Touring Caravan

Caravan age and ID

Used caravans are not always easy to date, so check out the makers plate which is usually by the entrance door. Look for serial numbers and also the van’s weight will usually be displayed too. If it’s not by the entrance door check the front A-frame, on some imported makes it’s placed here.

Insurance Note

If the caravan has been stolen, the ID plate may have been tampered with. If there is any sign of tampering you would be wise to keep away. All UK caravans built since 1992 were CRiS registered by the manufacturers. The ID number was etched onto the windows using a dot system and an electronic tag was hidden somewhere within the body of the caravan. You should check that the number on the ID plate matches that on the windows.

If you are serious about buying a particular caravan you really must have an HPI check done before you part with your money. At the time of writing this can be done for a reasonable fee, around £15. Full details of what the Cris check does is provided here Caravan Cris Check.

You will not be able to insure your caravan if it does not have an ID number. Also remember, if you do unknowingly buy a stolen caravan, it can be recovered by the rightful owner. Buying a used caravan information from the Caravan Club

Understanding the ID number

From 1992 a 17 digit serial number was employed on all UK manufactured caravans.

Here is an example SGAS000AV80001234 and how that code breaks down.

SG = Manufactured in UK
A = By Avondale
S = Single Axle (T for Twin)
000 = Identifier for manufacturer use.
AV = Manufacturer NCC code Avondale
8 = 2008
0001234 = Serial number of the caravan

The year dates used between 1992 and 2000 were the year letters used for car registration. After 2000 the last number of the year is used.
1992 = N
2000 = Y
2001 = 1
2002 = 2