Guess what percentage of Dutch caravans are unsafe

A caravan hangs behind a car and rolls along nicely. What could go wrong? If the straps aren’t drying out, there’s no need to worry, right? You are wrong.

Bovag research shows that 30.3 percent of Dutch caravans serviced in 2022 were only registered after one or more repairs. The professional association took a random sample of 3022 caravans.

Especially caravans between the ages of 20 and 40

For caravans that are between 20 and 40 years old (or even older), the rejection rate is between 41 and 46 percent. Copies that are 10 to 20 years old perform significantly better by 30 percent.

These are still the well preserved ones

With the above figures it is important to mention that these are caravans that have been inspected at the initiative of the owner. After all, there is no mandatory periodic inspection.

De Bovag therefore assumes that these are still the best-maintained caravans. With this in mind, we can conclude that the average condition of a Dutch caravan is much worse.

Especially the braking system and the gas system

So what’s wrong? Mainly the braking system (60 percent), which consists of the breakaway cable, the brakes and the anti-roll bar. The gas installation was defective in 15 percent. At 12 percent, the chassis.

This includes not only the axles and shock absorbers, but also the tires. They are often relatively old and sometimes show drying cracks.

Shocked at the high rejection rate

The Bovag is shocked by the average rejection rate. “Failing to recognize that these deficiencies have not been addressed is a major security risk. For the caravan owner and other road users.”

The organization recommends checking the gas hoses and tires for cracks and checking the date every camping season. It is also advisable to have the caravan checked by a professional every two years.