New Buyer’s Checklist: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting a UK Dealership

Welcome! You’ve made a brilliant decision. The thought of owning your first caravan is exciting—planning those weekends away, the freedom, the cups of tea with a view. But before you get lost in the excitement of beautiful interiors and fancy decals, let’s talk practicality.

The truth is, visiting a dealership for the first time can be overwhelming. You might focus on the curtains and the bed and forget to ask about the CRiS check or your car’s MTPLM limit.

This guide is your complete, honest checklist. We’re not here to sell you anything right now; we’re here to make sure you walk onto the forecourt informed and confident. By focusing on these 10 practical, financial, and legal points first, you guarantee you’ll make a choice you won’t regret.

Section 1: Crucial Research Before You Leave the House

Your purchasing journey starts well before you pull up to the dealership.

1. Know Your Car’s Towing Capacity (The Non-Negotiable Legal Limit)

This is the single most important rule for UK caravanning, and it’s non-negotiable for safety and legality.

The key figure you need to find is the ‘Maximum Mass to be Towed’ (often listed as ‘Mass of the train’) on your car’s V5C Registration Document or in the handbook. This is the absolute legal limit.

Many experienced UK caravanners use the 85% Guideline. This suggests the caravan’s fully loaded weight (MTPLM) should not exceed 85% of the car’s Kerbweight (or mass in running order). While this isn’t law, it provides a crucial safety margin, making the outfit much more stable and comfortable to tow, especially on UK motorways.

Key Action: Do not even look at a caravan until you know your car’s legal maximum.

 [UK Towing Laws Explained: What’s Your Max Weight] 

Expert Tip: Understanding MTPLM

The MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) is the absolute heaviest the caravan can weigh when it’s fully loaded with all your gear. This is the figure you must check against your car’s limits.

2. Set Your Non-Negotiable Layout and Berth Count

First-timers often focus only on the number of berths (beds). We urge you to focus on the layout and living flow first. The number of people who sleep in the caravan might be four, but how many can comfortably eat, relax, and move around during a rainy day?

Consider:

• Fixed Beds: Do you want a fixed double or island bed? This takes up space but saves you making the bed every night.
• Washroom: Is an end-washroom (a large, separate bathroom) essential, or is a central side-washroom adequate?
• Bunk Beds: Are permanent bunks needed for children, or will they use a lounge conversion?

Thinking about your lifestyle—not just sleeping—will quickly narrow down your options from hundreds to a sensible handful.

3. The Finance Reality: Deposit, Monthly Costs, and Insurance

It’s tempting to think only of the purchase price, but the running costs are where many new owners get a shock.

1. Finance Options: Are you planning a personal loan, or using Hire Purchase (HP) arranged through the dealership? HP can be convenient, but understanding the APR and the full cost over the term is vital.
2. Insurance: Unlike a car, insurance for a caravan isn’t legally required to tow it, but it’s essential for theft and damage protection. Get a quote before you visit, as the make, model, and security features (e.g., Al-Ko Secure Wheel Locks) heavily influence the premium.
3. Storage/Site Fees: Factor in the annual cost of a CaSSOA-approved storage facility or a seasonal pitch if you aren’t storing it at home.

Having a realistic budget for these ongoing costs will ensure your caravan remains a joy, not a burden.

Section 2: On the Forecourt – The Essential Inspection

When you arrive at Golden Castle or any UK dealership, here’s how to empower yourself as a buyer.

4. The Damp Test: Where to Look and What to Feel (Crucial for Used)

For any used caravan, damp is the biggest enemy. It’s hard to spot with the naked eye until it’s too late.

A reputable dealer will provide a full Damp Report, but you should still know the tell-tale signs:

• Feel the Corners: Press firmly on the walls and ceilings, particularly in the corners, around windows, vents, and washroom seals. It should feel solid, not soft or spongy.
• Smell: A persistent, musty smell, even if masked by air fresheners, can be a major red flag.
• Look for Staining: Yellow or brown water stains on the ceiling or internal wallboard paper.

A good dealer will have nothing to hide. If you’re checking a used model, asking directly for the most recent Damp Test reading shows you’re a serious, informed buyer.

5. Checking the Tyres: The Age (Date Code) Matters More Than the Tread

For a caravan, a tyre doesn’t wear out from mileage; it perishes from time. A tyre that looks brand new but is 15 years old is a severe blow-out risk at 60 mph.

How to Check the Date Code (DOT Code):

Look for a four-digit number on the sidewall, often inside an oval. For example, 3422 means the tyre was manufactured in the 34th week of 2022.

UK Guidance: Most experts recommend replacing caravan tyres when they are 5 to 7 years old, regardless of tread depth. If the tyres on your potential purchase are approaching this age, factor a replacement cost into your budget.

6. Inspecting the Habitation (Appliances and Electrics)

The habitation check is about making sure the caravan is a safe, functional home on wheels, not just a structure. When inspecting:

• Appliances: Ask for a demonstration that the hob, fridge (on all three sources—gas,, and water heater (hot water, shower) all fire up correctly.
• Toilet: Make sure the flush works and the cassette is clean and operational.
• Electrics: Test all 204V sockets and internal 12V lights and pumps.

For used caravans, a recent Habitation Certificate is crucial proof that the gas, electrical, and water systems have been professionally inspected and are safe for use.

7. Underneath the Caravan: Look for Chassis Damage

While the dealer should have inspected the chassis, a quick visual check can give you peace of mind.

• Get down low and look for any serious rust that looks structural (surface rust is normal, but deep corrosion is not).
• Check the main axle and the tow hitch for any signs of accident damage or significant dents.
• Look at the corner steadies (the legs that drop down for stability) and ensure they are straight and wind up and down smoothly.

Section 3: Paperwork, Warranties, and Handover Questions

The final stage is all about protecting your investment and understanding your rights.

8. The CRiS Registration Check (The UK ‘Logbook’)

The CRiS (Central Registration and Identification Scheme) system is the equivalent of a logbook for a caravan. Every legitimate UK caravan built since 1992 has a unique VIN and is registered with CRiS.

Why is this important?

If you are buying a used caravan, a reputable dealer will have already conducted a CRiS check to ensure:

• It is not stolen.
• It does not have outstanding finance against it.
• The seller is the legal owner.

If a seller hesitates to show you the CRiS paperwork, walk away. When buying from a dealer like Golden Castle, this check is guaranteed as part of our process.

9. Understanding the Warranty (Dealer vs. Manufacturer)

Don’t assume all warranties are the same. Ask specific, clear questions:

• New Caravan: What is covered by the manufacturer’s body integrity warranty (often up to 10 years) and the general component warranty? What servicing must I do to keep it valid?
• Used Caravan: What specific mechanical and habitation components does the dealer’s warranty cover (e.g., appliances, water system)? Is there a mileage or time limit?

10. The Part-Exchange Question: Have Your Valuation Ready

If you have an old caravan or motorhome to sell, you have two choices: sell it privately or part-exchange it with the dealer.

Our Honest Advice: Get an online valuation for your old unit before you visit the dealership. This gives you a baseline for negotiation.

While selling privately might get you a few hundred pounds more, part-exchanging with Golden Castle removes all the stress: no strangers visiting your home, no time-wasters, no safety concerns, and the value is simply deducted from your new purchase. It’s safe, fast, and simple.

Conclusion: Ready to Buy?

By preparing this checklist, you are no longer a casual browser—you are a confident, informed buyer ready to focus on what matters.

We’re ready when you are. Now that you know what to look for, take the next step and see the range of new and used caravans and motorhomes we have in stock here in Gloucestershire.

Ready to put your checklist to the test?

Browse Our Current Stock (New & Used Caravans)

Need Finance? Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote Today

Part Exchange: What’s Your Current Caravan Worth? Get a Valuation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the most common questions first-time buyers ask:

What questions should I ask a caravan dealer?

Focus on the practical, long-term questions: 1) What is the most recent damp report reading? 2) What is the warranty scope (especially on used models)? 3) Does the price include a full Habitation Check and service? 4) Can you confirm the caravan’s CRiS status?

How much deposit do you need for a new caravan?

Deposits vary widely, but are typically around 10% to 20% of the caravan’s total price. If you are using dealer finance (HP), the minimum deposit is often lower, but it will affect your monthly payments and the total interest you pay.

What is a CRIS check, and is it important?

The Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) is the UK’s main ownership registry for touring caravans. It is highly important as it confirms the caravan’s identity (via a unique VIN), verifies the legal owner, and proves it is not stolen or under outstanding finance.

How long do caravan tyres last in the UK?

Unlike car tyres, caravan tyres often perish before the tread wears out. Most UK experts recommend replacing caravan tyres every 5 to 7 years from the date of manufacture (found on the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall), regardless of how much mileage they have done.