Want to see what the caravan hype is all about but not sure where to begin? Brush up on the basics before buying a caravan.
Piling the crew into a caravan and hitting the road has become an increasingly popular holiday choice for many families. Before buying a caravan, it’s best to familiarise yourself with the basics to avoid being overwhelmed by the volume of models, add-ons and price points. Whether your family has a thirst for off-road adventures or long-term road trips, this guide is essential for beginner caravanners.
One of the first and most important things to consider when buying a caravan is your family’s requirements. How much space do you need? How many people does the caravan need to accommodate? What facilities are essential? What is the duration of the trip? Where will you be driving? These are questions you need to ask yourself when deciding what type of caravan best suits your family’s travel style.
A classic model is comfortable, has basic facilities and is easy to set up. Off-road caravans are custom built to tackle rugged terrain and often feature special additions designed for self-sufficiency while travelling in remote destinations. Hybrid caravans have a compact design that maximises space, including expandable features like a pop-up roof and fold-out beds.
Before buying a caravan, it is essential to check whether your current vehicle meets the legal standard for towing capacity. To safely and legally tow a caravan, you must consider several critical weight metrics for your vehicle. This includes:
While all these different towing weights can be confusing, they ensure the safety of all passengers and should be carefully considered. This will quickly decide what kind of caravan to buy, or whether you need to purchase a new vehicle to tow safely.
When deciding on size, consider the amount of people who need to be accommodated. Smaller families embarking on short journeys can manage with 4.8 to 5.4 metres of space. Larger troops that are in for a longer haul will need approximately 6.1 to 7.3 metres to accommodate more sleeping arrangements. Popular models range from 3.3 to 7.3 metres, as anything smaller won’t be comfortable for several people and anything larger becomes a towing issue.
However, while smaller caravans are a popular option for beginners, they lack the space for amenities like showers and toilets that a larger unit offers. An easy mistake to make when buying a caravan is neglecting to consider the size of your carport, so ensure to make accurate measurements before purchasing.
These glorified homes on wheels can be custom designed to suit all your needs and desires. The only thing holding you back from buying your dream caravan is budget. Another critical step early in the process of buying a caravan is deciding between your needs and your wants. What families consider as must-haves compared to luxuries depends on preference, but non-negotiable essentials include a rated tow bar, towing mirrors, smoke alarms, levelling ramps and wheel chocks, and a first-aid kit for emergencies.
Depending on the type of caravan, you may need to bring power leads and adaptors for connecting to powered sites and hoses for water supply. After ensuring you have the essentials, you can add any extra amenities that will make the trip more comfortable. This can be anything from an ensuite bathroom and a TV to fully-equipped kitchens and a barbecue.
On-road caravans are designed for leisurely trips along the coast as they are lightweight and not suited to rugged terrain. For adventures off the beaten track, off-road caravans are built to withstand rocks, dust and water while also being self-sufficient. Solar panels, large water tanks and a specialised battery system for off-grid power supply ensure your family has everything they need to brave the great outdoors.
Buying a caravan is a significant financial investment that requires prior budgeting. A basic, smaller caravan costs anywhere between $25,000 and $40,000, typically compromising creature comforts for essentials. More expensive and deluxe options can add up to $50,000 or even $70,000, featuring extra space for families, added conveniences and more amenities.
If you’re looking to spend big, brand-new models that are equipped with everything a home away from home needs can range from $70,000 to over $120,000. A sensible trade-off would be to purchase a second-hand caravan. While the model may be older, they are suitable for family road trips and won’t break the bank.
Start by searching locally – this way you won’t get information overload when you begin browsing online. By attending the next caravan and camping show in your area, you can meet expert caravan dealers, ask questions and view their latest models. The next alternative is to visit local manufacturer showrooms and dealerships to narrow down the specific model, facilities and add-ons that your family will require on the road.
When buying a caravan online, reputable sites like Caravan Camping Sales and OnlyVans offer an extensive marketplace with new and used options at various price points. Facebook Marketplace is also good for finding second-hand caravans with decent deals. Alternatively, you can try before you buy. Dedicated platforms such as Camplify and Outdoorsy allow you to hire caravans for a road trip and can be used to test various models before you purchase your own.
Always inspect the caravan for damage, structural issues and faulty appliances before purchase. Some key signs of critical wear include water damage, rust on the framework and broken electricity or gas systems. Typically, new caravans won’t display any signs of damage, but used models need to be checked thoroughly. If the caravan’s interior is dry and odourless, and it’s being sold through a reputable dealer, it’s well maintained and suitable for purchase.
Begin by setting your budget and deciding what model suits your travel style, whether that is off-road or on-road exploration. Next, focus on choosing a caravan that matches your vehicle’s towing capacity, and then consider the space, facilities and amenities your family will need. Don’t forget to consider where you’ll be storing your caravan when it’s not in use.
This rule stipulates that caravans older than 10 years may be refused renewal or acceptance of their permits at a particular site. To maintain a caravan park’s safety and aesthetic standards, annual permits are issued by park managers to allow caravans to be parked on site. While the rule is not a definitive law, it is an enforceable policy used by certain caravan park managers that can result in the removal of older models.
Before buying a caravan, you need to do some research. Find a selection of models that suit your needs, budget and towing capacity, then check online for relevant reviews and compare the caravan to others. Visit caravan shows and dealerships in person to inspect the vehicle and ensure it fits your preferences before purchasing.
Some caravans don’t require a deposit, but many standard sellers require 10% of the purchase price or a small amount (around $2000 to $5000). Custom-builds and special orders can require a deposit anywhere between 10% to 30%.
The 85% rule is a safety guideline for the weight distribution between a caravan and towing vehicle. It aims to ensure stability, improve braking and prevent the caravan from controlling the direction of the towing vehicle. The rule suggests that the weight of a fully loaded caravan shouldn’t exceed 85% of the towing vehicle’s kerb weight.
Caravans are considered a good investment if you plan to travel frequently, as they provide a convenient, cost-effective option for long-term getaways. These compact homes away from home give families the freedom to embark on a road trip on a whim, and parents don’t have to worry about booking flights or accommodation to fit the whole troop. While not in use, caravans can also generate income if hosted on rental platforms.
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