As with any type of residence, vehicle, or other product – the lifespan of a static caravan depends on how well it was made originally and how it was maintained throughout. Some static caravans are better engineered than others, offering a more robust structure that will inevitably last longer. This very much depends on the make and the model of the caravan. High-grade static caravans are built to the same standards as residential homes which are meant to be lived in all year round, making them much more hard-wearing than the required standard.
The pitch licence of the caravan typically tends to be shorter than the life span of the caravan itself – different parks will offer differing licence lengths – depending on the park this may be anything from 10 – 20 years. In some cases, around 20 years appears to be the cut off mark, this is because the site owners want to keep the site looking as well kept and appealing as possible to any potential new buyers as well as existing residents. Other parks, however, may not set a specific age limit on their caravans (such as Fir View Tan Y Ffridd).
Ensuring that your caravan is well maintained is a good way to remain popular with the park owners and with other residents. Regular maintenance not only keeps everything in tip-top condition but also maximises the resale or part exchange value.
Throughout the lifespan of the static caravan, it is important to deal with any issues in a timely manner – problems such as leaks, and cracks should be dealt with promptly to prevent long-term damage. This is especially true of leaks; it is vital that the source of the leak is found and resolved before water gets into the floor – water in the floor of the caravan can damage the structure more easily. The roof, exterior panels, windows, and door should all be inspected regularly and treated accordingly, as should the interior and soft furnishings for any signs of damp. If the chassis of the underside of the static caravan is not galvanised, it may well benefit from fitted skirting, especially in coastal areas where they may be prone to rust.
Shutting down and storing the caravan away for the winter months by following the correct procedures is an essential part of ongoing maintenance. This includes draining down and emptying all of the pipes to ensure that nothing bursts – anti-freeze should also be poured down the plugholes as an advisable precaution.
There are several options available at the end of the agreement, these include:
This is when the old static caravan is exchanged against a newer model – the value of the old model is discounted from the value of a new model. If the part exchange is with the park itself, they will usually allow the owner to retain the same plot and take care of the removal of the old caravan.
There are several companies which may offer to buy your static caravan from you – the park itself may be able to help with this directly or recommend some contacts.
Some parks may be interested in buying the caravan directly, this and part-exchange are probably the most convenient options, saving the owners the trouble of paying for the removal of the caravan.
If the static caravan is in exceptionally good condition, the site owners may consider extending the pitch licence – but this decision, is of course, at their own discretion.
Static caravans over 20 years old may be relocated to a privately owned space such as a farm, yard or even back garden – or they can be sold for scrap.
Fir View Tan Y Ffridd is a family-run Welshpool caravan park located in the scenic Mid Wales countryside on a picturesque 47-acre site which encloses beautiful forest walks as well as providing a range of park facilities and other entertainment. We do not set an age limit on any of our static caravans. We also offer a wide selection of static caravans for sale at varying price points to suit different budgets. For more information on our park and its services, get in touch today.
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