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Subject Topic: Purchasing a caravan help needed Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonSusieb57
02/9/2020 at 7:32pm
 Location: Surrey
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Hi, we are looking to purchase a caravan it’s a ace jubilee globe star 2005, it belongs to a family member and has been stored and sites on a site since 2011, as we are new to this what should we be looking for ? We have brought a damp meter to check it out but any other advice would be appreciated as we are new to this...if we purchase it we would like to modernise it to bring it up to date so any ideas or websites with ideas would be appreciated too.. thank you


PersonColin21
02/9/2020 at 9:56pm
 Location: East Herts
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It seems you know the main thing to look for......DAMP! Anything else is quite an easy fix. 2005 is quite modern compared to our caravan, a 1992 model, so other than styling there aren't many differences between a 2005 model and a new one. My caravan has everything a new one has except possibly air-con and a microwave.

If the caravan is free from serious damp it's probably well worth doing up. Caravans are relatively simple construction, so they are quite easy to work on if you have basic DIY skills.


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Best Regards,
Colin


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Persontango55
03/9/2020 at 12:52am
 Location: Lichfield
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If you purchase the Caravanning Handbook by John Wickersham it explains in detail what to look for when buying second hand. That's the easiest solution as to be quite frank there is too much to list as to what to look for but damp certainly is your main enemy. However, what you need to consider is that when a caravan reaches 10 years old many parts become obsolete and can be difficult to obtain, that's why it's important to check everything. Iv'e got a 2004 model caravan and being trying to get one cranked hinge for the washroom door for the past 2 years without any success. I could get one in black but I wanted brass to match the other 2 hinges. The centre pin was missing from the bottom hinge so transferred it to the middle and ground down a brass wood screw to improvise which has worked and luckily not noticeable.





Post last edited on 03/09/2020 00:56:52


PersonRainbowsend
via mobile 03/9/2020 at 2:32am
 Location: Staffs Cheshire bord
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If it's been stored or sited for 9 years, check the floor for delamination if it's been kept on grass. If you intend to tow it you'll need to check the a frame, hitch and electrics. Personally I'd get it checked by a mobile caravan mechanic, including checking for damp. Also does it have a service history.

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Jean

Sometimes a little rain must fall before you reach a rainbow.

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work.


PersonColin21
03/9/2020 at 8:55am
 Location: East Herts
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I'd recommend that caravan manual from John Wickersham too. I have a copy and it is full of useful hints and things.


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Best Regards,
Colin


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PersonSusieb57
via mobile 03/9/2020 at 9:34am
 Location: Surrey
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Thank you all I have ordered the caravanning handbook.


Person664DaveS
via mobile 03/9/2020 at 10:42am
 Location: Shropshire
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It would be worth changing the flexible hose and the gas regulator as these have a life due to material used.
Tyres may also need replacing, although not worn they harden with age and develop hairline cracks, 5 years is recommended life.Date is on the sidewall.
I second having it checked by a technician as they can carry out gas and electrical safety checks, unless you are qualified yourself.


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DS-There's more to life than football!!!


Personiank01
03/9/2020 at 12:50pm
 Location: Worcestershire
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Why not get an Approved Workshop Scheme technician to examine the caravan and if damp free ask them to service it at the same time. It would be a good investment!


PersonMick S.
03/9/2020 at 1:58pm
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If it hasn't turned a wheel for nigh on 10 years, i'd certainly take the advice to have it checked over. Unless its been serviced annually (which the cynic in me says it probably hasn't), then its like any other caravan. Even then, the tyres are unlikely to have been changed to sit doing nothing. If its professionally looked over, you know what you are getting for your money. Family member or not.


Personboff
06/9/2020 at 12:22am
 Location: N Wales
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I would definitely budget for a new set of tyres. And a service particularly the hitch and brakes.


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Personagri
06/9/2020 at 8:21am
 Location: Staffs
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Do you intend on keeping it on the same site or taking it home, if you move it make sure your driving licence entitles you to tow ?

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Agri



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