A caravan is a virtual home away from home, and any caravan you drive away in should feel just like that. The problem is that far too many people drive away before truly giving any thought to whether the vehicle they’re about to purchase is a good long-term fit for them. Quick purchases often turn into quick regret, so we’re here to save you the trouble of getting stuck with a caravan you simply aren’t happy with.

5 simple questions to ask before buying

1. How much money do you have to spend?
This is one of the trickiest questions to anticipate. You might know how much money you have for a down payment, but you don’t know how much money you will have to make repayment throughout the life of the loan. Projecting future caravan finance situations can be an ordeal. Speaking to a financial professional can assist you with your future financial predictions.

2. Do you have the features you need?
Towing capacity and maximum payload are going to be a couple of important terms to consider before buying. So many people drive away in a caravan they love the look of, but then they find out it simply can’t tow the kind of weight that they need it to. That’s a tragic mistake because once you’ve signed on the dotted line, it’s yours, and you can only trade-in or sell. Don’t let it get to that point. Make a detailed list of the features you truly need your caravan to have.

3. Do you want a warranty?
If you buy new, you’re going to get a manufacturer’s warranty that will generally pay any repair expenses for a good number of years or up to a certain number of miles. The result? You’re home free for a while. And used vehicles more frequently now come with warranties that extend beyond that, but you must pay extra for it. Make sure that if you demand a warranty, the vehicle you’rebuying has one that suits your needs.

4. What do you want to use it for?
Many people mistakenly think a caravan is going to do the trick when they’re camping, and they can be so very wrong. Australia has some beautiful areas that you can see in a caravan but there are many stunning campsites that do not have Caravan access or allow for Caravan usage. Sometimes a camper is the solution to your needs but remembers a camper does not have a restroom, ongoing electricity, and other needs.

5. What is the towing capacity?
Remember this one! It’s vital that you check out the towing capacity of your caravan. It’s the little home away from home that can be required to tow other vessels or vehicles. Always check and see how much your potential new or used caravan can tow. If it meets your needs, it might just be for you.

Making your decision

A caravan can bring entirely new worlds to you. Explore the beautiful landscapes of Australia in a vehicle that’s big enough to make you feel right at home. Sometimes speaking with a financial consultant will help you make a better purchase in the long run. The important thing is to know what you want and then search for vehicles that have all those characteristics. Never rush out to buy.