Experts Guide to Buying a Used Caravan

Buying a used caravan

Considering what to look for when buying a caravan is essential to make sure that you’re not getting ripped off and are getting a good bang for your buck in the process. There are a multitude of things you should contemplate and examine before taking the plunge, with size and style merely scratching the surface of necessary considerations.

No matter if you’re looking for a new or used caravan for sale, explore our range of quality vehicles from the likes of Coachman, Bailey and Swift, only once you’ve studied our expert guide to buying a used caravan, of course.

What to look for when buying a caravan

Just like you would carry out all the necessary checks when buying a new car, the same goes for caravans. The difference is that there are arguably far more things to consider when buying a caravan, with there being several specialist features both within the caravan and part of its exterior.

• Size: How many berths do you need?
• Layout: How do you want life in your caravan to flow? 
• Specialist features: What special features would you like?
• Price: How much would you like to spend on a used caravan?
• Condition: Make sure the caravan is sold in good-quality condition.
• Warranty: Make sure your caravan has an adequate warranty.
• Aftersales support: How much after-sales support is your retailer offering? At Spinney, we offer this support even beyond the period of your warranty.

Which caravan size best suits you?

Modern caravans are built to suit any type of holidaymaker, from couples looking for a small vehicle for weekend getaways to families needing six-berth vehicles for summer holidays. The number of berths you’d like should be your priority, considering if you’d like fixed or make-up beds, fold-out bunk beds or individual single beds.

Different people will be suited to different caravans, with the decision coming entirely down to personal preference and the question of just how much communal space and extra comfort you’d like in your home away from home. Your choice may be impacted by considerations such as personal garage space, forcing you to opt for a smaller model with fewer berths, or what kind of getaways you’ll be looking to enjoy, with short weekend breaks and week-long touring adventures demanding different types of caravans.

Keep towing in mind

The more berths a caravan has, often the heavier it is to tow, with increased weight making for a harder driving experience. Check how much tow weight your vehicle possesses before you make any final decisions, otherwise, you may end up inadvertently breaking the law or creating a driving situation for yourself where towing and maneuvering feels impossible. At Spinney, we can provide this information for you, all we need are your vehicle’s details.

Though larger caravans are heavier, their twin axles make them a smoother and more stable drive, especially for long journeys. Yet, the sheer size of such vehicles will likely result in higher maintenance and insurance costs.

Consider what caravan layout you want

Not only do caravans come in various shapes and sizes on the outside, but they also feature different configurations internally, too. When purchasing a new or used caravan, it’s key to consider exactly how you’d like to use your vehicle and how you’d like it to flow. Carefully picking your caravan allows you to make and model the perfect space for you.

You may think about interior considerations like whether you’d like a rear island bed or a transverse island bed, and whether an end kitchen is for you or an end washroom, with each choice affecting the kind of energy your caravan will carry. For example, if you’d like a more communal space, it could be better to go for a rear island bed that prioritises a dinette with surrounding sofas, making a cosy entertainment space.

Do you want any specialist features?

Every caravan comes with its own specialist features, especially modern models that are packed with the latest technology. Vehicle qualities like anti-sway control on the caravan can significantly enhance your drive, especially when battling tough weather conditions, while others will prioritise specific living amenities such as having a tall fridge or an undercounter fridge.

Outside of the caravan, awnings are also worth considering, especially if you want to make the most out of your new purchase in the summer months. Full awnings, that extend across the full length of your caravan, have the potential to house extra guests or family members, while canopies provide an outdoor shaded area that invites alfresco dining.

Agree on the right price

At Spinney, we offer competitive prices on each of our caravans, motorhomes and campervans, so you don’t have to worry about getting a reasonable cost for a quality product. Our team CRiS checks each of our caravans to ensure a high-quality standard with no outstanding finance. In addition, we undertake pre-preparation checks to ensure everything from the leisure battery to the wastewater container is in good working order before you receive the keys.

Any of our motorhomes and caravans are available to drive home with finance available over ten years featuring rates as good as 5.9% APR. Spreading the cost of your new vehicle over a number of years can be an easy way to enjoy your caravan right away without dramatically setting you back. We collaborate with Auto Finance Online to help you achieve this, with the exemplary company getting you the best deal on your new purchase by comparing deals with other leading lenders.

Check the caravan’s condition

Making sure each of our caravans, no matter if they’re used or new, are put under the same levels of scrutiny before they’re prepared and offered to our customers, every one of our vehicles receives a 170-point check and a full valet. Once you’ve purchased your new caravan, our trained after-sales team is also available to help you maintain your vehicle and answer any questions you may have, even beyond the period of your warranty.

This means that you won’t have to scrutinise your vehicle for wear and tear and mechanical integrity as much as you might have if you were buying from another dealership. Ensuring top-quality maintenance both inside and outside of the vehicle, you can be sure that the electrics and plumbing are as efficient as the engine and gearbox.

Ensure a quality warranty

Especially when purchasing a second-hand caravan, ensuring you also receive a good-quality, long-term warranty is essential. When buying through an approved dealership, this should come as standard, and, at Spinney, we can guarantee a comprehensive Platinum warranty delivered in partnership with MB&G, allowing you to enjoy your getaway with full peace of mind.

This warranty covers major component failure, including interior appliances such as fridges and heating systems, as well as water ingress for up to 7 years. Such policies can be extended for a small fee, with all warranties coming with proof of ownership, a CRiS check and other standardised documentation, making the whole buying process as easy as possible for you.

Not sure what to look for when buying a caravan? Let us help

Stocking over 400 vehicles across our five branches in Cheshire, Northampton, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and North Wales, we are a family-run business with the needs of our customers at our heart. Dedicated to giving you the best possible service, each of our vehicles receives a 170-point check and full valet before they’re made available for sale, and are even given one final comprehensive check on the day of your purchase.

Explore our useful blog regarding what to look for when buying a used caravan if you’re still after some expert guidance from industry professionals with decades of experience. To discuss any of our vehicles for sale or if you have any general enquiries, contact us now to discover our quality range of caravans, motorhomes and campervans, and explore the outdoors like never before.