In my search for our next van, I've found a van fairly locally that is exactly the model and year I'm looking for (2007), and for a bargain price. However, it's been permanently sited on a holiday park since 2008, so hasn't moved in about 6 years.
I'm guessing there is a risk that chassis components such as brakes, tyres, bearings etc could have problems after sitting for so long. I'd have to tow the van approx. 50 miles home, so I wouldn't want to collect a van that is unsafe.
Would I be taking too much of a risk if I bought this van? I guess I could arrange a service on site before collection, but that's hassle I could do without and I could end up with unexpected costs.
If its been on a permant pitch for 6 years chances are its been hammered, Most vans only get used for a certain period of time i e 1 week at easter, 2 weeks in the summer week in half term and if your lucky a few weekends,
If your paying 2k for it to be on a pitch chances are it will be used near enough every weekend so may be very tired looking inside as said above will deffo need new tyres as well.
Good points. I hadn't considered the wear and tear aspect of being on a permanent pitch (and they have kids too). To be honest my gut instinct says steer well clear as there are too many unknowns. I don't mind getting new tyres and a service, but I'm looking for a van to last us a good few years, so it needs to be in good condition to start with. If it were a bit closer to home I'd go and take a look, but it's over 100 miles round trip so I think I'll give it a miss.
Hi,I would never buy without looking first, bargain vans can be made good but with what amount of time and hassle + cost then when done you find costs are same as if you bought one in good nick and ready to go.
If its cheap its worth a punt. Ideal would be to get a mobile fitter to service it on site & cost may be higher than his basic service cost as extra work might be needed to clean rust off drums etc. Also get mobile tyre fitter in to change tyres. All this needs to be reflected in caravan price.
There is a good chance the 'van will be in better condition body wise as it has not been towed high mileages but as pointed out, appliances may be well used & fridge might have shorter life because of that. If fridge has not been run on gas for yrs, burner might need cleaning.
If service on site is not an option then you could see if van will tow, provided handbrake has not been left on it should be ok, bearings are sealed so should not be seized. Check tyres very carefully for perishing & cracks, check wheelnuts are tight & take a pump to inflate to correct pressure. Then if all good take a chance & tow it 50miles home but drive careful & keep speed down.
But if price is right don't reject just because it has been standing.
There is a good chance the 'van will be in better condition body wise as it has not been towed high mileages but as pointed out, appliances may be well used.
theres also a good chance that the body can be full of dents from kids playing football against it when the owners are not in, or the site gardener catches it with small stones as he's mowing the site on a small tractor,
best buy a van that been looked after and pulled out twice a year for its holidays always looking nice and clean in tip top condition.
Quote: Originally posted by albee on 08/10/2014
Hi,I would never buy without looking first, bargain vans can be made good but with what amount of time and hassle + cost then when done you find costs are same as if you bought one in good nick and ready to go.
Oh don't worry, I wouldn't consider buying without looking first. The issue is whether it's even worth the trip to view it if there are likely to be issues.
Just look at the van in & out, the van hasnt been under any stress while sited, Tyres are a must, just check if theres any service history. Plus check if its dry.you can see your self if its been hammered and dents in the van etc.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
The van we bought last year had been sitting in a storage yard for at least 6 years and I suspect it had only been used at weekends as a "love nest"!!!!!
Anyway, we got it serviced before we towed it anywhere and it was as well we did because the damper was total kaput.
Once that was sorted we towed it the 50 miles home, nae bother.
We have since put new tyres etc on it and we have been using it all this year.
I bought a van this year that had been used as a seasonal sited van, yes the tyres were not fit to be on a road but the interior was imaculate, very few marks on the outside and had been serviced every year since new, so have a look at it you may get a good deal, i did. If the price is right and it looks good what do you have to loose, a bit of fuel and your time, I saved over 3k on the dealer price.
Ok, thanks for the input everyone. The vendor says it hasn't been serviced since 2008, which worries me a little. I may still take a look, but I'll bear in mind that new tyres and a service will be essential.
It may have had an awning up for 6 years and in high winds that will have given the awning rail a good tugging. May not have though if only sat in a yard.
I would imagine the bearings should be in a fairly goods shape. Sited whilst new or fairly new. So not years worth of running in the rain then parked up.
If the vans overall condition is good then go for it but get the brakes and hubs stripped and checked.
Making sure the brakes are lubricated and free to move and the bearings spin freely with no roughness.