New caravan delivery checklist

Ensuring all is as it should be

When taking delivery of a new caravan what should you look for when checking the caravan is in the condition you expect it to be in? For the inexperienced not knowing can add stress to the purchase process as missing something can mean additional, unforeseen costs of repair.

Our more experienced members have come up with the following caravan delivery checklist which can also be downloaded here.

You can discuss the "New caravan delivery checklist" topic on the Caravan Talk forum or if you wish to contribute to this article or provide feedback please email us.

Pre-delivery

• If required, provide dealer with documentation to order a new number plate – or remember to take your own!
• Take with you …. Leisure Battery, Aquaroll (to test water), camera (to record any faults), Pen & Paper, purchase documentation
• Take your security devices (hitchlock/wheel clamp etc.) to check that they fit

External

• Carefully check the exterior bodywork for any dents, scratches, blisters, cracks, dis-colouring etc. and windows for scratches, cracks and correct opening. See diagram at end of checklist to mark any damage.
• Inspect mastic
• Check ease of opening, and closing, of all external flaps & locker doors etc.
• You will find it difficult to convince some dealers that you didn't cause them yourself, once its left his premises!
• Check ease of operation of the corner steadies; they can get 'strained' or knocked during transportation, making their operation stiff.
• Check corner winder tool is supplied.
• While the corner steadies are up check the noseweight. Get them to get a gauge from the accessory shop if you don't have your own! If it's over 100kgs refuse to take delivery. If it's too heavy for your towcar you'll have to decide what you are going to do. Might be worth telling them prior to your going to collect it.
• Check gas regulator/front locker fittings – courtesy light
• Connect gas bottle, check gas guage operational, oven, water and room heater all work on gas.
• Check tyres (tread, cracks etc.)
• Check wheel security devices (if available)
• Check fitting of your own security devices (wheel lock, hitch lock etc.)
• Check torque on wheel nuts/studs
• If Alloy wheel (and spare is steel), check you have correct studs for spare.
• Check waste outlets
• Check external sockets (power or gas)
• External door catch
• Grab handles
• Mover (instructions, operation, manual)
• Awning rails (incl skirt rail)
• Connect Leisure battery and check power is supplied to the caravan
• Spare wheel. Is there a jack and where the jacking point is, wrench supplied?
• Start at the A frame and then walked round clockwise being shown everything as we got to it and how it worked.
• Understand how to remove rear light cluster and replace bulb
• Makers Caravan Manual
• Receipt for payment
• Sets of Keys
• CRIS documentation (plus check etching on windows etc.)

Internal

• Inside the 'van, check all the furniture for scratches & marks
• Check the windows for scratches again from the inside.
• Check any wallboard seams for integrity.
• Check all interior walls for marks
• Get the salesman to show you the operation of all the appliances, including taps and plugs
• Ditto water pumps. Manual?
• Ditto toilet – how to set up and empty Manual?
• Ditto Hob, Oven & Microwave Manual?
• Ditto Fridge Manual?
• Ditto Shower
• Ditto Water Filter (if fitted)
• Ditto Heater (gas and electric settings) Manual?
• Ditto control panel for electrics & pump
• Ditto Radio/CD Manual?
• Ditto TV Aerial Manual?
• Security alarm & Vin Number etching (windows, chassis) Manual?
• Check Smoke Detector/Alarm works
• Ideally connect up water & gas!
• Lock & unlock door
• Check oven fittings inside (eg. grill pan)
• Check around the windows that the rubber seals are secured properly
• Check all windows open, stay and close properly
• Check all blinds
• Check for scuff/scratch to the tops.
• Look for door misalignment & stable door effect. Check flyscreen
• Check for screws missing from window stays.
• Check the upholstery for marks, cuts. Are all cushions included?
• Check curtains and tie backs
• Check the carpet (and lino if removable)
• Check bed box compartments and stays/sliders
• Make up the beds & bunk bed
• Locate and check operation of Fuses – esp heater fuse 10amp?
• Water heater – filling up & draining out Manual?
• Check sunroof(s) and blind/flyscreen
• Check drawers and any internal cupboard fittings
• Check all light fittings for movement and that each light works (if poss)
• Check all 3 pin sockets work (if possible to hook up to mains)
• Check omnivent
• Check all cupboards, hinges/handles
• Shower mat included?
• Check shower door
• Instrument panels
• Hook-up lead, external pump, step
• Door retainer
• Fitted waste bin, cutlery drawer insert, wire basket kitchen unit, chopping board
• Check free standing table
• Check fold over coffee table
• Clock?
• Check Mirrors and fitments (rails, cup holders etc.)

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!
• Normal hook up checks – lights, walk round and check lockers, stabiliser, breakaway etc. Nothing left under van when pull away.
• And don't forget to put your reg plate on the back of the 'van!
  

You can discuss the "New caravan delivery checklist" topic on the Caravan Talk forum or if you wish to contribute to this article or provide feedback please email us.