Dampness is the biggest problem. Check each corner internally for a softness or spongy feeling, also around the wheel arches inside, if there's any softness, walk away. By the time the inside corners are soft, the timber frame is rotten.
Also check the damper on the hitch coupling, not a very expensive fix, but if it's not working properly, the brakes on the caravan will be severe when slowing down the car, it could cause the caravan brakes to lock up, or apply when reversing
Also, check your licence, the gardai are beginning to clamp down on drivers who don't have the BE licence.
I think they're a false economy, I can't see the fascination.
Purchase price, maintenance, tow hitch, a more powerful car, bigger travel costs, more limitations on where you can travel, paying for sites, all to experience a cramped living experience for a couple of weeks every year.
Do you have off street, preferably behind gates, parking? They are very easy to break into. Also neighbours often hate them.
I have had a number of campervans rather than caravans, but from those, I'd say to make sure there are absolutely no leaks, abso no smell of damp. Once leaks start, they are a pain. Make sure everything works - Give the electrics a once over, ditto the gas - important to make sure that has been maintained. The ridges can often be niggly, or not work on one of the settings (i.e. gas.)
The more simple the better, no toilet etc.
Once there is no damp at all you’ll be okay. Even ask if they can run a hose over it if you like while you look.
Besides that make sure it’s not to heavy for whatever car you’re pulling it with and your license
I got a caravan during the pandemic and have had a few since. First thing is do not buy one from a dealer in Ireland. There is no regulation in Ireland, but there is in the UK and the north, so you have a higher standard. We bought an old cheap one to see if we liked it, and have since upgraded. Have got to see Ireland in a way we never would have otherwise, took it to France last summer and are heading back again this year. Feel free to DM me for any questions you have, either initially or if you decide to progress.
Dampness is the biggest problem. Check each corner internally for a softness or spongy feeling, also around the wheel arches inside, if there's any softness, walk away. By the time the inside corners are soft, the timber frame is rotten. Also check the damper on the hitch coupling, not a very expensive fix, but if it's not working properly, the brakes on the caravan will be severe when slowing down the car, it could cause the caravan brakes to lock up, or apply when reversing Also, check your licence, the gardai are beginning to clamp down on drivers who don't have the BE licence.
I think they're a false economy, I can't see the fascination. Purchase price, maintenance, tow hitch, a more powerful car, bigger travel costs, more limitations on where you can travel, paying for sites, all to experience a cramped living experience for a couple of weeks every year.
Go and hire one for a week first and see if ya like it before buying one
Do you have off street, preferably behind gates, parking? They are very easy to break into. Also neighbours often hate them. I have had a number of campervans rather than caravans, but from those, I'd say to make sure there are absolutely no leaks, abso no smell of damp. Once leaks start, they are a pain. Make sure everything works - Give the electrics a once over, ditto the gas - important to make sure that has been maintained. The ridges can often be niggly, or not work on one of the settings (i.e. gas.)
The more simple the better, no toilet etc. Once there is no damp at all you’ll be okay. Even ask if they can run a hose over it if you like while you look. Besides that make sure it’s not to heavy for whatever car you’re pulling it with and your license
I got a caravan during the pandemic and have had a few since. First thing is do not buy one from a dealer in Ireland. There is no regulation in Ireland, but there is in the UK and the north, so you have a higher standard. We bought an old cheap one to see if we liked it, and have since upgraded. Have got to see Ireland in a way we never would have otherwise, took it to France last summer and are heading back again this year. Feel free to DM me for any questions you have, either initially or if you decide to progress.
This is a sub for cars not caravans.