How Long Do Touring Caravans Last?

When you purchase a caravan you do so with the hope that it will last for years and hold its value, but you’ll also question ‘How long do caravans last?’. Indeed, no two caravans are made the same, meaning some are more liable to requiring regular maintenance than others. So, no matter if you’re considering buying your first caravan or are looking for an upgrade, this blog will delve into the topic of how long your touring caravan will last.

When you buy through Spinney you can be sure of the very best quality, selling only the most reliable, durable and long-lasting caravans on the market. Suiting every kind of budget, we offer new caravans for sale alongside used caravans, with every single vehicle that comes through our door being thoroughly quality-controlled and fairly priced.

But, we don’t just sell caravans. At Spinney we are experts in the leisure vehicle market, providing a range of exemplary motorhomes and versatile campervans to go alongside our caravans, awning options, accessories and much more. No matter what you need, our team of industry experts have the insight to help guide your purchase.

So, while you consider buying a used or a new caravan, let’s delve into how long your new purchase might last.

So, how long do touring caravans last?

It’s difficult to put a definitive figure on the average lifespan of a touring caravan since it can greatly vary depending on factors such as age and the diligence of your maintenance. On average, however, you can usually enjoy around 15-20 years of caravan usage before you may be forced into replacing it due to the regular occurrence of major issues.

This figure, however, is entirely dependent on several factors, with some customers being able to enjoy their caravans for multiple decades having consistently given their vehicle much-needed TLC throughout the course of its lifetime. On the other hand, those who don’t take regular care of their vehicles and improperly store them over the winter will experience multiple issues – reducing the lifespan of their caravan.

Modern caravan build quality

In line with modern advancements in technology and manufacturing, the latest and greatest caravan models have a far better build quality than their predecessors. Constructed with cutting-edge materials, modern caravans from the industry’s very best brands utilise unique ways to protect their structural integrity and ensure the security of the vehicle.

Bailey of Bristol: Bailey caravans are unlike any other type on the market, offering an innovative Alu-Tech shell that uses an interlocking aluminium framework that promises unparalleled durability.

Coachman: The Hull-based caravan brand Coachman opts for a building technique named Advanced Bonded Technology (ABT) that connects materials using specialist adhesives that protect against water ingress and improve durability. So confident in their build quality Coachman offers a 10-year water ingress warranty.

Swift: Swift has been using SMART construction for over a decade, with their technique improving the overall structural integrity and weather resistance of their vehicles. The process involves using ‘PURe’, a robust polyurethane-based material that’s impervious to water. To see the results, just browse their impressive Swift Escape range.

What can impact caravan longevity?

Every caravan is different from the next, with several factors affecting how long the vehicle might last. Just some of these factors include:

Age and build quality

Older caravans tend not to last quite as long as newer models, with construction practices and industry-standard building materials changing considerably over the years.

Speaking of age, old caravans were known to be made from wood, which was prone to dampness, mould and rot. On the other hand, modern vehicles prefer the use of more durable materials such as composite wood, fibreglass and aluminium which are built to last. Just consider the innovation of Bailey’s previously discussed Alu-Tech shell.

If you’re on the search for the very latest cutting-edge vehicle, consider visiting some of the UK’s most popular caravan shows.

Level of Maintenance

Although your caravan might be in perfect condition when you purchase it, it will need ongoing maintenance to make sure that it’s still running at its very best. By keeping a keen eye on such possible issues as water ingress and worn tyres, you can monitor the ongoing maintenance of your caravan, keeping it as fresh as possible for as long as possible.

Usage

You’d think that if you rarely use your caravan then it would maintain its quality for longer, but this isn’t necessarily the truth. In fact, consistent usage of your vehicle will exercise the components and may even lead to the caravan lasting longer. If longevity is your goal, you’ll want to balance your caravan’s usage, operating it fairly frequently while keeping it properly stored when not in use.

Storage and improper operation

It’s important to always follow manufacturer recommendations when using and storing your caravan. Several issues can occur when improper and excessive weight is put on the vehicle, for example, leading to an accelerated rate of wear and tear in addition to difficulties towing the actual caravan itself.

Care should also be taken when storing the caravan, and, where possible, these vehicles should be kept in a garage. However, if this is not an option, it’s well worth investing in a high-quality caravan cover that will protect it from rain, snow, UV rays and much more.

Signs of wear and tear you shouldn’t ignore

Whether you use your caravan every weekend or every month, it is worth giving your vehicle a proper evaluation on a regular basis. This includes an interior and an exterior check. By performing this, you will become familiar with how your caravan should look and feel, making you more perceptive when things go wrong, and allowing you to quickly ascertain and fix the problem. Caravans generally require less maintenance than motorhomes, however, with this being a key deciding factor between the two vehicle types.

Some signs of wear and tear are more urgent than others, so you shouldn’t turn a blind eye when you see the following issues:

• Breakaway cable wear: A faulty breakaway cable could affect how your caravan brakes.
• Damaged seals: Cracked or broken seals can lead to water ingress.
• Gas leaks: Gas odours shouldn’t be ignored, faulty gas-reliant appliances can lead to additional damages and even fires.
• Rust: The discovery of rust, particularly on the chassis, should be immediately addressed.
• Soft flooring: Soft or spongy flooring can be a sign of water ingress.
• Tyre damage: Large loads can detrimentally affect a caravan’s tyres. Damaged or worn tyres should be replaced.  
• Water Ingress:  Having an annual service will help this to be spotted early, preventing large areas of rot from occurring.

If you’re a caravan owner and you’re worried about the ongoing maintenance of your vehicle or are a new customer looking to make a purchase, ask the dealership or owner for a CRiS check.

How to help your caravan last longer

Just because you’ve bought a brand new caravan doesn’t mean you won’t have to put any work in to keep it in great nick. Regular weekly checks will help the vehicle to last longer, especially if you’re keeping a lookout for the essential issues that we listed in the previous section. But, in addition to these checks, you should also consider:

• Regular interior cleaning of the vehicle and washing and waxing of the exterior.
• Monitoring tyre pressure.
• The use of disposable dehumidifiers when the caravan is in storage.
• The lubrication of any moving parts.
• The use of a caravan cover when not in use.
• Using anti-rust treatment where necessary.
• Seat covers to protect the upholstery.
• Plugging caravan-related batteries into a charger when not in use.

The importance of annual maintenance checks

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when striving to upkeep the quality of your caravan is annual maintenance checks that ensure faults, particularly water ingress, don’t go undiagnosed for too long. Spinney can be an easy solution for this, with our service plans, including a full engine service and a water ingress report, ensuring that you’re fully covered.

Are new caravans more durable than old caravans?

Although you sometimes see old caravan models still in use on the roads, put simply, new caravans are far more durable than they used to be. Primarily this is due to the materials used in their construction. Where old caravans used to be made with wood that was susceptible to rot, new vehicles are instead created with composite wood among other materials.

For the uninitiated, composite wood is a manufactured material that is created by using wood fibres alongside other more durable substances like plastic. This material is more resistant to warping and rot, meaning such caravans are far more likely to stand the test of time. If you’re looking for vehicles that last, why not explore Swift’s impressive caravan range, which includes models that vary from two to six berths?

Do caravans depreciate with age?

Yes, new caravans, in particular, depreciate year-on-year with age at a rate of approximately 10-15%, depending on the make and model.

With this being said, rarely do caravans cost an increasing amount of money to operate. You may find, however, if you have an old caravan or have renovated a caravan based on an old model the replacement parts become more difficult and more expensive to source. If your caravan is truly old, parts may even become discontinued.

So, are touring caravans a good investment?

If you’re wondering ‘How long do touring caravans last’, it’s likely that you’re also pondering whether they are a good investment that will hold their money and maintain your interest. Exactly whether they are a good investment will depend entirely on the user, with some people taking to the caravan lifestyle like a duck to water, while others find it more challenging. Ultimately, seeing caravans as a worthy investment will come down to the following questions.

• What is the initial cost? Is it an affordable option?
• Can you afford the ongoing costs of operation and maintenance?
• Your caravan will depreciate in value over time, have you factored this in?
• Will the money you save on accommodation outweigh your losses on operation and maintenance?
• How much will you use the caravan? Will you get a good return on your investment?
• How much do you predict you’ll be able to sell it for?

As caravan experts, we’re quick to shout their praises. Indeed, it’s certainly true that if you have factored these questions into your buying process and believe your usage will outweigh expenditure, then purchasing a caravan could entirely change how you experience the outdoors. Also, if you’ve been searching for the best place to sell your caravan, don’t forget that at Spinney we’ll always offer quality prices on all used vehicles.

Still questioning where you should purchase your caravan from? Maybe our over 1000 5-star TrustPilot reviews will change your mind. 

Looking for quality caravans that stand the test of time?

Ready to invest in a caravan and transform your open-road adventures? Explore our range of caravans for sale at Spinney and choose from our hand-picked selection, including immaculate models from the likes of Bailey, Swift and Coachman caravans. But, if a range is what you’re after, we’re constantly receiving unique, used caravans that are ready for a new countryside escapade.

As well as supplying new and used caravans for sale, we also strive to make sure that your current vehicle is built to stand the test of time. Our thorough caravan servicing involves a habitational check, focusing on gas checks, water ingress levels and much more to make sure that your vehicle is protected from long-term harm and stays within its warranty period.

Think you’ve found the caravan for you? Or, need a service for your current vehicle? Contact Spinney to get started and we’ll be happy to help guide your purchase or advise the best level of caravan servicing for you. But, if you prefer face-to-face interaction, why not visit us in person by visiting one of our many branches across the north of England?

If you need a complete rethink, don’t forget, we don’t just offer caravans. At Spinney, we’re a one-stop shop for everything, including used motorhomes and second-hand campervans, too. Whatever leisure vehicle you desire, at Spinney we can help.