Buying campervan guide: what to look for checklist

Many people who are new to the world of motorhomes don’t know what to look for when buying a campervan. This results in them making poor purchases which can be costly in the long run.

We don’t want you to fall into the same trap! You should be confident that you are buying a campervan that will hold its value and get you a solid return on investment.

In this article, our travel expert will detail exactly what to look for when buying a campervan, including:

• What to look for outside of the campervan

• What to look for inside of the campervan

• What to look for when test driving the campervan

• The essential questions to ask the owner

• The documentation you should ask for

• Why you should “try before you buy”

• How to make a return on your investment

What to look for when buying a campervan

What to check outside the van

Leaks

The first thing that you should look for when buying a campervan is leaks. A leak could indicate something as simple as old hoses or it could mean something much more serious (and expensive) like a cracked engine.

If the engine is cold and the vehicle has been parked for a while, look underneath for any water or oil. It’s wise to also check for leaks again once you return from your test drive, to see if the issue is consistent.

Fluid levels

Ask the owner if you can pop the hood to check the fluid levels. You will want to check the engine oil, coolant and steering oil levels. Refer to the manual if you or the owner are unsure what the acceptable levels are. Low levels indicate that the campervan has not been well maintained or there is a leak somewhere.

Damage

Perform a quick walk around and look for any damage before you buy a campervan. The things that you should be particularly wary of are:

• Signs of an accident.

• Rust and corrosion (especially in areas that are hard to see like under the vehicle, under the bonnet and the roof).

• Loose exhaust pipes or parts hanging off underneath the campervan.

• Poor repair jobs.

• The campervan is leaning due to poor suspension.

• Gaps in the body panels.

Also, check where the vehicle has been stored. It’s always preferable if the campervan has been stored undercover.

Tyres

Have a look at the tyres and the amount of tread remaining. Are the tyres worn evenly around the campervan? If not, this could indicate a problem with the steering.

If the tyres are in poor knick, this can also be a useful bargaining tool for you when it comes to negotiating the price.

Glass

Look for small cracks and chips in the windows and windscreens of the campervan. If left unfixed, these small chips can gradually become worse and result in the window having to be replaced. Use any chips or cracks as a negotiation point.

Also, check that all the windows open, close and lock without any issues.

Lights

Ask a friend to help you check all the lights on the campervan. If you don’t have someone with you, try to use a mirror or reflection. Be sure to include:

• Headlights

• Fog lights

• Brake lights

• Indicators

• Internal lights

• Dashboard lights

Be wary of any flashing lights on the dash that indicate engine trouble.

Suspension

Whilst walking around the campervan, rock it to check the spring in the suspension. Ideally, the vehicle should settle after rocking 1.5 times. If it rocks more than this, it could indicate faulty suspension.

Also, listen for any unusual noises when you take the campervan for a test drive.

Awnings

Wind out the awning and check for any damage to the fabric or the mechanical arms. Old and weathered awnings will likely need to be replaced, which can be an expensive exercise.

Solar panels

If the campervan is fitted with solar panels, climb up on the side and check that the panels are in good condition. Looks for any cracks, rust or other signs of damage. Also, inspect the cables and make sure that they are not tattered and worn. Finally, check that the brackets are solid and well-secured to the roof.

If the campervan has a control panel, you can ask to check the reading and compare it to the suggested output in the manual.

What to look for inside the campervan

Layout

First, you need to ask whether the layout of the campervan suits your travel needs? Do not become overwhelmed with the glitz and glamour of the interior. You do not want to waste money on features that you will never use. As long as the campervan is functional and comfortable, that is all you need.

Appliances

Ask to do a quick test on the various appliances within the campervan. This will tell you whether or not the gas and electrical lines within the campervan are in good working condition. Be sure to check all of the following:

• Fridge

• Stove

• Microwave

• Lighting

• Sockets and USB ports

• Taps and shower (both hot and cold)

• Toilet

• Heating system

• Roof fans

• Air-conditioning system

• TV’s and satellite dishes

Power system

This is one of the most important things to check before you buy a campervan. Ask to plug the van into a power outlet so that you can check the vehicle's power system. Then ensure that the campervan’s battery is being charged and that all the internal power sockets in the van work.

Battery health

If you or the owner have a multi-meter, ask to test the charge of the battery. The battery should ideally give a reading of between 12.3-12.6v (when not charging). Anything less than this might indicate that the battery needs replacing.

Also, ask the owner how old the battery is. If it is more than 3 years old, it will likely need replacing soon anyway.

The bed

Don’t be afraid of asking to lie down on the bed. First and foremost, you want to check that it is large enough for your needs. Secondly, you want to check the quality of the mattress. Finally, you should check that the bed can be folded away easily if needed.

Storage Make sure that the campervan has enough storage for your travel needs. Open the different storage solutions and make sure that they aren’t damaged and can be closed securely.

What to look for when test driving the campervan

Are you insured?

Before taking the campervan out for a spin, check that you’re insured to drive third party vehicles.

Start and idle Preferably, you want to start the engine when it is cold. This will give you a true indication of how well it starts. As you start the engine, listen for any unusual noises or whines. Then let the engine idle for a few minutes and make sure that it sounds ok. Ensure that there are no warning lights appear on the dashboard and the vehicle doesn’t vibrate while idling.

The gearbox If the vehicle is a manual, make sure that you can change smoothly between gears. If there are grinding noises or the gear stick knocks about, the gearbox is likely in poor condition and will need to be replaced.

Brakes and handbrake

Brakes generally wear out quickly on campervans because of their weight. As you drive around, test how quickly the brakes respond and how the brake pedal feels under your foot. If the brakes take a long time to slow the vehicle or make a high-pitched whine, they likely need to be replaced.

Also, test the handbrake by parking on a slope. Does the handbrake prevent the campervan from rolling without the footbrake?

Steering

Try to test the steering by taking the campervan through some corners. Also, try to perform a U-turn. If the steering vibrates or squeals, this could indicate problems.

Acceleration

As you accelerate, check that the campervan drives smoothly and that the RPM isn’t too high or too low.

Air-conditioning

Test both the heating and cooling functions to make sure the campervans air-conditioning works well. If it doesn’t function properly, you might need to investigate further. Replacing the system completely can be very expensive.

Driving instruments

Whilst in the driver’s seat, be sure to check that all of the following instruments function properly:

• Windscreen wipers and wash

• Motorised mirrors

• Power windows

• Door handles and locks

Essential questions to ask the owner

It’s vital that you speak with the owner before arranging to look at the campervan. A quick conversation can reveal a lot about the state of the vehicle. Ask the following questions during your phone call:

• Why is the campervan being sold?

• How long have they owned it?

• Are there any issues with the campervan?

• Do they have the service history?

• How many miles does the campervan have?

• How has it been used?

If you’re happy with the answers and the owner sounds honest, go ahead and set a time to view the van. Inform them that you would like to take the campervan for a test drive and your inspection will likely last an hour at least. Also, tell them that you would like to view all the documentation when you arrive.

Ask to meet at the same address to which the campervan is registered. This way you can ensure that they are indeed the lawful owner.

Documentation you should ask for

First and foremost, you should check that the person selling the campervan is the real owner. A simple check on this MotorWeb will tell you whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, any finances owing and any inconsistent odometer readings.

Upon arrival, ask to see the logbook. This will tell you how about often the campervan has been maintained, its roadworthiness and any issues that you need to be aware of. All of these factors can also influence insurance costs.

Also, ask to see the Warrant of Fitness (WOF). If the WOF is not available, you should not buy the campervan. This would indicate that the vehicle isn’t roadworthy.

Check to see that the vehicle is registered using the NZ Transport Agency website. If the vehicle is diesel, also check that the Road User Charges are all up-to-date and paid in full.

Try before you buy

Now that you know what to look for when buying a campervan, it’s time to take the next step! If you’re serious about making this purchase, it is crucial that you “try before you buy”.

Camplify offers heaps of private rentals in New Zealand. Search through the campervans available for hire and find one similar to the one that you wish to buy. Hiring it for a night or two gives you a chance to test the vehicle out and see whether it meets all of your needs and expectations.

That way, when it comes time to inspect and buy your campervan, you will know exactly what you want and will be able to quickly identify anything out of the ordinary. For more advice on this purchase, check out our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Campervan.

Make a return on your investment

Lastly, once you’ve bought the right campervan, consider renting it out when it’s not in use to earn a return on your investment!

Each year, many Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. By doing so, they quickly get a return on their investment and create a long-term passive income stream.

If you’re interested in doing the same, you can calculate how much income you could generate each year with our earnings calculator.

And don't forget, when you join Camplify, we take care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 RAC nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.