Do you want to have a spectacular caravan but don’t want to spend a lot of money? Restoring a caravan can be your option.

For considerably less money than a new one would cost, you can restore a caravan and make it perfect. With a reform you will save, you will have a good time, you will have a caravan to your liking and also you will contribute to take care of the environment giving it a second life.

How to restore a caravan? Tips to make it as good as new

Before restoring a caravan, it is very important to consult an expert or expert on whether or not the changes made need to be approved.

Most are aesthetic and therefore do not have to be controlled, but there are others that are more complex. Find out before the modifications require an MOT for reform. That said, these are the steps you need to take to restore a caravan!

Step 1. Empty the caravan

The first thing you have to do is empty the caravan and leave the open space, regardless of whether or not you are going to take advantage of anything inside. We recommend that you do not throw anything away until the end of the restoration. You may not find what you are looking for afterwards and you may regret not having reused or restored a piece of furniture or any other element.

Step 2. Search for defects

In order to make the appropriate repairs and not have other problems after having made the reform of the caravan, it is important that you look carefully for the defects. Knock on the structure to detect hollow areas and examine it carefully for dampness.
If rain is expected, you can wait a few days before continuing, to see if any leaks are detected. If not, you can wet it with a hose to make sure. Also test the drains and pipes, if you are going to keep the original installation.

Step 3. Make a map

Now that your caravan is clear, take the opportunity to take measurements and prepare a plan. Include in this the design, the location of the furniture, the new wiring, the water points and everything that you are going to change. If you are going to bring gas, you will have to certify the installation by a professional.

One more recommendation, if it comes into the budget, is to place solar panels. If you are going to go to a campsite you won’t need them, but if you are going to camp on your own, this option will give you a lot of autonomy. Even if you don’t do it now, leave everything ready to put the equipment in the future.

Step 4. Restore the walls and floor

Restoration begins on the walls. First change the slats as necessary. Then anchor all cables, pipes and so on and lay the insulation.
Then lay the floor in the same way. First repair the damage, lay the pipes, cables and the rest of the installation. Finally, lay the floor with the desired finish. You can use a platform, vinyl floor or carpet, as you wish.

Step 5.Place furniture

The most rewarding part of restoring a caravan is when you start to see the end result. Start putting the furniture in place. You can buy them yourself or have them made to measure. Whatever you choose, make sure everything is fixed correctly – nothing can come loose during your travels!

The accessories, such as the sink, the cooker, the wc, or the washbasin, should preferably be specific to caravans and motor homes. Those designed for this purpose are safer and have sizes designed for such small spaces. However, there are elements, such as cookers, that can be electric.

Step 6. Restore the exterior

After restoring a caravan on the inside, it is time to do it on the outside.

It is not necessary to take it to a workshop or have specific machinery to paint it. A sanding machine, body tape and a paint or spray gun are sufficient. You can look at different examples on the Internet to leave a caravan with a retro or design style.

How to choose the perfect caravan for restoration?

Now that you know how to restore a caravan, the time has come to buy one. First of all, we recommend you to try the experience. You can rent one and spend a holiday with it, or at least a weekend break. There are some people who, after buying one, realize that they prefer to spend their holidays in a mobile home or a bungalow.

Consider whether the investment you are going to make is profitable. The price of a caravan for restoration is between 1,500 and 4,000 euros. The reform can cost you about 1,000 euros more. In other words, the final price will be between 2,500 and 5,000 euros. If you are only going to use it once a year, it is probably better to rent it.

Please also note that caravans weighing more than 750 kg must pass an MOT and need to be registered. In addition, they must be transported, which requires a vehicle with sufficient strength and which is authorised and prepared to carry that weight. In addition, a hook must be fitted and approved.

One more thing. If you have the possibility and you know someone with experience in buying caravans, it is not a bad idea to ask them to accompany you to evaluate it before buying it. If you’ve had a road accident or a fire, the price of restoration may go up. What’s more, it may not be safe. If after all this you decide to restore a caravan, great! I’m sure you’ll enjoy visiting the destinations you like best. In our campsite in Benidorm you will find all the comforts to stay with your restored caravan. Use our search engine and make a reservation for one of the best campsites in Spain.