Things to Consider when Buying a Caravan

If you're thinking about buying a new caravan, there's a lot to consider. It's a big investment, so you want to make sure you're getting something that's just right. You definitely don't want to rush the decision, because not only will it impact your hip pocket, but will also affect the enjoyment you get from caravanning.

There's a lot of styles of off road caravans alone, let alone the rest of the country. So, to make it easier for you, here's the top things you should consider when purchasing a caravan.

Know your budget

Much like any other major purchase, budgeting is the key. It's no good buying something you can't afford, only to find you have to sell it shortly after and downgrade. If you've never owned a caravan before, there's nothing wrong with starting small, look after it well, and upgrade when you can afford to.

When budgeting for your caravan, also consider all the extras you may need. You'll need plenty of accessories, even things like cutlery and bedding, so don't forget about all the smaller expenses when deciding on a budget.

Can your vehicle tow the caravan?

Perhaps the major consideration is whether your vehicle can actually tow the caravan you're intending to buy. This is something you definitely need to consider, because buying too big may mean you also need to upgrade your vehicle. It's really up to you whether you choose your ideal caravan and buy a tow vehicle to suit it, or the other way around. But just remember the ever-important budget when you make the choice.

Weight considerations

If you're new to caravans, or towing of any sort, you'll need to learn a little about vehicle and caravan weights. Some popular caravan terms to familiarise yourself with are below:

Tare trailer weight: The weight of an empty caravan (not even any water, gas tanks or toilet system).

Gross trailer mass (GTM): The maximum axle load your caravan can carry.

Gross combined mass (GCM): The maximum weight allowed for your vehicle and caravan together.

These are important because remember, you won't be carrying an empty caravan. So, think about how much you want in there such as clothes, water, fuel, bikes, gas tanks - basically everything you're going to take with you.

Internal features

The other key thing to consider is how you want your caravan to look inside. How much space do you need? What kind of bedding configuration is required? What sort of inclusions do you want in there? Think about cooking facilities, bathroom and shower, toilets, TVs, table and seating areas. In a lot of ways, your budget may determine a lot of this for you, but you need to think seriously about exactly what you need in order to feel comfortable.

Do you need an off-road caravan?

Finally, consider whether you need an off-road caravan. They're built stronger, more durable in tough conditions, and let you go to some places that other caravans can't. Are you looking to hit the bush, or will you be sticking to highways and caravan parks?

Ultimately, its all about ensuring you choose the right caravan for your intended use. So do plenty of browsing, ask questions, and buy wisely!