When choosing a new caravan and deciding on finance entails many considering many options and aspects, the issue of towing a caravan also needs to be addressed. Towing a caravan is an important issue when purchasing a caravan and can influence the buying decisions and possibly the caravan finance to make it possible. The specific issues relate to having a vehicle with capabilities and approved capacity to tow the caravan and the owner have the skills to handle the combined vehicle and caravan load.
These are important safety considerations which should be foremost in the mind of caravan buyers. But with price and interest rates also top of mind, the question of how all this may impact the caravan loan will also likely be raised. Getting the right combination of towing vehicle and caravan with the cheapest caravan finance will be the objective for most buyers.
Towing Vehicles
There are two aspects to consider in regard to towing weights and capacities – calculating the towing weight of the caravan and knowing the maximum towing capacity of the towing vehicle. The towing capacity of a vehicle can be sourced through a number of resources. It may be advisable to delve deep into the manufacturer’s specifications and check with the relevant authorities and regulators to ensure the details sourced are accurate.
From the caravan perspective, you will need to know the weight when fully ladened. Pedders have a handy guide to calculating caravan towing capacities. Other resources are available through numerous sources.
These weights and capacities are extremely important. If the towing capacity of a vehicle is exceeded it may place undue strain on the engine, the transmission, accelerate the wear on brakes, damage tyres and may cause damage to the chassis. Such circumstances may cause issues while towing which could potentially result in an accident and injury.
Some of the most popular vehicles for towing caravans are 4x4 utes and dual cab models. They have large towing capacities and offer the additional advantage of space to carry additional gear. For consideration - the Ford Ranger was judged Carsales Best 4x4 Ute of the Year, while Drive selected the Isuzu D-MAX as its best ute. The Toyota HiLux however, is a regular topper of the best-selling list.
If purchasing a new vehicle to tow the caravan, have a word to our consultants as we can assist with motor vehicle finance also.
Towing Skills
A critical part of towing a caravan is the skill factor. Unless the combined weight of both the van and the towing vehicle doesn’t exceed the limits in regard to regulations for a license to drive heavy vehicles, a full driving license is all that’s required to tow a caravan. Check state regulations in regard to P platers and learners.
But the gung-ho attitude to towing a caravan has no place on the road. Pure and simple. If you’ve never towed a caravan before or haven’t for some time, put the pride aside and undertake a training course. There are courses available across the country and with increased focus on caravan road safety, enrolling in one makes sense.
Each year the statistics on accidents involving caravans are stark. The causes can be many but with good skills in handling the van, owners can take a big step towards avoiding many negative outcomes, including injury to themselves and passengers and damage to the vehicle and van.
Matching Towing Factors with Caravan Choice
When deciding to purchase a caravan, one of the first matters to address is do I have the right vehicle to tow the caravan? The type, size and model needs to be able to be towed by the vehicle.
Here are a few points to consider:-
- Some smaller models advertise that they can be towed by standard passenger cars.
- Lightweight vans are increasingly coming onto the market.
- Some micro-caravans such as teardrops may be towed by small to medium sized cars.
- Slide-ons don’t require a tow vehicle but do require a suitable vehicle such as a ute.
- Camper trailers are smaller than a traditional caravan and may not require as large a vehicle.
- Larger caravans will need a large, powerful vehicle such as a 4WD, ute or large SUV.
- Hybrid caravans are designed for off-road adventures and to enjoy those, buyers will need an off-road vehicle.
- Other factors to consider are what extra toys and recreational equipment will be required to take along. Loading up the caravan or the vehicle with extra weight will impact the towing capacity.
If the towing vehicle is not suitable, consider a mobile home or a campervan as an alternative. All weights of both vehicle and caravan should be checked in detail for compliance and safety.
Caravan Finance Considerations
So how do all these towing issues affect the caravan loan?
Where a caravan buyer does not have the right vehicle to tow the van, they are faced with choices. Either buy both a new vehicle to suit the new caravan or choose a choose a mobile home or campervan. When it comes to the type of loan, there is no difference. Our personal caravan finance products are suited to all types of RVs – traditional caravans, hybrids, camper trailers, mobile homes and others.
What will vary is the price tag and that will of course affect the finance. Larger caravans or more feature-packed and hence heavier models can attract a higher price than a more basic model. Smaller van, smaller price tag? Possibly and possibly not. Some small, quirky models also come with premium pricing.
Where a buyer is seeking 100% of the purchase price to be included in the loan, no deposit finance, then the loan amount will of course have an impact on the caravan finance. Higher loan amounts resulting in higher finance repayments. Buyers purchasing a higher priced model and seeking lower repayments can consider:- paying a deposit to reduce the loan amount; requesting a longer loan term which may be negotiated by a Jade Caravan Finance consultant; and/or sourcing the cheapest interest rate.
The interest rates on caravan finance are not affected by the type or size of caravan. The assessment of the application in regard to creditworthiness is one of the major criteria which determines the interest rate. Using our broker-style lender services may assist buyers to achieve cheaper rates through our multi-lender accreditations.
There are many factors to consider when buying a caravan with or without finance and towing is an important aspect.
Contact Jade Caravan Finance 1300 000 003 for better caravan finance.
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.
