Brisbane Caravan Buying Guide

HOW TO CHECK A USED CARAVAN
FOR WATER DAMAGE BEFORE BUYING

Water damage is one of the most common, and most expensive, issues hiding in a used caravan. A few simple checks before you buy can save you from inheriting someone else's costly repair.

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Quick Rule of Thumb

A caravan can look perfectly fine on the surface and still have significant water damage hidden behind the walls, ceiling or floor. Sellers don't always know it's there either, especially if it developed gradually.

Musty smells, soft flooring and ceiling staining are the easiest signs to check for
A tap test can reveal hidden separation behind panels
Older caravans and ones that have sat unused for long periods deserve extra scrutiny
A thorough check takes only a few extra minutes but can save thousands

If anything feels off during your inspection, it's worth getting a professional assessment before committing to buy.

Why This Matters Before You Buy

Water damage is one of the most expensive problems a caravan can have, and it's also one of the easiest to miss if you don't know what to look for. Unlike obvious cosmetic damage, water intrusion often develops behind panels, under flooring or above ceiling linings, completely invisible during a quick walkthrough.

Once you've bought the caravan, that hidden damage becomes your problem, and by the time it's visible enough to notice without checking properly, it's often spread further than it would have if caught earlier. A thorough pre-purchase check is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

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Where Water Damage Commonly Hides

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Where to Check First

Around every window and skylight seal
Roof seams, vents, hatches and aerial or solar panel mounts
Awning rail and accessory mounting points
Corners and panel joins
The floor, particularly near the entry step and bathroom and kitchen wet areas
Ceiling panels, especially above any roof penetrations

Practical Checks to Do Before Buying

01
Smell test
Step inside and take a moment before opening windows or fans. A persistent musty or damp smell is one of the strongest indicators of hidden moisture, even if nothing looks wrong visually.
02
Press and walk test
Walk across the entire floor, paying attention to any section that feels soft, springy or different from the rest. Press firmly on wall panels near windows, corners and seams, looking for sponginess or give.
03
Tap test
Gently tap across wall and ceiling panels with your knuckles or a coin. A solid panel sounds consistent throughout, while a duller or hollow note in one area compared to the rest can indicate the layers have separated underneath.
04
Visual inspection in good light
Look closely at ceiling panels for sagging, rippling or staining. Check around every window and vent for discolouration or watermarks. Check exterior panels at different angles in sunlight, as bubbling or rippling is often easier to spot side-on rather than straight ahead.
05
Check the seals themselves
Look at the actual condition of sealant around windows, hatches and roof fittings. Cracked, peeling or missing sealant is a sign water may already be getting in, even if no damage is visible yet.
06
Ask about storage and usage history
A caravan that's been stored outdoors uncovered, or left unused for long stretches, has had more opportunity for undetected leaks to develop and spread.

Red Flags Worth Taking Seriously

A musty smell that doesn't go away after airing out
Any soft or spongy section of flooring
Staining or discolouration around more than one window or vent
A hollow or inconsistent sound during the tap test
Recent repairs or repainting in specific areas without clear explanation
A seller who seems reluctant to answer questions about storage or past leaks

What If You Find Something?

Finding a sign of water damage doesn't necessarily mean walking away from the caravan altogether: plenty of water damage is repairable. But it does mean you should get a proper assessment before agreeing on a price, since the cost of repair should factor into your negotiation, or you may decide it's not worth the risk depending on the extent of what's found.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check for water damage without any special tools?
Yes, a smell check, visual inspection, pressing on panels and a simple tap test with your knuckles can reveal most significant water damage without needing any equipment.
Is a musty smell always a sign of water damage?
Not always, sometimes it's just from being closed up for a while. But it's worth taking seriously, especially combined with any other signs like staining or soft flooring.
Should I still buy a caravan if I find water damage?
It depends on the extent. Minor, contained damage may be a reasonable and repairable issue to factor into your offer. Widespread damage affecting structural areas is a bigger decision and worth getting properly assessed first.
Can a professional check a caravan for water damage before I buy it?
Yes, getting a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified fibreglass or caravan repair specialist can give you a much clearer picture than a DIY check alone, particularly for hidden or harder-to-detect damage.
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is general guidance only and is not a substitute for a professional inspection or repair assessment. Caravan construction, age, prior repairs and hidden damage can vary significantly. If you suspect water intrusion, structural weakness or safety-related issues, consult a qualified repair professional before relying on self-checks alone.