Used Touring Caravans For Sale

Buying a used touring caravan is one of the most cost-effective routes into touring. It suits first-time buyers testing the water as much as seasoned caravanners who would rather not absorb the depreciation of a brand-new model.

Why buy pre-owned?

A pre-owned tourer typically costs significantly less than its new equivalent, and much of the sharpest depreciation has already been absorbed by the previous owner. That leaves more of your budget for the things that matter: a sensible tow car, a decent awning, and the kit you will actually use on site.

Buying through a dealer rather than privately adds a layer of protection. Reputable dealers prepare used stock before sale and back it with a warranty, which is worth having when you are new to caravanning and still learning what to look for.

What to check before you buy

• Damp and water ingress. Ask for a recent damp report and check the corners, roof seams and around windows and rooflights.
• Service history. A full service record shows the caravan has been maintained, and annual servicing is usually a condition of any warranty.
• CRiS registration. In the UK, caravans are registered with the Central Registration and Identification Scheme. Check the CRiS document matches the caravan and the seller.
• Towing weight. Match the caravan’s maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) against your car’s towing limit and your licence entitlement.
• Layout. Fixed beds, end washrooms and island beds suit different touring styles. Sit in the caravan and picture a wet Sunday morning before you commit.
• Tyres and running gear. Caravan tyres age even when tread looks fine. Check the date codes and look for cracking.

What is available

The used market spans a wide range of budgets, from around £10,000 to well over £50,000, with the largest concentration of stock sitting between £20,000 and £30,000.

Popular manufacturers include Swift, Bailey and Coachman, with models such as the Swift Challenger, Swift Elegance, Coachman Laser and Bailey Unicorn appearing regularly. Berths range from two-berth tourers for couples through to six-berth family layouts, and common layout options include end washrooms, island beds, centre washrooms and fixed beds.

Age matters less than condition. A well-maintained caravan from 2016 may be a better buy than a neglected example from 2021, so judge each van on its own merits rather than the number plate alone.

Financing a used caravan

Dealer finance is available on used tourers, and a deposit followed by monthly payments spreads the cost in the same way as a car loan. Compare the total amount payable rather than the monthly figure alone, and check whether early settlement charges apply.

Questions to ask the seller

• Is there a warranty, and what does it cover?
• When was the last service and damp check?
• Is the caravan CRiS registered, and is the document present?
• Are there any known faults or previous repairs?
• What is included in the sale — battery, gas bottles, aquaroll, step, awning?

Viewing checklist

Take a torch and a damp meter if you have one. Look underneath for corrosion to the chassis and floor, check that all windows and rooflights open and seal properly, run the taps and water heater, test the fridge on both gas and electric, and confirm the lights and brakes work. If in doubt, pay for a professional pre-purchase inspection — it is money well spent on a purchase of this size.