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Hi,
You indicate that you are buying from a dealer rather than a private sale. That in itself should give you considerable confidence that all should be well with your Van. Dealers, unlike private sellers, are legally obliged to make sure that the caravan they sell you is fit for purpose. You should ask your dealer if they will carry out the PDI in accordance with the NCC (National Caravan Council) guidelines. Then upon delivery of the Van ask to see the written report they should have done to show that they have complied with those guidelines. Keep a copy of the report. The PDI should include a damp survey. If the water system leaks they should put it right to comply with their obligations under the sale of Goods Acts.
The PDI report would normally cover the following:-
Coupling head and safety catch - check wear/damage, and lubricate; Ball acting stabiliser - check pads; Breakaway cable and clip - check condition correctly routed and attachment integrity; Head springs and damper - check operation, security and lubricate connections and moving parts; Drawbar - check; Jockey wheel - check condition and lubricate; Chassis - check condition and security of assemblies; Chassis to body - check security; Corner steadies and spare wheel carrier (where fitted) - check for damage , operation and lubricate; Wheels - check for damage and distortion; Tyres - asses age and advise replacement if over five years;Tyres - check condition & wear pattern (incl. sidewalls & valves), Check & record tyre tread depths, Check & records tyre pressures (incl spare); Suspension assemblies - check operation; Handbrake mechanism - check operation & lubricate, Brake rods, cables & supports - check operation, lubricate & adjust; Remove brake drums - clean & check hub bearings & seals; Brake shoes - clean & check condition of linings (incl. springs & expanders), Adjust brakes & check operation, Replace road wheels & torque to manufacturer's settings (quality control check required).
12n & 12s plugs/cables - check condition & test; Road lights, reflectors - check condition & operation; Fridge - check operation; Interior 12v lighting & equipment - check operation; Battery - check condition, security, electrolyte level & lubricate terminals; Wiring & fuses - inspect condition & verify that fuse ratings are correct; Awning light - check condition & operation
Fixed ventilation openings - check for free flow of air; Roof lights - check to ensure free of obstructions; Gas (usually Fridge but not services unless requested); Regulator - check performance, Carry out gas leak test; Appliances (including water heater, cooker, heating & fridge) - check for operation; Pipe work - check condition & replace flexible hose & clips when necessary; Flame failure device - check operation; Cylinder - check security; Gas dispersal holes - check for blockage.
Inlet plug, hook up cable (when available), earth bonding & RCD operation - check; Outlets & permanent connections - carry out visual & functional check .
Water pump, pressure switch & heater - check operation & clean grit filter; Taps, micro switch, valves, pipes & tank (if fitted) - check condition & operation; Water filter & housing - check for leaks & replace filter if necessary; Waste system - check for leaks; Toilet - check seals, flush & blade operation; Drain down - winter only.
DIY additions - check operation & safety; Security & smoke alarms - check operation; Extinguisher (if fitted) - check correct type fitted & expiry date; Fire blanket (if fitted) - check location & fixing.
Body panels - check & report upon any damage & sealant condition; Door locks & hinges - check operation & lubricate; Body attachments - check security (including ladders, cycle ranks, lockers, aerials, satellite dishes etc); Floor - check for delamination; Furniture - check condition & operation (incl. hinges, stays etc), Grab handles - check condition & security; Windows seals & blinds - check condition & operation; Damp test - carry out & note readings on separate damp report.
If you want the electrics and gas certified by NECIEC and CORGI registered persons then you may have to pay for those certificates but it is worth it for peace of mind.
A dealer will provide a warranty. However, some simply say that they provide a warranty without being specific as to what they are guaranteeing. So ask them what they are warranting and the length of the warranty. I would expect them to cover damp/water ingress. Ask to see a copy of their normal warranty agreement, take it away and read it before you pay the balance to make sure it covers everything that you are expecting. Many folks don't do that and assume that they are covered for what they want. Then you only find out if you are covered when you make a claim!
If you are buying with HP then you are not the purchaser of the van, the HP company is the purchaser. Warranties tend to be given to "purchasers". So check that the written warranty they provide is made in favour of the Hirer (you). For example it may read "This warranty is given for a period of three years from the date of purchase (or hire purchase) ...". If you are buying (with cash or a loan other than HP) then you are the legal purchaser so the warranty should say that it is for the "purchaser". May sound obvious but it is worth checking the wording and more especially if you are using HP.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy your van
Phil
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If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
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Topic: pdi report
