Why a Thorough Inspection Matters

Caravans sit outside through British winters, get towed at speed, and are used intermittently over many years. The combination of weather, vibration, and infrequent checking creates ideal conditions for hidden problems. This checklist applies to any used touring caravan.

1. Damp Test

The most important check. Use a damp meter (available from Screwfix or Toolstation for around £20) on all internal walls, the floor, and the ceiling in each corner. Any reading above 20% moisture content warrants further investigation. Pay special attention to areas under windows, around the roof light (Heki), and near the front panel.

2. Roof and Roof Lights

Inspect the roof from outside - look for any sagging, cracks in the roof skin, or evidence of repair. Check the roof light seals - these are a common damp entry point. Press gently on the roof around the Heki to check for softness indicating internal water damage.

3. Floor Condition

Walk around the full interior pressing down on the floor. Any springy or soft areas indicate rot in the floor boards. Pay particular attention near the door entry step, the kitchen area (water spills), and the bathroom.

4. Chassis and Al-Ko Hitch

Get underneath and inspect the galvanised steel chassis for corrosion, particularly at weld joints. Inspect the hitch head - it should snap onto a 50mm ball cleanly. Check the breakaway cable is intact and the 7-pin or 13-pin electric socket is undamaged.

5. Tyres and Wheels

Check the date code on both tyres (on the sidewall - four-digit code, week then year e.g. 3219 = 32nd week of 2019). Most manufacturers recommend replacement at 5 to 7 years regardless of tread. Budget £100 to £180 per tyre for replacement. Check wheel nuts are tight.

6. Wheel Bearings

If it's safe to do so, use a trolley jack to lift each wheel and check for play. Any movement indicates worn wheel bearings - a safety issue that needs immediate attention before towing. Replacement: £80 to £150 per side.

7. Gas System

Check all gas connections for leaks using a gas leak detector spray. Check the regulator hasn't expired (most have a date stamped on them). Test the hob and oven function. If there's any doubt about the gas system, have it inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer before using it.

8. Water System

Fill the onboard water tank (if fitted) and run the submersible or pressurised pump. Check all taps flow correctly and that there are no leaks at pipe joints. Check the waste water system drains correctly. If the van has been stored empty in winter, antifreeze or winterisation may have been used - check for residue.

9. 12V and 240V Electrics

Connect the caravan to a 240V hook-up (or use a power bank if no hook-up is available) and test all 240V sockets, the battery charger, and any built-in appliances. Test all 12V lighting and the 12V socket. Check the fuse board is clearly labelled and accessible.

10. Space Heater

Test the blown air or convector heater (Truma or Alde are the main brands). It should light quickly and produce consistent heat. Alde wet central heating systems should be checked for antifreeze concentration and bled if necessary.

11. Fridge

Test the fridge in both 12V (from car) and 240V (mains) modes. If an absorption fridge is fitted, verify it works on gas as well. Check there are no signs of ammonia leakage from the cooling unit (a yellow residue or strong smell).

12. Service History

Ask for the full service history. A caravan should have an annual habitation service - check it's been done at reasonable intervals. A service that includes a damp check, gas safety check, and appliance check provides significant peace of mind. No service history doesn't necessarily mean it was neglected, but it increases risk.

Summary

A thorough inspection takes 60 to 90 minutes and is time well spent. If the seller refuses to let you do a thorough check, that itself tells you something important. Never buy a caravan above £5,000 without working through this full list.

What should you check before buying?

Before you travel to see a second hand caravan checklist — 12 things to inspect, build a short checklist and compare the advert against real evidence. Photos and seller claims are useful, but paperwork, condition and price comparisons matter more.

  • MOT history, mileage pattern and signs of hard delivery use
  • load area damage, sliding doors, locks, suspension and clutch condition
  • ULEZ suitability, payload, insurance group and service intervals
  • finance status and whether the seller is a trader or private individual

How much should you budget after purchase?

Van running costs depend on mileage, payload, tyres, brakes and clean-air-zone use. Price the vehicle as a working tool, not just a cheap advert. If the seller cannot answer basic questions or the documents do not match the vehicle, it is usually better to walk away and compare another example.

How do you judge fair value?

For commercial vehicles, downtime can cost more than a slightly higher purchase price. Compare similar age, mileage, payload and service-history examples before deciding what looks cheap. For a second hand caravan checklist — 12 things to inspect, look at the full ownership cost rather than only the asking price. A strong example should have evidence that supports the advert: matching documents, sensible mileage, clear condition photos and answers that remain consistent when you ask follow-up questions.

If two examples look similar, choose the one with better history and fewer unknowns. A bargain with missing records, urgent repairs or vague ownership can quickly become more expensive than a tidier vehicle from a straightforward seller.

What are the main red flags?

  • missing inspection or service paperwork
  • fresh paint over rusty chassis areas or obvious leak marks
  • seller pressure to leave a deposit before a proper viewing
  • unclear VAT, finance or ownership position

None of these automatically proves a vehicle is bad, but each one should slow the deal down. Ask for evidence, compare another listing and avoid paying a holding deposit until the basics have been checked.

Questions to ask the seller

When you enquire about a second hand caravan checklist — 12 things to inspect, ask the same questions in writing before you travel. How long has the seller owned it? Why is it being sold? What recent work has been done? Are there faults, warning lights, finance agreements or missing documents? Will it be cold when you arrive for a start-up check?

Clear answers save wasted journeys. If the seller avoids simple questions, changes the story or pushes for quick payment, keep looking.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if this second hand caravan checklist — 12 things to inspect is priced fairly?

Compare similar UK listings by age, mileage, specification, condition and history. A low price is not automatically a bargain if finance, accident history or overdue maintenance is involved.

What checks should I do before viewing?

Check MOT history, ownership details, mileage pattern, outstanding finance, insurance category markers and whether the advert photos match the written description.

When should I walk away?

Walk away if the seller avoids basic questions, the paperwork does not match, the vehicle is warm before a cold start, or the history has unexplained gaps.

Related Mobeo guides

If you are comparing more than one used vehicle, these guides are also worth reading before you arrange a viewing.