Buying a used camper: what to look for?
Are you looking for a camper? Currently, used campers are almost impossible to get. And the same goes for new ones, by the way. On CampersCaravans.nl you have a wide selection of used campers. Do you want to buy a second-hand camper? We give you tips on what to look for when purchasing one.
Which type suits 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 A-class and the semi-integrated camper. And then there are still the necessary layouts you can choose from. For example, do you want a French bed, a transverse bed or single beds? Or would you rather sleep in a well-ventilated pop-top roof?
Many aspiring campers choose to first rent a camper before making a purchase. That's quite sensible. You won't be the first to realize after a rental period that their preference is for a different type of camper or layout than previously thought.
Moisture ingress
Anyone who has finally found their dream model naturally doesn't want to buy a lemon. But what should you actually look for when buying a used camper? We give some tips to prevent disappointment.
The very first is moisture ingress. This is not always easy to detect. The walls of a camper consist of a sandwich construction, often using wood. When this becomes damp due to a leaking sealant seam, poorly executed repair, or water ingress through a window, it will smell musty and mold has a good chance of ruining your holiday fun. In addition, this rotting process also affects the strength of the construction. Have a moisture measurement performed by an independent expert to prevent this disappointment.
Tires
Campers travel far fewer kilometers than the commercial vehicles they are based on. Tires don't wear out from driving; they age, meaning a new set needs to be installed after 6 years, even if there's still more than enough tread. To find out the age of the tires, look for the DOT code, which is on the sidewall of the tires. From 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 are the year. For example, DOT code 2108 means week 21 of 2008. Check your insurance for its requirements regarding tire age; damage from a blowout due to old tires will not be covered.
Maintenance
Many used campers are imported as the supply of second-hand Dutch origin is far too small to meet demand. Therefore, it is not always known what the maintenance status is. If stamped service booklets are missing, pay close attention. When the timing belt needs to be replaced, it is usually indicated on a sticker under the hood. If in doubt, it is better to do this preventively to prevent irreparable engine damage if it breaks.
You can have the engine oil analyzed to determine the health of the block. Also compare the mileage with the overall condition of the camper. If there are only 20,000 km on the clock but the pedals are quite worn, then let the temptation pass you by. How do the sealant seams look? Do you see color differences from poorly executed repairs or has the camper been the brainchild of a failed tinkerer resulting in a sparking wiring harness?
The most important thing is to remain objective without blinding thoughts of how nice it would be to park this particular model at your favorite holiday spot. Even better is to have a purchase inspection carried out at the slightest doubt about the state of maintenance.
Euro?
The Euro standard of a car determines the emission class of vehicles traveling on the road in countries within the European Union. The Euro standard distinguishes 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 enter an environmental zone. At the moment, this is still just possible with Euro4.
So if you mainly want to visit cities, you'd better not buy too old a camper. But it could also be that you have no business in a city, then the standard matters a little less. Nevertheless, a higher standard is always better. If only to be able to sell the camper well again. In addition, there is of course also an environmental benefit with a camper that does not put the entire campsite in a blue cloud of soot when you set off again.
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 camping and transportation vehicle. Quite a few systems are integrated to make holiday fun possible in this way. The various manufacturers build as lightly as possible so that we can hit the road with a B driving license. This also makes a camper quite vulnerable. In addition to keeping a good eye on things, you should therefore also try everything out for correct operation. If that is the case and the budget fits, nothing stands in your way of experiencing beautiful adventures with the camper you've always wanted.
Looking for a used camper? Then take a look at CampersCaravans.nl
