Im thinking of buying a caravan for under a £1000 wot should start alarm ringin on the repair front?
Answers:
Buy from an address that you can validate, not some pikey in a field. Caravans stand a long time without being moved so check the wheel bearings are nice and smooth, don't be afraid to jack it up to rotate the wheels. If you have time ask if you can take off the hub nut covers to check if there is any grease in there. Check the chassis for substantial rust and dodgy repairs. Ask if you can spray the roof with plenty of water to check for leaks. Look for clear silicon around windows and joints as this is a sign of bodge it repairs. If you can lift the carpet, have a look at floor and feel it as you walk inside, you will feel any soft patches easily. Make sure you check anything electrical works, if there is no battery, take jump leads and connect it to your car. Check all the water works fine.
If the seller doesn't want you to check something then walk away. Don't buy the first one you see and never pay the asking price.
Lastly check the lights work as its you that will get fined on the way if they don't and take a numberplate with you and a means of adhering it to the van. Hope this helps and good luck.
that it has wheels
You want to look for any sign of collision, because a bent frame spells doom in related repair costs.
~Because sometimes it is rocket science.~
I would consider my self quite good at caravan buying under £1000.00, most of mine are under £400.00 that i buy. The check list is:
Damp - This is normally only caused by the seals of the aluminium wear out. You can solve this using NON drying caravan sealant at about £6.00, that will do the whole van.
Floor - check the floor for rot especially where the legs are.
Brake rods - make sure all retaining springs are on.
Brakes - never leave the hand brake on at the brakes seize very quickly
bearings - try and wind one wheel off the ground and spin the wheel it should be quiet, then try the other side.
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