Key Facts: Your 30-Second Summary
| Question |
The Reality |
| Do new caravans come with a warranty? |
Yes. Comprehensive cover from the manufacturer + park support. |
| Do used caravans have cover? |
Usually. Good parks offer their own warranty (3–12 months). |
| What about private sales? |
Risky. Usually "sold as seen" with zero comeback if the roof leaks. |
| Is servicing mandatory? |
Yes. You must prove you maintained the gas/electrics to keep the warranty valid. |
| Does a warranty replace insurance? |
No. Warranty is for faults. Insurance is for accidents, storms, and theft. |
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Quick Takeaways
- New Units: Offer the best peace of mind with long structural guarantees.
- Frost Damage: The #1 reason claims are rejected. You must drain down in winter.
- The "Sold as Seen" Trap: Private sales look cheap until the boiler breaks.
- The Rule: Warranties fix factory faults. Insurance fixes accidental damage.
What This Guide Covers
- The three layers of protection (Manufacturer, Park, Extended)
- Why private sales in Mid Wales can be a false economy
- The "Winterisation" rule you cannot ignore
- What is usually excluded (wear and tear, fading, condensation)
- How to handle a claim without the stress
- Why buying from an established park (like Morben Isaf) is safer
Your Safety Net Explained
It’s the boring part.
We get it. You want to think about the view of the Dyfi Valley, not the small print on a contract. But a good warranty is the difference between a minor annoyance and a ruined bank holiday.
If the roof seal fails or the boiler packs up, you don't want to be chasing a stranger on Facebook Marketplace. You want to make one phone call and get it sorted.
This guide cuts through the jargon to explain exactly how warranties work for holiday homes in Mid Wales.
The Morben Isaf Difference
- On-Site Team: Ben & Sarah are here. We don't hide behind a remote call centre.
- No "Bring-Ons": We sell units we know and trust. This means the warranty history is clear.
- Winter Protection: We offer a professional drain-down service to ensure your warranty stays valid during the closed season.
- Peace of Mind: We are a 5-star, owners-only park. We look after our owners.
1. The Three Layers of Protection
Most protection packages fall into one of three buckets:
1. Manufacturer Warranty (New Units)
This is the "gold standard" cover that comes with a brand-new holiday home.
- Structure: Long-term cover (often 3–10 years) for the chassis, walls, and roof.
- Fixtures: Shorter cover (1 year) for things like taps, doors, and furniture.
- Appliances: Separate guarantees for your fridge, cooker, and boiler.
2. Park Warranty (Pre-Owned)
This is what you get when you buy a used caravan from a reputable park like Morben Isaf.
- Scope: Covers major systems (heating, water, structure).
- Duration: Typically 3 to 12 months, depending on the age of the unit.
- Value: It gives you time to use the caravan and ensure everything is working perfectly.
3. Insurance (Essential)
A warranty fixes faults. Insurance fixes disasters.
You still need specialist insurance for:
- Storm damage (common in Wales!)
- Fire and theft
- Accidental damage (spilling red wine on the carpet)
2. Buying New vs. Private Sales
The "Sold as Seen" Risk
We see it happen too often. Someone buys a "bargain" caravan privately, only to find the floor is rotten or the boiler is condemned.
In a private sale, you have almost no legal comeback. It is "sold as seen."
The Morben Rule: We generally do not allow private "bring-ons" (moving a caravan from elsewhere onto our park). We sell units directly so we can guarantee their quality, safety history, and warranty status.
Transferring Warranties
If you buy a newer pre-owned model, can you keep the original manufacturer warranty?
Maybe. Structural warranties often transfer, but there is usually an admin fee and a time limit to register the change. Always ask us to check the paperwork before you buy.
3. How to Kill Your Warranty (And How to Avoid It)
A warranty isn't a "get out of jail free" card. You have to look after the asset.
The Frost Damage Trap
This is the big one. Static caravans don't like frozen pipes.
Warning: If you leave water in your pipes over winter and they burst, this is not a warranty claim. Manufacturers class this as "owner negligence." It can cause thousands of pounds of damage.
The Fix: Use our professional drain-down service at the end of the season. We remove the water, secure the system, and protect your warranty.
The Paperwork Trail
To keep your cover valid, you must have:
- Annual Gas Safe Check: Legally required and essential for warranty.
- Electrical Check: Usually required every 3 years.
Keep these certificates. Without them, a manufacturer can refuse a repair.
4. What is Actually Covered?
Here is a rough guide to what you can expect.
| Area |
Status |
| Structural Defects |
Covered. Roof leaks, chassis issues, wall movement. |
| Failed Seals |
Covered. Water ingress from window/door seals. |
| Wear and Tear |
Not Covered. Scuffs, faded curtains, worn carpets. |
| Frost Damage |
Not Covered. (Unless you used our drain-down service and we made a mistake). |
| Storm Damage |
Not Covered. That is an insurance claim. |
5. How to Make a Claim
If something goes wrong at Morben Isaf, the process is simple.
- Check Safety: If it's gas or electric, turn it off.
- Take Photos: Evidence helps us diagnose the issue.
- Call the Park Office: You don't need to hunt for manufacturer phone numbers. Start with us.
We will tell you if it's a park fix, a manufacturer call-out, or an insurance job. We handle the coordination so you don't have to.
6. Red Flags to Watch For
If you are looking at other parks in Mid Wales, be wary if:
- "Verbal" Warranties: "Oh, we'll look after you." Get it in writing.
- No Gas Certificate: Never buy a caravan without a current gas safety test.
- Transport Risk: Moving a caravan to a new park often kills the structural warranty. Buying a sited unit is much safer.
7. Why Choose Salop Caravan Sites?
A warranty is just a piece of paper. It's the people behind it that matter.
We Are Local
Morben Isaf is part of the Salop Caravan Sites family. We have deep roots in Mid Wales. We aren't a faceless corporate chain that disappears when you have a problem.
We Are Transparent
We explain the difference between the licence agreement (how long you can stay) and the warranty (what is repaired) before you sign anything.
We Want You to Stay
We are an owners-only park. Our business model relies on you being happy for 15+ years, not on a quick sale. It is in our interest to resolve issues quickly.
8. Your Pre-Purchase Checklist
Ask these questions before you hand over a deposit:
☐ Is there a warranty included in this price?
☐ How long does the structural cover last?
☐ Is there a current Gas Safe certificate?
☐ Do you offer a winter drain-down service?
☐ Who is my main point of contact for repairs?
9. FAQs
How long is a new caravan warranty?
Typically 1 year for fixtures and 3–10 years for the main structure, depending on the manufacturer.
What voids the warranty?
Skipping your annual safety checks, DIY repairs on gas/electric systems, or failing to drain down in winter.
Do I still need insurance?
Yes. 100%. Warranties cover faults; insurance covers accidents and weather damage.
Can I use my own engineer?
Usually, yes, as long as they are fully qualified (e.g. Gas Safe) and VAT registered. However, using the park's approved team is often smoother.
10. Conclusion
Buying a holiday home should be exciting, not worrying.
By choosing a new or park-approved used model at Morben Isaf, you are buying into a safety net. You get the backing of the manufacturer and the support of our on-site team.
Keep up with your servicing. Drain down in winter. And then relax, knowing you are covered.
Talk to Morben Isaf
If you're thinking about buying a static caravan or lodge near Machynlleth, the next step is simple.
At Morben Isaf, we explain our warranty and aftercare in plain English.
Book a visit today, and let us show you exactly how we protect our owners.