Buying a caravan from another state means handing over serious money for a van you may never see in person. This week we were the eyes on the ground for a buyer in Victoria.
He’d found a dual-axle Zone RV Base for sale privately in the Moreton Bay region of South East Queensland. Before committing, he booked us to inspect it on his behalf. We went over the van from the drawbar to the roof and sent him a full written report.
If you’re buying from interstate, or just can’t get to the van yourself, here’s how it works.
What we checked
Every pre-purchase inspection follows the same checklist, so nothing gets skipped.
- Exterior and structure: body panels, seals, silicone finishing that could lead to leaks, windows, hatches and doors
- Chassis and running gear: chassis, drawbar, suspension and tyres, including tyre age
- Wheel bearings and brakes: checked hands-on, not just by eye
- Water damage: moisture meter and thermal camera checks around the walls, roof line and floor
- Electrical: batteries, solar, inverter and 12V setup, including cable sizing and fusing against the manufacturer’s spec
- Interior and appliances: cabinetry, hinges and fittings, plus appliance operation
- Documentation: a PPSR check to make sure there’s no money owing on the van
The inspection is visual and hands-on. We don’t pressure test for leaks, and we don’t issue roadworthy or gas certificates.
What the buyer gets
The buyer gets a full written report he can read at home in Victoria. It includes:
- Photos of every item we checked, with notes
- A clear list of any defects found
- Recommendations on what needs attention now and what can wait
- Estimated repair costs, so he knows what he’s really paying
- The PPSR result
With that in hand, a buyer can go ahead with confidence, negotiate on price, ask the seller to fix items before sale, or walk away knowing why.
Why use working repairers
We service and repair caravans every day, so we know where problems hide and what they cost to fix.
We’re not a roadworthy or gas certificate business. That means our only job on the day is to tell you the honest condition of the van. Our owner has lived and breathed caravans for over a decade, from repairing and servicing them every day to taking his own van out on the road. We’re also an authorised service agent for several caravan brands.
Pricing and cancellations
A pre-purchase inspection is $599, plus travel.
- Inspection: $599
- Travel: zone-based from our base in Mount Cotton, selected when you book
- Deposit: $100 at booking, deducted from your total
Cancellations within 48 hours of the booking forfeit the $100 deposit. If the van isn’t under cover and we have to cancel due to bad weather, you keep your deposit and we reschedule.
Book an inspection
Whether you’re buying from interstate or just down the road, we cover the greater Brisbane and South East Queensland area. Book online at qldmcs.com.au or get in touch:
- Phone: 07 3823 3520
- Email: info@qldmcs.com.au