savingsspot.co.uk The allure of the open road, the freedom to wake up to a new view every other day, and the simple joy of creating your own adventures – it’s no wonder that caravanning has captured the hearts of so many in the United Kingdom. With the stunning coastlines of Cornwall, the majestic peaks of the Scottish Highlands, and the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales all on our doorstep, the desire for a home on wheels has never been stronger. But venturing into the world of buying a caravan can feel a little daunting. Where do you even begin?
Fear not, aspiring adventurer! This comprehensive guide is your roadmap to navigating the exciting journey of finding the perfect caravan for sale. We’ll break down everything from the fundamental choice between touring and static models to the nitty-gritty of pre-purchase inspections, helping you invest your hard-earned money wisely and get you on the road to making unforgettable memories.
First Things First: Touring Caravan or Static Caravan?
Before you dive into layouts and brands, the most fundamental decision is what *type* of caravanning lifestyle you envision. This choice will dictate your entire search.
The Touring Caravan: Your Home on Wheels
This is what most people picture when they think of a caravan. A touring caravan is designed to be hitched to your car and towed from one picturesque location to another. It’s the embodiment of freedom and exploration.
- The Pros: The biggest advantage is, of course, mobility. You can explore the entire country, from a weekend jaunt to a local beauty spot to a month-long tour of the North Coast 500. It fosters a real sense of adventure and allows for ultimate holiday flexibility. You’re not tied to one place.
- The Cons: You need a suitable car with the correct towing capacity, and you must be comfortable (and legally entitled) to tow. The living space is more compact, and you’ll need to think about where to store it during the off-season, which can be an additional cost if you don’t have a driveway.
The Static Caravan: Your Holiday Home from Home
A static caravan, or holiday home, is a much larger unit that is transported to a single location – usually a holiday park – where it stays put. It’s less about the journey and more about the destination.
- The Pros: Statics offer significantly more space, often with multiple bedrooms, a full-sized kitchen, and a comfortable living area. They become part of a community, with many parks offering fantastic facilities like swimming pools, restaurants, and kids’ clubs. It’s a true home from home you can escape to whenever you wish.
- The Cons: The primary drawback is the lack of mobility. You are fixed to one location. You’ll also have annual site fees to pay, which can be substantial, along with rates and utility bills. These are an ongoing commitment.
For the rest of this guide, we’ll focus primarily on touring caravans, as they involve a more complex buying process for the first-timer.
New vs. Used: The Great Debate
Once you’ve decided on a tourer, the next big question is whether to buy a brand-new model fresh from the factory or a pre-loved caravan that has already seen a few adventures.
The Perks of Buying New
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a pristine, untouched caravan. You get the latest designs, cutting-edge technology (think solar panels, superior insulation, and modern entertainment systems), and a full manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind. You can often choose the exact layout and upholstery you want. The downside? The price. New caravans depreciate significantly in the first few years, much like a new car.
The Wisdom of Buying Used
This is the most popular route for first-time buyers, and for good reason. The biggest advantage is the cost saving. A caravan that’s a few years old will have already undergone its steepest depreciation, meaning you get a lot more for your money. Often, a used caravan will come bundled with essential (and expensive) extras like an awning, a motor mover, water containers, and gas bottles, saving you hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The key, however, is to be a savvy buyer and know what to look for, as you won’t have the safety net of a warranty.
Budgeting: It’s More Than Just the Sticker Price
A crucial mistake many newcomers make is spending their entire budget on the caravan itself. The purchase price is just the beginning. You need to factor in a host of other essential costs to get a realistic picture of your total investment.
- Insurance: This is non-negotiable. It protects your investment against theft, damage, and public liability.
- Servicing: An annual service is vital for safety (brakes, gas, electrics) and for maintaining the caravan’s value. Expect to pay between £200-£300.
- Storage: If you can’t keep it at home, you’ll need to pay for a secure storage facility. Costs vary wildly depending on location and security level.
- Towing Essentials: If your car doesn’t have one, you’ll need a professionally fitted towbar and electrics. You’ll also need towing mirrors, which are a legal requirement.
- Essential Kit: A ‘starter pack’ can add up. This includes a leisure battery, gas bottles, fresh and waste water containers (like an Aquaroll and Wastemaster), a mains hook-up cable, and caravan steps.
- Site Fees: Don’t forget the cost of actually staying on campsites!
Always keep a contingency fund of at least 10% of the caravan’s value for unexpected repairs or desirable upgrades.
Where to Find Your Dream Caravan for Sale
Now for the fun part – the hunt! There are three main avenues to explore, each with its own pros and cons.
Reputable Dealerships
This is often the safest route, especially for a first purchase. Dealers will have a range of new and used models. A good dealer will perform a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) on a used van, service it, and offer a limited warranty (usually 3-12 months). They can also offer finance packages and take your old unit in part-exchange when you upgrade. You’ll pay a premium for this peace of mind, but it can be worth its weight in gold.
Private Sellers
You can find the best bargains by buying privately through sites like AutoTrader, Gumtree, or eBay. You’re buying directly from the owner, which often means a lower price and the chance to get a full history of the van. However, the caravan is “sold as seen.” There is no warranty and no comeback if you discover a fault after you’ve handed over the cash. This route requires confidence and a thorough inspection.
Caravan Shows
National shows like the ones at the NEC in Birmingham are fantastic for research. You can see all the latest models from top brands like Bailey, Swift, Coachman, and Elddis under one roof. It allows you to walk around hundreds of layouts to see what works for you and your family. You can often snag a great “show deal” on a new model.
The Ultimate Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Whether you’re at a dealership or on a stranger’s driveway, a meticulous inspection is your best defence against buying a dud. Never, ever buy a caravan without seeing it in person, preferably on a dry day. Here’s your checklist:
Exterior Checks
- Bodywork: Walk around the entire caravan. Look for dents, deep scratches, or cracks, particularly around the corners and roofline. Check for signs of accident repair, like mismatched paint panels or sealant that looks messy and unprofessional.
- Chassis & Running Gear: Get down and look underneath. Check the steel chassis for excessive rust (surface rust is normal). Inspect the hitch mechanism at the front – does it move freely? Check the condition of the jockey wheel and the breakaway cable.
- Tyres: Caravan tyres often perish with age before the tread wears out. Look for a ‘DOT’ code on the sidewall which includes a four-digit number (e.g., 2521). This means the tyre was made in the 25th week of 2021. It’s recommended to replace caravan tyres every 5-7 years, regardless of tread. Check for cracks in the sidewalls.
- Windows & Seals: Check all window seals for signs of cracking or shrinking. Open and close every window to ensure the stays and catches work correctly. Look for any condensation between the panes of double-glazed units, as this indicates a failed seal.
Interior Checks: The Hunt for Damp
This is the single most important check. Damp is the enemy of any caravan and can lead to costly structural repairs. Your nose is your first tool – does it smell musty or damp inside? Then use your hands. Push firmly around all windows, the rooflight, and in the top and bottom corners of the van. The wall should feel solid. If it feels soft, spongy, or crinkles, you’ve found damp.
For a more scientific approach, invest in a damp meter (£20-£30 online). A reading of 0-15% is great, 15-20% is something to keep an eye on, and anything over 25-30% indicates a significant problem that may require you to walk away.
- Floors: Walk all over the floor, especially near the doorway and kitchen area. You are feeling for ‘delamination’, where the layers of the floor separate, causing a bouncy, spongy feeling underfoot. This can be an expensive fix.
- Appliances: Ask the seller to demonstrate every single appliance working.
- Fridge/Freezer: Test it on mains electric, 12V (if applicable), and gas.
- Cooker: Test every hob, the grill, and the oven.
- Heating System: Whether gas or electric, turn it on and feel for hot air.
- Water Heater: Run the hot taps to ensure it’s working.
- Electrics & Plumbing: Switch on every light. Test every 240V socket (a simple socket tester is a great tool). Run all the taps, check the shower, and flush the toilet to ensure the pump is working correctly.
Documentation: The Paper Trail
A good history is a sign of a well-cared-for caravan. Ask to see:
- CRiS Document: The Central Registration & Identification Scheme is the caravan equivalent of a car’s V5C logbook. Ensure the VIN number on the document matches the number etched on the caravan’s windows and stamped on the chassis.
- Service History: A full service history is a huge bonus. It shows the caravan has been looked after professionally. Check for past damp reports.
- Manuals: The original owner’s manuals for the caravan and all its appliances are invaluable.
Sealing the Deal and Hitting the Road
If the caravan ticks all the boxes, it’s time to talk money. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially if you found any minor faults. Once you’ve agreed on a price, ensure you get a written receipt that includes the date, price, names and addresses of both parties, and the caravan’s make, model, and CRiS number.
Before you tow it away, make sure you have arranged your insurance – you are not legally covered by your car insurance for the caravan itself. Plan your collection day, take your time hitching up, do a final check of the road lights, and then… you’re off. The open road is yours. Your very first adventure in your new home from home has officially begun. Happy caravanning!
