While we hear a lot about the number of new RVs that are purchased, there are also many second-hand or pre-owned vans bought by people who want to take up caravanning. Those who settle for a unit that has been owned by someone else have many reasons for doing so. It could be that a new caravan or camper trailer does not fit within the budget, there is a long delay in supplying a new unit, there is an assumption that a new van loses value too quickly or first timers might want to try the lifestyle in something less expensive.
Shopping around for a second-hand caravan or camper trailer can be a bargain hunter’s paradise or an unsuspecting trap for novices. It is often easier to buy a reliable car. At least it is possible to tell how far it has travelled, detect body defects like rust and listen for strange noises. Also most used cars, unless very cheap, come with a warranty. Most used vans are not provided with a warranty unless this is negotiated as part of the deal.
While caravans and campers have fewer mechanical components, there are items like refrigerators or wind-up mechanisms in camper trailers that can be costly to repair. Also it is often more difficult to find someone who has experience with caravan problems than a mechanic who can check out a car.
Those who feel that a new camper trailer, caravan or pop-top is out of their reach will have an extensive range of second hand units to choose from. But whether they all represent quality or value for money is another matter. Prices can range from $2000 for a 30 year old Millard to $50,000 for a Golf that is only a few years old. Some second-hand custom built vans will often have a higher asking price than new vans bought direct from a dealer.
Prices of second-hand recreational vehicles depend more on the condition of a particular unit than its actual age. The asking prices can also vary greatly because of the accessories offered with the van. Items like an annexe, water heater, sound system or air conditioner may have been added by the previous owner. Some owners may even include the required towing equipment.
HOW TO BUY
Most would be aware that you can buy a used RV from a dealer or privately. But was is not always known that the person or business selling the unit is not necessarily the owner. Often caravans, or for that matter cars, are sold on consignment. That means that owner authorises someone else to sell the unit for a fee.
While there is nothing particularly against selling a product by consignment, in fact it can have advantages, the buyer needs to ascertain ownership. Generally that means seeing at least the registration papers. In most states it is possible contact the registration authority to check if there are any encumbrances. This is referred to as the Vehicle Security Register and can generally be accessed on-line. If the van is not registered, be careful.
WHAT TO BUY?
For arguments sake, we will assume that you prefer to tow a trailer rather than opt for a campervan or motorhome. The first step is to check how much the family car can tow. Usually the owner’s handbook provides this data. If this is not available contact the local dealer or the manufacturer's customer service department. Remember that the towing capacity of the car refers to a loaded trailer, not an empty one.
Camper trailers are more suitable for smaller cars or out of the way places. They can also be towed more economically. However erecting and dismantling a camper can become laborious if you move to a different site often. Pop-tops have the advantage of fitting under low carports or into smaller garages. Surprisingly pop-tops do not always weigh less than a caravan of the same length and width.
HOW MUCH TO SPEND?
Purchasing a second-hand caravan or camper is no different to shopping for a car, block of land or a house. Firstly you need to decide how much you can afford. Secondly you have to find out what the values of different makes and models are. While the first is easier than the second it is the latter that ultimately controls whether your new asset is worth the outlay.
It is advisable that you do not allocate all of your available funds to the purchase. Keeping at least a $1000 aside for possible repairs and replacements or incidentals like registration and insurance is a wise move. The older the unit, the more likely you are to have to do some work on it.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE THE VALUE OF A UNIT?
This comes under the broad heading of homework. Part of this can be done with your feet up while the remainder needs your feet on the ground to take you to different places. Start by collecting a few newspapers and magazines that advertise caravans and camper trailers. Make a list of the different makes and models, the year of manufacture and the asking price. After a while a pattern will develop as to the relationship between age, size and price. These days the internet can also be useful but stick to units advertised in your area.
Next visit several dealers but make sure that you leave your credit card, wallet or cheque book at home. Observe what type of unit you can buy with a given amount of money. Additionally visit a few private sellers. Once you have inspected 10 or so vans you will find that you become quite proficient at judging what is good value and what is not. Until you reach this stage don't even think about buying something, irrespective how good the deal appears to be at the time.
WHAT DOES YOUR MONEY BUY?
If all you can afford is about $5000, you will need to be very careful when checking out the van. The van does not necessarily have to be very old, just in poor condition. For $10,000 you should be able to find a unit that is probably no longer young but still in a serviceable condition.
Spend between $10,000 and $20,000 and you should be able to become the owner of a van built sometime during the 1990s. Good buys can be found in Windsor, Roadstar, Coromal, Jayco, to mention a few. Should you want to own a unit that is less than five years old you may have to be prepared to spend in the vicinity of $25,000. If your budget stretches to more than $25,000 you should consider if buying new is not a better proposition.
Camper trailers have increased in popularity over the last 10 years. Although there were units built in the late 70s and 80s it is necessary to go over these with a fine toothcomb. Prices mainly depend on condition unless it is a very recent model.
Two final suggestions. Always make your first expenditure the biggest. In other words, it is better to pay a little bit extra for a good quality unit rather than buy a ‘cheapie’ and spend a fortune on getting it roadworthy. And remember – ‘buyer beware!’
SHOPPING FOR A CARAVAN.
Whether you visit a caravan dealer or shop around for a privately owned van is very much a personal decision. It is worth considering that the moment you completed the deal with a private owner, you are on your own. There is no redress if a wheel falls off as you tow it out of the driveway. Determining ownership could be another problem.
In some cases dealers offer a limited warranty on second hand caravans. It is advisable to deal with a business that is a member of the state’s Caravan Industries Association. Some states have adopted a code of practice whereby used vans have undergone a thorough check prior to being offered for sale.
HOW TO SPOT INTERIOR PROBLEM AREAS
By far the most costly repair on pre-owned recreational vehicles is the damage caused by water leaks. While it would be unfair to suggest that all caravans that are more than five years old suffer from water leaks, as far as buyers are concerned this is a good approach to take. Water can enter caravans through defective sealing on the roof, around the windows and doors, at corner mouldings or between the floor and the walls.
Although non-technical minded people may find it difficult to detect faulty brakes, the affects of water leaks can be located by nearly anyone. All that is needed is a little time and a torch. Start by looking at the ceiling, particularly near the roof hatches and where the ceilings meets the walls. Move all the curtains aside in case there are hidden water stains. At the same time check windows for ease of operation.
Next look inside cupboards and under beds and seats. While walking about note any creaks in the floor. This could be the result of loose sheets or water damage. If there are any indications that water may have found its way into the caravan interior, don't buy the caravan. Repairs to caravans that have suffered from water leaks can cost any where between $300 and $3000. It is more likely to be the latter.
When inside also check the fit of cupboard doors and drawers. Any misaligned could be due to the van having received some harsh treatment. Although the condition of the upholstery and floor covering may be considered important it is worth remembering that this can be replaced reasonably inexpensively. However items like the cooker and refrigerator should be checked carefully. A refrigerator that does not operate can be costly to fix. It is worth noting that most caravan refrigerators, unlike domestic ones, have no moving parts. Hence it cannot be heard running. This is probably a good time to talk about warranty with the dealer.
FINDING EXTERNAL PROBLEM
If the interior looks as if it is in sound condition, it is time to check out the chassis and the running gear. Don a pair of overalls and with the trusty torch along, examine the chassis. Excessive rust could be the result of the van having spent much of its life near the sea. Signs of stone damage may indicate that the caravan has travelled over rough roads. Also check for cracks in the main chassis member, particularly where the A-frame joins the body of the van.
While under the van check for broken leafs in the springs or worn shackles. At the same time examine the inside of the tyre for damage, gas lines that are not secured properly and electrical wiring that is unprotected. If a jack is available raise the wheels to test the wheel bearings. On caravans with electric brakes, a scraping noise can be due to the magnet touching the drum rather than suggesting a faulty bearing or brake shoe. This is really an area that requires a little specialist knowledge.
Needless to say good tyres are most important for safe and reliable caravanning. However tyres that are in need of replacement should not be automatically seen as a reason for not buying the van. If the tyres have not worn evenly this could point to low tyre pressures, bent axle, incorrect wheel alignment or the wrong type of tyre. Ensure that any rectification work needed is allowed for when negotiating a deal.
If the caravan has an annexe, ask for it to be put up. At least unpack it to check for mould or tears. Check the age of the gas cylinder. If it is more than 10 years old it will need to be retested or replaced.
If you are shopping for a pop-top make sure that you are able to easily raise and lower the pop-top roof. While the roof is in the raised position check the condition of the vinyl sleeve, lifting mechanism, insect screens and zips. External aluminium cladding that has dents and scratches often points to a van that has been mistreated but generally does not affect the strength of the van's body.
Unlike a second hand car there is no point in road testing a caravan. A stable caravan has more to do with the way the rig is set up and the caravan loaded than the design of the van.
You will soon discover that the price of a pre-owned van has more to do with its condition than its age. As a rough guide, a pre-owned caravan that since new has received its share of TLC, will cost today about the same as it did when it was new five, 10, 15 or 20 years ago.
SHOPPING FOR A CAMPER TRAILER.
Although there are many similarities between the way a caravan and camper trailer is constructed, camper trailer have some unique features. The more obvious ones are the wind-up mechanism, the canvas ‘tent section’ and the slide-out bed ends. While the concept of getting a camper ready for use is generally similar for all models, there are various mechanisms used to raise the roof. Cables are common but some campers also use a chain, gears or threaded shaft and even electric winches. Most use telescopic support between the body and the roof.
LIFTING SYSTEMS
As the cost of repairing the lifting mechanism can be high, it is most important that the system is properly checked out prior to purchase. If at the time of inspection the roof is in the raised position, ask the owner or dealer to demonstrate how to get it ready for the road. Observe the ease with which this is achieved and if the roof comes down evenly and squarely.
It is then your turn to take hold of the handle and test the force needed to raise the top. If the lifting system is in good condition it should be possible to turn the handle easily and smoothly with one hand. If excessive force is needed this could indicate worn or broken pulleys, frayed cables, bent arms or simply lack of maintenance. Never consider buying a camper trailer without having personally lowered and raised the roof.
If in doubt as to the condition of the lifting mechanism, have an experienced caravan repairer inspect the unit. In many campers it is not possible to inspect the cables and pulleys without removing furniture or panelling.
CANVAS SIDES AND ENDS
Like tents, the biggest enemy of the canvas is moisture. This will quickly cause the canvas to become mouldy if not allowed to completely dry out before the camper is stored. Check all canvas sections inside and out for signs of previous wetness. Also examine the seams carefully to ensure that the stitching is in sound condition. All zips should be easy to use and once assembled the canvas should be smooth and taut.
BED ENDS
Sometimes the interior of a camper trailer is subjected to a great deal of condensation. Often this has a detrimental affect on the mattresses. Check the mattress covers and bed bases for signs of mildew and stains. It may be advisable to consider replacing the mattress if the camper is more than a few years old.
Slide the bed bases in and out to test the slides, rollers and rails. Distorted side rails or seized rollers can make the base difficult to pull out or push in. When the base is fully extended, check that it is flat. If it appears bowed, look for cracks or signs of woodrot on the underside.
QUICK CHECK LIST
Caravan Interior
* Damp stains on walls and ceilings
* Fit of drawers and cupboard doors
* Operation of windows and entry door
* Condition of hinges and catches
* State of upholstery and firmness of cushions
* Operation of appliances and accessories
* Firmness of flooring
Caravan Exterior
* Rust on chassis
* Cracks in A-frame
* Stone damage on underside
* Broken springs or worn shackles
* Unevenly worn tyres
* Noisy wheel bearings
* Condition of jockey wheel and corner stabilisers
* Age of LP Gas cylinder
General
* Is the layout suitable?
* Can the towing vehicle handle the van?
* What repairs are needed?
* Will the repairs be costly?
* Is the caravan affordable?
* Does the caravan represent value for money?
QUICK CHECK LIST FOR CAMPER TRAILERS
External
* Easy with which the roof can be raised or lowered
* Squareness of roof when raised
* Signs of mildew on canvas
* Condition of stitching and zips
* Tautness of sides and ends when fully erected
Internal
* Condition of bed bases and mattresses
* Alignment of entry door
* Signs of dampness on panelling and ceiling
General
* Is the layout suitable?
* Can it be safely towed behind your vehicle? (most camper trailers are heavier than their size may indicate)
* Does the camper trailer represent value for money?
SUMMARY
Finding a good pre-owned RV is not an impossible task. But it can require some patience. Never rush in to a purchase even if you are told that there are several other potential buyers. Remember there are always more fish in the ocean. If you find a particular unit that is to your liking but you are not sure what to check out, have a chat to a caravan servicing and repair business. It is generally worthwhile to pay an expert a few dollars to check the health of an RV. This can prevent costly repairs later.
Irrespective of what you buy or who you buy it from, have the unit serviced by a professional before heading off on your first trip.
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A large toolbox or other equipment on the drawbar needs the ball load checked carefully. |
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Older vans with hydraulic over-ride brakes require maintenance to keep the brakes working properly. |
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Suspension that looks like this can mean that the van has been over some rough ground. |
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Off road caravans can be more expensive than normal touring vans. |
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Sometimes it is possible to find an old van that is a real gem because it has received lots of TLC. |
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Spare tyres that are exposed to the elements can suffer as much as the ones in contact with the road. |
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With camper trailers the winding mechanism, slide-out bed-ends and canvas need special attention. |
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Reputable dealers will have a good range of reliable RVs. |
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Being able to place a caravan on a hoist allows a thorough examination of the chassis and running gear. |
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Like a refrigerator, it is important to check a water heater for proper operation. |
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