5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying A Touring Caravan

Aberdeenshire Caravan Hire
May 4
5 min read

Introduction

Buying a touring caravan is an exciting step towards exciting family getaways. But it’s also a big investment—and not just financially. Like many first-time buyers, we learned some hard lessons along the way. From hidden costs to storage issues, there’s a lot more to owning a caravan than just hitching up and driving off.

Here are five essential things we wished we knew before buying a touring caravan—and how renting one first can be the best decision you make.

1. The True Cost

At first glance, buying a caravan seems like a one-off expense. But in reality, the total cost of owning a touring caravan can be significantly higher than just the purchase price.

Caravan ownership expenses you’ll need to account for:

Touring caravan insurance (required by many sites)
Annual servicing and maintenance
Caravan storage fees, especially if you don’t have space at home
Towing accessories like mirrors, stabilisers, or hitch locks
Security features like wheel clamps or alarms
Equipment like caravan movers, awnings and gas cylinders, kettles, crockery, etc.

All of these are necessary to ensure safe, legal, and comfortable travel—and they can easily add thousands to your initial budget.

2. Not All Tow Cars Are Equal

I assumed that if my car had a tow bar, I was good to go. Wrong. Towing a caravan safely depends on understanding tow car compatibility, especially in terms of:

Kerb weight
Towing capacity
Nose weight limits
Your driving licence entitlements

An incorrect match can be dangerous and illegal—not to mention stressful on the road.

Before buying a caravan, use a towing compatibility checker (like TowCheck or Caravan Club’s tools) and make sure your vehicle is rated to tow the MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) of the caravan you’re considering.

3. Storage Can Be a Major Issue

One of the most underestimated aspects of owning a caravan is where to keep it when you’re not using it. Unless you live in a rural area with ample driveway space, caravan storage quickly becomes a logistical—and financial—challenge.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

Many local councils have rules about parking caravans on residential streets or driveways.
Storage at a secure caravan storage facility often costs £400–£800 per year.
You’ll need regular access if you want to prep or maintain your caravan between trips.

If you’re not ready to commit to these responsibilities, touring caravan rental can be a flexible and cost-effective alternative.

4. Layout and Weight Matter More Than You Think

Often, prospective buyers focus on how the caravan looks: upholstery / trim colours, and flashy appliances. But after spending time in one, they soon realise the actual layout is often far more important.

Things to consider:

Do you need fixed beds or convertible seating?
Is the kitchen accessible when the slide-outs are in?
Is there enough payload for your gear?
Is there a separate area for the kids to sleep in the evenings?
Is there enough space in the bathroom?

This is where the "try before you buy" approach makes a massive difference. By renting a touring caravan, you can:

Test different caravan layouts to see what suits your travel style
Learn what features are essential and which ones you can live without
Understand how weight impacts towing and manoeuvring

It’s like test-driving a car before choosing the one that fits. Many customers who rent from us say they avoided costly mistakes by experiencing caravanning firsthand before committing to a purchase.

5. Beware What Lurks Beneath

When you’re buying a second-hand touring caravan, it’s easy to be dazzled by spotless upholstery, shiny surfaces, and a fresh coat of polish. But what looks great on the outside can be hiding serious—and expensive—problems underneath.

We’ve definitely learned the hard way that some of the most costly caravan issues aren’t visible at first glance. Even relatively new caravans can suffer from neglect in crucial areas that impact both safety and value.

Here are some common bear traps to be aware of:

Neglected Brakes, Chassis, and Towing Components

Many private sellers keep up appearances but (often unknowingly) skip essential maintenance on critical systems:

Braking mechanisms may be worn or unbalanced, risking safety on the road.
The chassis could be rusting or weakened due to age or poor storage.
Towing hitches, stabilisers, and jockey wheels might be damaged or misaligned.

If these components aren’t in good working order, the caravan may be illegal to tow or dangerous, especially at motorway speeds. Repairs can run into thousands of pounds.

Hidden Damp Can Destroy Value

Even if the caravan smells fine and looks clean, damp is a notorious issue that often hides within wall panels, floorboards, or roof seals. Always:

Request a full damp report or take a moisture meter when viewing.
Check around windows, roof lights, and corners—common ingress points.
Inspect underneath mattresses and seating cushions for mould or mildew.
Pay particular attention around the shower / toilet

Tyres Are a Ticking Time Bomb

Caravan tyres might look new but still be dangerously aged. Unlike car tyres, caravan tyres are often subject to long periods of inactivity, UV exposure, and high loads.

Key checks:

Tyre age: Replace every 5–7 years regardless of tread.
Load rating: Ensure tyres are weight-rated appropriately.
Signs of cracking, bulges, or flat spots from storage.

Spare Parts Can Be a Nightmare

Many caravans don’t have consistent parts support. After 5–7 years, sourcing appliances, electrical components, or even door locks can be a challenge.

Check that:

All appliances (fridge, oven, heating, water system) are working in person.
Control panels, battery chargers, and lights function correctly.
Replacement parts are still available for the brand and model.

Final Thoughts: Why Renting First Makes Sense

Owning a caravan can be an incredible way to explore the UK and beyond—but only if you go in prepared. From unexpected caravan ownership costs to tow car issues and hidden maintenance problems, there's a lot more to consider than just the brochure photos.

Hiring a touring caravan gives you real-world experience with towing, site setup, layouts, and day-to-day living—without the commitment or financial risk. It’s the smart, low-pressure way to make sure caravan life is really for you.

If you're just starting your journey, check out our fleet of fully-equipped rental caravans. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a two-week tour, it’s the perfect way to explore with confidence—and shop smarter when you're ready to buy.

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