By Emma Dodd
Caravan and motorhome sales have increased considerably as the British public looks for ways to safely have a holiday this summer.
If you’re one of the people looking to get your own caravan or motorhome to have a staycation, then there are several things worth considering before making your purchase.
Dealerships are a good place to start with your caravan search, especially if you’re a first-time buyer, because they will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Second-hand caravans often represent good value for money, as long as previous owners have looked after the vehicle well.
Most models have a practical life of 14 years, so make sure the van you’re looking at still has a few good years left in it.
When inspecting a potential purchase, be on the lookout for areas of rust or water ingress, as these issues can affect the structural integrity of the motorhome and need to be dealt with immediately.
Then it’s important to think about the practicalities of holidaying in a motorhome, which includes what size van your current car is capable of towing, the number of people it needs to seat and sleep, and the facilities on board.
Think about the types of trip you will be doing and whether you need a full working toilet and bathroom. This won’t be necessary if you’re always going to be at caravan sites with facilities you can use.
At the moment, many sites are keeping their shared facility blocks closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and being self-contained can give you more peace of mind and flexibility.
While bearing in mind your caravan kitchen is unlikely to be as well-equipped as your cooking facilities at home, make sure there’s everything you need to whip up reasonable meals for you and your family.
Don’t forget to check out the storage compartments to see where you can stash your belongings. These are often tucked away to make maximum use of a caravan’s limited space.
Any purchase should have an up-to-date service record, ensuring second-hand caravans are in full working order and ready for your first trip.
Dealerships should also offer you a warranty, so any problems that crop up when you first buy your caravan will be fixed without leaving you out of pocket.
