Whether you’re picking up your first caravan or replacing your current one, you can save quite a bit of cash by buying used. Although you may be missing out on some of the benefits of buying a new caravan, such as extended warranties, this is offset by the savings you make – as long as you follow a few guidelines. It may also help to keep up with the latest goings-on in the caravan world at news sites like this one: http://www.simplecaravaninsurance.co.uk/caravan-insurance-news.aspx.

When you go along for a look, see if it already comes equipped with some accessories you would otherwise have to buy separately. These could include battery chargers, gas bottles, TV equipment and electric hook-ups – just ask the owner if you’re not sure what to look for.

It’s also a good idea to carry out a history check on the caravan you have your eye on as a matter of course, as this will avoid running into nasty surprises later down the line. The seller should be able to offer a thorough service history and provide details on how often it’s been used in the past. If it’s a newer van, you can run a HPI check to confirm the identity and ensure it doesn’t have any outstanding finance on it.