Structural cover by maker
Structural warranties cover the chassis, frame and body, the parts that cost the most to repair. 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 change. Confirm the current terms with the manufacturer before you buy.
How caravan warranties work
Structural warranty
Covers the chassis, frame, body panels and other structural parts. Weigh this term hardest, because structural repairs cost the most.
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 parts. It is usually the shorter of the two terms.
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 factory cover in the table. It has its own contract, and whoever sells it sets the terms.
Two policies at the same price can cover different things. Compare these terms before you compare prices.
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?
Ask whether water damage, cosmetic issues and parts made by other suppliers are excluded.
- 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 servicing keeps the warranty valid?
Ask what servicing the warranty needs, how often, and who may do it.
- 4. Where can warranty work be carried out?
Check whether you are restricted to specific dealers, and whether roadside repairs are covered.
The conditions a claim depends on, and the records to keep, are in our guide to what voids a caravan warranty.
Compare caravans side by side
Put warranty next to price, weight and features with our comparison tool.
Insurance is separate
A warranty covers defects. Accidents, theft and liability need insurance, which our caravan insurance guide explains.
Buying second-hand? Our used caravan guide covers insurance timing and what to sort before the drive home.