Hello Noel.As a new guy yet to go on the block I have found that apart from mechanical probs under the van(if any)one of the most likely things to crop up is damage to water fittings,tanks etc.I have fitted guards to two of the fittings on my Penguin just in case.Noel I amcertain that the more savvy members will be going out of their way to guide you.Oh and a hearty welcome to the Forum.Cheers.Ibbo.

well yet another wombat, oh well a big welcome to you first up make sure it is not one that has come down from the floods, CHECK CAREFULLY IT"S PROVINANCE, if it has been through the water it's life is very short, dont buy it as Martin has stated, check all water inlets and tank for stone damage, have a quick look at the axle (is it straight, are the tyres wearing evenly (no scrubbing), is there major stone damage underneath, check the position where the body meets the floor is there water or grit penetration trying to seperate the layers, if so how bad grab a wheel and with the brake off and van on the ground, just see if you can move the wheel backwards and forwards (spring hanger wear) also check wheel bearing movement , put the brakes on can you move the wheel at all (brakes working) check the placement and condition of any wires including those that enter the bodywork, check spring "u" bolts for excessive tip wear from stone abrasion check rear of light sub assembly for intrusion of water, grit or abrasion check tow hitch for excessive wear and for fitment to the 50 mm ball (place on vehicle and try to move the hitch sideways and up and down) excessive movement replace the hitch and or ball check condition of light to vehicle connection, do ALL lights work as you are looking around the van you will find that it will "talk" to you, it will tell you if it has had rough treatment and how it has been serviced and generally been looked after, just listent to what it has to say

Many thanks. All points help. We are going to get the van first then the towing vehicle.......hopefully that will avoid any major stuff ups. Regards

well when you do get a vehicle and van be sure to find the weight of the van and the allowed towing capacity of the vehicle and dont exceed the tow capacity of the vehicle
 
also check the drawbar weight on the van and the allowable drawbar weight on the vehicle, do not exceed that either

when packing the van please try to keep it as even as possible with at least 10 % of total weight  (fully loaded) on the drawbar

less than 10% and you will get dangerous tail whip which could end in a jacknife and death 

more than 10% and you will have the tail of the car dragging

but look it will be a great time searching out the vans and vehicles, take your time and find the combination that you can live with and enjoy
 
it probably wont be the first half a dozen vans you look at but dont feel pressured into buying any of them, the one fo you is out there somewhere

Welcome. Dave has the best guide to buying a van. Well done! Correct towing gear also makes life safer and oh so much more comfortable. Hayman Reese do the strongest and most reliable. Then use their leveller bars to ensure weight between vehicle and van is stabilised. When the set up is right, the travel is easy. Then all you have to do is check the towing mirrors to prepare for the idiots following you, and the rear vision mirror to make sure that alluminium box with staples is still following you. Enjoy the countryside as it slides past, and sing along to the stereo. Safe and happy travels. Cheers Granny