The CRiS guide to buying a used caravan

Research the market place:

Compare prices between advertisements and your local dealer. Don't forget to budget for insurance and routine maintenance.

Match you caravan to your car: Conduct a Towsafe Multiple Match

Weight matching cars and caravans can be confusing. Towsafe takes the mystery out of the process. Don't waste your time visiting vans that are not a legal match for your car. The Towsafe Multiple Match gives you a list of safe options to base your choice on. Visit www.towsafe.co.uk to do your match.

Don't deal in the dark

Make sure you view the caravan in good daylight and don't go alone. Meet at the seller’s house and NEVER agree to meet at a service station or lay-by.

Request all documentation

Ask to see the caravan's service history and CRIS registration document.

Check the seller's details

Make sure the owner is who they say they are. Contact CRIS with a description of the make and model of the tourer and the owner’s details to be checked against the information on the CRIS database.

Is the caravan on finance?

Ask if there is outstanding finance and verify by checking through CRIS. If the caravan has not been paid off, it could still be the property of the finance house that could reclaim it.

Don't buy a write-off

Has it been in an accident? Check panels closely for signs of repair and check the caravan's history with CRIS to ensure that an insurance company has not previously recorded it as a write-off. Write-offs that are rebuilt may not be safe to return to the road.

Check the locks

Inspect all door and window locks for signs of force or replacement. This may mean the caravan has been stolen and look carefully at the CRiS window markings for signs of alteration or removal.

Conduct a Towsafe One to One Match

Contact Towsafe to make sure the selected car and caravan are a safe and legal combination for the road before you buy.

To complete an instant, online Towsafe match for only £15.95¹ (for up to five combinations) visit www.towsafe.co.uk or over the phone on 01722 411 430 for £9.95¹ per match

¹ Price correct as at 13th July 2004.