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Subject Topic: help advice Post Reply Post New Topic
11/1/2015 at 2:59pm
 Location: Ceredigion
 Outfit: Swift Archway Sport 21 2
View Lynm's Profile View Profile   Reply to Lynm Reply   Quote Lynm Quote  
Joined: 30/5/2005

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Going out with friends next weekend to look for a used 5/6 berth caravan. As we bought our first caravan new in September & they are new to caravanning I would appreciate advice on what look for. I think layout wise they'll know when they see it but what things should we look for like damp spotting, what systems should we look for etc. What should they absolutely have for example alko stabiliser. What questions are vital to ask?
I am sure your combined wisdom would be great. As for towing they have a Merc 7 seated thing that can tow quite high loads.


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Lyn xxx
Harbury Fields March
Moreton in the Marsh March/April
Hawthorn Cottage April
Lamb Cottage April
Somers Wood May
Maxstoke Hall June
Houghton Mill June
Lamb Cottage August
Somers Wood September
The Meadows, October


11/1/2015 at 4:28pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View RogerGoff's Profile View Profile   Reply to RogerGoff Reply   Quote RogerGoff Quote  
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Start off with how much they want to spend & then advice can be offered on that basis.


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11/1/2015 at 8:38pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

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Ive towed vans without a stabiliser and had no issues.

When did they pass their driving test? Pre or post 97?

Is the vehicle a B, C1 or D1 ?




12/1/2015 at 10:02am
 Location: south cheshire
 Outfit: VW Caddy Maxi
View Jax365's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jax365 Reply   Quote Jax365 Quote  
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Lots of advice when buying a used caravan in the 'Features and Tips 'section. click on the link at the top of the page.

Found the link for you:buying a used caravan linky

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12/1/2015 at 1:04pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift Challenger Sport 524 VW Carave
View The 2 Tops's Profile View Profile   Reply to The 2 Tops Reply   Quote The 2 Tops Quote  
Joined: 01/8/2006

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The above "buying a used caravan" link is useful, but I would add some additional precautions.
Ask to see the Service History stamps which should be in the handbook, or a separate accompanying booklet.
Depending on the age of the caravan, there may be some water ingress warranty remaining - some models give up to 6 years, and more recent ones up to 10 years.
However, for these warranties to be valid, the van must have had its THIRD service no later than the van's original purchase date and, in the case of a 10 year warranty, the same applies for the SIXTH service. Also, the other annual service dates have to be completed within a certain time either side of the purchase date, and this info is given in the handbook.

If the service schedule has not been followed correctly, then there is a good chance that other aspects of care have also been neglected.

In the event of buying privately, these checks are even more important. Also, beware of a van being situated close to a wall or fence that may prevent good examination - it could be hiding damage. Also, beware of the owner seeming to be reluctant to move aside from any area - inside or outside the van.

And, if in doubt, walk away. And do not let your caution be swayed by the owner (or a dealer) claiming that there are others interested in buying the van.
Bertie.

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The 2 Tops


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12/1/2015 at 1:22pm
 Location: Long Eaton Nottingham
 Outfit: Avondale Argente 550 4 (2007)
View sooty's Profile View Profile   Reply to sooty Reply   Quote sooty Quote  
Joined: 15/4/2002

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Hi You can find a very good article on buying a second hand caravan if you follow this link:
http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/22440/thinking%20of%20buying%20a%20second_hand%20caravan.pdf

Also There is another article on buying a touring caravan onthat site:
http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/22441/thinking%20of%20buying%20a%20touring%20caravan.pdf

Hope this helps. Remember it is very important to check the towball weight so that it will be in range of the car and also the towing limit. If they are new to towing a caravan the percentage is lower. I think it should be 85% of the towing weight but check this out because I am not 100 at   Good luck

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* * Sue * *


12/1/2015 at 1:38pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2008

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Have you thought about buying a book on caravanning as there is loads of useful information on what to look for when buying and just about everything else you need to know. I found this book a good investment and learned most of what I needed to know.


Caravanning Handbook



12/1/2015 at 11:01pm
 Location: Ceredigion
 Outfit: Swift Archway Sport 21 2
View Lynm's Profile View Profile   Reply to Lynm Reply   Quote Lynm Quote  
Joined: 30/5/2005

Platinum Member
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Forum Posts:   568
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Site Reviews Total: 93
Site Reviews 2024: 4  
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Site Reviews 2022: 1  
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Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
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Site Nights 2019: 13
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Thank you so much everyone. Really helpful. Looking at all books/ sites.

-------------
Lyn xxx
Harbury Fields March
Moreton in the Marsh March/April
Hawthorn Cottage April
Lamb Cottage April
Somers Wood May
Maxstoke Hall June
Houghton Mill June
Lamb Cottage August
Somers Wood September
The Meadows, October



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