used caravan
Just like when buying a used car, you should check the tires when buying a used caravan. A caravan stands still a lot, so the tread won’t wear out easily, but the tires can have flat sides from standing still. After six years or so, you should think about replacing it anyway. On the tire’s sidewall you will find the DOT code, a four-digit number. The first two digits represent the week number and the last two represent the production year. Thus, DOT code 2919 indicates week number 29 of the year 2019. On the ANWB website you can read much more information about the tires under your caravan.
Does the used caravan have moisture problems?
Check the caravan for moisture problems. Moisture is disastrous for the interior of a caravan. It causes mold, nasty odors, condensation (even in places where you can’t see it) and eventually parts will warp, rot or rust. Check that all exterior moldings and sealant edges are in good condition and that the windows (including the skylight) and door close properly and that the rubbers seal properly. Also check the seams in the interior of the caravan. Look under and behind the cushions, check that the cupboards are not moldy and that the floor is hard and watertight. Watch for circles and old moisture spots, because if a caravan is stored inside, you won’t find “fresh” wetness. Also be critical if the interior smells strongly of air freshener.
Check the kitchen of the used caravan
The kitchenette in your used trailer hopefully looks neat and clean, but also check that the gas stove works – and the gas stove if it’s in there, and the refrigerator if it’s gas-powered. Does the ignition work and does the gas supply shut off immediately when the flame blows out? Also check the electrical system – the lights, the outlets, the electric refrigerator, the outdoor lights… You want everything to work properly, of course.
Purchase inspection for your used caravan?
Buying used stuff is never without risk. When buying a used caravan, it is no different. Especially for the purchase of used cars, motor homes and caravans from private individuals. You would be wise to have the caravan you are seriously considering technically inspected and have a moisture measurement done – in consultation with and with the seller’s permission, of course. You can go to a BOVAG-affiliated caravan dealership for this, or to one of the numerous providers that pop up when you do a Google search. If you buy a used caravan from a caravan dealer, the caravan has often already been inspected and serviced.
The purchase contract for your used caravan?
The ANWB has a clear model of a caravan purchase agreement on its website, which also includes a guide to the necessary formalities. Take advantage of it if you are buying from a private seller! And on the RDW website you can read all about transferring the license plate – a caravan over 750 kilograms has a license plate that must be transferred to the new owner’s name. Also check that the chassis number is correct. Transferring a caravan you buy from a dealer is often possible at the dealer itself.