First Time Caravan Buyers Guide: 6 Pitfalls to Avoid

Well, you're nearly there. For weeks or even months now you've been watching with envy on Friday nights as your soon to be fellow caravanners set out on yet another weekend away whilst you're left to man the queues in Sainsbury's!

Now you're itching to get out there and enjoy the freedom as well...but before you do, take just a moment to review the 6 mistakes that I have seen people repeat time after time over the years. It could save you some money or more...

Mistake No. 1: Buying the wrong caravan for your car (or visa versa)

The first mistake you need to consider when looking for new or used caravans for sale is towing it with an appropriate vehicle. Inappropriate vehicles are not only dangerous but it could cost you a considerable fine, points on your licence and invalidate your insurance if you're involved in an accident. So, please don't turn to the bloke down at the pub for advice or put your trust in a commission hungry car salesman for a recommendation. Get an independent recommendation from HPI Tow Safe who maintain a comprehensive database of which cars are suitable to tow which caravans.

Mistake No. 2: Being sold the wrong caravan

When I was a lad (no really, I've been involved in the caravan business since I was 17!) we sold caravans on a handshake. Times have unfortunately changed and some of the sales tactics I've heard of being used by some people in our industry would make a double-glazing salesman cringe. These new breed of 'hot shot' salespeople can spot a first time buyer a mile off and reel them in with seemingly irresistible deals on caravans that a seasoned caravanner would be embarrassed to arrive on site with. Keep your wits about you. If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is. And never, never, NEVER be fooled by the 'it's a today only price' close!

Mistake No. 3: Buying a stolen or written off caravan

When you see those blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror be confident that the boys in blue are just going to give you a warning about a dodgy brake light and are not about to confiscate your caravan. Because if it turns out that the caravan you bought in good faith has been stolen, you will have to give it back to the original owner. Again a HPI check will reveal if the caravan you are about to buy is stolen or has outstanding finance on it or has been written off by an insurance company.

Mistake No. 4: Choosing a caravan that doesn't suit your lifestyle

This is perhaps the most difficult mistake to avoid and potentially the most disastrous (because it could just lead to divorce!) Deciding on the right layout for you and the people you are going to spend time with in your second home Is made even more difficult by the ever increasing number of options available. Get it really wrong and you could be looking to trade in your caravan after just a few months. My advice? Decide on your number one 'must have' and work around that. For most people a good nights sleep is top of the list, so I would always start there. (I've noticed that many people seem to spend most of their time thinking about and comparing the 'living space', which in most instances can easily be doubled with the addition of an awning). It can be a good idea to put your top three 'must haves' in writing and then carry that list with you to refer to and keep you on track when you find yourself being tempted by 'a nice to have' over 'a must have'. Once you think you know what you want, if you have the chance to stay in a caravan with the layout of your choice before buying, take advantage of the opportunity to 'lie before you buy'!

Mistake No. 5: Towing a caravan without being trained

This is perhaps the most dangerous mistake to make because if you make a mistake whilst say, overtaking a lorry on the motorway...well, the consequences are unthinkable. Even when lives aren't at risk the consequences for an inexperienced towing mistake can be both costly and embarrassing. People have been known to do several thousand pounds worth of damage to a brand new caravan within hours of taking delivery and on their own driveway, simply through their lack of towing experience. Don't make the same mistake - invest a day at tow training school and you'll be a safe and confident caravanner.

Mistake No. 6: Buying accessories you will never, ever need!

This is perhaps the least important mistake to make because if you do make it, at worse it could cost you a few pounds and clutter up your garage with a few more bad buys. Resist the temptation to go on a trolley dash around the accessory shop on the same day that you pick up your caravan. Just get the essentials and go caravanning. Your newfound caravanning friends will be more than happy to steer you in the right direction for the best accessories...over your first BBQ and a cold beer.

For new and used caravans for sale, visit North Staffordshire Caravans.