Checklist: How to Find the Right Motorhome or Caravan For Your Next Purchase

Buying a motorhome or caravan is a big decision — and it differs quite a bit from buying a regular car. Here we go through what you should actually check when searching, whether you’re looking at a new model or a used find.

Checklist: Motorhome

1. Chassis and body — two model years to keep track of

A motorhome often has different model years for the chassis (Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, Citroën Jumper, etc.) and for the body itself. Compare both against the listing’s details.

2. Moisture — the most common and most expensive damage

Moisture ingress in the roof, walls, and floor is by far the most common reason a motorhome turns into an expensive deal. Ask for a moisture report, or bring a moisture meter and check yourself around windows, roof hatches, wheel arches, and under the bed.

3. Weight and driving license

Check the gross weight against the curb weight. With cargo, water, and passengers, it’s easy to end up over the limit for a B license (3,500 kg). Do you need a B96 or C1?

4. Engine, service, and mileage

A complete service log, timing belt changes done on schedule, and reasonable mileage relative to age. A motorhome that’s been driven regularly is usually in better condition than one that’s been sitting idle for a long time.

5. LPG, electrical, and water systems

Test the fridge on both LPG and 12V/230V, check that a gas alarm is present and working, and inspect the water tank and drainage system for leaks.

6. Tires and gas cylinders

Tires age even if the tread depth looks fine — check the manufacturing year (DOT code). Gas cylinders have a limited lifespan and must be certified.

7. Furniture, cushions, and cabinets

Wear on seats, signs of moisture in the bottoms of cabinets, and that all doors and drawers close properly.

Checklist: Caravan

1. Weight and towing capacity

Check the caravan’s gross weight against your car’s towing capacity. The rule of thumb ”caravan weight max 85–100% of the car’s curb weight” is a good guideline for beginners, but what matters is your car’s actual maximum values in the registration certificate.

2. Moisture — the same risk as in a motorhome

Just like motorhomes, caravans are very sensitive to moisture through the roof, windows, and drawbar. Moisture measurement is a must, especially on units older than 10 years.

3. Wheel bearings, axle, and support legs

Check that the wheels have no play, that the support legs move smoothly, and that there’s no rust on the axle.

4. Body and drawbar

Look for scratches, dents, or repairs — especially around the drawbar, where collision damage is common.

5. Heating and fridge

Truma or Alde heaters should work on both LPG and electricity. Test the fridge on all settings.

6. Renovation history

Ask whether the unit has been renovated — and if so, what was fixed. A documented moisture renovation is often a plus, not a minus, if done professionally.

General tips regardless of vehicle

• Dealer vs. private seller: With an authorized dealer, you usually get a warranty and a completed inspection — something that’s missing with a private purchase.
• Test drive and inspect in daylight. Avoid buying based only on photos.
• Request the service log and ownership history. Many owner changes in a short time can be a warning sign.
• Check the inspection report and make sure there are no unresolved issues noted.