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How To Buy A Used Caravan

How to buy a used caravan

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César Nunes
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
37 views17 pages

How To Buy A Used Caravan

How to buy a used caravan

Uploaded by

César Nunes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Used Caravan Inspection & Buying Useful Tools:

Use the pre-visit questionnaire on the next page to help you decide what you will
Checklist need to bring with you to help you inspect the caravan. Place a  or a  in the
box to help you decide what to bring.
Hello, and thank you for downloading our used caravan inspection checklist. The
purpose of this checklist is to provide you with a framework to follow when □ Torch
inspecting a used caravan for sale. Whatever faults you find during the inspection □ Damp Meter
can be recorded on this checklist and will contribute towards helping you decide □ Vehicle with towing electrics on rear
on whether you proceed with the sale, negotiate on price or simply walk away. □ Gas cylinder (+regulator)
Additionally, this checklist is not intended as a replacement of a caravan □ Electric hook up lead and connection to household electrics, if needed.
engineer’s inspection. You may find that using this checklist helps you to sift □ Water in a water carrier
through the ‘lemons’ more easily, meaning that you are only paying a caravan □ 12V power
engineer to survey those caravans you really like, thereby saving you money in the □ Floor mat
long run. □ Step ladder
□ Socket Tester
Whilst every attempt has been made to make this checklist as thorough as □ Multimeter (advanced)
possible, I am sure that there are items that have been unintentionally missed. □ 13 to 7 pin OR 7 pin to 13 pin towing plug adaptor.
However, I will update the checklist as I receive feedback, so if using it again,
check back to ensure that you have the latest version.

Happy Caravan Hunting!

Caravan Make & Model:


Viewing Date:
Viewing Time:
Contact Name:
Going prepared to view a caravan can save return visits as well as missing faults
Contact Number:
with the caravan you are viewing.
Address:
Used Caravan Buying Checklist 1|Page Version 14th June 2020
Pre-Visit Questions
Q Question Response
Where will the caravan be when I come to look at it?
1 You’re asking this to determine whether or not you will be able to take a good look around all four sides. If not, then you may choose to ask the seller to pull it forward or move it
to a location where you can inspect all four sides.

2 Does the caravan have a 12V battery fitted and will it be charged?
You’re asking this to determine whether the caravan’s 12V system can be tested. If the answer is, ‘No’, then you may choose to bring a 12V battery with you.
Will I be able to test the caravan’s 240V supply by using a main’s hook up?
3 You’re asking this to determine whether the caravan’s 240V system can be tested. If the answer is, ‘No’, because possibly it is in a storage yard, then you could choose to bring a
generator with you that supplies the correct output, or ask to view the caravan at a location where a 240V hook-up can be provided. Check whether you need to bring your own
cable.
Does the caravan currently have a gas bottle with gas that I can use to test the caravan’s gas appliances?
4 You’re asking this to determine whether the caravan’s gas system can be tested. If the answer is, ‘No’, then ask if you can bring your own gas cylinder. Check whether the
caravan was running previously on butane or propane, so that you can bring the correct cylinder and/or regulator.
Would it be possible to test the water system of the caravan, including hot and cold water?
5 You’re asking this to determine whether the caravan’s water system can be tested. If the answer is, ‘No’, then determine whether it is due to an absence of water on site or
whether it is due to the lack of a pump, or even a 12V supply to power it. Be prepared to bring what you need with you.
Has the caravan ever been damaged as a result of any accident? If so, where was the damage and who completed the repair?
6 You’re asking this for two reasons; i - to determine whether the caravan has been damaged or not, so that you can inspect the area more closely during the visit inspection, and ii -
if the seller says, ‘no’, but upon the visit inspection you discover a repaired section, it may throw in to doubt the honesty and integrity of the seller.

7 Is the towing plug for the towing electrics, the newer style 13-pin-plug or the older style 7-pin-plug?
You’re asking this to determine whether you need to bring along an adaptor plug to suit your vehicle. It will also indicate the seller’s level of knowledge of their caravan.
What is the reason for sale (private sellers)?
8 Always an interesting question to ask sellers. Do they have a clear reason, or does their reason sound rushed and hurried? Sometimes sellers will try and quickly sell a caravan
with problems. This question may prompt you to be more alert.
When was the caravan last serviced? Do you have the engineers’ past reports on the servicing for me to look at?
9 The age and value of the caravan you are inspecting will largely determine how relevant this question is. If you are buying a cheap caravan for less than £3000, don’t expect
engineers’ reports, but they are always worth asking for.
Is the caravan CRiS registered?
10 The age and value of the caravan you are inspecting will largely determine how relevant this question is. If you are buying a cheap caravan for less than £3000, don’t be surprised
if the CRiS registration is not up to date.

11 What is the ‘Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass’?


This is a useful question to confirm that the weight of the caravan is within the allowance for your licence and tow vehicle.

Os vendedores genuínos e honestos não se oporão a que faça estas perguntas. Desconfie de vendedores que sejam evasivos a responder a estas perguntas ou que
pareçam relutantes ou pouco dispostos a permitir-lhe inspecionar minuciosamente a caravana. É comum os vendedores venderem uma caravana comprada
recentemente depois de descobrirem um problema grave, como a humidade, por exemplo. A presença do vendedor durante a inspeção da caravana irá acelerar muito a
sua inspeção, uma vez que ele poderá ajudá-lo a ativar e a testar determinados aparelhos, bem como responder a quaisquer perguntas que possa ter durante o processo.

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 2|Page Version 14th June 2020


Verificações Exteriores - Painel Frontal
Zona Perguntas Comentários
□ Does it look straight?
□ Are there any obvious signs of misaligned panels or windows that don’t look quite
right?
□ Are there any signs of rust staining, which ‘could’ indicate water ingress and
subsequent seepage through, the caravan?
□ Check the lower corners – these are vulnerable to jack-knife, reversing prangs.
Geral
□ Can you see any evidence of damage or cracks?
□ Can you see any evidence of repairs having been done?
□ Feel for the gap between the front panel and the wooden floor, underneath the
caravan. Can you feel whether there has been any separation between the floor and
front panel?
□ Does the piece of trim above the windows look to be in good shape?
□ Do the caravan windows match in colour, tint and manufacture?
Janelas da
□ Can you see any cracks, hazing or lines on the Perspex?
Caravana
□ Can you see any condensation, which may be trapped between the two panes?
□ Look inside the hatch. Is it clean, tidy and dry?
□ Does it contain a spare wheel (or is it stored elsewhere)?
□ Is the corner steady winder handle present?
□ Look at the rubber gas hoses (if the gas is stored here), do they look new or are they
Hatch
cracked or perished?
□ Inspect around all seams and joins in the hatch. Do they meet up to the front and
cabin panels of the caravan?
□ Does it lock and is there a key?
Grab
□ Are they secure or are they loose?
Handles

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 3|Page Version 14th June 2020


Outside Checks - Front Panel - A-Frame Area
Area Question Comments
□ Operate the hitching handle – does it operate smoothly?
□ If it is an Alko hitch, is it dry inside the cup?
□ If it is a traditional hitch, has the inside of the cup been greased?
Towing □ Is the rubber boot between the hitch and the shaft intact, in good condition and still
coupling held in place by cable ties or other fastenings, or has it become loose? If so, you may
find that your caravan braking system may not function as intended.
□ Does it come with a hitch lock, is the key present and is the lock easy to fasten and
remove?
□ Inspect the length of the towing electrics cables as far as you can. Is there any
Towing evidence of damage to the cable? If so, can you see wires?
electrics □ Next, look at the plugs. Do the plugs feel secure on the cables?
□ Do they look in good condition, or do they show signs of road grazing?
□ Check operation of the handbrake handle (if it is safe to do so). Is it securely held
when in the upright position?
Handbrake
□ With the caravan handbrake applied, give the caravan a shove. Does the handbrake
prevent the caravan from being moved?
Breakaway □ Is the breakaway cable and karabiner present?
cable and □ Check the cable for frayed wires, corrosion or other damage.
karabiner □ Check the operation of the karabiner. Does the gate open and close freely?
□ Does the caravan come with a jockey wheel?
□ Does the jockey wheel stand at a right-angle to the frame?
Jockey □ Raise the lower the nose of the caravan. Does the jockey wheel do this easily, or is
Wheel there resistance and difficulty?
□ Is the rubber or plastic handle present at the top?
□ What is the condition of the jockey wheel tyre? If worn, is it evenly worn?

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 4|Page Version 14th June 2020


Outside Checks - Left-hand side
Area Question Comments
□ Can you see any irregularities in the fitting of the panels or how the seam lines run?
Overview □ Any dings, dents or punctures in the aluminium body?
□ Are the graphics/decals in good condition?
□ Do the caravan windows match in colour, tint and manufacture?
Windows □ Can you see any cracks, hazing or lines on the Perspex?
□ Can you see any condensation, which may be trapped between the two panes?
□ Inspect the length of the awning rail. Is it uniform in style all the way along or can
Upper you see evidence of bending?
Awning Rail □ Is the mastic underneath the rail present and moist or does it appear to be dry and
cracked?
Lower
□ Inspect as above.
awning rail
□ Are there any plastic vents, grilles or louvres on the outside? If so, what is their
Plastic grills,
condition?
flaps vents
□ Are there any missing? Replacements can be expensive and difficult to locate for
and louvres
older caravans.
□ If fitted, do they open, close and lock with the same key? If not the same key, ask
Lockers
why?
□ Does the door, if fitted to this side, appear to be in line with its opening?
Caravan □ Does it open and close easily?
Door □ Does it lock and unlock with the key?
□ Is the light above the caravan door in good condition?
Reflectors □ If present, what is their condition?
□ Examine the tyres. Can you see any evidence of dryness or cracking, particularly on
the side walls?
□ Do the tyres have sufficient tread depth to be lawfully used on the road? Use a 20p coin to
Tyres check remaining tread depth.
□ How old are the tyres? Look on side wall for the four-digit tyre age code, which is usually located in a window on
the tyre sidewall. The first two digits of the code represent the week of production during the year (from 1 to 52) while the
second two digits represent the year of manufacture. If more than 3 years old, be especially prudent in checking them over
carefully.
Used Caravan Buying Checklist 5|Page Version 14th June 2020
Outside Checks - Right-hand side
Area Question Comments
□ Can you see any irregularities in the fitting of the panels or how the seam lines run?
Overview □ Any dings, dents or punctures in the aluminium body?
□ Are the graphics/decals in good condition?
□ Do the caravan windows match in colour, tint and manufacture?
Windows □ Can you see any cracks, hazing or lines on the Perspex?
□ Can you see any condensation, which may be trapped between the two panes?
□ Inspect the length of the awning rail. Is it uniform in style all the way along or can
Upper you see evidence of bending?
Awning Rail □ Is the mastic underneath the rail present and moist or does it appear to be dry and
cracked?
Lower
□ Inspect as above.
awning rail
□ Are there any plastic vents, grilles or louvres on the outside? If so, what is their
Plastic grills,
condition?
flaps vents
□ Are there any missing? Replacements can be expensive, and difficult to locate on
and louvres
older caravans.
□ If fitted, do they open, close and lock with the same key? If not the same key, ask
Lockers
why?
□ Does the door, if fitted to this side, appear to be in line with its opening?
Caravan □ Does it open and close easily?
Door □ Does it lock and unlock with the key?
□ Is the light above the caravan door in good condition?
Reflectors □ If present, what is their condition?
□ Examine the tyres. Can you see any evidence of dryness or cracking, particularly on
the side walls?
□ Do the tyres have sufficient tread depth to be lawfully used on the road? Use a 20p coin to
Tyres check remaining tread depth.
□ How old are the tyres? Look on side wall for the four-digit tyre age code, which is usually located in a window on
the tyre sidewall. The first two digits of the code represent the week of production during the year (from 1 to 52) while the
second two digits represent the year of manufacture. If more than 3 years old, be especially prudent in checking them over
carefully.
Used Caravan Buying Checklist 6|Page Version 14th June 2020
Outside Checks - Rear Panel
Area Question Comments

Window □ If present, does it match the others? Check for cracks, condensation etc, as before.

Lower □ The rear lower corners are highly vulnerable to accidents whilst reversing. Inspect for
Corners damage or repairs. If repairs are found, question who did them

□ What is their condition?


Rear light □ Are the lenses clear, fresh and free from cracks?
clusters □ What is the condition of the screw heads that hold them on? Excessively rusted
screw heads can cause problems when trying to remove the lens to replace a bulb.

□ Is the area clean?


Number □ How have previous number plates been fitted?
plate board □ If with screws, has any damage been done?
□ Is the number plate light present, clear and free from damage?

Grab
□ Are they secure or loose?
Handles

Reflectors □ If present, what is their condition?

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 7|Page Version 14th June 2020


Outside Checks - Underside
Area Question Comments

□ Use your torch to illuminate the flooring underneath the caravan. Can you see any
Floor boards
obvious cracks, splits or evidence of repairs having been carried out?

□ Do the waste pipes appear to be in good condition, or can you see kinks, twists or
Waste Pipes
other concerns?

Copper Gas □ Follow the pipework from front to rear. Can you see any worrying corrosion, kinks,
Pipework bends or bumps that don’t look like they should be there?

Corner □ Inspect each corner steady in turn. Has the large threaded piece been greased
Steadies (1) recently, or is it showing signs of orange rust?

Brake □ Examine brake cabling. Can you see any signs of fraying, worrying corrosion or
Cabling excessive slack? Is it drooping, or has it been recently adjusted?

□ When no longer underneath the caravan, wind each leg up and down in turn. Do
Corner they operate smoothly or are they stiff? If you are new to caravanning, allow the
Steadies (2) seller to wind them back down or ask for guidance about how tight they wind them
down.

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 8|Page Version 14th June 2020


Exterior Transit Lights Operation and Testing
You will have one of two options here – you will either have the earlier, two socket system (12N & 12S), or the later single socket (single 13-pin) system. Where possible,
bring a towing vehicle close enough so that an electrical connection between the two can be made. Start your vehicle and use an assistant to help you test the functions of:

12N & 12S Two Single Socket 13 Pin


Question Comments
Socket System System

□ Stop Lamps
□ LH Indicator
□ RH Indicator
The black towing
□ Side Lights Rear
electric lead.
□ Fog Lights (where fitted)
□ Reversing Lights (where fitted)
□ Side marker lights (where fitted)
Single Lead Plugged
In.

The white or light


grey towing electric □ Does the fridge operate on 12V power?
lead.

When complete, disconnect all tow car electrics.

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 9|Page Version 14th June 2020


Inside Checks - 12V Electricity Consuming Appliances
Ask the seller to:

Connect a 12V electricity Supply Only. A water supply via the 12V pump. A cylinder of gas.

Area Question Comments

□ Ask the seller to identify, and show the operation of, all 12V lighting within the
12V Lighting
caravan, including the awning light.

□ Some gas consuming appliances utilise the 12V power source for their igniters,
12V Gas particularly the cooker. Ask the seller to demonstrate the cooker ignitor working
Appliances from the 12V supply, as well as the gas heater and possibly fridge, depending on its
design.

12V Water □ Check that the water pump pulls water through to each outlet, on both the hot and
Pump cold sides.

12V Sockets
□ Use a multi-meter to check the output of all 12V sockets, present in the caravan.
(Advanced)

12V Blown □ If fitted, ask the seller to demonstrate that the blown air system operates on 12V.
Note: It will NOT generate heat, just air movement. When on 12V power only, heat is generated by the gas heater (to follow),
Air System but is distributed around the caravan using the blown air system. Newer models may not have this system.

□ Ask the seller to operate the hot water system on 12V, gas only. Locate the burner
outlet on the outside of the caravan. Listen for a “tick, tick, tick” followed by a small
Hot Water “whoosh”, which indicates that the burner module is lit. If you do not hear either of
System (1) these, place your hand over the outlet – you should feel heat rising from it. This
indicates that the burner has ignited and is now heating the hot water. If you are
unsure which is the outlet, ask the seller for advice.

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 10 | P a g e Version 14th June 2020


Inside Checks - 240V Electricity Consuming Appliances
Ask the seller to:

Connect a 240V electrical supply to the caravan. Keep the water and gas connected. Ask the seller to switch the water heater over to 240V from the gas.

Area Question Comments

□ Ask the seller to identify, and show the operation of all 240V lighting within the
240V Lights
caravan.

□ Ask the seller to switch off the 12V gas hot water system and switch it over to 240V
Hot Water
electric heating. Allow time for the system to heat the water. Return to it 10
System (2)
minutes later and check the water temperature.

Electric □ If fitted, ask the seller to show you the operation of the electric, blown air heating in
heating the caravan. Also, ask to be shown how to adjust the temperature by the
system thermostat, where fitted.
□ Ask the seller to demonstrate the fridge running on 240V power. Note, that the only
test you can do is to observe whether an illuminated switch or other sign of power
240V Fridge occurs. It would take too long for the fridge to cool down to temperature. However,
you could leave it switched on during the inspection and feel the ice tray at the top of
the fridge before finishing the inspection to feel whether it is getting cold.

□ Some newer caravans feature a single, electric hot plate. Test the operation by
240V Cooker
switching it on and holding your hand over it to feel for heat.

Electrical □ Ask the seller to identify each electrical socket. For each, insert your socket tester
Outlets and observe its display for a result indicating no problems.

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 11 | P a g e Version 14th June 2020


Inside Checks - Gas Consuming Appliances
Area Question Comments

Cooker □ Ask the seller to demonstrate all burner rings lighting, as well as the grill and oven.

Gas heating □ Ask the seller to demonstrate the operation of the gas heater, or other fitted system.

Hot Water
□ If not already tested previously, (see above).
System (1)

Inside Checks - Soft Furnishings


Area Question Comments
□ Sit on, turn over and inspect all sofa cushions and coverings for firmness, marks,
Cushions
stains, rips or tears.
□ For each window, check the operation of the curtains in the track. Also, check the
Curtains, Blinds
operation of the blackout blinds as well as insect screens, where fitted. Don’t
& Screens
forget to check the entrance door for an insect screen.

Carpets/flooring □ Check the carpets for stains, rips and tears.

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 12 | P a g e Version 14th June 2020


Inside Checks – Storage
Area Question Comments
□ Open all overhead cupboards, slowly, smelling the air inside them as you open them.
Use your nose and eyes to look for signs of damp. Use your torch. Are they clean?
Overhead
Cupboards containing food crumbs can indicate a lack of care. Are any screws within
cupboards
the cupboard excessively corroded? If so, could be an indicator of damp, but could
also just be a consequence of condensation.
□ Lift sofa cushions or raise bed mattress slowly. Before fully exposed, poke your nose
Lower
in there and smell for damp. Use your torch to scan the walls for signs of bubbling or
Storage
blistering. Press suspicious areas with your fingers – if it feels spongy, then it may be
areas
damp.

Inside Checks – Bathroom


Area Question Comments
Bathroom □ Check for cracks, especially around the plug hole. Look in the cupboard underneath
Sink for signs of water damage as a result of water leakage from the basin or taps.
□ Check for cracks, especially around the plug hole. Examine walls – do they look in
Shower Tray
good condition. Look at where they meet the shower tray. Is there any evidence of
and Walls
black mould growth?
□ Examine the toilet. Operate the blade and look in the bowl to check that it is
Toilet
opening. Outside, check that the cassette is present. If an electric flushing model,
operation
ask the seller for a small volume of water to be added to the flush to test the
and cassette
operation of it.

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 13 | P a g e Version 14th June 2020


Inside Checks – Furniture, Joinery & Others
Area Question Comments

Slats □ Check all furniture slats for damage.

□ Check that the bed slats under the centre console retract and stow easily and that
Bed Slats
none are broken.

□ Is there a folding table present?


Folding table
□ What is its condition?
Operation of
□ Do all internal door knobs work and hold doors securely for transport?
doors, door
□ Do catches on kitchen drawers work and hold drawers securely?
knobs etc
□ Do all windows open freely and easily?
Windows
□ Can they be held by the window stays?

Roof Vent □ Does the roof vent open and close easily?

Kitchen Sink,
Worktop □ Check for cracks, especially around the plug hole. Inspect worktop for general
and other damage, chips, marks etc.
areas
□ Feel around and under the hot water tank for signs of a sandy, white deposit. If you
discover a lime scale like material on your fingers, this could indicate a leak from the
Hot Water
hot water tank. At best, this could be a loose connection. At worst, the hot water
Tank
tank could be so corroded that it requires replacement, the replacement of which is
not a DIY job for most people.

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 14 | P a g e Version 14th June 2020


Inside Checks – Damp Testing
Gain the consent of the seller before using your damp meter and do so sparingly, to avoid unnecessary damage. Also, limit the areas tested to where you suspect that damp
may be an issue, otherwise you run the risk of upsetting the seller! Also, make sure that you test an inconspicuous place, where possible, to avoid leaving marks. When
using a damp or moisture meter, ideally you’re looking for a result lower than 20%. Readings above this could indicate water ingress, with readings over 40% suggesting
serious water ingress. Also, be aware that recent weather conditions can also provide unexpected readings, either higher or lower, so make a note of the weather on the
day of inspection, as well as the weather preceding the inspection.

Weather for the


Weather today:
past week:

Area to closely inspect For all of these areas, firstly press the wall Damp Meter Reading Comments
Behind toilet
with your hand before using a damp


In upper cupboards where the roof meets
the wall in the inside locker □

In lower storage areas where the wall


meter.

meets the floor □

Around windows

All internal seam joints

In areas where water pipework enters and
exits the caravan □

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 15 | P a g e Version 14th June 2020


Owner and History Checks – Central Registration and Identification
Scheme (CRiS) (UK only)
The Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) primarily provides caravan owners with a proof of ownership of their caravans, amongst other benefits. For
possible buyers, the CRiS database provides a useful place to find out more information about a caravan you are interested in purchasing – particularly if you are going to be
potentially parting with a considerable sum of money. Undertaking a CRiS check is inexpensive (<£15) and quick – it can even be done online from your smartphone.

Whilst it would be highly unusual for a newer, high-value caravan not to be registered with CRiS, do not expect older, used caravans at the vastly cheaper end of the market
to have their CRiS registration up to date. However, be aware that if you buy a stolen caravan, or a caravan that is still under finance, it can be taken from you, and it will be
your responsibility to recover your costs from the individual who sold you the caravan.

In addition to proving ownership, there are numerous other benefits of registering your caravan with the CRiS Scheme [taken from the CRiS website]:

 It can prove easier for the police to verify ownership and aid the recovery of the caravan should it be stolen
 Having the caravan registered to you can ease the sale of your caravan in the future
 In the event of a claim, you may find that your touring caravan insurance company will only pay out on submission of a CRiS Touring Caravan Registration Document
 CRiS can assist with any safety, security or warranty issues you may face whilst owning your caravan.
 If you take your caravan abroad, it is advisable to carry your CRiS Registration Document with you to prove keepership of the touring caravan
 VIN CHIP™ theft deterrent and identification system for touring caravans registration is only available to CRiS registered keepers
 CRiS registration is only a one off fee of £15.00 for the lifetime that you own the caravan

Area to closely inspect Question Comments


□ What is the CRiS registration number of this caravan?
□ Has this caravan ever been reported as stolen?
□ Does this this caravan have any outstanding finance on it?
CRiS Registration □ Has this caravan ever been written off by an insurance company?
□ Who is the registered keeper of this caravan according to CRiS? If you
have their name, CRiS can confirm this.
□ Can you show me I.D. to confirm your name?
□ Will I receive the CRiS Registration Document upon transfer of funds?

Used Caravan Buying Checklist 16 | P a g e Version 14th June 2020


Transacting The Sale - Payment
Whilst there have been numerous horror stories about people conned out of their  Do not give the draft to the seller until you are back at the caravan – treat
money, fortunately, such cases are rare. Nevertheless, they do occur, so taking it like cash.
precautions beforehand can help to avoid being conned. The level of risk
ELECTRONIC CASH TRANSFER – ONLINE BANKING
increases with the value of the caravan you are looking to purchase. However, if
you have done a CRiS check that has come back clean, then you will likely have a With most banks now offering instant cash transfers up to £25,000, this option
greater reassurance about the transaction overall. will cover most purchasing scenarios in the used caravan market. It’s simple, fast,
convenient and free. However, there are some pitfalls to be aware of, like other
Top tips to avoid problems:
payment methods.
CASH
 Most payments made using the ‘Faster Payments’ system will be received
Cash is reliable and recognisable to all. When transacting in cash, the greatest immediately after the funds leave your account. However, at certain
risk is to the seller, in the form of receiving fake notes. As the buyer, your risks are times, they can take up to 2 hours to be shown as ‘received’ in the
different. recipient’s account. Arrive early on the day of collection to allow plenty of
time for the money to be transferred.
 Never carry a large quantity of cash alone – think of your personal safety.
 Check your bank’s transfer limit on the Faster Payments website -
 Arrange to meet the seller during daylight hours, ideally at the address
http://www.fasterpayments.org.uk/transaction-limits
where you inspected the caravan.
 The seller may ask that you deposit your cash directly into their bank COODLE PAY PLUS
account (as they don’t want the risk of fake notes or to be holding cash).
You’ve probably never heard of ‘Coodle Pay Plus’. This is because it doesn’t exist.
This is perfectly normal and they may accompany you to their bank so the
Never agree to pay or be paid using a method that you have never heard of or do
deposit can be made directly. In this instance, have an assistant wait at
not understand.
the address where the caravan is, so that if they attempt to remove it in
your absence, the police can be called.  Stick to recognised payment methods that you understand.
BANKERS DRAFT  If something doesn’t sound right, walk away. A genuine seller will make
alternative arrangements for you.
A bankers draft is essentially a guaranteed cheque. The money from your account
will be ring-fenced for the life of the draft until it is cashed.

 The seller may ask to accompany you to your bank to verify the validity of
the bankers draft to prevent them from receiving a forgery.
 The draft will look like a cheque, but will show the bank’s name as the
payee.
Used Caravan Buying Checklist 17 | P a g e Version 14th June 2020

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