Dreaming of hitting the open road but finding a brand-new caravan just out of reach? A used caravan might be just what you need! With the increasing popularity of caravanning across Australia, a good quality pre-loved home-on-wheels is a fantastic way to get started without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a young couple ready for adventure or an experienced traveller looking to take the next step toward on-road freedom, here are a few tips to keep up your sleeve when you’re searching for your van.
1. Prioritize Storage Space
One of the first things to look for in a used caravan is ample storage. Think about all the extra gear you might want to bring along—whether it’s additional food, clothing, sports equipment, or even a bike. Check that the storage spaces are easily accessible, both from inside and outside the caravan, and that they’ll accommodate everything you need for your trips. This is an easy one to skip over, but when you’re in the caravan, try to think about everything you need to take on your travels, and visualise where it could be kept.
2. Evaluate Functionality
When you step inside the caravan, try to imagine it as your home away from home. Is the kitchen practical and easy to use? Does it have all the appliances you rely on, or enough gas burners? Does it have the type of toilet and shower setup that you need for the type of travel you want to do? How about kitchen bench space? It’s all about ensuring the caravan meets your daily needs while you’re on the road.
3. Inspect Quality Thoroughly
Quality is key when buying a used caravan. Take a close look at the condition of the van. Are there any signs of damage that have been poorly patched up? Look for any indications of dampness, like mould growth or a musty smell, and check for rust around the tow hitch, wheels and underbody. A thorough inspection can save you from unpleasant surprises later on.
4. Consider Off-the-Grid Capabilities
If you’re planning to venture off the beaten path, you’ll need a caravan that can handle life off the grid. Ask yourself:
- Can it store enough fresh water for your journey?
- Is there sufficient grey water storage?
- Does the caravan come with solar panels, or is there potential to add them?
- How much battery capacity does the van have and does this match your requirements?
- Is the suspension in good condition/ does the caravan have an adequate suspension setup to handle the tracks you want to tackle?
These features are essential if you’re planning to camp in remote areas without access to power or water, and want to get off the beaten path.
5. Think About Future Modifications
Remember, when you buy a used caravan, it’s either off-the-plan, or it’s been designed to meet someone else’s needs. It might not be perfect for you just yet—but it could be with a few tweaks. Consider what modifications you might want to make and how much they’ll cost. If the necessary changes are too expensive, it might be worth continuing your search.
6. Check the Caravan’s History
Before you commit to buying, checking the caravan’s history is a no-brainer. Has it been in any accidents? Are there any outstanding debts or finance linked to the vehicle? A thorough background check can reveal potential red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed. The nice guy from Facebook Marketplace might insist that it’s never been in an accident, but a quick check of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) will give you a heads up on the history of the caravan, and it’s well worth the $2! (at the time of writing in 2024).
7. Test the Caravan on the Road (or even off-road if you can!)
Finally, always take the caravan for a test drive before you seal the deal. This gives you a feel for how it handles on the road and whether there could be problems. Pay attention to how the caravan tows, brakes, and reacts to turns. If anything feels off, it might be worth having a professional caravan technician take a look before you hit send on that bank transfer.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used caravan can be a great way to get you on the road without breaking the bank. By keeping the above tips in mind, you can find a used caravan that’s just right for your adventures.
If you’ve found the caravan of your dreams and you need a professional, unbiased opinion on the condition of the caravan before you buy it, feel free to reach out to our team here at AllBrand Caravan Services and we can help you out – our professional, trained caravan technicians and mechanics are on your team.
Happy travels!
Get in touch with us here:
Call Us: (07) 3869 2969
Visit Us: 113 Connaught St, Sandgate
Email Us: info@allbrandcs.com.au
Learn More: Caravan Repairs and Services in Brisbane | AllBrand CS
