Buying from mainland Europe

Mollymoleskin
Mollymoleskin Forum Participant Posts: 4
edited October 2020 in New to Caravanning & Touring #1

We are new to caravanning and have been looking for a suitable van.

The budget means that it will have to be a used one and the one we have set our sights on is a Hobby. Unfortunately there are non of the model we want for sale in the UK so we have been trawling the net and have found loads for sale in Holland.

My dilemma is that I do not know the ramifications, financial and technical involved in importing to the UK.

Has anyone done this and give me some guidance?

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,828 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #2

    At the moment you can simply go there and buy one - take a number plate matching your car and tow the caravan back. Just make sure the caravan is within the size limits for UK use. Think about insuring the van before you tow it back. Once we reach 2021 there may be import duty to pay because of Brexit. 

    When you return you will have to self isolate because of Covid. You can use the time to convert the internal socket outlets to UK spec and you may even have to fit a leisure battery as some continental vans don't have them.

    Bear in mind you will be buying "as seen" - there will be no popping back for warranty work if you find faults. 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2020 #3

    Also bear in mind that this might be a model very attractive to those who would wish to deprive you of it.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2020 #4

    Depends on the size of the Hobby whether i would think of buying "as seen" also if it is a used model the TA versions are very popular with the Traveller fraternity

  • Dellers
    Dellers Forum Participant Posts: 19
    edited October 2020 #5

    You might find a variance in the Gas Connectors too but I am not 100% on that. Definitely check the VAT rules, we are under no illusion we have a major problem with that on our Boat so be very careful, its changing quite often as the intended 'reciprocal' arrangements don't seem to be working too well.

  • Mollymoleskin
    Mollymoleskin Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited October 2020 #6

    Many belated thanks for your replies.

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