The appeal and enjoyment of the caravan lifestyle focus very much on the freedom of arriving at your destinations of choice. But the reality is that caravan owners do spend a considerable amount of time on the road, towing their caravan. The importance of owners having the skills to confidently tow their caravan and the caravan being suitably equipped to assist the driver cannot be underestimated. Ensuring both you and your caravan are ‘tow-ready’ is integral to the overall purchase and ownership process. For new caravan owners in particular, when buying your caravan, pay close attention to these issues as a priority.
There is technology on the market that can improve the towing performance and capabilities of the vehicle and there is education available to upskill drivers with their towing ability. Jade Caravan Finance covers some of the new technologies to allow customers to be tow-ready and how we may be able to assist with the costs of some accessories included in the caravan finance deal.
Equipping Your Caravan
Information around the process of towing can tend to focus more on the tow vehicle than on the caravan being towed. Having the right vehicle with the appropriate towing capacity is paramount. But there is equipment that can be fitted to the caravan to assist with towing.
JB Caravans has reportedly adopted a new technology – Tow Assist ABS and is fitting on some of their models as standard kit. This is an anti-lock trailer braking system, a safety technology that has been launched in partnership with Bosch, AL-KO and USA’s Dexter.
The technology provides anti-lock braking on an electric-braked trailer chassis as well as sway mitigation and other features. While Australian caravans have had access to electronic stability control for several years, this is a first for local buyers. A trailer safety system combining the anti-sway and anti-locking brakes together.
JB Caravans is offering the equipment as an option on suitable caravans in their range and will soon be delivered as standard on some.
To ensure your new caravan has the safest equipment available, it may be advisable to raise the issue with the dealer when you are discussing your new caravan order. Ask what towing safety technology is available to suit that vehicle and if it can be fitted during the manufacturing process. Most caravans are built to enable buyers to select exactly what options and accessories they want and define the specifications to suit the environments they intend to travel in.
By including options and accessories at the point of purchase, buyers can incorporate the cost into their loan. We assist caravan buyers to spec their caravans to the highest achievable safety specs by including this type of equipment in their secure caravan finance deal.
When any options are included at the source, at the dealer and manufacturer stage, the costing will be included in the dealer’s invoice. This invoice is what our consultants use to settle the finance deal and the caravan purchase. We liaise between our lender and your dealer to finalise the settlement.
To clarify, if you choose to retrofit any equipment such as Tow Assist after you have finalised your loan and taken delivery of the caravan, changing the loan amount and details is not generally a possibility.
When ‘building’ your caravan either with the manufacturer or dealer in the showroom or via their online resources, ensure you look beyond the aesthetic and décor options and go underneath to the chassis and suspension details. Many will offer upgrades in suspension and other equipment to suit, for example, off-road and other rugged conditions.
Including these options at the build, stage enables your vehicle to be ready to go on taking delivery and the costs covered in your loan. Speaking with a Caravan Finance broker can clarify what can be included in your caravan loan. Including this type of towing and braking safety equipment in your loan does not impact the interest rate offered or the specifics of the loan format.
Improve Your Towing Skills
One of the biggest bug-bears and most difficult to master skills for learner drivers has to be reverse parking. If you think it’s difficult to reverse park a car, just imagine how much more difficult it would be to reverse park a car which is towing a caravan. According to a survey which was conducted by a motoring body revealed that a significant number of participants were not confident in their skills at reverse parking their RV. Interestingly, for those seeking assistance with their caravan investments, jayco finance is a noteworthy option to consider.
If you can relate to that, then perhaps it’s time to improve both your towing and your parking skills to ensure your safety and the safety of your caravan and your fellow travellers.
Enrolling in a caravan towing and operating course is highly advisable. Courses are available across Australia and delivered by accredited and experienced trainers. While we can’t include the cost of these courses in your caravan finance contract, we are fairly certain you will reap rewards in the confidence and skills gained which will reduce stress while towing your caravan.
Ensuring both you and your caravan are ready to tow and ready to go more safely.
Call 1300 000 003 to discuss a caravan loan with a Jade Caravan Finance consultant
DISCLAIMER: THE DETAILS AND INFORMATION IN THIS CONTENT ARE PREPARED AND PRESENTED PURELY FOR INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY AS THE SOLE SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR CARAVAN PURCHASING. IF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE IS REQUIRED, READERS SHOULD REFER TO A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS, PRODUCT DESCRIPTION VARIATIONS, OR OTHER MISREPRESENTATIONS OF INFORMATION AS PRESENTED.
"
alt="">