Caravan Ownership
Checklist
The whole journey, from first research to selling the van.
Tell us what you are doing next and we will hand you the sheet for it.
What are you doing next?
A checklist is only useful if it is about the thing in front of you. Pick the moment you are at and take that sheet with you.
- You're going out to look at a vanWhat to ask before you drive out, what to check at the van, and what to settle before you leave a deposit.Open the sheet
- You're going to a caravan showThe questions worth asking at every stand, and what to get in writing before a show deposit.Open the sheet
- You're buying used or privatelyThe PPSR check, the water-damage inspection, and how a private sale is paid for safely.Open the sheet
- You're picking up a new vanThe full pre-delivery inspection, group by group, with the safety items you refuse to sign off on.Open the sheet
- You're hitching up and towingThree sheets for the glovebox: before you leave, the weighbridge check, and what to do if the van sways.Open the sheet
You're going out to look at a van. Take the full inspection checklist as well. Every system, one at a time. Written for handover day, but it is the thorough one to work through on any van you are getting serious about.
Every stage, start to finish
Research through to selling it on, with your ticks saved on this device.
These are free because Jade Finance is our finance partner: if you finance through them, they pay us a commission.If you want to support the site, get your finance quote through Jade.
Research
Is this even for me?
- Have I read the step-by-step buying guide?→ How to Buy a Caravan
- Do I have a vehicle that can tow?→ Check with Tow Calculator
- What's my realistic budget?→ Use Finance Calculator
- On-road, semi off-road, or full off-road?→ Take the Quiz
- Have I rented a caravan to try it?→ Rent Before You Buy Guide
- Do I understand GVM, GCM, ATM?→ Compliance Plate Guide
- Have I compared warranties?→ Warranty Comparison
Shopping
Ready to compare specific models
- Have I shortlisted 3-5 models?→ Browse Caravans
- Have I sorted finance before visiting a dealer? (buying on finance = walk in with pre-approval, not hope)→ Why Finance Comes First
- Have I requested quotes from dealers?
- Have I inspected in person?
- Do I understand the warranty terms?→ Warranty Guide
- Have I negotiated price / inclusions?
Ready to talk numbers?
Sorting your finance before the yard means you negotiate the price of the van, not the monthly repayment.
A quote is not a loan application.Free, no obligation, no credit check to get a quote, about 2 minutes.If you want to go further, Jade handles the next step.
Jade Finance take your details to a panel of banks and lenders, compare what each will offer you, and negotiate on your behalf.
Get my finance quote (2 min) →Jade Finance pays us a commission if you finance through them. About Jade
Buying
Ready to sign
- Have I read the sales contract carefully?
- Is delivery timeline confirmed?
- Have I arranged caravan insurance?
- Is my tow vehicle ready? (towbar, brake controller)→ Essential Accessories
- Am I registered for roadside assist?
New Owner
Keys in hand, now what?
- Did I do a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)?→ PDI Checklist
- Have I done my first test trip?
- Have I joined owner communities / forums?
- Do I know how to operate all systems? (12V, water, gas)
- Have I booked my first service?
Sheets for this stage
Ongoing Ownership
Keep it running, keep improving
- Regular maintenance on schedule
- Annual bearing/brake service completed
- Upgrades completed (solar, lithium, etc.)
- Insurance renewed annually
- Registration renewed
Selling / Upgrading
Time to move on
- Do I know my caravan's market value?
- Have I gathered service history?
- Is the van in sale-ready condition?
- Where should I list it?
- Ready to buy my next van?→ Start Fresh with the Quiz
Not Sure Where to Start?
Our quiz matches you with caravans that fit your answers. Takes 2 minutes.
Take the Caravan Quiz →No signup. No credit card. No BS. Our partners can pay us. Buyers never do.