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Losing anything to theft is an awful feeling, so you can just imagine what it would be like to have your beloved family caravan stolen from under you. While there are a range of things you can do to prevent thieves from taking your van, what do you do if they manage to succeed? Follow the below tips to help improve your chances of finding your caravan if it is stolen.

• Photographs
  Take lots of photographs of the inside and outside of your caravan, especially if there are any distinctive features (such as additions you have installed or damage). These can help police with identification.
   
• Tracking Device
  Installing a GPS tracker is generally only recommended for newer vans, as the devices can be fairly expensive to purchase and many will include monthly line fees. It is, however, possible to receive insurance discounts for owning a caravan tracking device from some providers.
   
• Markings
  It is always a good idea to etch your chassis number or your postcode in an inconspicuous place on all your caravan’s windows. You should also write the same number in a few places hidden within your caravan, such as inside cupboards and underneath the beds. These markings are almost impossible to remove, helping the police to identify your van from others.
   
• Documentation
  Ensure that you keep records of all the relevant identification numbers for your caravan, such as the chassis number and license plates. Also be sure to keep any records of any major repairs, as these could be later used to identify your van. Always keep these records separate from the caravan itself.

While no one likes to think that their caravan, or any of their possessions, will be stolen, it is always much better to be safe than sorry. By utilizing a few of the above tips, you can help to greatly improve your chances of finding your caravan if it is ever stolen.

At the times of the year when you are not using your caravan, where do you keep it? This is a question that many caravan owners ask themselves and, if you are unsure, you really only have two options – keep it at home, or find a caravan storage site.

Keeping your caravan at home when you’re not using it is definitely preferred by many people for a number of reasons, from being able to do maintenance on it whenever it suits you to being able to keep an eye on it. If you have a garage or carport that is high enough, it is always best to store your caravan here, as this provides the best security and protection. If your van is too big, consider storing it in your driveway, as long as it doesn’t block the garage or your cars. If you have access to your backyard from the driveway, consider storing your caravan out there where it is more secure than being on the street as well as being out of the way. Never store your van on the street, as this may result in fines or theft.

For those people who cannot fit their caravans at home, a storage site is the better option. Some major storage companies, such as Fort Knox, offer caravan storage in their secure lock ups, providing you with 24-hour security and your own personal access all year round. Some caravan parks may also offer storage, especially if you holiday there often, for a small fee. The problem with this option, however, is that your security is not guaranteed.

While holidaying in your caravan can be an enjoyable experience, figuring out where to store it once you get home can be more painful than anything. If your property is not suitable for securely and safely storing your van, look into offsite storage that will cost you a small fee.

If you are looking to sell your used caravan, either because you are updating or just don’t have a need for it anymore, you might be wondering what the best avenue to sell it through is. There are a number of options for selling your caravan, all of them reasonably effective at getting a fast sale if you are honest about its condition.

Trading Post/Local Newspaper
Quite often, buyers will prefer to look for used caravans in their local areas, so advertising locally is the best way to get their attention. Run a reasonably detailed advertisement in the Trading Post or the sell section of your local newspaper, being sure to include the make and model of your caravan.

Online
There is a range of online websites that will allow you to sell your used caravan for a small fee. eBay is very popular as the site allows you to upload numerous photos of your van and potential buyers are able to easily contact you and arrange viewings. Other websites, such as Gum Tree and ones specific for caravan and camping sales, are also very popular.

Trade In
If you are planning on updating your caravan and are buying a new one from a dealer, consider asking what kind of deal you will get for a trade-in. If your used caravan has been kept in fairly good condition, there is no reason why a dealer wouldn’t offer you a good discount on a new van and take your old one off your hands for you.

There are more avenues through which you are able to sell your used caravan, but the three options listed above are probably the most effective if you want a quick sale. Remember to keep your caravan in good condition and you will get a better price for it.