Pre Sale Service Check List

mgtlat · Veteran Member

Pre Sale Service Check List

Hitting the road · Senior Member

I recently purchased a van second hand as well. In my case a 4 year old tandem axle Jayco Journey Outback. I did an Internet search to get some ideas what to look for.

The main items initially of course are a current Roadworthy and Gas Certificate...Even then as far as a Roadworthy is concerned, it won't tell you whether something is on it's way out and needs replacing. When i had a roadworthy done on my camper trailer the Roadworthy inspector just checked that the lights worked, nothing about the brakes or handbrake adjustment...nothing.
There can be very questionable "Roadworthy Certificates" issued...

The van i bought had a roadworthy on it, but when I lifted the wheels later to check bearing play etc, i had to nip up two wheel bearings....no big deal but should have been picked up on the Roadworthy.

The things imo to look for are basics such as damages to external or internal fittings. All lights work and when gripping the wheels to check for play that they don't move.
Internal lights and external, gas appliances operational, air cond if fitted, and check for water ingress or water stains, window locks and roof hatches close and lock...water pump operational and drains not blocked...if it has a hot water system fitted check the anode, if it hasn't been replaced for years the hot water system internally could be compromised and spring a leak meaning replacement...mostly basic stuff really.

Being second hand some wear and tear is inevitable, just it depends on what you will accept and of course the price...

mgtlat · Veteran Member

yeh thanks for the info. I have done a bit of ringing around and mostly it boils down to these 3 major checks:-

1 - Any signs of leak (roof, moulds, cladding) and internal any signs of water damage/water stains

2 - Slide out, run it in and out a few times to ensure smooth operation

3 - Major appliances - fridge, air conditioner

and yes I have also been told about the anodes! Wheels will be coming off and bearings checked as it will be the yearly service as well.

Cheers

Bobdown · Guru

mgtlat wrote:
We have made an offer on a used van subject to it passing a 'Pre Sale Service Check List'. It has been 12 months since it has been in the workshop.
Can anyone recommend to me a thorough list of what the service centre should be checking and repairing if required?
If you have got a tick and flick form of some sort that would be great.

Cheers
Mick & Lee-Ann

Hi Mick,

This is the service sheet that I got when I purchased my van, note it is 12 monthly after 1st service.

Gas and Electrical certs are pre purchase requirements, as well as checking compliance plate is stamped correctly.

Cheers Bob

iana · Guru

No fire extinguisher, no smoke alarms? I have a check list, but you don't want to go near it.

Bicyclecamper · Guru

Weight of van - correct weight, tare of:. GVM of :, GCM of :, that should be a priority

Rob Driver · Guru

Hi Mick and Lee Ann

In the absence of our member Possum3 I would strongly suggest you would get all the information you need from the Caravan Council of Australia.

I am sure I have seen check lists prepared by that organisation.

A quick google resulted in this link.

https://www.caravancouncil.com.au/rv-buyers

mgtlat · Veteran Member

Thx Rob

Bobdown · Guru

iana wrote:
No fire extinguisher, no smoke alarms? I have a check list, but you don't want to go near it.

That was a service check list Ian, smoke alarms have 10 years then replacement, fire extinguishers can only be serviced by licensed companies, not caravan yards.

Cheers Bob