Off to buy a 2nd hand caravan - what should we watch out for?

[noolia]

We are very excited at the thought of getting a caravan. We've done some reading and have decided we'd like 4/5 beds with end bedroom with sliding door for dd. We know we need to watch out for damp and to check that everything works.

We going to buy from a dealer as the ebay ones all say things like 'bought as seen' which is a bit scary!

Any other tips? Also wondering what seating arrangement makes the most comfortable bed.

I'm sure everything will be in lovely working order when you buy the caravan. But the warranty on a 2nd hand caravan is usually quite short (3-6 months) so make sure that you will be able to really use the caravan during that warranty period in case anything is on its last legs.
There are so many layouts for caravans it's mind boggling.
I have an end bathroom then two fixed single beds for the dc, leading into kitchen then L-shaped sitting area which can be two singles or a double. This is my 4th caravan and the best layout yet - the dc can go off to bed leaving the kitchen/sitting area to me for hot chocolate making and telly watching.

I agree with Springlamb regarding the seating arrangements as the L shaped sitting area does seem more spacious, but if it is comfort you are looking for then a fixed bed would be best.
Good luck with your caravan hunting - let us know how you get on.

Without a doubt ensure that you have blackout blinds throught (farirly standard in newer models) as we are looking to upgrade ours for this reason alone. Gaping curtains just do not give enough sleep !!

Hiya ours has an end bedroom to close off 2 dc - this was our priority. the bathroom is in the middle with L shape at the lounge bit. It gives DS (v clumsy that bit more space to move around rather than 2 settees opposite each other. the end bedroom can be 2 short singles or a double with a bunk that folds out over the top, making it 5 berth.
They do seem to be in demand though so were pricier than ones where you cannot close dc off!!!
We only got ours recently from Discover, as like you we didn't want to risk a private sale. They have braches all over the country so if anthing goes wrong, you are never too far away from one.
Being new to all of this bought a mag the other day, but there were loads to choose from. there was a different caravan magazine which had a supplement on a guide to buying a 2nd hand van so could be useful. I didn't get that one in case we found we had missed anything crucial!
HTH - good luck & let us know how you get on!

We currently have a Bailey Pageant end double bed model with parallel seats that convert into the dcs' bed. Although we are going to probably change it soon for a different configuration, we really recommend it.

Have you read this?

See what extras come with it - awning/ fiamma/ water & waste barrels/mover etc

Make sure you car can tow it according to the kerb weight ratio

Check everything and then I'd advise paying an independent caravan servicer to check it over for you. Well worth the money. FIL did ours and wouldn't have bought one without him.

Thanks for your replies. We are going to have a look this morning. I'm quite excited!

We did it! .
Went for a fixed end bed and L shape sitting bit. Pick it up week after next, I'm very excited although it did cost more (lots more) than we had intended to spend. We will have to move dd from the end bedroom when we go to bed (unless the weather is fab and we stay outside all evening) but I think that's a comprimise worth it for a proper mattress.

The cheaper ones were quite 'loved' and really a bit tired. The few cheaper ones with the layout we liked reeked of fags which was a real turn off.

That's fab.

I don't know if you've done a lot of towing before, but if you haven't dh really recommends the towing courses that both the Caravan Club and Caravan & Camping offer.

Just watch out for damp. Check under the seats and behind the curtains for bubbling in the wallpaper.
Ask to check CRIS, its like HPI for cars. Each caravan has a registration number and they will tell you if its ever been stolen or been in an accident.
Make sure you get service history.
Check you get a reasonable warranty from the dealers.
MAke sure you spend loads of time going through all the working bits and pieces before you take it away. heater, cooker, water heater etc.
Make sure your car is suitable to tow it.
Dont buy too many accessories in the caravan shop, you can adapt lots of things from the house.

Fab!What make is it and where did you get if from in the end?

Welcome to caravanland!