What is the lifespan of a caravan? (13+ tips)

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: What is the lifespan of a caravan? We will give you a few essential types to extend the life of your motorhome. 

What is the lifespan of a caravan?

The average lifespan of a caravan is 14 years. A model that is between 5 and 7 years old represents the best price-performance ratio. However, it is not uncommon to see people driving 30 and 40 years old caravans. 

For used vehicles, it is easier to negotiate the selling price if the caravan is older. Still, keep in mind that there are additional costs to pay when buying a used and older caravan. For example, you will have to pay extra for:

• Restoration and maintenance costs;
• Insurance costs;
• Storage costs.

Besides, if buying an older caravan, keep in mind the following:

1. Check the shock absorber, axles including the brake system, tires, lighting, tow bar, hitches, handbrake, and connector connection of the caravan;

2. The water system and gas installation should also be inspected. All gas installation certificates must be current and valid (otherwise require a new certificate, which will lower the price);

3. The condition of the entire gas system and the electrical system must also be checked. This also includes the battery. 

4. The electrical equipment is installed so that a power supply is established on the 12-V network of the towing vehicle and its battery, but also on the 230-V network. 

5. When you have finished the check, you can still examine the other equipment: the folding table, which can constitute a bed in the living room, the functions of all the hatches etc.

Tips to extend the lifespan of your caravan

• Be careful with tire pressure

As with any vehicle, with caravans, it is important that you check the tire pressure. This way you can ensure that they are in perfect condition and that they provide you with a good grip on the road without affecting the stopping distance.

• Take care of the wheels

To prevent the wheels from deforming, it is best to buy a metal stand. This will prevent them from having to bear the full weight of the vehicle and not deform.

• Check the condition of the electrical connections

Another point that you should keep in mind is to check the state of the electrical connections. If you check this part together with the state of the battery, you will make sure that you get stuck in the middle of nowhere. You should also check the operation of the switchboard and that the connections have a sufficient charge for electricity, water and gas.

Other questions you may be interested in

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• Be careful of how you clean it

You must be very careful not to use abrasive cleaning products. To clean your motorhome it will be enough to use a little water and neutral soap. Pay special attention to the toilet area. In no case should abrasive products be used to clean the cabinets of a caravan.

•  The fridge

It is important that you keep it connected but in the event that you unplug it, you should leave it with the door open.

• Do not store your caravan without its cover

The cover will help you preserve the cabin part in perfect condition and thus prevent certain areas such as the headlights from turning yellow or the paint from chipping.

• Spray or silicone on the windows

Following the tips to prolong the life of your motorhome, it is essential that you place a little spray silicone on the part of the window and door rubbers. In addition, you should also put lubricant in the hinge area to prevent oxidation. 

• Beware of the pipes

It is important that you periodically empty the water tanks as well as the interior of the pumps. This will prevent algae from appearing and the pipes from bursting due to freezing in the coldest months of the year.

Tips for caring for your caravan while it’s in long-term parking

A caravan is a vehicle that is useful at many times of the year. However, the truth is that it is often parked for a long time (especially in winter), hence it is important to take care of it, protect it, keep an eye on it and take some precautions to find it in good condition when we have to use it again.

If we have to keep the caravan park for a long time, these tips will surely be useful.

• Empty the water tanks

It is essential that all the water tanks in the caravan are empty. Leaving water in the caravan can generate bad odours and bacteria around it. The water can stagnate and generate lime, and if we are in winter, it can freeze and break a pipe or a tap.

• Leave the wheels in perfect condition 

The wheels are the support that supports the entire weight of the caravan. If it takes more than a month and a half or two months and the caravan has not moved, the wheels can deform and over time the engine loses power.

• Disconnect the battery 

The caravan battery is discharged if it is not used, so if it is going to be parked for a long time, it is best to disconnect the terminals to extend its life and take care of it so that it lasts as long as possible.

• Do not leave any trace of food inside 

Non-perishable and hermetically sealed food can remain in the caravan, as long as it is for temporary periods of several months: pasta sachets, jars of vegetables, cookies, preserves. However, perishable food: already cooked food, fruit, yoghurt … spoils quickly and the smell is very unpleasant.

In any case, it is advisable not to even leave nonperishable food in the caravan, as it can attract insects due to the smell.

• Take anti-theft measures 

This is the best advice to avoid serious scares with the caravan when it has been parked for a long time on the street or at a campsite. The best place to leave these vehicles is in a caravan park or a campsite, and whenever possible, use extra anti-theft methods for the steering wheel.

• Visit the garage often

After all these security measures, it never hurts to visit the vehicle regularly and check that everything is under control. When visiting the caravan, we must check the condition of the wheels and check that the windows and doors are properly closed. Also, consider investing in a dehumidifier for the garage, to keep the damp and mould away!

The bottom line

The lifespan of your caravan will depend entirely on how you take care of it. As long as you follow our tips, you can surely drive your caravan for more than the average lifespan of 14 years.

If you have any other tips on how to extend the lifespan of a caravan, please share them with us and our other readers!

FAQ on What is the lifespan of a caravan?

Why buy a caravan?

The caravan has the advantage of offering travellers a large optimized interior space, comfort, versatility and freedom of movement. At the same size, it offers more available space than the RV.

When to buy a caravan?

When to buy a caravan? Caravans sell particularly well during the months of April, March and May, but are cheaper in the winter months.

What is the average height of a caravan?

The average height of a caravan is 2 m. The dimensions of a caravan vary depending on the model you choose. Regarding the height, apart from the lowered caravans which are less than 2 m, all the other models are at least 2 m high.

How to travel with a caravan?

To travel with a caravan, make sure the vehicle is in good condition. A caravan is the best way to travel at your own pace. Going on vacation in this vehicle requires good preparation. It is recommended that you choose a caravan with all possible amenities: beds, living room, small kitchen, etc.

References

• How long do static caravans last? | Willerby
• What you need to know when buying a used touring caravan
• Best Caravan Tips in 2021 – For Beginners and Experienced …