How to buy a caravan
Work out the trips and what your car can tow, then the van.
Those two answers shorten your list before you look at a single van.
The same order works for a new van or a used one, and for a dealer or a private sale.
Updated . 12 min read • Buying Guide
Work out what the van has to do before you look at one, then check your car's towing ratings on paper.
Then decide new or used, shortlist on published specs, and inspect the van before you sign.
- Decide first - trips, on-road or off-road, berths, tow car (before you look at a single van)
Seven steps, in the order to do them.
Work out what the caravan is for
Before you look at a single van, answer four questions.
- Weekends or a big lap.
- On-road only, semi off-road, or full off-road.
- How many people sleeping and whether kids are bunk-age. Our family caravans guide covers bunk layouts.
- The tow vehicle you already have, or the one you plan to buy.
Those four answers shorten the list to vans that suit your trips and your car.
Check your car's towing ratings
Check your car's ratings before you shortlist a van. Braked towing capacity is the most the car is rated to tow. GCM (gross combination mass), the towball limit and payload are separate limits. The loaded van and car must sit inside all of them on paper.
Decide on new or used
A new caravan gives you the factory warranty, the exact spec you want, and no history to inherit. A used caravan costs less because the first owner has taken the early depreciation.
Either way, the month you buy in can change the price.
Build a shortlist on published specs
Compare vans on the specs their makers publish. Two vans at similar prices and layouts usually differ on payload, water and off-grid capacity, so weigh those first.
Go and see it, before you commit
Inspect the van in person before you pay a deposit.
- Walk around it, sit in the bed, run every appliance, open every hatch.
- Bring a torch and bring someone with you.
- If the seller rushes you, slow down.
Handover and drive away
Do not sign anything on handover day until every fault is written down and either fixed or scheduled in writing. Australian Consumer Law protects you here, and no contract term can override it. Use the pre-delivery inspection to list every fault before you take the van.
After you own it
Register the van in your state and keep every compliance certificate. Make the first trip short and close to home, so any faults are easy to get fixed.
Buying questions, answered
What is the first step to buying a caravan?
Work out what the van has to do before you look at one. Think weekends or a big lap, on-road or off-road, how many sleeping, and your tow car. Those four answers shorten the list to vans that suit your trips and your car.
Is it better to buy a new or used caravan?
New gives you the factory warranty and the exact spec you want. Used costs less because the first owner has taken the early depreciation, so choose on your budget and the repair risk you will accept.
How long does the caravan buying process take?
Allow time for each stage: research, viewing, the wait for stock or a factory build, and the pre-delivery inspection. A factory build takes longer than a van in stock, so ask for the build date in writing.
What is the biggest mistake first-time caravan buyers make?
Choosing a van before checking the car's ratings. Check braked towing capacity, GCM (gross combination mass) and the towball limit before you shortlist.
Start with vans inside your car's towing ratings.