Buying a second hand camper

If you are considering buying a second hand camper, you will undoubtedly be preparing yourself to make a significant investment. If you lack experience of purchasing a second hand camper, you must take the time to investigate the types of campers available to you. Once you have narrowed down your selection, you will need to thoroughly check over the camper to determine the condition that it is in and hence, whether it is worth the investment.

Buying a second hand camper

Damp -When checking over the camper, ensure that you inspect all of the corners, roof lockers, bed boxes and cupboards for signs of the development of damp. This is easy to do if you possess a damp meter.

Sealant-A range of sealant types are used in the production of a camper, including acrylic and oil-based sealants. when buying a second hand camper these sealants last for between five and 20 years. Ensure that you look around the panels of second hand campers for signs of missing or penetrated seals. You may be able to re-seal the camper. However, this could cost you around £1,000.

Doors and Lockers -Ensure that all of the doors open and close properly. You should not be able to see daylight through the seals. Ensure that all of the hinges are secure and that the locks turn freely.

Windows -Check around the windows and seals for cracks as, as a camper ages, the plastic trim surrounding the inside of the windows can crack. The windows should lock securely and there should be no signs of rust around the screws. If the windows are not double-glazed, there should be no condensation to be found between the layers.

Floors -Take a good walk around the camper to determine whether any of the floors are weak or show signs of sagging. Pay close attention to the floors around the doors, kitchen area and seating areas. The cost of fixing floors can vary considerably and a second hand camper with sagging floors should be avoided unless it is sold at a heavily discounted price.

Electrics/Gas -Ensure that the dealer checks that the gas and electrics fully comply with the legal safety requirements and ask them to show you the way in which the appliances function, and services like Gold Coast electrician could help with this in your camper.

Hitch and Chassis -While the hitch and chassis of a second hand camper should have been serviced, you should check that the mechanism functions freely and that the push bar moves in the correct manner.

Stabiliser -Replacement pads can be purchased for some types of second hand campers. However, they will need to be set at the correct torque in order for them to prove effective. New stabilisers can be purchased from around $120.

Tires -When checking the tires you must concentrate on the condition of the tyres’ walls. Cracking of the tyres’ walls indicates that the side walls are malfunctioning and may blow at any time. Tyres cost between $60 and $140 to replace.

Brakes -The handbrake of a used camper should move freely and effectively. The breakaway cable should be in good condition and should display a secure connection to the handbrake base.

Breakaway Cables -The breakaway cables should be secure and must be replaced if rusty. New breakaway cables will cost around $10.

Michael P Richards is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans, specialists in Second hand Caravans and Second hand Motorhomes

Whenever you are out looking, take this list along for tips buying a second hand camper