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Caravan delivery checklist

Buying a new caravan from a recognised caravan dealer gives you certain assurances as to the quality of your purchase. All new caravans have a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) carried out by the manufacturers, so there's no reason why your van shouldn't reach you in perfect condition.

Even so, for your own peace of mind, it's still worth checking the caravan to see that all is as it should be. Below is a list of considerations you may want to make when you take delivery of your caravan - as suggested by members of the forum at www.caravantalk.net

Pre-delivery

Make sure you have the following items with you when you take delivery:

• Leisure battery.
• Aquaroll (to test water).
• Camera (to record any faults).
• Pen and paper.
• Security devices (to see that they fit).
• Purchase documentation.

External

• Carefully check the exterior bodywork for any dents, scratches, blisters, cracks, discolouring - and check windows for scratches, cracks or faulty openings.
• Inspect mastic.
• Check all external flaps & locker doors, how easily they open and close.
• Check ease of operation of the corner steadies; they can get 'strained' or knocked during transportation, making their operation stiff. While the corner steadies are up, check the noseweight. If it's too heavy for your towcar you'll have to decide what course of action to take.
• Make checks of the following: tyres (tread, cracks etc), spare wheel, waste outlets, external sockets, door catch and grab handles and awning rails.

Internal

• Check all the furniture, surfaces and walls for scratches and marks. Make sure to check drawers and internal cupboard fittings.
• Have the sales person show you the operation of all the internal appliances, including: taps and plugs, water pumps, toilet, hob, oven and microwave, fridge, shower, heaters, radio, electrics, security and smoke alarms and the instrument panel.
• Make sure you are given written instructions and/or manuals for the above appliances.
• Connect water and gas if possible to see that everything is in full working order.
• Check that doors and windows lock and unlock without any problems.
• Locate and check operation of fuses.
• If possible to hook up to the mains, check the functionality of all electrical sockets.
• Check light fittings and that all lights work.
• Check omnivent.

Hooked up

• Check the operation of all lights and electrical circuits with the 7N & S plugs connected to your car with and without the engine running.
• If the fridge has an indicator, check if it works from the car 12V.
• Make sure you know about the operation of the handbrake, jockey wheel, and stabilizer hitch and check the breakaway cable fitment when the 'van is hitched and the handbrake off.
• Check the level of the 'van when hitched up and ready to go. If it is markedly hitch 'up' you may need a drop-plate. Markedly hitch 'down', check noseweight!
• Make sure there is nothing left under the van when you pull away - and don't forget to put your registration plate on the back.