Buying a second hand caravan could be the answer to your needs.  Of course, you will not find off-the-production-line caravans, but you might be surprised with how close you can get.  Best of all, the price tag of pre-owned caravans can be a fraction of what you would have to pay for a new model.  You may even be able to find some caravans for around £500.

Whenever you buy a second-hand product, there are always obvious concerns to be dealt with.  Issues such as security, honesty and value all come into play in a manner which would not be evident if you bought from a showroom.  However, this needn’t be a deterrent from buying pre-owned caravans.  In fact, if you follow some simple rules and advice, you could find yourself benefiting from a fantastic deal.

Above all, when trading second hand goods – as a buyer or a seller – it is always important to maintain a level of honesty and fair play.  Whether it’s turning up on time to a viewing, offering a fair price, or being open and helpful with paperwork, staying on good terms with all parties is vital.  You will find that not only is the process itself simpler and more enjoyable, but also that any future problems will be far easier to solve.

There are all sorts of sources of information where you might find listings for caravans on sale.  Newspapers, magazines, websites or even public noticeboards could all help you find your ideal vehicle.  However, it is easy to get carried away with an apparently ideal offering and neglect to consider the details.  Whatever you see on offer, or consider buying, always make sure that you have conducted thorough research into the make and model of the caravan.  Find out what it’s value is, whether it has a history of faults and whether it has good longevity.  You will certainly be glad of these checks if you find yourself avoiding a dud offer.

As well as general checks into the deal itself, make sure to thoroughly check the vehicle on viewing.  Key considerations include checking for damp, which can be a difficult and costly problem to fix.  Doors and windows are often liable to wear and tear through use, so make sure you’ve checked that all are operational and have working locks.  Also check gas and electrics, and if you have any concerns then ask a specialist to check before you buy.

An often forgotten, but vital, step is to ask for and photocopy paperwork such as certification of inspections and the vehicle history.  Not only is this a helpful check for determining the quality of the caravan, but it can also help with sorting any future faults you might encounter.

If you do it well, buying a used caravan can be the means to securing a fantastic new vehicle for a great price.  Make sure that you follow these guidelines to keep your experience a happy one.  Once you’ve purchased your caravan, don’t forget to insure it with Caravan Insurance to keep you covered.

Caravanning is fast becoming the most popular type of family holidaying the UK.  Lots of people are trying caravans as an alternative to expensive annual holidays abroad. After the initial outlay the holiday cost is very reasonable. Plus with global warming the UK now enjoys better summers, right? If you are new to the caravan game, bear these tips in mind before you buy:

Consider what you require.  Obviously you need to match the caravan or trailer tent size or number of berths to the size of your family. An awning with internal bedrooms can increase the accommodation for older children and/or other adults.

Consider your budget: Caravans and trailer tents hold their value very well, consider buying an older one to see if you like it, then maybe upgrade later on. After deciding what you need, buy privately or from a dealer but consider the following:

1. Analyse the finish on the caravan, this can be seen on the inside of cupboards. Most manufacturers, nowadays, have switched from the weighty and short-lived chipboard to genuine timber
2. The general rule is the smaller the caravan the easier it is to tow. Bear in mind your vehicle’s towing capacity when buying a caravan
3. Check everything, from the cooker to the fridge, beds and windows,  If you don’t you’re bound to find something that bites you later on. Sniff lots, if it whiffs steer clear, there could be damp or it could be a dog or smokers. Caravan smells are hard to get rid of.
4. Check the history : Find out as much as you can about the history of the seller and reviews of old customers.

Caravan and Trailer Tent Insurance is very reasonable, you can get a quote and cover online at www.lifesure.co.uk

If you’re new to caravanning then make sure you take a test drive pulling the van before you go on your holiday.   Towing a caravan calls for a very different, more cautious approach to driving. There are some great towing courses available through the caravan clubs. I went on one myself when I bought my first caravan and it was great. I had a ‘snaking’ incident on one holiday and controlled it without a problem thanks to the course. I can also reverse onto pitches!

The best thing for me about the caravan is that you can just hitch up and go somewhere for the weekend. It doesn’t even have to be far, I use a site sometimes that is only 10 miles from my home. I would much rather have a couple of long holidays and weekends away during the year in the caravan than just one main holiday abroad.

Right now is a great time of year for the buyer, you will save money on the same caravan for sale in spring or summer.