Thinking of owning your very own caravan? Looking to take advantage of the value represented by a pre-owned option? Caravans can be quite expensive. Fortunately, you can make huge savings by choosing to buy a used caravan. However, you need to be very careful to avoid buying a defective caravan that will end up costing more to repair–or worse, expose you and/or your loved ones to unnecessary risks on the road.
With the right tips in mind and in practice, you can buy a used caravan that perfectly matches all your requirements. This article will help you make an informed final decision when it comes to buying a secondhand caravan. For a detailed list of useful tips for buying a secondhand caravan, continue reading below.
Start By Considering Your Travel Plans
Having a clear idea of your travel plans will go a long way towards helping you choose the right van. With that said, when buying a secondhand caravan that matches your exact needs make sure to consider your typical or ideal travel plans. Think about where you plan to travel to on a regular basis, the average length of most trips as well as whether you will be mostly travelling on- or off-road. All these considerations will give you a general idea of the type of caravan you should be looking for.
Think About The Equipment You Need
Today’s caravans come with all the comforts of home. However, if you’re looking at secondhand options, you might find that most are only equipped with basic equipment. While this may seem like a downside, it might not be all that bad as it means there is less that can actually go wrong.
A dated caravan interior should not be a deal breaker when buying a secondhand caravan. This is because you can have the interior upgraded with some of the latest equipment, including sound and entertainment systems, air conditioning, kitchen equipment and more.
Do A Thorough Inspection
A thorough inspection is necessary when looking to buy a secondhand caravan. With that in mind, you should take the time to inspect every inch of the interior and exterior of any secondhand caravan under consideration. Check whether various appliances work, including the toilet, kitchen appliances, air conditioner and TV among others. More importantly, inspect the interior for signs of water damage. Water ingress is a huge problem when it comes to secondhand caravans, so be sure to bring a moisture meter to the inspection.
Don’t forget to inspect the caravan exterior as well. Check for any serious dents around the body as well as rust underneath the caravan body. Be sure to inspect the tires, handbrake and hitch to make sure that everything is in perfect working order.
Last but not least, you should also remember to inspect all the relevant documentations that come with the caravan–especially any documentation relating to servicing and/or repair work and upgrades made in the past.
Only Deal With Reputable Sellers
Buying a used caravan from a reputable dealer, instead of a private seller, comes with a number of advantages. For starters, a dealer will have a team of seasoned professionals working in their workshop and sales departments in order to ensure that they offer value to customers at all times. The team should be well-versed in all aspects of used caravan ownership. Most importantly, a dealer is less likely to push you into an early sale, instead giving you the time and space to make your own decision.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used caravan can help you save money while still ensuring that you get something that matches your needs. However, making the wrong choice can end up costing you more further down the line in terms of repairs and risks involved in towing a defective caravan.
Looking for the perfect used caravan for your next adventure? Check out the selection at Great Southern RV today!
For the best caravans for sale in Adelaide, please give us a call today at 08 7282 0990 or leave an enquiry.
