We have decided to buy a folding camper. Would you buy from a delaer or privately? If we were to buy privately what would we need to look out for i.e how could we tell if it was damp?
Its quite a lot of money for us to pay out so we don't want to be shafted. Any help/tips would be gratefully received. You guys have all been so helpful so far
Personally I would buy private. I base that on the price, what you'll get with the camper and availability. Of course if you are buying nearly new then you may be as well served at a dealer.
The older the camper the more wear you'll expect so look out for the obvious condition of things. Check the canvas for mould and other damage. Look under the beds and seats for signs of water damage. Most of the camper is fairly accessible so have a good peak about. Check the front locker as well as water can get in there and into the main cabin.
Make sure you see the camper up before you buy and if possible see the gas and electrics in operation.
Quote: Originally posted by Graeme_Cooke on 27/6/2012
Hi Julia,
Personally I would buy private. I base that on the price, what you'll get with the camper and availability. Of course if you are buying nearly new then you may be as well served at a dealer.
The older the camper the more wear you'll expect so look out for the obvious condition of things. Check the canvas for mould and other damage. Look under the beds and seats for signs of water damage. Most of the camper is fairly accessible so have a good peak about. Check the front locker as well as water can get in there and into the main cabin.
Make sure you see the camper up before you buy and if possible see the gas and electrics in operation.
Hope this helps,
Graeme
I would agree entirely with what Graeme said. If the seller isn't trying to hide anything, they will have no objections to you taking as long as you wish to inspect everything.
With the folding camper try and get a hard top! Conway also check out condition of marine ply floor if u can, the wind up mechanism must have been protected by the zip on sleeves, if the previous seller did not know this water could have got in down the four pillars which wind her up.
eBay is a good bet as is Pre loved and gumtree x
Happy hunting
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There are a lot of good fc's on eBay and a lot of them are from genuine people - always check the feedback and number of feedbacks as ther has been some scammers around.
Good thing with an fc is they can be much like a tent - if it is damp you can find the mould. Make sure it it up, and preferably put it up when you get there. Check the canvas for obvious water damage and mould. Although some of the older ones could have a little. Check under the mattresses and look athe boards. Check the underseat lockers and bottom of woodwork for any water damage signs.
Smell the unit ? Damp is musty
Also see if the camper is normally stored in a garage or undercover ? If not do they have a winter cover for it ?
Finally if not sure - go to a dealers and see the state of some of the olde units they sell, then you can judge a unit against them.