Buying a second hand caravan is exciting, but it can also be expensive if you get it wrong. A caravan that looks great on the outside can hide serious problems underneath. Before you hand over your money, here’s what to check so you don’t end up with someone else’s headache.
1. Check for Damp
Damp is the single biggest killer of caravans. Water gets in through the roof, windows, or seals, and over time it rots the wooden frame from the inside out. By the time you can see or smell the damage, the repair bill can be massive.
What to look for:
- Soft or spongy spots on interior walls, especially around windows and corners
- Discolouration or staining on the ceiling and walls
- A musty or mouldy smell when you first open the door
- Bubbling or warping on interior panels
- Peeling wallpaper or lifting trim
Pro tip: Press firmly on the walls around every window frame. If they flex or feel soft, there’s a good chance moisture has gotten in. A proper damp meter test is even better. Ask the seller if they’ll allow one, and be suspicious if they refuse.
2. Inspect the Chassis and A-Frame
The chassis is the backbone of the caravan. If it’s compromised, you’re looking at a very expensive repair or a write-off.
Get underneath and look at:
- Rust on the chassis rails, cross members, and A-frame
- Cracks or bends in the chassis
- The condition of the coupling and safety chain mounting points
- Jockey wheel condition and operation
Surface rust is normal on older caravans. Deep, flaky rust that you can poke through with a screwdriver is a serious problem.
3. Check the Floor
Walk through the caravan slowly and pay attention to the floor. Stand in different spots and shift your weight.
- Soft spots usually mean the floor has rotted, often from a leak above or moisture coming up from below
- Check around the toilet and shower area, the kitchen sink, and under windows
- Lift any carpets or vinyl if possible to see the floor condition underneath
A soft floor in a caravan is repairable, but it’s a big job. Factor it into your offer if you find it.
4. Examine the Roof
Climb up and look at the roof if you can, or at least inspect it from a ladder.
- Check for cracks in fibreglass or aluminium
- Look at the sealant around vents, hatches, antennas, and the edges where the roof meets the walls
- Old, cracked, or missing sealant is an invitation for leaks
If the roof hasn’t been resealed in years, it’ll need doing. Budget R500-R1,500 for a proper reseal job.
5. Test All Appliances
Turn everything on. Everything.
- Fridge on gas and electric (if it has both modes)
- Stove and oven, all burners
- Water pump and taps, hot and cold
- Geyser (if fitted)
- Lights inside and out, including brake lights and indicators
- 12V and 220V outlets
Caravan appliances aren’t cheap to replace. A new Dometic fridge can cost R5,000-R15,000 depending on the model. Better to know what works before you buy.
6. Check the Gas System
The gas system needs to be safe and legal. Look for:
- A valid Gas Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
- Gas lines in good condition, no perished rubber
- Regulator in working order
- Secure bottle mounting
If there’s no valid gas certificate, you’ll need one before you can insure the caravan. Budget R300-R600 for the inspection, plus repairs if anything fails.
7. Inspect the Running Gear
The wheels, tyres, and suspension do all the hard work when you’re towing. Check:
- Tyres for cracks, bulges, and tread depth. Old tyres with cracked sidewalls are dangerous even if the tread looks fine. Check the date code on the tyre wall.
- Wheel bearings by grabbing the top and bottom of each tyre and rocking it. Any play means the bearings need repacking or replacing.
- Brakes (if fitted). Have someone pull the handbrake cable while you try to turn the wheels.
- Leaf springs or suspension for cracks, broken leaves, or sagging
8. Check the Tent and Awning
A full tent in good condition adds real value to a caravan. But a torn, mouldy, or missing tent is expensive to replace.
- Ask the seller to set it up so you can inspect it
- Check for tears, mould, broken zips, and missing poles or pegs
- A replacement full tent for a popular caravan model can cost R3,000-R8,000+
9. Verify the Paperwork
This is non-negotiable:
- Registration certificate in the seller’s name
- VIN number on the chassis matches the registration document
- Police clearance or willingness to get one
- Gas CoC (current and valid)
- Finance cleared or settlement arrangement in place
If anything doesn’t match up, walk away. There are plenty of caravans for sale in South Africa. Don’t risk buying one with a dodgy history.
10. Take It for a Tow
If possible, hitch it up and tow it around the block. Listen for unusual noises, check that the lights work, and see how it tracks behind your vehicle. A caravan that sways or pulls to one side may have axle or suspension issues.
Want a Caravan That’s Already Been Checked?
At Caravan Center in Vereeniging, every caravan we sell has been inspected, serviced, and prepared for the road. No hidden surprises, no guesswork.
Browse our stock at caravancenter.co.za/caravans and buy with confidence.
