Purchase agreement for motorhome and caravan – pre-purchase checklist
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When purchasing a motorhome or caravan, the sales contract itself is only one part of the risk management process. The vehicle's or trailer's technical condition, moisture, LPG, electrical systems, debts, and documentation can have significant financial implications after the purchase.
Check this before the deal
- Registered owner, registration number, and VIN/chassis number.
- Vehicle-related debts and current registration status.
- Moisture measurement and visible signs of leakage or previous moisture damage.
- LPG installation, hoses, regulator, and any test reports.
- 12V and 230V systems, batteries, chargers, and solar equipment.
- Water, heating, and cooling systems.
- Tires, brakes, chassis, and any caravan mover.
- Service history, keys, documents, and equipment to be included.
The Sale of Goods Act or the Consumer Sales Act?
If you buy from another private individual, the Sale of Goods Act (Köplagen) normally applies. It is dispositive, meaning that the parties can to a large extent agree on other terms. If you buy from a trader, the Consumer Sales Act applies instead, which is mandatory for the benefit of the consumer.
In private purchases, the contract’s wording regarding condition, known defects, equipment, and disclaimers is therefore particularly important.
Vehicle-related debts and registration status
The Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) recommends that buyers of used vehicles check for vehicle-related debts and whether the vehicle is registered as active, inactive, or, where applicable, approved in a roadworthiness test. Check this before making full payment.
For a registered caravan, the registration details should also be checked carefully. A caravan is a trailer and therefore has different insurance rules than a motorhome.
Motorhome: consider third-party liability insurance
If the motorhome is registered as active or will be activated in connection with the change of ownership, the new owner must have third-party liability insurance from the correct date. The seller's insurance ceases to be valid as soon as the change of ownership is registered.
Moisture check – one of the most important inspections
Moisture problems can be very costly in both motorhomes and caravans. A serious purchase should therefore not rely solely on a visual inspection. Check roof hatches, windows, seals, corners, floors, and connections around wet areas in particular. If in doubt, a professional moisture check is often well-justified.
| Area | Document in the contract |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Results of measurement, known leaks, and previous repairs. |
| LPG | Known defects, latest inspection, and which equipment is included. |
| Electricity | Functionality of 12V/230V, batteries, chargers, inverter, and solar panel. |
| Equipment | Awning, bike rack, mover, spare wheel, winter equipment, and other accessories. |
| Damage | Dents, cracks, previous accidents, and other known deficiencies. |
What should the sales contract contain?
- Full details of the buyer and seller.
- Registration number, VIN/chassis number, make, and model.
- Purchase price, down payment, and final payment.
- Date and time of handover.
- Mileage for the motorhome and relevant meter readings for equipment.
- Known defects and deficiencies.
- Inspections performed and what the buyer has had the opportunity to examine.
- List of equipment and accessories.
- Which documents, keys, and protocols are being handed over.
- Any disclaimer and what it actually covers.
"As is" – write more than two words
A general statement about the item being sold "as is" is no substitute for describing the vehicle. If there are known problems with moisture, the refrigerator, heater, LPG, water pump, electricity, brakes, or chassis, these should be explicitly stated. The better the contract reflects the actual information at the time of purchase, the less room there is for later misunderstandings.
Frequently asked questions
Does a caravan need third-party liability insurance?
No, trailers do not need their own third-party liability insurance. A motorhome, however, is a motor vehicle and is subject to compulsory insurance requirements when registered as active.
Should a moisture test be done before purchase?
Yes, especially on older vehicles or trailers. A professional moisture report can be valuable both technically and as evidence.
Can I cancel a private purchase if I find defects?
That depends on the agreement, the nature of the defect, and what terms applied at the time of purchase. In private purchases, the Sale of Goods Act applies, and the assessment is often highly dependent on the contract.
Should equipment like a mover and solar panel be in the agreement?
Yes. Explicitly state which equipment is included, and preferably its known condition as well.
How is a change of ownership handled?
Private individuals can, in most cases, use the Swedish Transport Agency's "My Pages." In certain situations, Part 2 of the registration certificate is used.
Template for purchasing a motorhome or caravan
Mallbutiken’s template package combines a sales contract with a practical inspection and handover structure.
Related guide
Down payment agreements – what applies to cars, boats, horses, dogs, and real estate?
Sources
- Swedish Transport Agency – buying a vehicle
- Swedish Consumer Agency – the Sale of Goods Act for private purchases
Last updated: October 4, 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice.
