Here at Salop Leisure, we understand that selling your caravan can be a stressful endeavour.
That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide with some tips on how to prepare your caravan for selling.
How Do I Sell My Touring Caravan?
There are lots of things to bear in mind if you’re thinking of selling your caravan. What’s the best time to sell? What’s it worth? Where can you sell it? What paperwork will you need?
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What’s the Best Time of Year to Sell My Touring Caravan?
You can sell a caravan at any time of year but most owners agree that there’s more interest in buying between the beginning of the year and summer.
That’s because people are starting to plan trips to all the exciting places they’d like to go!
As well as the season, there are some other factors to take into account.
They include the type of caravan you own and what sort of demand there is for that model, as well as the current trends and favoured styles.
As always, the best way to find out how much interest you’re going to generate is to put your caravan out there to see what response you get.
How Much Is My Caravan Worth?
If you want to know how much you’re likely to get for your caravan, it’s a good idea to peruse some online ads, caravan websites and local advertising.
Make sure to look for a similar type of caravan that’s around the same age and that will give you a ballpark figure.
Remember to think about the condition too. If your caravan’s in top condition, it will be at the higher end of the value scale.
If it’s seen better days and has encountered a few bumps and scrapes along the way, it will reduce the value.
Caravan Valuations
Another way to ascertain the value of your caravan is to contact a professional dealer to see how much they’re currently offering for similar models.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with them, as most professional dealers are more than willing to talk price.
Ultimately, the value of your caravan will depend on its age and condition, as well as the demand for similar caravans.
Where Can I Sell My Caravan?
From traditional dealers to online auction sites like eBay, there are lots of places where you can sell a caravan.
- Online auction sites
- Online advertising platforms
- Reputable caravan dealers
- Magazines that specialise in caravan and motorhome sales
- Valuations sites that will make you an offer
Remember that the way you choose to sell could affect the price you get. Private buyers will typically pay more than a dealer or an online valuation and offer site but come with more risk.
Letting Potential Buyers View Your Caravan
Genuine buyers will want to see what they’re getting for their money, so they will arrange a viewing.
The best place to meet them is at a location that’s secure and convenient.
That will probably be at your home or at the site where your caravan is stored.
Either of these options is safer than agreeing to meet them at a location you’re not familiar with.
Before you do the viewing, make sure you have some details about the potential buyer like their name, number, and home address.
Any genuine buyer should be quite happy to provide you with their contact details.
Paperwork for Selling Your Caravan
Check to make sure that you have everything you will need for the sale ready. That includes things like your proof of ownership, your registration documents, warranty information and service history.
Before the viewing, put the paperwork together for the potential buyer to see. Remember though that it’s not advisable to let them take photographs of the actual documents.
- Proof of ownership
- Registration documents
- Warranty
- Service history
- Manual
- CriS documents
Paperwork after agreed sale.
After finalising the transaction, it is important to provide a receipt to the buyer that includes the following details:
- Date
- Amount paid.
- Make and model of caravan sold.
- Condition.
- Registration
- Name and address of buyer
- To ensure a smooth transaction, make two copies of the receipt - one for yourself and one for the buyer.
- It is crucial to transfer ownership after the sale to avoid being held liable for any fines or penalties incurred after the sale.
Don’t Leave the Buyer Alone
No matter how genuine the buyer seems, it’s not a good idea to leave them alone with your caravan.
They could damage it or even have a hidden agenda, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
A Tow Test
Some buyers might ask if they can do a ‘tow test’. Whether or not it’s convenient for a potential buyer to try towing the caravan with their car will depend on where you have it stored and if the buyer has a suitable car with a tow bar attached.
If their car is OK and they want to try a tow test, make sure you go with them and check that they’re insured and have a valid licence first.
If you don’t, you could be left carrying the can if there’s a problem or any damage!
Get Cleared Payment
If the purchase goes ahead, make sure that you have cleared funds in your account before you hand over the keys and part with the caravan.
Some payment methods are instant or guaranteed, so there’s less of a wait but others could take a few days to go through.
Follow Your Gut
Most private and trade buyers are perfectly trustworthy, so you shouldn’t have any issues. But, if something doesn’t feel right, follow your gut, and make sure that you’re covered in any transaction.
Getting Your Caravan Ready for Selling
If you’re selling, it makes sense to prepare your caravan so it appeals to as many buyers as possible.
Do Any Minor Repairs or Upgrades
Inspect your caravan thoroughly to identify any minor repairs that need to be done or any upgrades that might help you to get more for it.
It doesn't take much to give your caravan a bit of a facelift. Fixing up that cracked window, replacing the seat cushions, or giving the exterior a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference.
Even if you're watching the pennies, it's worth spending some time and money making sure that your touring caravan is looking its best before the buyers come calling.
Electrics, Plumbing, Gas System & Appliances
Both the electrics and the plumbing are vital and they need to be checked to make sure that everything is safe and working properly before you sell your caravan.
Give It a Thorough Clean
Once you’ve taken care of the essential stuff like doing any repairs, you’ll want to make your caravan look as attractive as possible.
After all, you want buyers to see it in its best light! So, give it a thorough clean inside and out before you advertise it or take any pics.
Dust and wipe down all the surfaces, vacuum the carpets, and clean the windows, mirrors, and any upholstery.
Don’t forget to make sure the kitchen is clean and tidy, so it’s ready for those keen buyers to inspect. The bathroom should be shining too.
By taking the time to make sure that everything looks spick and span, you’re letting buyers see what a bargain they’re getting.
Take Professional-Looking Photos
You might think that you don't need professional photos to sell a caravan, but a good photo is worth a thousand words.
High-quality photos will help you get the best possible price and make your caravan stand out from the others.
If you don’t want to take the photos yourself, consider getting a professional to do it.
They'll be able to expertly show off all of your caravan's top features and leave potential buyers with a great impression.
Have Your Caravan Professionally Assessed
If you don't want to leave anything to chance, you can have your caravan professionally assessed before selling.
This will confirm exactly what it's worth and also help to detect any faults or defects that could affect its resale value.
A professional assessment will give you the confidence that you're getting the best price for your caravan.
Here are our 7 crucial tips for selling your caravan.
Tip 1: Sell at a peak time.
January to April is the peak period for selling caravans.
Selling during the peak period can fuel the price of your caravan.
Tip 2: Start with a fair price.
Research prices of similar models to get a good indication of the market.
Have a minimum price in mind but be prepared to negotiate.
Tip 3: Include key details in your ad.
Essential details to include are the year, make, and asking price.
Be informative and upfront with answers to technical questions.
Be clear about the reason for selling and highlight the positives.
Tip 4: Photograph your caravan.
High-resolution images make a difference in selling.
Take photos during the middle of the day and upload plenty of photos.
Short videos of you moving around the van can be an amazing selling tool.
Tip 5: Clean your caravan.
Make sure the van is clean and everything works.
Spending a few hundred pounds on detailing or maintenance can yield bigger rewards.
Have receipts for work or maintenance to show a perspective buyer.
Tip 6: Ensure the inspection is a pleasant experience.
Make sure there is easy access to the caravan and provide additional lighting if needed.
Demonstrate that everything operates as it should and give the buyer plenty of time to look over the van.
Don’t hover and make the buyer nervous.
Tip 7: Be safe online.
Use a site with good safety protocols in place.
If an offer seems suspicious, always meet in person to do the transaction.
Bonus tip: Sell your caravan to Salop Leisure!
Salop Leisure, one of the largest caravan dealers in the Midlands, is constantly searching for high-quality caravans and motorhomes to purchase. If you're considering selling or trading in your caravan, click here for a valuation.