Buying a caravan for 1st time and not buying damp

We caravanned for many, many years, had about 6 vans. Including a Lunar and a Bailey, loved both of them, no problems. A brand new Elldis, nightmare! But never any damp. I suppose it can happen in any van. Although ours were always kept undercover in a barn. Suggest you choose a reputable dealer, and, for a fee, would your caravan repairer be prepared to look over the van you choose before you buy.

Reedit.  Not all second hand UK built caravans are damp!  I am the owner of a 2009 damp free Bailey.  German caravans do have the reputation for better build quality but at a price (owners of these will soon be on here!).  Your best protection is to buy from a dealer and have them do a damp test in front of.  Buying privately is always a bit of a risk.  Go armed with your trusty damp meter by all means but you should also ask to see a recent service report with a damp test.  Let you nose be your guide if a caravan smells damp/musty walk away. You can also transfer any outstanding damp warranty to yourself, often for a small fee.  A private purchase may also include many goodies 'essential' for your caravan trips which a dealer sale may not include.  Why not take your professional repair man with you when you look! Good luck with your search.

We have a drive, but nothing for actual cover.  Our initial thought was "dealer" but then there's the allure of a private buyer who's giving up the caravan life and might be happy to include all the essentials in the sale (aqua roll, waste master, awning etc). Sadly we can't ask our caravan repair friend as he lives in Essex (just too far from Oxfordshire).

We never experienced damp problems with our three vans, two new, one secondhand. Buying secondhand you need to use your nose and your eyes to really check everything out. Check the exterior and interior very carefully. Some owners take great care with their vans, others don't. As soon as you step in the door you will notice the difference. Ask the dealer to set up a test run, make sure the pipe work is properly connected, the electrics are working etc etc. A good dealership will give you a warranty if the van isn't too old. Paperwork should be available for servicing and repairs. Good luck, enjoy your caravan. 

PS A dealer will offer you essential extra goodies  too if you ask.

You certainly seem to be right about the price of German caravans! We were drawn to the idea of the private sale as we hoped to get a few other important things at the same time (like an awning, aqua roll and the SO important motor mover), as you say.

We didn't know you can ask to see a recent service report with damp test.  Thanks for that! We've been warned about the practice of "over-boarding" which can mean your nose won't tell you about damp.

Taking the repair man with us is a no-go as he lives too far away.  But we were thinking about taking a friend who bought a Go-Pro 2 years ago and so is a bit more caravan savvy than we are.

How about asking your repair friend in Essex  if he is aware of your requirements, whether he knows or can look at something in his area,

One thing you need to remember  that at this present time all LVs are very popular so prices are matching that,,we have had several emails from our  Local Dealer asking if we would sell our Bailey

That is some great, very practical advice.  Much appreciated!

Great idea - hadn't thought about that one!

Or get an independent inspection via the club's scheme. 

Never heard about that before.  Going to look into that now -  thank you.