| The popularity of caravans has risen steadily in past years. A recent survey by Caravan SA found that escaping the drudgery of life and freedom to pick up and go are two of the main reasons why people own caravans. Are you dreaming about buying a caravan? Read on to learn all you need to know about buying a used caravan. |
Vehicle financing is a specialised field , with many terms and phrases that are gobbledegook to the average person. Here is a quick guide to what some of those terms mean.
Perform an Inspection
One of the most important things to know about how to buy a camper is to always pay for an inspection. You will want to see the seller/owner of the caravan for yourself. Yet, you should also pay for a professional inspection by a mechanic. This cost could save you money potentially so it’s a worthwhile investment in the long run. If you ask for an inspection and the owner says no, run! Never, ever, rely on just pictures when buying a used camper.
Find Out About the Used caravan’s Service History
It is common for people to keep repair and maintenance records for their caravans. When you are considering buying a caravan, you should know as much about the history of the van as you can. It’s possible that the current owner has paid for extensive repairs or to fix minor issues. You, of course, want to know about that before you buy. That’s where maintenance records can help. They will give you the history of the van as well as help you plan for future repairs. Be sure to ask for service records from the seller as well as the garages where the caravan has been serviced. Unfortunately, not every owner will have a detailed history of the van. That’s when you’ll need to do your own research.
Consider the Brand
very make and model of a caravan (or any vehicle in fact) has a unique history of success and failure. Doing brand research is vital in learning how to buy the right caravan. Once you know what is common with that make and model, you will know what to expect in the future. This info can also give you specific items to look for when inspecting a caravan.
Look For Signs of Mould
One of the biggest nightmares with a used caravan is mould. Be sure to keep a careful eye out during an inspection for water damage on the floors and ceilings. Look at the walls, the corners and the caulk in the bathroom and around fixtures. Also, mould anywhere on the interior of a caravan is a sure sign of leaks or plumbing issues. Shine a flashlight in closets and cabinets to look for signs of mould. Though this may seem excessive, mould is a huge headache to deal with. Plus, it is problematic for your health. You want to avoid buying a used caravan with mould. Or, if you do decide to buy it, you want to get a bargain price so that the repairs will be worth your time and effort.
Consider the Type of Roof
The type of roof in a used caravan is an important consideration. Some caravans come with high top roofs. These roofs are higher than regular vans. You never have to raise or lower the roof with this option. However, it will alter your van’s aerodynamic abilities and limit where you can park. With a pop-top, the roof stays down when traveling and is put up for when you are camping. Be sure to find out which brand of pop-top the caravan has. Copycat brands won’t have the quality of the brand names. Elevating roofs are ones that are tucked into the camper while driving. Then, the roof can be cranked or pushed up to make a sleeping area. There are many elevating roofs on the market. Choose from front, side, and rear lifting. The leader of elevating roofs is German-made Reimo. This type of roof glues onto the van in one piece. The owner needs to cut a hole in the van’s roof to install. Be sure to find out when and who installed this roof before you buy it.
Consider a Converted caravan
The ‘#vanlife’ hashtag has been used on more than 8.9 million Instagram posts. More and more people are buying caravans and converting them to caravans to use to see the world. Many of these converted caravans end up on the market again in a few years. Someone’s finished dream might just be the perfect way to start yours. There are plenty of converted caravans to pick from, but remember that the quality is
Take it For a Test Drive
Here is the tip that is the most fun when buying a used caravan! Take it for a spin. Whether you are buying it directly from the private owner or from a commercial supplier, it’s a good idea to go for a test drive. While test driving, give it some gas to see how the van handles different speeds. See how it does turning, stopping, swerving, and so on. This is a good chance to see how you do at driving it. Does it feel too large for you to handle? Or do you think you can adjust to being behind the wheel? If you plan to drive your caravan to mountains, you will want to test drive the camper up a few hills. Be sure to listen to the engine as you go up. Look for signs of the engine getting too hot or making strange noises. Keep in mind also that while you test drive the van, it is empty. When you are taking your family to the Best South African Caravan Camping Spots, it will be weighed down with people and gear.
Enjoy the Caravan Lifestyle
Having a caravan is a fantastic way to discover the country. We hope this article has helped you know what to look for when buying a used caravan. When you are ready to make the leap to https://www.assethttps://www.assetfinancesolutions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/5-easy-steps-to-refinance-your-vehicle-loan-2.jpegsolutions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/5-easy-steps-to-rehttps://www.assetfinancesolutions.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/5-easy-steps-to-refinance-your-vehicle-loan-2.jpeg-your-vehicle-loan-1.jpeg a caravan, get a quote from us. We work with the best lenders to get you the best deal with our quick and easy process.
