Beginners' guide to buying a new or used caravan

What to consider when buying a new or used caravan

What size caravan do I need?

Firstly, consider who will be using the van to determine what size, layout and features you need. Are you a retired couple, a family of five, or a solo traveller with a pet?

Smaller pop-top caravans, where the roof literally winds up (and on some models the ends fold out for more internal space) are popular entry-level options, but rarely have showers or toilets. Larger units offer more layout choices, bigger kitchens and more storage.

Beds set across the width of the van save space but require one person to climb over the other to get into and out of bed, while beds running length-wise offer better access but soak up valuable real estate.

Make a list of your wants and needs, and be prepared to cut from the bottom should it blow out your budget. Think toilet and shower, air-conditioning, leather interiors, slide-out barbecue, coffee maker, washing machine, or rear-view cameras.

Don’t forget to consider the size of your carport or garage when purchasing a caravan. The best way to prevent caravan theft is to store it in a secure garage.

What are the different types of caravan?

Newcomers often prefer to hop from one caravan park to the next, enjoying on-site power, communal facilities and kids’ playgrounds. A great way to start is to travel between RACV Resorts that have caravan facilities, including Inverloch and Cobram.

An on-road van with standard suspension and body protection, kitchen, living and sleeping space will suit nicely.  

For those wanting to venture off the beaten track, an off-road-style van offers self-reliance with bigger water tanks, solar panels and a souped-up battery management system for off-grid power. They also offer greater protection for the front and undercarriage – usually in the form of checker-plate aluminum cladding – and a heavy-duty suspension system for rough tracks.

More: 8 common mistakes novice caravanners make

Towing weights and capacity: How much can my car legally tow?

One of the most confusing things about buying a caravan are the myriad towing weights involved, which are designed with safety in mind.

Basically, you must ensure your vehicle can legally tow your van. Start by checking your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, whether that’s 1,200 kilograms for common four-cylinder cars, 1,700 to 2,500 kilograms for 4WDs, or up to 3,500+ kilograms for heavyweight tow-tugs such as large SUVs, 4x4 off-roaders and utes.

The legal maximum loaded weight of your caravan is called the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) and is dictated by the manufacturer. The ATM is the combination of the tare weight (the van’s unladen weight without gear, water or gas) and its payload (the maximum weight of equipment, food and so on that the manufacturer deems safe to be added). Your van’s ATM must be less than the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity to be legal and safe.

Your vehicle manufacturer will also specify a Gross Combination Mass (GCM), which is the maximum combined weight of the car and the caravan. The GCM can be found on your car’s documentation. This number is set so that you don’t overload your car or caravan with too much gear, and it is illegal to exceed it.

You also need to be conscious of the ball weight, which is the maximum pressure you can put on the towball of your vehicle.

Check with your dealer or manufacturer about weights (it’s a complex topic) and check how heavy your combination is at a public weighbridge to be certain.

More: Towing 101: What to know before you tow

Can I tow a caravan with an electric car?

Yes, but not all electric cars are suited to towing heavy loads and may not be certified to tow a trailer, let alone a caravan.

Some EVs simply aren't designed to have a tow hitch at all, while others may have a limited towing capacity compared to combustion-engined vehicles of a similar size.

More: What you need to know about towing with an EV

What should I look out for when buying a caravan?

Do your research carefully when purchasing a new or used caravan. Investigate each brand to check whether they are members of RVMap, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia's national accreditation program.

Be wary of new or used models that have water damage or rust, and always ensure a second-hand van passes an inspection from your state’s transport body, which is required for registration. Also consider getting a pre-purchase inspection before buying a second-hand caravan.

Warranty periods for new caravans vary between manufacturers, but a factory warranty of two or three years (depending on the brand or model) is commonplace and often transferable to a second owner. Many also offer a structural warranty for a longer period, such as five or even 10 years.

As with motor vehicles, caravan manufacturers and suppliers have obligations under Australian Consumer Law, even after the warranty expires. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has further details on its website.

How much should I spend on a caravan?

Buying a caravan is a substantial financial investment that often requires financing. Prices for basic entry-level vans start at around $50,000, rising to more than $120,000 for deluxe models fitted with all the comforts of home.

Here are the general price brackets for caravans in Australia:

• Up to $50,000: For new caravans, expect smaller models with fewer bells and whistles. You’ll probably get a kitchen, sleeping for up to four, a dinette, and possibly a shower and toilet - although you’re unlikely to find the last two in an entry-level pop-top. Second-hand, up to $50,000 will get you decent older models for the family or even a van for two suitable for touring Australia.
• From $50,000 to $70,000: In this price bracket you'll find new family caravans that are longer, with a bigger dinette, lots of bathroom space, and better finishes throughout. Standard items may include air-conditioning, a TV and bigger water tanks. This price will also get you a good three-to-10-year-old caravan, which will often come with extras included that its previous owner/s purchased and installed. You should be able to get a family bunk off-road van in this price range, but be sure to get an inspection from a professional who knows what to look for.
• From $70,000 to $120,000+: New, fully tricked-out off-road vans live in this price range, as do on-road models with top-of-the-line suspension, full kitchens, a washing machine, luxury upholstery and even voice-activated lights. Second-hand models will be nearly new in many circumstances, without the long wait time and depreciation of a buying a new van - and it will still likely have all the bells and whistles.

Materials used in the construction of the caravan also impact on the price. Timber frames are generally less expensive while more durable aluminium frames and composite panel construction will require a further outlay. Lightweight carbon-fibre employed by some caravan manufacturers also carries a premium.

Where can I get more advice about buying a caravan?

You can always ask other owners for their opinion via caravan social media groups and forums - or try a few out for yourself. There are several peer-to-peer platforms such as Camplify and Outdoorsy where you can rent someone’s pride and joy for a weekend to road-test different layouts and styles.

To buy, seek out your local dealerships, manufacturers (visit the factory if possible) or online marketplaces such as TradeRVs, Caravan Camping Sales, or even Facebook Marketplace if buying second-hand.

Before you head away, make sure your emergency roadside assistance subscription includes caravan and trailer assistance, too.

^{The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s)issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}