Rent Before You Buy
Rent first if you are not sure what suits you.
A weekend or a week costs $200 to $800.
Reselling a near-new caravan loses 10 to 20% of its value straight away.
Updated . 6 min read • Buying Guide
Renting first is worth it if you are not yet sure what size or layout suits you.
A caravan costs $60,000 to $150,000, so a weekend's hire is a cheap way to find out what suits you. Use it to tow and reverse the van, sleep in the beds, and run the power off-grid.
- A weekend or a week - $200 to $800 (typical hire cost)
- Reselling a near-new van - 10 to 20% of its value (what the wrong choice costs instead)
In this guide
Why Rent First?
The Expensive Mistake
Buyers who choose from a floor plan and a showroom visit sometimes find the van does not suit how they travel. Reselling a near-new caravan loses 10 to 20% of its value straight away.
The Smart Approach
Renting for a weekend or week costs $200-$800 but can save you tens of thousands in the long run. You'll learn what size, layout, and features you actually need.
What to Evaluate During Your Rental
Size & Manoeuvrability
Can you comfortably tow and reverse it? Is the internal space enough for your family? Does it fit in caravan park sites?
Sleeping Arrangements
Do you prefer an island bed or a fixed bed in the rear? Are bunks essential for kids? Does the layout feel cramped at night?
Kitchen & Bathroom
Is the kitchen big enough to cook proper meals? Is the ensuite usable or just a wet-room? Do you even need an ensuite, or are park amenities fine?
Power & Off-Grid
Did you run out of battery? Did the solar keep up? Do you actually need a 48V system, or will powered sites suffice for your trips?
On-Road vs Off-Road
If you rented an off-road van, did you actually use its capabilities? Or could a lighter, cheaper on-road van have done the job?
Where to Rent a Caravan in Australia
Camplify
Peer-to-peer caravan rental. Huge variety of vans from private owners. Often more affordable and diverse than commercial hire.
Visit Camplify →Jayco Rentals
Rent directly from Australia's largest manufacturer. Great way to test Jayco models before buying from a dealer.
Visit Jayco Rentals →Local Dealers
Many dealerships offer rental programs. Ask your local dealer if they have demo vans available for hire.
Facebook Marketplace
Private rentals can be found in caravan groups. Less formal, but often cheaper.
Already Know What You Want?
If you've rented and know your style, take our quiz to find the right match from every caravan range we have checked.