Buying your first caravan can be an exciting but daunting task. Caravans don’t come cheap so you want to be sure that you make the right decision when it comes to getting your first one.
Below are some of the biggest things you need to consider when buying your first caravan.
Where to buy
One of the most important decisions you have to make when buying your first caravan is where you’re going to buy from. If you can afford to buy new from an approved dealer then this would be ideal as you’ll have a guarantee and it’s much less likely that you’ll deal with any issues. Of course not everyone can afford to buy new so fortunately there are quite a few good options for buying used.
Autotrader has many used caravans for sale – some from dealers and some from private sellers. If you do buy used from a site like Autotrader then you generally want to buy as close to home as possible. This way if you need to get in touch with the seller and deal with any issues then it’s much easier to do. Ideally you would bring somebody with you who knows about caravans since they’ll know what to look for.
Your budget
Your budget is of course a key consideration and if at all possible then you should aim to get a mid-range model. This is because you’ll have plenty of choice and also finding replacement parts won’t be much of an issue. Mid-range models also tend to hold their value quite well, which is always handy if you’re planning to resell in a few years.
Specifications
You’ll likely have certain specifications in mind that you’d want your caravan. This might be minimum size specs, a shower, bunk beds, heating etc. Whatever the case you should make sure that the caravan you purchase is one you’ll be happy with in the long term since they’re a considerable investment.
After you’ve bought your caravan
Below are a couple of key things to think about after you’ve purchased your caravan.
- Storage – When it comes to storing your caravan when you’re not using it then you’ll want to take any steps you can to keep it safe from weather damage. Investing in a good breathable cover is definitely worth it. If you have a driveway or garage where you can store it then this would be ideal and will certainly cut your insurance premiums down.
- Insurance – You’ll also need to get the right cover for your caravan. Although you’re not legally required to have specialist caravan insurance, it is a very worthwhile investment. Most car comprehensive car insurance policies will allow you to tow a trailer but they’ll only provide third party cover for it, meaning you’re not covered for theft, damage etc. Therefore it’s a good idea to get specialist cover If you are a caravan trader you may need traders insurance cover which is tailored for your business.
