What to look out for when buying a used caravan or motorhome

Рет қаралды 77,710

3 жыл бұрын

Another video on in our helpful video series this time looking at some of the caravans we have at our yard and what we picked up on when buying them.
We have been meaning to make this for a while and hope to make more in depth videos looking at the individual issues summarised by this video.
This could seriously help you when buying a used caravan or motorhome.
If you like our videos do subscribe, hit the bell notification icon and give us a thumbs up as we hear it'll help us out :)
Check out our other videos to see other helpful information about caravans and motorhomes.
www.caravansource.co.uk

Пікірлер: 95

@truckeryogi_6637 6 күн бұрын

So glad I came across this video. Could save us a few thousand in repairs

@duncancameron9734 Жыл бұрын

Love your honesty. Totally refreshing to hear it from a sincere professional perspective.

@eddieboston256 3 жыл бұрын

Bought a 1995 Abbey Chorus as a starter van without absolutely any knowledge of what we should look for…..we got lucky, very lucky … the van is dry … and no issues with any of the things pointed out in video….. but we love it so much and are going to upgrade and now know what things to look out for. So thanks very much for the tips and advice they’ll I’ve no doubt be invaluable 👍

@lesleyleese8035 3 жыл бұрын

Quite simply, the best and most informative video I've seen on this subject!.....(and I've watched loads)...superb!!

@CaravanSource 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your encouragement. :)

@pulsenation 10 күн бұрын

I’m in creases watching the second part of the video with regards to the elderly ladies caravan… 😂😂😂 Will be popping over to see you tomorrow, going to put some business your way. 👍🏻

@CaravanEscapades101 3 жыл бұрын

Great Vid thanks for sharing, useful information for all those buying caravans not only for the first time.

@lessimpsonarronkerrykirsty2622 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, really informative and honest. Thanks.

@craigwilson7864 11 ай бұрын

Best channel on youtube we're just looking at buying our first caravan this has been really helpful

@mikekeith2474 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, really informative keep up the great work.

@mikekinsella7575 3 жыл бұрын

Really excellent video, best I have seen by far on this stuff. Well done. Mike in Ireland.

@MrBlackpool1234 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent advise Thank you.

@stevenrandell8351 2 жыл бұрын

Very good of yet so shows all the things that you have halen glad to see what you have shown us thank you

@grahamunderwood9353 Жыл бұрын

thank you for the heads up quite an eye opener for sure

@stevenbouchie521 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the knowledge I really appreciate the help

@jamesturner9028 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and advice thanks for sharing keep up with the good work thank you

@stevedrane2364 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting. . Good information thank you I will look fir your other videos. Thank you.

@craigwadey2122 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for posting this

@ferkomatolcsi2003 10 ай бұрын

Excellent! Very useful!

@MartinChalkMusic 2 жыл бұрын

good information to know and thx for sharing ur knowledge…

@gingertk429 Жыл бұрын

Flipping great video, looking to sell my Avondale dart 556-6 for a larger caravan for growing kids, but now I know I need to check again for damp, figured I don't have any but now not sure and this has put the fear of god now when I come to purchase a replacement , great video buddy

@southomanaus7031 2 жыл бұрын

G'day what a very informative and professional video on what to look for on an inspection of a second hand caravan. I am in the market for one and I am looking for a Geist XK 660. My first purchase will be a damp meter ! and now with a lot more common sense knowledge provided by you, my caravan search has been made a lot easier thanks mate ! Kindest Regards Craig Whitby Beechmont Queensland Australia 4211

@domcovers8729 3 жыл бұрын

I'm stunned how poorly these vans are made when they cost sooooo much to buy. Some good pointers thanks

@rm55555 Жыл бұрын

Yes, especially when you see them scattered all over the motorway after a collision. So flimsy!

@leonienolan511 11 ай бұрын

Just found this channel ,, great content , please do more 😊

@noelhewitt7434 2 жыл бұрын

Great help.. I'm going to look at an avondale tomorrow evening and I didn't have a clue.. thanks

@Marie-yx5ie 2 жыл бұрын

Great information, thank you for that. I was getting disy with your camera work tho 👍

@cripennelson1908 2 жыл бұрын

good one thanks

@michaelchiesa6142 3 жыл бұрын

Good on you mate, very useful information on the potential pitfalls of buying a van... "Caveat Emptor"/buyer beware, is obviously just as valid in the UK as here in Queensland, Australia...

@thegrinch8161 8 күн бұрын

When I’ve bought a caravan the most I’ve paid for any van has never been more than £1000 and the cheapest one has been about £250 but the two things I’ve always insisted on is that they have to be wind and water tight.

@gabrielmanaila 2 жыл бұрын

Thank's super

@jfmotorsnorthwestltd3636 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jonathan, your video is really honest and good to know…we have an old 1996 luner mercury se and i fixed just about everything on it. Noticed that when it’s plugged in to mains chassis and rails become live which is worrying. Have you seen this problem before? Regards Joseph

@davidbolland3860 5 ай бұрын

It's great to see this video where the reviewer isn't flapping his arms about like a demented penguin. So many 'caravan experts' do this and drive me nuts!

@TonyCeetube 2 жыл бұрын

Just found your video, I'm now going back to the 'van that a private seller has with a different point of view! A 2004 Coachman Pastiche.

@dazlaa2 2 жыл бұрын

Hi new to caravaning and have a 2005 abbey aventura 330 not sure if there good as such but i do like the van and it is clean only thing ive noticed during waxing is 2 small hairline splits Around the front handle is that a issue please ? Your video was brilliant

@theresamcevoy9313 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, really informative, going shopping for a van armed with a damp detector 2022 👍

@CaravanSource 2 жыл бұрын

No need just shop at www.caravansource.co.uk/stock :)

@ReeceHaslam Жыл бұрын

Hi mate. I'm looking to buy one under 5k but just wondering which particular make and models might I be best looking to buy and which ones to avoid? Appreciate any advice, it's an absolute minefield isn't it 😅

@M.Y.O.F.B5178 3 жыл бұрын

what are your top 3 second hand caravan makes to buy please

@adamgreenaway1431 2 жыл бұрын

Anything to watch out for on an 03 Sterling Europa 510??

@chick99936 2 жыл бұрын

we are 1st time caranners and were going to look at a bailey pegasus gt65 year 2013 for £12500, im completely unsure if thats a good price? and another thing im unsure how to tell if there is the damp floor that the alutech bodies suffer with!! i have a moisture meter, can you give any pointers as to what to look for or to avoid it and buy something else. Thanks in advance.

@sarahjg3672 2 жыл бұрын

I looked at a caravan today (not 1 of yours!!) No pimpling, no obvious signs of water but discolouration inside the cupboards at the front and on the ceiling at the front. Almost looked like shadows. The salesman said it was the dye put into the plywood / panel and not a sign of water ingress. Do they really dye the panels? I'm really not convinced! Great videos btw.

@problastlincoln Жыл бұрын

I have noticed on my elddis odyssey 484 that the back corners on the floor have rotted away,can you advise why it has done that and how to fix it,thanks

@royjacobsen8706 2 жыл бұрын

Hi bud I really like your video and I think it will help me tremendously, so thanks for that. Very soon I am about to embark on my first used caravan purchase, I see the damp meter you had. I have seen these damp meters for £30 and wondered if this would do the trick? Or am I better to invest in a more expensive one? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Cheers Roy

@CaravanSource 2 жыл бұрын

My best pointer is www.caravansource.co.uk/stock :) then you don't need one! If you do get a cheap on you will be putting holes in people's caravan walls which they may not appreciate. We now use a £450 protimeter!

@toddnichols2026 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video! Any information on Award carvan?

@caravansource90 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! If it's 90s Award I think every one I've seen has been very damp. Not many about now due to this.

@crazylemon862 3 жыл бұрын

what would you recommend as a first time buyer? looking for a cheap second hand caravan 3/4berth..

@chrisoconnor9359 2 жыл бұрын

Your good I have lunar avia gt I need o/s window fist timer Lernering about caravan looking used or new window thanks

@hollybaldwin2752 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video! In your opinion what would be the best cheapest touring caravan to convert and modernise?

@CaravanSource Ай бұрын

Sorry that's impossible to answer, it's difficult to find a dry old/cheap caravan so using the tips in my videos you'd need to try and find a good one... bare in mind the furniture forms part of the structure so the only modernising you can do is cosmetic and unless you do an excellent job it can devalue the caravan.

@anniebd1452 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, great video, really informative! I'm in a dilemma, I have a 2006 Compass Omega 534. It has pretty much damp full back end, roof to floor and large crack in shower tray. Damp discovered during service in 2019. Had it dehumidified because couldn't afford the £2k quote for repair at the time because the service alone was £1k. Only got the service to get heater fixed then found all that out and heater still not working lol Just took it out of storage Tues and far rear corner flooring under bed completely rotten through. Not sure to invest in repair or just cut it loose and get something else. Any advice appreciated! How long would repair like that even take?

@CaravanSource 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear your bad experience. And sorry to hear someone charged you £1k to service your van and didn't fix the heater, that's not right. If it's as bad as you say it sounds like you've a very leaky roof and it's going to take substantial time and money to put right. Probably best to get rid :(

@anniebd1452 3 жыл бұрын

@@CaravanSource thank you for your reply. Yeah gut feeling is that it will just be extensive work. I was checking out your website, I live in N Ireland but I have travelled across the pond before for a motorhome in the past, so I'll keep an eye out on your website for nice caravan! :) Thanks for your videos, they're so helpful and informative.

@Tom98837 4 ай бұрын

Are used German caravans less prone to damp issues?

@venus127 2 жыл бұрын

Hi love the video. We’ve just bought a Bailey but there is damp. Which in your opinion is the better make please. Thanks

@CaravanSource 2 жыл бұрын

My answer is a dry one with everything working :)

@venus127 2 жыл бұрын

@@CaravanSource hi we have bought a used one from a caravan company. They are fixing this issue for us before we pick up. I’m hoping everything will be ok after it.

@lindahiggins9295 3 жыл бұрын

Just found your videos, so very interesting. (Subscribe) 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

@jeff30795 2 жыл бұрын

Could I ask please what you would think of a '20' reading? It's on a 2001 Swift motorhome and is shown what looks to be off-side roof area. Congratulations by the way, your 'Honesty' ethos will win many loyal customers.

@johncartwright8154 2 жыл бұрын

I've seen on other channels that '20' reading is unacceptable; so best avoided!

@jeff30795 2 жыл бұрын

@@johncartwright8154 Thank you, that's exactly what I've done.

@markharris4659 3 жыл бұрын

what would be the damp reading that means it needs repair? Thanks for video

@caravansource90 3 жыл бұрын

some damp meters have funny readings but assuming you're using a protemeter with 0-100% scale anything 20%+ means there's water there. Anything 30%+ means it's been there a while. Anything 50% + is soaking wet really. Anything above 20% needs sealing, anything 30%+ I'd say probably wants repair anything 50%+ is going to be quite damaged more than likely. Thanks for watching :)

@markharris4659 3 жыл бұрын

@@caravansource90 thank you. I’ve subscribed. We are about to buy a caravan. We are in Leicestershire. If we were nearer we would be buying off of you for sure. We only have £1500 to spend. I’m guessing we are more likely to be buying trouble?

@caravansource90 3 жыл бұрын

@@markharris4659 for that money there's a good chance it's going to be damp yes. Not all damp is terminal it's just a fact of life with caravans. We've a lovely elddis crown sceptre 5 berth for that sort of money. If you'd like to know more do contact us.

@Carlst17 3 жыл бұрын

What are acceptable readings? I've heard 20% is OK any higher then to monitor?

@CaravanSource 3 жыл бұрын

yes that sounds about right.

@archygrey9093 2 жыл бұрын

23:50 holy shit thats a big bathroom for a caravan that size.

@barryclyde8353 2 жыл бұрын

so why do you buy these vans in that condition? you do them up and sell them? surely not

@1987mixer 3 жыл бұрын

Hi I'm now looking to buy used 4 berth caravan up to 5k maybe 6k. What make of caravan you can suggest is the best to dont have problems with damp. Manny thanks Jack.

@caravansource90 3 жыл бұрын

prices of caravans are high at the moment thus you'll be getting an older van for your money. Chances of finding damp are probably the same across most manfacturers. It's by no means guaranteed we've got a 21yr old caravan here which has never been serviced and has no damp but we've newer vans with serious damp. You just don't know which is why you need to do checks and/or have it professionally damp tested/serviced. Do check out our stock www.caravansource.co.uk/stock

@stevengrainger3906 2 жыл бұрын

How do you get rid of a caravan when it is past repairing. Where do you take it ? Will a scrap yard take it ?

@CaravanSource 2 жыл бұрын

Hello no scrap yards don't tent to take them. Probably best bet advertise it on marketplace as spares for shed or parts for conversion etc. Are you local to us?

@stevengrainger3906 2 жыл бұрын

@@CaravanSource No. Not near you. I am in Devon. There must be tens of thousands of scrap vans all over the country. How do people get rid of them ?

@kevingrady5316 3 жыл бұрын

Great and informative vid, thanks. Just one question though; why do you purchase such shitty vans? Must be for parts and must get them at a fire-sale price? (Or damp price!)

@CaravanSource 3 жыл бұрын

Ha, very good question Kevin. Every van is worth buying at the right price. Scrap vans can be stripped for parts and sold on at the moment for top prices due to every man and his dog wanting to make camper conversions. Same with newer damp vans, but also as we can do work in house the costs of repairing aren't quite as much of an issue as it would be to the general public using dealers if they need repairs.

@alanreid250 3 жыл бұрын

Would you deliver to Penrith???

@CaravanSource 3 жыл бұрын

yes. do get in touch www.carvansource.co.uk

@alanreid250 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@dianabrown1409 3 жыл бұрын

is that a carlight caravan wow

@CaravanSource 3 жыл бұрын

It is, it's sold and is awaiting collection it's going over to Ireland!

@am-jddr 3 жыл бұрын

Were are you based jonathan?

@CaravanSource 3 жыл бұрын

Whitley Bay. North east

@slawomirpruszynski566 7 ай бұрын

Can I bring UK made carawan to USA

@CaravanSource 7 ай бұрын

Maybe. Email me info@caravansource.co.uk

@cantstandlazyskanks 3 ай бұрын

Good video, I've got a 32 year old abi maurader that is in better nick than a ten year old, newer caravan.... Wowser.... Is it just poor workmanship, or just poor materials..... Makes you wonder......