A second-hand camper is for many Flemish people the smartest way to travel without paying the new price. But a camper is not an ordinary car: it contains a complete little house, with gas, water, electricity and an interior that has been used intensively. Anyone who buys blindly can be in for surprises. This guide brings together the practical knowledge you need to assess, maintain or sell a second-hand camper.

What makes a second-hand camper a good buy?

A good second-hand camper is rarely the cheapest on the market. It is about the combination of year of construction, mileage, maintenance history and especially the condition of the body. A camper that has always stood outside can have suffered much more in ten years than one that overwintered indoors. So look first at the construction: are there moisture damages, rust spots or cracks in the body panels? Those repairs are often more expensive than a mechanical defect.

Also check that all systems work: the fridge on gas and 230 volts, the heating, the boiler, the water pump and the lighting. A thorough inspection easily takes an hour, but prevents you from spending hundreds of euros on repairs later. Ask for invoices of maintenance and inspections. A camper with a complete history is worth more than one without papers, even if it looks better at first sight.

The most common defects in second-hand campers

Moisture damage is number one by far. A camper that smells musty inside or where the wallpaper is coming loose almost certainly has a leak. That can come from a roof light, a window rubber or a crack in the body. Moisture not only affects the interior, but can also cause wood rot in the walls. Read more about how to recognise condensation and mould in our guide about a camper that gets damp inside.

In addition, there are typical technical faults: a water pump that does not work, an electric step that keeps jamming, or a heater that stays cold. These problems are often easy to solve, but they sometimes point to overdue maintenance. Also check the gas installation: a camper older than ten years usually needs a new gas inspection. Our guide on inspecting and maintaining the gas installation explains what to look out for.

What do you look for during a test drive and inspection?

Always take a test drive of at least half an hour, preferably over different road types. Listen for strange noises from the engine, the gearbox and the suspension. Test the brakes in a safe place and check that the camper keeps driving straight. Look under the bonnet for oil leaks and check the tyres for tread and cracks. A camper often stands still for long periods, and tyres age even without many kilometres.

Inspect the body just as thoroughly as the mechanics. Open every hatch, turn every tap and test every socket. Let the fridge run for half an hour on gas and on electricity. Check the watertightness of the roof and the sealant edges around windows and roof lights. If the seller does not allow an inspection or remains vague about the history, that is a signal to look further.

Maintenance you can do yourself as an owner

A second-hand camper requires more maintenance than an ordinary car, but many jobs you can do yourself. Replace the water filter annually, descale the boiler and clean the drains. Check the sealant edges around windows and roof lights every spring and autumn, and treat the rubbers with a suitable product. A solar panel can help keep the leisure battery topped up during standstill; read our guide on solar panels on a camper for the considerations.

The gas installation deserves special attention. Have it checked at least every two years by a certified professional, even if you rarely cook or heat on gas. A small leak can be life-threatening. Our guide on inspecting and maintaining your camper's gas installation describes the steps and the points of attention.

Selling your second-hand camper: what is the best approach?

Anyone who wants to sell their camper faces a choice: sell it yourself through a classifieds site or sell it to a professional buyer. Selling it yourself often yields the highest price, but costs time and energy: taking photos, managing advertisements, supervising test drives and negotiating. A buyer takes that work off your hands and pays immediately, but uses a lower price because he has to factor in his own margin and risk.

We buy exclusively vehicles with their own engine: campers, van conversions and motorhomes. We do not take caravans, static caravans, chalets or folding trailers. That distinction is important, because a caravan has no engine and falls under a different segment. If you have a camper that no longer drives or is damaged, a buyer can still offer a solution. More about the full process can be found in our guide on buying, maintaining or selling a camper.

Frequently asked questions about second-hand campers

How old may a second-hand camper be? There is no fixed limit, but campers older than twenty years require more maintenance and more often have hidden defects. The mileage is less important than with a car, because campers often stand still for long periods. A camper with few kilometres but lots of standing still can have more problems than one that was driven regularly.

What does a second-hand camper cost on average? The price depends on brand, model, year of construction, mileage, equipment and condition. A compact van conversion of ten years old is in a different price class than a large integrated motorhome of five years old. When in doubt, ask for a valuation from a specialist or compare similar advertisements.

Further reading

• Buying a second-hand motorhome: a complete guide
• Inspecting and maintaining your camper's gas installation
• Buying, maintaining or selling a camper: the complete guide for Belgium
• Why does my camper get damp inside?
• Camper water pump not working? Here's how to fix it
• Electric camper step not working: what now?
• Solar panel on your camper: costs, returns and pitfalls
• Why does the heater in my Hobby camper stay cold?

Sources and inspiration

• Image: Geert Rozendom, source