30 checks to help you buy the best used caravan

Press, 19 October 1978, Page 11

30 checks to help you buy the best used caravan

We would all probably prefer to buy a new caravan. But preferences and the bank account do not go together, which is why so many people buy a used caravan — some for the first, time some for every time. If you buy carefully, they are a good investment; they will depreciate little and can be used as a trade-in on a new, or newer, caravan at. e later date. It is important to be sure of what you buy, though. Don’t rush the deal, but shop around. Get an idea of the prices and types of caravan within your reach. Watch how different dealers specialise in various types of caravan; and how they present the caravans On their yard. Caravans well set out on a tidy lot' displaying full details of price, terms, and accessories usually indicate a dealer who has his customers’ interest in mind.

Lighting: Location. Bulbs working? Dual system, how does this work? Gas. Are mantles available? Hot point: number and location.

Curtains: Do they give adequate coverage? Venetians? Blinds?

Squabs: Check edges and corners for wear, top and bottom for tears, fading.

Floor covering: Lino. Carpet. Condition? Locker space: How much? Accessibility. Water stains indicating possible leaks? Table: Size. Extend fully if folding? Does it double as bed base? Bunks: If fitted how are they assembled?

Windows: How open, locking catches. Insect screens? Condition of seals. Cracks in seals and glass.

Power lead: Is there one? Length?

We have prepared here two check lists which will enable you to compare the hard facts of a number of caravans. You can fill in the first check list while wandering round caravan yards at the week-end. When you want to know more about the caravans at the top of your list, go back to the yards a nd talk to the principals. Get inside your “top” caravans and check them again with our second, more detailed, list. It is a methodical, hard hat way of making a choice. But, don’t forget, it is your money you are spending and, if it is a used caravan, the original owner must have had a reason for selling. Interior check Lay-out: does the floor plan suit your family? Cooker: check that it goes properly. Fridge: Is there one? Does it work? Gas/electric? Capacity? Ice box. Water supply: Pump working? Location of filling point. Leaks? Cupboards: Number. Location. Size. Do doors fit? Bench top: Material used. Stains, burns? Is Formica lifting? Sink; Size. Cracks? Plug? Location of waste O"tlet. Exterior check Paintwork: should be in reasonable condition. Look for stone chips along front of caravan. Chassis: Surface powdery rust is inevitable and can be cleaned off quite easily. Flaky of bubbly rust is another matter and should be carefully investigated. Wheels: Tyre condition, tread, size, cracks or signs of perishing? Bearings, check for wear as well as play.

Towbar: Rust. Cracks, Socket. Safety chain included and “D” link? Brakes: If fitted, mechanical or hydraulic? Fluid level? Correct adjustment? Gas Bottle: Mountings secure? Regulator valve not rusty. Leads in good condition?

Lights: Running tail, stop, and indicator flashers are required plus two approved reflectors. The connector plug will probably not be on the caravan unless the previous owner has given up caravanning.

Floor decking: Check fOr rot if the caravan is very old. Door: Lock secure? Hinges not rusty. Snug watertight fit. Vents; Roof and high wall vents (if present) should all open and shut easily. Awning: A most important addition. Open it out and find out how to erect it. Look for small tears and frayed spots. Sufficient poles and pegs?

Ropes not rotten? Draft skirt? Ground sheet? Zips? Extras; Will vary. Could include step, stone guard, spare wheel, stm shade.

Before deciding to buy, there is one more- check you must do: take the caravan for a drive. Make certain that your car can handle the size of the caravan. Points to watch for here are covered in the twocar feature in this > supplement. Also, don’t forget, if i you are not paying cash, ' work out a deal that com- i mits you to monthly re- i payments which you can > meet comfortably. Check i the ownership papers to ! be sure of the caravan’s j age and the number of ' owners it has had. Make sure the warrant ; of fitness and the elec- I tri cal warrant are up to ; date. The latter now lasts ! for 40 months. Don’t forget to insure you new ac- | quistiion: $3OOO cover car- | ries a first premium of about $7O. It is essential, for lack of it could be far