Beginners Guide to Caravanning - Buying Your First Caravan

If you'd like to view hundreds of different caravans from all the manufacturers, head to a show near you! Both indoor and outdoor shows offer you the opportunity to look inside all kinds of caravans of and pick up some must-have accessories as well. You may also find that dealers will be offering special discounts for caravans sold at the show, so you could bag yourself a bargain!
If you're trying caravanning for the first time, you may want to invest slightly less and opt for a second hand caravan. You have several options for buying second hand - your local dealer, which may stock nearly new and some older caravans that have been part exchanged; online auction sites such as eBay; or classified ads in the back of caravanning magazines or your local paper.
There are certain risks associated with buying a caravan second hand, but by carrying out a CRiS check (Caravan Registration Identification Scheme), these risks can be reduced. Like a HPI check for a car, a CRiS check will provide information about the caravan's history, so you can ensure it has no hidden past.
As well as checking the history of the ‘van, it's a good idea to check the general condition of the interior and exterior before agreeing to buy. Look for things like:

• Signs of water leaks - is there any water damage inside the caravan or damp patches, or even a smell of damp?


• Rust - is the chassis and underneath the caravan free from rust and corrosion?


• Are all the appliances in good working order?


• Is there any evidence that the caravan has been serviced regularly?

Buying your first caravan is an expensive investment, so you should look out for a specialist caravan insurance policy to insure it against theft and damage, giving you peace of mind.