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We are looking at buying a second hand caravan from a work colleague, she says it is in good condition, it is a Coachman.  They used to go away in it very regularly and mostly to the same place - Anglesey.  For the last couple of years they have left it there on a seasonal pitch.  What I want to know is, because it has been close to the sea, will it be rusty, or don't they rust.  I don't know because it will be our first van.

Advise please.

The only bit that will rust is the chassis, but it is galvanised so normally fairly resistant to rust.

How old is it? You need to check it well for damp.   If it hasn't moved in a while the tyres could be a problem.  Tyres should be changed every 5 or 6 years as they crack up.

Coachman caravans are good qualityin build.  However, as with all caravans, ongoing care and maintenance make all the difference.

Rust:  The only major steel construction will be the chassis.  This will be galvanised. It depends how close to the sea; if salt-laden moist air has not got to the chassis, then it is likely to be OK.  In this environment, the aluminium panels should be checked for corroded or pitted surfaces.

Damp:  If the van has stood for long periods without use or internal heating, there is a great risk of dampness.  A damp meter is essential for checking for this, and the internal panels should be thoroughly checked for sponginess; a sure sign of damp.

Running gear:  If it has stood a long time (you indicate 2 years), it will not be suitable for towing without  complete overhaul of the wheels, brakes, etc. and new tyres are certain to be needed.

Age of van will determine how quickly the effects of its environmental situation have affected it.

Personally, as this is/would be your first van, it would be unwise to purchase, without previous experience, from a private seller, and I would not buy a van that had stood for that length of time without regular attention.

Buying private always carries a degree of risk.  From the brief information you have given, I have to say this van has a history of a possibly harsh life.

Can you be more specific about the van?  You post suggests you have not yet seen it. How old is it? Will the accommodation suit your own requirements? 

You need to know what it is likely to cost you to bring the van back into full service, and add this to the asking price.   Then check dealer prices for secondhand vans. You may find it possible to obtain the equivalent van, and possibly newer, for the same outlay, and have the benefit of a degree of guarantee.

Come back with more information, if you can.  You will find many people on this forum willing to give you advice to avoid running into trouble.

Bertie.

If I was in your position, I'd go & ask a local dealer or caravan mobile service engieer how much they'd charge me to go & inspect the caravan. It's a very good make & should make a good buy as long as the price is right & it's in good condition. I've no idea how much such an inspection would cost but it won't cost anything to ask.

BB  

Thanks guys, will print this out and pass it to my Partner.  Must admit that when I was telling him about it last night he said that he would ask them tow it to a dealers or get someone to come out to check it over and we would obviously pay before we made a decision to buy.

I think it is either 2001 or 2002 and they are asking £6,800.  It has a large end bathroom and a dinette, it also included a large awning, which she said needs new curtains.

I don't think that we will be able to see it this weekend though anyway.

Does anyone know what the Lunar caravans are like, I would like to see those first before we make any decision.  We are looking for a decent sized bathroom with proper shower and we do want a dinette as well so probably means we will have to make up the front seats into a bed.  There are just the two of us.

We finished up with a choice of two vans.  One had the curved, sliding shower door, the other was flat and opened outwards.  All else being equal, we settled for the sliding door. The opening door would allow residual water to run down the door and drip onto the carpet.  A small point but worth thinking about.

Bertie.

£6800 sounds a little steep for a 2001 van in my view, for a private sale. Unless of course, it's top of the range model with all the bells and whistles.

Have a look at the likes of Caravan Trader to get an idea of private and dealer prices.

What model is it and how many berths ?

Quote: Originally posted by Ronnie Ainsdale on 01/3/2007

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£6800 sounds a little steep for a 2001 van in my view, for a private sale. Unless of course, it's top of the range model with all the bells and whistles.

Have a look at the likes of Caravan Trader to get an idea of private and dealer prices.

What model is it and how many berths ?

 

**She said she couldn't remember but that it was a special edition.  It is 4 berth, with a dinette, the dinette converting into bunks and the front seats into 1 double or 2 singles.

I feel all confused!, which isn't unusual for me at the best of times.  Mind you we are still looking at campsites as well as my other half doesn't want to tow, so we were going to leave it on a seasonal site then move to another.  He is learning to fly at the mo from Caernarfon so has been spending  a lot of time driving over there at weekends so it would be ideal if we found a really nice quiet site near there then I could go as well.

I agree, Jennifer.  We got £6,600 trade in for our 2001 Elddis Whirlwind GT 2-berth with end kitchen.

Bertie.

Service will be at least £120, maybe £200.  We are booked in for service with full damp check in May and it will cost £155.

If you can find out the exact model you can check used prices on caravanpriceguide.com  .