Are you one of those who like to keep in touch with the nature while traveling? Are you looking for full independence in organising your leisure time? Have you ever thought about going on holiday ‘on a house’ to enjoy a vacation without stress and enjoy the freedom and convenience of a campsite?
If you answered yes to these three questions, you have probably already considered getting a caravan and go camping. Today we offer a few tips to help you buy a second hand caravan and convince you that your dream is much closer than you think.
First of all, when you buy a second hand caravan, review all the documentation and the data sheet of the vehicle. For instance: the TAR vehicle (the unladed weight of the car); the MMA’s car (the maximum allowable mass in kilograms by car); the MMR car (maximum towable mass of the car in kilograms); the MMC and towed set of the car (the maximum mass of the whole vehicle). You should know one is not allowed to drive a caravan weighing more than 75-80% of the TAR of the car. In this regard, the amount of MMA and MMR must always be lower than the MMC. You must also review the drag approved in kilograms of the ball hitch that the trailer can tow.
Regardless, however, of these technical requirements, most of the websites specialized in caravans agree to highlight that other details of the caravan should also be reviewed with special attention. Which ones? For example, the wheels and the tires. It is advisable to check the date of the tires manufacture although it would also be a good idea to change them after the purchase. It often happens that we focus on the external appearance, although we should have a closer look inside the caravan. You ought to check the status of running lights, moons and the glass, the scratches and dents. Inside, if you press with your fingers the ceiling, you will notice wither the caravan has any humidities.
Another thing to try before you buy the caravan is the proper functioning of the 220v current (putting up different devices such as the air conditioning or microwave), gas (heating, cooking hobs and fridge ), and the regulator. If it works with propane, this works to 37 millibars of pressure, and is the perfect option for winter trips since the vehicle is not frosted. If it works with butane, however, it operates at 30 millibars and may cause problems in winter. We must also test the operation up to 12v, hooking the cable car caravan to the pineapple and lighting the running lights (or brake lights), the toilet cistern, the interior lights and the fridge.
Finally, it is important to check whether the trailer has stabilization and inertial brakes, as well as check the handbrake to see that the caravan does not move. Regarding the Thetford (a portable toilet) check the grey and black water deposits have no losses.
Once done these examinations, you have your caravan ready to go up and down the Costa Dorada and Terres de l’Ebre and fully enjoy their coastal and inland landscapes. Have a lovely trip!
