The gap between wanting to hit the open road and not having the funds to buy a caravan, is a common problem among travellers. But not anymore! Because we’ve got the solution. Pack your bags and start considering a used caravan instead.
With such a wide open landscape and a vast number of breathtakingly beautiful sites, caravanning and camping across Australia is a highly desirable pastime for many domestic and international travellers. However, finding a new caravan can be a very expensive undertaking. Which is why many people are turning to the second-hand caravan market.
But the question that clouds the minds of many used caravan buyers is:
How do you know if you’re getting the best deal possible?
As a prospective buyer, it’s important to be well-informed and thorough in your search for the perfect second-hand caravan. There are the most obvious checks to undertake like mechanical, interior, and structural aspects of the van, but it’s also crucial to assess other aspects that are going to be important once you’re on the road - storage, quality, functionality, off-grid capabilities, and the potential for future modifications.
Additionally, it is important to ensure you understand the legal requirements and regulations that apply to caravanners in Australia - from registration to insurance.
Storage
When viewing a used caravan, identifying the level of storage it offers is very important. Why? Because while travelling for long stretches of time away from home, the last thing you want is to be pressed for space. Having the option to pack additional food, clothing, sport equipment, or even your bike, can make all the difference to your experience in your caravan. Also check where the storage is accessible from. You’ll want to easily access your clothes and/or food and more while on the road.
Quality
When conducting your basic mechanical, structural and interior checks - make sure you inspect the condition of the van in terms of damage that has been patched, signs of dampness that could indicate mould growth, and whether you can see any rust around the tow hitch or wheels. This is especially important when buying from a private seller from a marketplace. When buying from a dealership, these checks are usually done for you but it is a good idea to get into the habit of checking regardless.
Functionality
The functionality of the van you’re viewing is an important consideration. There’s nothing worse than heading off on an adventure and cooking your first meal, only to find there is no room to chop up the vegetables, or that the entire kitchen set up is completely impractical.
By thinking of your own kitchen set up at home, you can get an idea of the minimum amount of space you’re going to be happy with. Also consider whether the van has the capability to include the appliances you want to use - microwave, toaster, kettle, and more. These checks should be applied to each area of the van, including the bathroom if there is one.
Off-grid capabilities
Planning to head away from the beaten track? If you’re going off-road or staying at a site with no power or water, you’ll want to make sure your van is going to be able to support you. Determine whether there is plenty of storage for fresh water onboard, adequate grey water storage, and an off-grid power solution like solar panels (or the potential for them to be added).
When you want to go off-grid, there will be nothing worse than realising your caravan is incapable of it. By considering its off-grid capability at the viewing stage, you’ll be able to avoid frustrating restrictions later on.
Future modifications
Finally, when you are purchasing a used caravan, it’s important to remember that it has been fitted out to meet someone else’s specifications. Although it may not be perfect for you, you should consider whether it has potential to be improved to suit your specific travelling needs. Take into account the cost of future modifications and weigh up whether the price is too expensive. There are plenty of used caravans on the market, so keep searching until you find a product that works for you.
Considering purchasing a new or used caravan? Jade Caravan Finance has a wide variety of personal caravan loan and commercial caravan loan options available.
Our expert used caravan finance brokers can secure your dream caravan without the stress of manually comparing rates and fees from different lenders yourself. By connecting with us online or by phone, we can provide clarity on the best finance option for you.
As specialists in leisure goods and recreational vehicle financing, we know the caravan market. Our competitive rates and versatile loans are available on all used caravans, with secured used caravan loans subject to collateral approval. To receive a quote on your used caravan finance, or to have an obligation-free chat with one of our brokers, contact us online or by calling 1300 000 003.
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