Buying a Caravan - Sad but True

MissBehaving

Hiya guys

OH has been told that from January his contract will move up to Gloucester. So, in good old money saving tradition, we have decided that it would be cheaper to buy a second hand caravan and find a site for him to park it, rather than paying out for digs or a b&b.
Also, I figured that we could use it on holidays... ha ha ha ha ...ermmm... not! :laugh:

Anyways, my question is ... We have looked on Ebay and Autotrader but wondered if there was any other sites dedicated to 2nd hand caravans.

Would rather go private as we have already realised that he will get more for his money...!

If anyone has any ideas, that would be great.

rdwarr

MissBehaving wrote:

Also, I figured that we could use it on holidays... ha ha ha ha ...ermmm... not! :laugh:

You really know how to make people want to help you
Anyway, this is actually the last weekend of the caravanning season so there will be some cracking bargains between now and when the new models come in next January. I'd advise going to a local dealer (not sure which part of Kent you're in but there's a good one on the A21) and find the type of thing you like. Then buy on eBay but come back here first if you need a checklist of things to look out for (leaks, brakes etc.), and also if you need help with sites.
It's also worth buying a magazine just to familiarise yourself with the jargon people will use. Joining the Camping and Caravanning Club (or the Caravan Club if you're posh) will also help.

black-saturn

I bought my caravan by walking round the sites I wanted it on. There were loads of them with for sale signs in the windows and I rang them and asked for a viewing of each one.

vansboy

You're just in time!!

A day spent at British Car Auctions Measham, Staffs on 10 November, might get you what you need!!

http://www.commercialauctionview.co.uk/

At the moment 34 entries, but lots more before the sale day!!

VB

MissBehaving

Thanks guys for replying. We will buy a caravanning mag and see what we can find.

The auction in Measham is a little far for us... But will certainly keep an eye on their website.

Will keep you updated!!

david29dpo

are you thinking of buying a static or one you drag behind the car?

ManAtHome

Don't forget to budget for site fees and plenty of winter heating...

MissBehaving

david29dpo wrote:

are you thinking of buying a static or one you drag behind the car?

Hi David... we are looking for a 'pull along' one. Touring Caravan is what I think they call it!

Edinburghlass_2

Touring van is correct

Do you have a site in mind for it to be used on as a lot of caravan sites close now for the winter but if you pop in and see them they may well be happy for you to over winter paying on a weekly rate.

You also may find on some sites people who put their vans up for sale using just a sign or a card in the shop window which saves having to remove the van from the site to sell.

inmypocketnottheirs

The biggest enemy of a caravan is damp. A caravan can be condemned by being damp, yet it can be totally undectable. This is because a caravan is of laminate construction, and the dampness can be between the inner and outer skin, and yet appear totally dry.

It would be worth buying a damp meter (available in the back of caravan magazines) and thoroughly checking around all windows, doors, roof lights and seams.

Make no mistake, a damp caravan is very expensive to repair, and in extreme cases makes it totally worthless. It is only when the interior is stripped out and you can see all the wooden cross members and their dampness/rot.

Just so you know, don't just buy a caravan by looking round it, make further investigations. I would recommend buying from a dealer and ensuring that they make a statement to the effect that there is no damp present.

Good luck!

MissBehaving

Edingburghlass, not sure what site OH will be putting it on. I know that some guys who already work in the area have their caravans parked somewhere... OH has asked them to walk around the site and see if there is anything worth looking at for sale.


Inmypocketnottheirs, thanks for that advise. We did have a sneaky look at one yesterday but it stank of mildew, so figured that was a HUGE no no!!
Didn't realise it was so hard to chose a good caravan.
We arent sure of our budget either at the moment, as it is the first one that we are going to buy, and also, if OH's contract moves back home, we are not sure if we would keep it or sell it.

I would like a brand new one with all the bells and whistles.... ha ha.... wouldnt OH look wonderful with all the other contract workers!!!