What to think about when buying a secondhand caravan
Are you thinking of buying a second-hand caravan, and, if so, do you know how to check if your caravan is exactly what the seller claims it to be? Also, do you know why you should consider registering your current caravan if you haven’t already done so? One crucial aspect of caravan ownership is understanding the CRiS registration and the associated identification numbers, as these unique identifiers play a vital role in both tracking and protecting your caravan. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what CRiS numbers are, why they matter, and how to identify key elements of your caravan’s CRiS number.
What is CRiS?
The Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) started in 1992 and is a UK-wide system designed to track and identify caravans, similar to how vehicle identification numbers (VINs) work for cars. Each caravan registered with CRiS is assigned a unique 17-digit number, which serves as its CRiS number and links it to a CRiS keeper record. This number contains crucial information about the caravan, including its make, model, year of manufacture and more.
You can do a CRiS search on the CRiS website to see if a caravan you are interested in has been stolen, written off or if it has any outstanding finance on it. This is obviously very useful for a would-be purchaser to see if the information they have been given by the seller matches reality, for example if the date of manufacture is correct.
How do I find my CRiS number?
If you’re unsure where to find your caravan’s CRiS number, here’s where to look:
Documentation
Check your caravan’s registration documents or purchase paperwork. There’s a good chance the CRiS number will be listed there.
Chassis Plate
Look for a small metal plate affixed to the caravan’s chassis. The CRiS number is often stamped or engraved onto this plate.
Windows
Some caravans have stickers with the CRiS number affixed to windows or entry doors for easy identification. This is also often the case for gas lockers.
What do we need to look for in the actual caravan?
One of the key things to look for is to see that any physical CRiS numbers have not been altered, perhaps by being scratched off. Generally they should match throughout the caravan, but there are, however, times when this might differ - for example if the caravan has had a replacement window, in which case the number on that window could be different. Do remember however that a lot of caravans are sold without a CriS number - it isn’t essential as some owners just have not registered it in their name.
What does a CRiS number look like?
A CRiS number always consists of 17 digits, with three main sections.
The first section has three digits, and relates to the World Manufacturer Identifier, (WMI) which details the country, the region and the manufacturer. Of interest, caravans built in the UK usually start with SG. The second section has six digits, and relates to the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which covers axles, model and the trim level (if there is one.) The third section has eight digits, and is the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) - the most important of which being the last four digits of this section, which contain the serial number of the caravan.
One of the most important digits for you to look at may well be the 10th one, which is either a number or a letter and depicts the age of the caravan. A top tip to help remember which letter represents which year is that in 2010 it was the letter A, and it follows on with most letters of the alphabet - here’s a snapshot:
5 = 2005
6 = 2006
7 = 2007
8 = 2008
9 = 2009
A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
Why is CRiS so important?
There are several reasons why it is important, and we list those here.
Ownership verification
CRiS numbers provide a reliable way to verify ownership of a caravan. When buying or selling a caravan, checking the CRiS number helps to ensure the vehicle’s legitimacy and helps to prevent fraud. Interestingly, once you’ve registered with CRiS you can purchase an extra etching kit so that you can put the number inside the van yourself.
Theft recovery
In the unfortunate event of theft, CRiS numbers can play a crucial role for the police in recovering stolen caravans. The unique identifier allows the police to track and identify the caravan, increasing the chances of recovery.
Insurance purposes
Many insurance providers require CRiS registration as part of their coverage criteria. Having a CRiS number not only facilitates the insurance process but also provides added security and peace of mind for caravan owners. Also, some insurance companies require CRiS registration before they will process a claim.
Resale perspective
It obviously inspires confidence in potential buyers, which would likely help you if you consider selling your caravan.
Is there anything else worth knowing?
Touring caravans manufactured before 1992 are not automatically registered with CRiS, and the same often goes for those makes imported from overseas, such as Hobbys and Triganos. It may also just be that the 10th digit (year of manufacture) may not apply in these cases.
All in all, it’s a good idea to register your caravan with CRiS, for the added protection in case something goes wrong. The registration process keeps vital information on record in case the caravan is stolen, and having completed this it could also help you from a resale point of view. By prioritising CRiS registration (and staying informed when on the market for a new caravan), you can enjoy your caravan adventures with confidence, knowing your vehicle has been properly identified and is protected in case it gets stolen.
