A secondhand caravan can be a brilliant buy or a very expensive mistake. The difference usually comes down to what's happening underneath, inside the walls, and in places the average buyer never thinks to look. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified caravan technician takes the guesswork out of it.
Wheel bearings inspected for wear and play, brakes checked for shoe condition and magnet output, tyres assessed for tread depth, cracking, and age. This is where safety issues hide.
The chassis is inspected for cracks, corrosion, weld failures, and signs of impact damage. The drawbar and coupling are checked for wear and correct operation. Chassis damage on older or heavily used vans is common — and expensive to fix.
This is the most critical part of any used caravan inspection. Water ingress is the number one cause of structural damage in caravans, and it's invisible until it's severe. We use a moisture meter on all interior walls, ceiling panels, and floor areas to detect moisture that no visual inspection would catch.
Exterior lights, internal 12V systems, solar connections, and brake wiring are all tested. Electrical faults on used caravans are common and can range from minor repairs to a full rewire.
Gas appliances and connections are visually inspected. We flag anything that looks unsafe or non-compliant.
All exterior seals around windows, doors, hatches, roof vents, and air conditioner penetrations are inspected. Failed seals are the entry point for water damage.
Walls, flooring, cabinetry, and soft furnishings are checked for signs of water damage, structural movement, or deferred maintenance.
At the end of the inspection you receive a written report with photos covering every area inspected, our assessment of the condition, any safety concerns, and estimated repair costs for any issues found. This gives you the information to negotiate the price, walk away, or proceed with confidence.
At Alpine Caravan Services, a pre-purchase inspection typically costs $250–$400 depending on the size and complexity of the van. Given that issues found can easily amount to thousands of dollars in repairs, it's one of the most cost-effective things you can do.
The caravan needs to come to our workshop in Kilsyth. We recommend booking before you make any financial commitment — at the very least, make any offer subject to a satisfactory inspection. The inspection takes 2–3 hours and we'll have your report ready the same day.
Common issues we find on used caravans include:
In every case, knowing upfront gave our customer the information they needed to negotiate or walk away.
Written Report
Photo Evidence
Cost Estimates
Buying a caravan in Melbourne's east? Bring it to our Kilsyth workshop before you sign anything.
Alpine Caravan Services · 7 Pacific Place, Kilsyth, VIC 3137