Why Warranty Matters
Structural warranties cover the chassis, frame and body construction, the parts that cost the most to put right. Across the manufacturers below, structural cover runs from 3 to 10 years, and 5 years is the most common term.
For what the van itself costs, see what a caravan costs.
Warranty Comparison Table
| Manufacturer | Structural |
|---|---|
| Red Centre | 10 years |
| JB Caravans | 5 years |
| Snowy River | 5 years |
| Traveller | 5 years |
| Jayco | 5 years |
| Crusader | 5 years |
| Supreme | 3 years |
| Roadstar | 3 years |
* Warranty terms vary and change. Confirm the current terms with the manufacturer before you buy.
Understanding Caravan Warranties
Structural Warranty
Covers the fundamental construction: chassis, frame, body panels and structural components. This is the cover to weigh hardest, because structural repairs are the ones that cost the most to put right.
Usually covered
- Chassis and frame integrity
- Wall and roof construction
- Delamination, in most cases
Usually excluded
- Wear and tear
General Warranty
Covers appliances, fixtures and non-structural components. It is the shorter of the two terms, and on several brands it simply runs alongside the structural period rather than being quoted separately.
Usually covered
- Fridges, air conditioning, heaters
- Plumbing fixtures
- Electrical systems
Usually excluded
- Consumables such as filters and bulbs
Extended Warranties
An extended warranty is a separate product, sold on top of the cover in the table above. It has its own contract, and its terms are set by whoever sells it rather than by the manufacturer of the van.
There is no single best one to point you at, because an extended warranty is only as good as the document you sign. Two policies at the same price can cover very different things, so compare the terms, not the price.
What to compare
- Start date, and whether cover begins now or when the factory term ends
- Who repairs, and whether you are tied to the selling dealer
- Conditions, and the servicing you must keep up for a claim to stand
- Transfer, and whether the cover carries to the next owner
Australian Consumer Law applies either way
Consumer guarantees apply to a caravan whatever warranty comes with it. They cannot be signed away in a contract, and they last for a period that is reasonable for goods of that type and price.
A warranty of any kind, factory or extended, sits on top of those rights rather than in place of them. The ACCC sets out what the guarantees cover.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- 1. What exactly is covered under the structural warranty?
Some exclude water damage, cosmetic issues, or components made by third parties.
- 2. Is the warranty transferable if I sell?
Ask whether cover carries to the next owner, and what has to be done to transfer it.
- 3. What maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid?
Many warranties require annual servicing at authorised dealers.
- 4. Where can warranty work be carried out?
Check whether you are restricted to specific dealers, and whether roadside repairs are covered.
The conditions behind those answers, and what to keep so a claim is a paperwork exercise, are in our guide to what voids a caravan warranty.
Ready to Compare Caravans?
Warranty is just one factor. Compare prices, features, and specs across Australia's top manufacturers with our comparison tool.
Protect Your Investment
Even with a warranty, you'll need insurance for accidents, theft, and liability. Specialist caravan insurance often covers modifications and accessories that standard policies don't.
Buying second-hand? Our used caravan guide covers insurance timing and what to sort before the drive home.