Buying a used camper: what should you pay attention to?
Are you looking for a camper? At the moment, used campers are almost impossible to find. And that also applies to new copies. At CampersCaravans.nl you can choose from a wide range of used campers. Do you want to buy a second-hand camper? We give you tips on what to pay attention to when purchasing one.
Which type fits best
Before you buy a used camper, first determine which type suits you best. Because there are different types of campers. The bus camper, the alcove, the integrated and the semi-integrated camper. And then there are the necessary layouts to choose from. For example, do you want a French bed, transverse bed or single beds? Or would you rather sleep in a well-ventilated pop-up roof?
Many prospective campers choose to purchase one first motorhome to rent before they make a purchase. That's quite sensible. You will not be the first to notice after a rental period that he prefers a different type of camper or layout than previously thought.
Moisture effect
Anyone who has finally found the model of their dreams will of course not want to make a mistake. But what should you actually pay attention to when purchasing a used camper? We give a number of tips to prevent deception.
The very first is moisture. That is not always easy to discover. The walls of a camper consist of a sandwich construction in which wood is often used. If it becomes damp due to a leaking sealant seam, poorly carried out repair or window water, it will smell musty and mold has a good chance of ruining your holiday pleasure. In addition, this rotting process also affects the strength of the structure. Have a moisture measurement carried out by an independent expert to avoid this disappointment.
Tires
Campers travel much fewer kilometers than the commercial vehicles on which they are based. Tires do not wear out by driving, they age and require a new set after 6 years, even if they still have more than enough tread. To find out the age of the tires, look for the DOT code, which can be found on the side of the tires. Since the year 2000, the last part of the DOT code consists of four digits. The first two digits are the week of production and the last two the year. For example, DOT code 2108 means week 21 of 2008. Check your insurance to see what requirements it sets for the age of the tires; damage caused by a blowout that is too old is not covered.
Maintenance
Many used campers are imported as the supply of second-hand campers of Dutch origin is far too small to meet demand. Therefore, the maintenance status is not known in all cases. If stamped maintenance booklets are missing, keep your eyes peeled. When the timing belt needs to be replaced, it is usually stated on a sticker under the hood. If in doubt, it is better to do this preventively to prevent the engine from running irreparably in the soup if it breaks.
You can have the engine oil analyzed to find out the health of the block. Also compare the mileage with the overall condition of the camper. If you only have 20.000 km on the clock but the pedals are quite worn, then don't let the temptation pass you by. What do the sealant seams look like? Do you see color differences from poorly executed repairs or was the camper the brainchild of a failed tinkerer, resulting in a sparking wiring harness.
The most important thing is that you continue to look objectively without blinding thoughts about how nice it would be to park this copy at your favorite holiday spot. It is even better to have a purchase inspection carried out if there is the slightest doubt about the state of maintenance.
Euro?
The Euro standard of a car determines the emission class of vehicles on the road in countries within the European Union. The Euro standard makes a distinction between passenger cars and trucks, and between diesel and petrol. The standard is determined based on the date of the first registration of, for example, a camper. With this standard you may or may not drive into an environmental zone. At the moment, this is still just possible with Euro4.
So if you mainly want to visit cities, it is better not to buy a camper that is too old. But it may also be the case that you have no business being in a city, then the standard matters less. Yet a higher standard is always better. If only to be able to sell the camper well again. In addition, there are of course also environmental benefits with a camper that does not turn the entire campsite into a cloud of blue soot when you get back on the road.
Emission standard Date of 1st registration
Euro 0 Before 1/07/1992
Euro 1 From 1/07/1992 to 31/12/1996
Euro 2 From 1/01/1997 to 31/12/2000
Euro 3 From 1/01/2001 to 31/12/2005
Euro 4 From 1/01/2006 to 31/12/2010
Euro 5 From 1/01/2011 to 31/08/2015
Euro 6 From 1/09/2015 to 31/08/2019
A camper is a complex means of camping and transportation. Quite a few systems have been integrated to make holiday fun possible in this way. The various manufacturers build as light as possible so that we can hit the road with a B driving license. That also makes a camper quite vulnerable. In addition to giving your eyes a good look, you should also try everything to ensure it works correctly. If that is the case and the budget fits, nothing will stop you from having great adventures with the camper you have always wanted.
Looking for a used camper? Then take a look CampersCaravans.nl
