Tips for buying a caravan

RACQ31/03/2021
RVs
What you need to consider before buying a caravan. 
Caravan on the road by the beach.

Before shopping for a new caravan, make sure you consider your budget and the kind of caravan or camper you need. Then consider the following when shopping around.

Amenities

If you love cooking, you’re probably going to want a caravan with a proper kitchen. On the other hand, if you’re perfectly happy living off takeaways, you may want to prioritise a comfortable living area or larger bathroom. Other amenities to keep in mind include conventional ovens, showers and washing machines.

Caravan weight

Before you even start looking at the caravans, it is essential you know the towing specifications of your car. This will influence your available choices in caravan sizes.

Finding the right size caravan can be the hardest part of the purchase. You don’t want one that is too big for your vehicle’s towing specifications. You also want enough room to fit your family comfortably.

Larger families will need more storage and more space therefore larger caravans are recommended, although it will depend on your tow vehicle. Dealers will be able to guide you on the best caravan for your specific concerns and requirements.

New vs used

The best bargains are likely to be found in the second-hand caravan market. New caravans lose value faster than second-hand caravans, but the value of a warranty may make up for the price difference. If the second-hand caravan is a bit short on quality, there's no point saving money on the purchase price only to spend it on expensive repairs. If your caravan will get heavy use, a new one may make more financial sense overall.

Make sure to find one in good condition. Always arrange for an inspection before buying. Check for signs of water leakage, check the door and window latches, ensure electrical fittings and appliances are in working order, test the brakes, and inspect the awning for any signs of damage.

Wish list

Check the caravan has your wish-list features. This could include a washing machine, barbecue, fridge, freezer, awning, shower or toilet. It's important that the caravan you choose ticks the boxes for your needs and budget.

Learn about RACQ caravan and trailer insurance

Caravans RVsBuying a car

Generic newsletter

More articles

Related topics

  • The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.

    Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.

    Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.

    Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

    RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.