How to choose a used caravan?

Buying a used caravan is just as difficult as buying a used car. What to pay special attention to when buying?

The first question that should be asked by people interested in buying a used trailer concerns the model itself, because a trailer is not equal to a trailer. There are larger and smaller vehicles, with different payloads, with a different number of sleeping places, and with different equipment. A fairly precise definition of what we are looking for will help us make the best choice for us.

Before you start looking ...

First of all, it is worth determining whether the caravan will be used rather for round trips , or whether its owner prefers a less active rest - on a camping site or on a plot . In the first case, small and manoeuvrable trailers, comfortable to maneuver, will work. However, when it comes to arriving at a given place and then treating the caravan like a flat, it is better to focus on comfort and choose a large, well-equipped model.

But let's not rush too much! The trailer must be suited to the car to be towed. If we only have a category B driving license, the permissible total weight of the set consisting of a trailer and a car must not exceed 3.5 tons. Besides, the car should always weigh more than the trailer . A large trailer will require a car that is heavier and more powerful than a small one. In addition, it is worth noting that the lower the tare weight of the trailer, the greater (usually) its load capacity will be.

External inspection

From the outside, the caravan works just like a car. First of all, you need to carefully check if there are any signs of corrosion, dents and other signs on the metal parts that could indicate that the vehicle was involved in a collision.

The second important issue is the tires . Those in trailers are often replaced less frequently than in cars. It may turn out that the tire tread still has the right depth, but the tire is so old that it needs to be replaced anyway, so that you do not have any unpleasantness on the road.

You also need to check the condition of the shock absorbers and brakes . To check the parking brake, place the trailer on supports, then apply the brake, and then try to spin the wheels. If the wheels are spinning, the brake is in poor condition. In the case of an overrun brake, press the catch firmly towards the trailer. The brake will begin to return to its previous position, but it should be slow (the slower the better).

When viewing the trailer, it is worth paying attention to whether it has external compartments and external access to the toilet tank . The lack of the latter facility can make emptying the toilet a cumbersome process.

If the trailer will be used mostly "stationary", the vestibule may be a valuable element. If the model you are viewing has such a facility, it is worth unfolding it to check that everything is in order with the vestibule.

The interior of the trailer

Where to start the inspection of the trailer inside? From sniffing! Musty smells and other unpleasant odors suggest that something may be rot here. These can be decayed parts of the floor, furniture or walls (if they contain wooden parts). But too nice a fresh smell can also be dangerous. Perhaps the owner refreshed the interior quickly to hide the unpleasant truth ... To check it, it's best to check the corners of the caravan, look under the seats and in the wardrobes.

The edges of windows, doors and ventilators are also critical. Let's also pay attention to the condition of the floor . If it sags, the trailer has probably been used very heavily.

All devices in the trailer should be in working order. Currently, it is standard that the trailer is equipped with cold and hot water and a chemical toilet. It is also good to find out immediately how many 230 V and 12 V sockets there are on board . In practice, the capacity of water and sewage tanks may be an important issue.

To be sure that the water system is tight , it is a good idea to pour some water into the tank and then start the pump. The pump should run without interruption. If not, it is possible that the tank is not tight.

Let's also not forget that there should be an adequate number of sleeping places in the interior. Folding beds, bunk beds or suspended from the ceiling will be a good solution to save space.

So it's worth spending some time to first determine the parameters that we care about the most, and then carefully and without haste to choose a copy that is in the best condition and containing the equipment that we consider necessary.