If you’re looking to buy a static caravan. You’re probably putting a lot of thought into what type of holiday home you want. You’re pondering the initial investment, running costs, maintenance costs and so forth.
One option high on your list could be a holiday home. Still, static caravans are much cheaper and can provide just as much joy and fun in the sun. But you’re wondering, how long do static caravans last? You need a good return on the investment you’re going to make. So the lifespan of a static van is crucial.
Two or three major factors will influence the life of a static caravan. The first is how well you maintain your caravan. Second, will it be a new purchase or used, if it’s used, how old is it, and was it maintained well, prior to your purchase. Third, how long is the van site license agreement, or pitch licence, valid for.
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Understanding A Caravan Site Licence Agreement
Often referred to as the pitch licence. This is a tremendously important piece of paper. This sets out the terms of your agreement when you place static caravans on a holiday park.
It’s beyond important you appreciate the implications and conditions set down in this agreement because it governs how long you may have your static caravan on the park.
The agreement will cover these three key points when considering your caravan:
- The age, price, full details and condition of a mobile home
- The rate of depreciation
- What are the prevailing conditions that govern whether holiday homes are no longer up to the standards of the park?
A holiday park will issue pitch licences for varying lengths of time, depending on the age and condition of holiday homes.
- From 8 years for a pre-owned van.
- Up to 20 years for a new one.
From the park owners point of view, it’s understandable he wants static caravans to be in the best condition. If not, it will affect his bottom line because it will put any potential renters off if they see a load of run-down static caravans.
If it’s a high-quality park, he’s going to err on the side of caution when he issues licences and the time they run.
What Happens When Your Licence Runs Out? Is That It?
Well, no, there are some things you can do:
Extend your licence
If the park operators deem your static caravan to be in good enough condition, they could well offer you an extension to your licence. There’s no guarantee of this. There might be a waiting list to get on the park. The park operator might prefer to replace your static van with a newer model.
Move your static caravan
Moving static caravans does cost a bit of money, of course, and you’ll need specialist equipment and a crew of people to move it. However, if you really don’t want to part with your home and can find another park that will happily house it, this is a good option.
Trade-in yours for a new static caravan.
If you can’t contemplate moving to another park, this can be a great option. Most holiday parks have part exchange deals running, so it’s worth talking to your park owner, see what’s on offer. A part exchange on a van could mean you get the top of the line version of your current holiday accommodation for a fantastic price!
Sell Your Static Caravan.
You could always find a private buyer or even sell it to the trade. There are many in the UK, shop around for the best deal you can find.
Sell to the park.
It might be easier to ask the park if they want to buy it. Parks often buy mobile homes, so tt’s a lot less hassle, although you might not get the best price.
Extending The Life Of Your Static Caravan
It’s not a question of how long does a static caravan last? It’s really how can you ensure static caravans last in excellent condition for as long as possible.
Check out these tips:
Check the chassis
Buy a static home with a galvanised chassis. Protect the chassis from rust and gradual erosion, which will reduce the value of your van. Plus, if you site your van near the sea, a galvanised chassis is essential.
Maintain the gutters
Keep the gutters clean. At least two to three times a year, clean them and check for any problem areas. Moisture has a habit of creeping in, but if you clean regularly, you can prevent issues before they start.
Check the floor regularly
The caravan floor is another area to watch out for. Floors take a lot of stick, so check for wear and tear.
Water maintenance
Water maintenance is important in static caravans. Water damage and damp can be lethal if it’s not dealt with in a timely manner. You may have external leaking from the roof. Or internal leaking from pipes inside the van.
Check the roof
A caravan roof, although well-built, can still have issues because of skylights. They can easily become damaged and leak. Check rubber seals for cracking. Replace or repair those.
Skirtings
If you site your static caravan close to the sea and you do not have a galvanised chassis, you might fit a skirt around the van. The salt air will play havoc with metal, so a skirt will keep some of that air at bay.
Make sure your static caravan has a good warranty.
Buying from a manufacturer that offers a long term and substantial warranty is a must. Get as many of the important areas, such as windows, doors, structure and replacement parts covered.
All of this will ensure your static caravan lasts as long as possible. This means if you decide to sell your caravan, you’ll get a fair price for it. Or if you plan to hold on to your static caravan, it will be a lovely place for you and your family for a long time.
Insuring Your Static Caravan
Things go wrong sometimes, despite our best efforts. So insure your static caravan. Most holiday parks will insist on insurance cover. But make sure you have insurance for your property inside the van. Double-check your policy includes public liability.
Winterise Your Static Caravan
When you talk about making a static caravan last as long as you can, winterising it one of the most important parts of the life expectancy of caravans.
Caravans unused for five or six months over the wintertime are vulnerable to damage caused by a typical UK winter. Frozen pipes, condensation, mildew and wildlife infestations are some problems that van owners encounter when they return to their vans in spring.
The park management will lay out explicit instructions for every van owner to follow. In fact, it might be a clause in your insurance that you follow the park’s instructions to the letter. If you do not, they may even invalidate your insurance.
So, how long do static caravans last?
In summary, the value of your static caravan doesn’t really come from how long it will last or the resale value when you come to sell it. Of course, your static caravan lasting years and years is great and making some money on the van when you sell it is ideal. However, the many years you get to spend with family and friends is the true value of a static caravan. You bought your static caravan to help you enjoy life to the full, for holidays with your family in a holiday home that you own.