Caravan Buying Guides
Plain answers for every stage of buying a caravan in Australia.
Pick the stage you are up to and start there.
The most useful guides
If you only read a few, read these.
Step 1
Getting started
What the whole thing involves, and the words you will keep running into.
- First-Time Buyer's GuideThe decisions a first van turns on.12 min read
- Types of Caravans in AustraliaTowed or driven: every type defined.7 min read
- Caravan vs Campervan vs MotorhomeThree questions pick your type.5 min read
- How to Buy a CaravanThe whole process, in the right order.12 min read
- Caravan Dimensions: Width, Height and LengthLegal width and height limits.7 min read
- Caravan Weights ExplainedATM, tare, payload and ball weight.10 min read
- Does Towing Capacity Include the Caravan's Weight?Yes, loaded. Compare ATM, not tare.7 min read
- Caravan Payload ExplainedATM minus tare: what you can pack.8 min read
- Car First or Caravan First?Which to buy first when you need both.9 min read
- What Can a Mid-Size SUV Tow?RAV4-class cars, and the vans that fit.8 min read
- Caravan Towing RulesLicence, limits, brakes, chains and lights.6 min read
- GVM Upgrades ExplainedIt raises what the car may carry.9 min read
- Rent Before You BuyWhat a week of hire tells you.5 min read
- Australian Caravan Shows CalendarDates, venues, and how to work a show.8 min read
- What to Ask at a Caravan ShowTwo A4 sheets to print and carry.5 min read
Step 2
Working out the money
What it costs to buy, to insure, to register, and what it is worth later.
- What Does a Caravan Cost?Price bands, and everything on top.9 min read
- Caravan Running CostsWhat a year of owning one costs.9 min read
- Caravan Insurance ExplainedAgreed vs market value, and sub-limits.10 min read
- Caravan Registration Costs by StateWhat each state charges, band by band.10 min read
- Caravan DepreciationWhat a van loses, year by year.11 min read
- Used Caravan PricesHow to work out what one is worth.11 min read
- What is a caravan worth?Market value, and what can lower it.8 min read
Step 3
Choosing the van
Narrowing a shortlist on the figures the makers publish.
- Off-Road vs Semi Off-Road CaravansWhat the two labels mean.10 min read
- What Australian Caravans Come WithStandard features, by the numbers.8 min read
- Best Family CaravansBunk layouts, and what they cost you.7 min read
- Best Caravans Under $80,000What that budget buys right now.7 min read
- What Caravan Walls Are Made OfStucco, alucomp, composite, timber.13 min read
- Single vs Tandem Axle CaravansOne axle or two, and what changes.8 min read
- Caravan Warranty ComparisonWarranty terms, maker by maker.6 min read
- Towing a Caravan With an EVWhat towing costs an EV's range.13 min read
- Electric Caravans in Australia48V systems and off-grid capability.8 min read
- Jayco vs Snowy RiverLive pricing, and who each suits.7 min read
- Concept vs JaycoRanges and starting prices.4 min read
- Jayco vs New AgeModels, price levels and layouts.7 min read
Step 4
Buying it
Where to look, what to check, and when it pays to wait.
- Used Caravan Buying GuideThe PPSR check, and the red flags.13 min read
- How to PPSR check a caravanCheck for a claim with a $2 VIN search.11 min read
- How to check if your caravan has been recalledTwo free government lists and your VIN.6 min read
- Buying Privately vs From a DealerThe trade between price and protection.10 min read
- Where to Buy a Used CaravanDealers, marketplaces and auctions.8 min read
- Buying a Caravan on Facebook MarketplaceReading a listing, and paying safely.12 min read
- When Do Caravans Go on Sale?The shape of the buying year.10 min read
- Going to See a CaravanOne A4 sheet for the day you go and look.5 min read
- Protect Your Caravan DepositWhat protects it, state by state.6 min read
- Compliance Plate GuideWhere it hides, and what it means.10 min read
- Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) ChecklistWhat to check before you sign.6 min read
Step 5
Once it's yours
Getting set up, towing it safely, and the gear that earns its space.
- How to measure tow ball weightWeighbridge or towball scale, then the lowest limit.5 min read
- Your First 30 Days With a New CaravanHandover day to first real trip.11 min read
- How to Tow a Caravan for the First TimeCheck the numbers, hitch up, drive smoothly.9 min read
- What Voids a Caravan Warranty?The conditions your cover depends on.9 min read
- Changes to Australian Standards for CaravansDated notices, with the official source.2 min read
- Electric Brake Controllers ExplainedProportional vs time-delayed.11 min read
- Do You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch?It can level the drawbar. Check the makers allow one.6 min read
- Caravan ATM Upgrades: Who Signs Them OffA higher loaded limit for the van. Your car's limits stay put.6 min read
- Public WeighbridgesWhere to weigh a loaded rig.9 min read
- Weighbridge Ticket ExplainedRead the figures, and fix an overload.8 min read
- Printable Caravan ChecklistsA4 checklists to print.6 min read
- Portable Power StationsWork out your watt-hours first.12 min read
- Essential Caravan AccessoriesWhat to fit and carry, in order.7 min read
- Caravan Upgrades Worth Buying SoonerFive upgrades to buy early.4 min read
- Where Can I Park My Caravan?Parking at home, council by council.9 min read
- Living in a Caravan Full Time in AustraliaLegality, mail, rego and real costs.9 min read
- What a Lap of Australia Costs by CaravanCamping and fuel for two, worked out.7 min read
- How Much Solar Does a Caravan Need?How to size it, and what vans carry.10 min read
- 12V vs 24V vs 48V Caravan SystemsWhat the system voltage locks in.10 min read
- Off-Grid Caravan CapabilityWater, power and payload, as a set.11 min read
- Caravan Battery Types ComparedAGM vs lithium, no brand names.9 min read
- Powering a Caravan at a Free CampDaily habits that make the power last.9 min read
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