How long do static caravans last?

Buy a new static caravan in the perfect location, and you can look forward to years of happy holidaying. Few investments bring such joy to so many people.

At Willerby, we are one of the UK's most prominent manufacturers of static caravans, park homes and holiday lodges. We probably talk to more holiday home buyers than anyone else in the UK, and one question always asked is "how long will it last?"

In this guide, you'll learn what we tell our loyal customer base that makes us the largest manufacturer of holiday homes in the UK.

What is the lifespan of a static caravan?

As with any product, from domestic appliances to cars, the secret to a long, trouble-free life is two-fold:

• Choose high quality.
• Give it regular TLC.

Follow the above advice, and we believe that one of our superbly engineered models can continue to be your home-away-from-home for thirty years or more.

Engineered to last

Choose Willerby, and you can be confident of a robust structure that's built to last.

Our highest specification models have a fully galvanised chassis with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Then there's Willerby's unique Oslo Wall System™, featuring technology that has been tried and tested in the housebuilding industry around Europe.

Most Willerby static caravans are built to BS3632, the standard for residential mobile homes that are meant to be lived in all year round. That's far more than the requirement for holiday homes.

How long can a static caravan stay on the site?

Typically, the best way to buy a static caravan is first to choose a site. Once you've agreed on your model and location, the park will also sell you a pitch licence, which tends to last between ten and twenty years. At the end of that period, your options will be to renew the licence, buy a new caravan on the same site, part-exchange, or move your property to a different location.

The reason why pitch licences tend to be shorter than a static caravan's lifespan is simple. Park owners want their site to be as attractive as possible for residents and new customers, so they want visitors to see row after row of smart, well-kept homes.

Keep your static caravan in prime condition, and you'll be popular with your park owners and neighbours. You'll also avoid problems and maximise its part-exchange or resale value.

How to extend your static caravan's life

Spot leaks early and fix them immediately

Even a tiny amount of water entering your caravan from outside could cause damage, damp and discomfort. Similarly, with internal pipes, small leaks can lead to expensive damage if untreated. Check for leaks and wet patches regularly, trace them to the source and stop the rot before it starts.

Maintain your floors

Flooring can start to wear, especially in high-traffic areas such as doorways. Check regularly for damage and stains, and take immediate remedial action. Watch out for bounciness, too. If the floor suddenly feels different underfoot, that could be an early sign of weakness developing. Take action by adding support.

Inspect skylights

Most static caravan roofs are sturdy and unlikely to leak, but the weakest points are often skylights. They are made of plastic surrounded by sealant, both of which can degrade from exposure to sunlight, frost and rainfall. Check every so often for leaks and signs of weakness, because replacing a skylight is a lot cheaper than having to buy a new caravan.

Protect the chassis

If Willerby makes your static caravan, the steel chassis will be either fully galvanised or protected from corrosion by special paint. Even so, it's wise to inspect the base regularly for signs of corrosion. It's also worth considering giving the chassis extra protection with a skirt. The park owner should be able to recommend someone to fit one for you. We recommend getting a galvanised chassis if you're on the coast due to the salt air. Adding skirting not only protects the chassis it also tidies the look of your static caravan up.

Keep gutters clear

A few minutes up a step ladder clearing blockages will keep the rainwater flowing freely. It's vital because collected water is often at the root of corrosion and damp problems.

Drain down and winterise

Emptying all water from the pipes is essential before leaving the caravan empty for any length of time in winter. If water left in pipes freezes, you could be coming back in the spring to find that they have burst. The result? Floods and costly repairs.

Pouring non-toxic anti-freeze into toilets and down plugholes is an advisable extra precaution before leaving your caravan in winter.

Ready to find out more about static caravan living? A great place to start is by downloading the latest Willerby brochure.

If you already own a static caravan, we’d love to hear what tips you have for keeping your home spic and span. Please contact our marketing team with any tips you have.