Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Buying a van that hasn`t moved for 6 yrs
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
08/10/2014 at 1:39pm
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View iscacamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to iscacamper Reply   Quote iscacamper Quote  
Joined: 08/12/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   483

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.

Any advice? Should I steer clear?


08/10/2014 at 1:40pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View VangoMan02's Profile View Profile   Reply to VangoMan02 Reply   Quote VangoMan02 Quote  
Joined: 18/5/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3531
Tent Reviews:   7

Site Reviews Total: 21
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1

A service would be a very good idea, also you could need new tyres..

-------------
It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

08/10/2014 at 2:31pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman
View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.

 

Bessie    



08/10/2014 at 3:39pm
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View iscacamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to iscacamper Reply   Quote iscacamper Quote  
Joined: 08/12/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   483

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.


08/10/2014 at 3:48pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View albee's Profile View Profile   Reply to albee Reply   Quote albee Quote  
Joined: 08/6/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   482

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.


Advertisement



08/10/2014 at 3:51pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Ludovine's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ludovine Reply   Quote Ludovine Quote  
Joined: 08/9/2014

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   341

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.

-------------
Freeman on the land.


08/10/2014 at 3:57pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman
View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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. 

Bessie 



08/10/2014 at 4:08pm
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View iscacamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to iscacamper Reply   Quote iscacamper Quote  
Joined: 08/12/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   483

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.


08/10/2014 at 4:22pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Bill Terry's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bill Terry Reply   Quote Bill Terry Quote  
Joined: 19/5/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2197

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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!


nant mill.N/Wales
just dont go there.


08/10/2014 at 5:17pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4
View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.

-------------
Lobey.


Advertisement



08/10/2014 at 6:15pm
 Location: west country
 Outfit: None Entered
View millermicm's Profile View Profile   Reply to millermicm Reply   Quote millermicm Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4665

Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We can all make wild guesses about it's condition. Truth is we have not got a clue.

Some vans on site just don't get opened. Some are used every weekend.

Have a look & make your own judgement. Tyres and brakes would be my only concern . Brakes if they have been left on and tyres cracked through age.

I once picked up a trailer with good looking tyres. 40 miles later they had both discarded their tread.

-------------
Steve




08/10/2014 at 7:18pm
 Location: Lincolnshire
 Outfit: Compas Rally 634
View deltaman's Profile View Profile   Reply to deltaman Reply   Quote deltaman Quote  
Joined: 09/11/2007

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   239

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.


08/10/2014 at 7:23pm
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View iscacamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to iscacamper Reply   Quote iscacamper Quote  
Joined: 08/12/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   483

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.

Cheers everyone.


08/10/2014 at 7:29pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4
View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The main thing is it safe to tow.

Explain to the service engineer that it has been sited for that length of time and that you have to tow it to your house/storage yard/whatever.

Any other repairs can be done over the coming winter at your leisure.

-------------
Lobey.


08/10/2014 at 8:18pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4664

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.


08/10/2014 at 8:26pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

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.




In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














5872 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder