How Long Do Touring Caravans Last?

When you purchase a new or used caravan, you want to get the most from it you can. It’s certainly not an expense that you only want to see a short-term benefit from.

Touring caravans are among the most popular variants of mobile homes on the market. Ideal for holidays and long weekends, they provide owners with an excellent way to enjoy a getaway without the excessive cost of hotels. The big question, though, is how long are you going to be able to enjoy it? Well, touring caravans typically last around 15 years, but many factors should be considered. Its age, general condition, how it’s looked after and how often it is used all play a part in determining how long your touring caravan will last.

How long on average will a touring caravan last?

It’s hard to determine an accurate number of years a caravan will last. As we mentioned in our intro, many factors can come into play, which may skew the numbers a little. A well-looked-after, rarely used caravan could last thirty years or more. A poorly maintained caravan, used often, might only last five years before it becomes unusable.

As a rough guide, you should expect around 15 years from a touring caravan if you look after it well.

What affects the lifespan of a touring caravan?

Several factors can play a part in how long your touring caravan lasts. We’ve listed them below with some things you should look out for:

Usage

How often you use the caravan will clearly play a part in how long it will last. With frequent use, wear and tear will naturally increase. This then leads to parts developing faults, which could be expensive to repair or possibly even irreparable.

At the other end of the scale, not enough use could see parts seize up and lead to significant damage.

How it is stored

When not in use, you’ll need to make sure your touring caravan is stored suitably. Left outside with exposure to high or low temperatures, the caravan deteriorates much faster than if it were locked away. Where possible, store your caravan in a garage or cover it with a suitable caravan cover.

How it is loaded and towed

Every caravan has a maximum load it can carry. The MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) indicates how much the caravan can carry or have attached to it. Should this amount be breached frequently, you could start to cause damage to the caravan.

How it’s built

How your caravan was built will have a large part to play in how long it can last. Caravans built from aluminium frames and fibreglass interiors, for example, will last much longer than a caravan with a wooden frame.

How well it is maintained

Just like your car, a caravan should be well-maintained to ensure optimal functionality and a long life. Sometimes, small problems that you think can be left until later are the ones that develop into the biggest problems. Carry out periodic inspections on the core areas listed and remedy the issues if you discover any:

• The roof: Look for splits, pooling water or a buildup of moss and other debris. If water finds its way in from the roof, it will cause damage internally and externally.
• The chassis: You should look for signs of rust and damage to the chassis. This often stems from how the caravan is stored and can start small but rapidly turn into big problems that harm not only the lifespan of the caravan, but its functionality too.
• The appliances: Your caravan is like a small home, so it contains some essential appliances that help you get by. Regularly check them for their condition and that they are serviced per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• The windows and doors: The seals around doors and windows can split. This causes water to get in, which leads to dampness. This dampness can then cause structural and cosmetic damage as well as health problems. Regularly inspect the seals and replace or repair where necessary.

What signs show my touring caravan might be too old?

Your caravan, if well maintained, will last a long time, but a lack of care sees some features falter much faster than others.

If you spot signs of mould, damp patches or rust, your caravan likely has a leak. This could be coming from the roof, the windows, the doors or the chassis.

Should your appliances regularly falter, it could just be that they are now a little old. You would be best off replacing them if this is the case. However, if the cost of replacements is significant, then it might be wise to invest in a new caravan on finance instead. That way, everything is brand new and in the best possible condition.

The structure of the caravan is perhaps the most integral part of it. After all, if it needs replacing, it basically means you need a new caravan! Look for splits in the frame, damaged flooring and rust. Any of these factors could lead to problems that compromise the safety and lifespan of your touring caravan.

How can I extend the life of my touring caravan?

As you’ll have already seen, keeping on top of general maintenance and servicing will help keep your caravan running as it should. Your caravan should be serviced annually or every 10,000km, whichever comes first.

In addition, keep up general cleaning and maintenance. This will help you not only keep the caravan nice and tidy but also help you to spot any potential problems before they develop into something significant.

Investing in some caravan covers will also help. Especially if you cannot keep your caravan in a garage. These covers help protect the caravan from exposure to the elements and ensure it doesn’t suffer unnecessary damage. The covers need air to circulate though, so look for breathable ones when you choose some.

Finally, just giving your caravan some TLC and regularly inspecting it for signs of wear and tear will help you prolong its life.

What should I look for in a touring caravan to get the most life from it?

If you are looking to buy a touring caravan, you should be aware of the things we have mentioned above, but also assess it carefully before buying. You should look for:

• Its age. The newer it is, the longer it is likely to last.
• A well-insulated roof and walls.
• High-quality seals on the doors and windows.
• A strong-frame construction. Ideally, aluminium or steel, as they are both extremely durable.
• Long-lasting appliances within the caravan. If the caravan is a used model, find out when the appliances were installed.
• CRIS registered. A touring caravan on the Central Registration and Identification System will prove its history and show whether you can have confidence in buying the caravan.

If you are now considering a touring caravan, speak to our team. We have a wide range of new and used touring caravans in stock. Simply apply for caravan finance today, receive an answer within minutes and be collecting a new caravan tomorrow! With finance for bad credit also available, everyone can purchase the caravan they want!