Are you thinking of buying a caravan? If so, there are a few things you need to consider first. Caravans can be a lot of fun, but they also come with a lot of responsibility. If you're not careful, you could end up spending a lot of money on repairs and maintenance. In this report, we will discuss 10 things you must consider before buying a caravan!
1 How much can you afford to spend?
This is an important factor to consider because caravans can be quite expensive. You don't want to end up spending more money than you can afford on your caravan. If you require finance, shop around for the best deal. We recommend our partners at Credit One Group, they are an independent Finance Brokerage Company. Where ever you go for finance, always look at the cost of account keeping fees as well as monthly fees often attached to finance. Also, will you require storage? There could be storage costs to consider.
2 Who is the best caravan manufacturer?
There are many different types of caravans available on the market today. You need to decide which type is right for you and your family. With over 80 manufacturers currently building caravans in Australia, always look for those approved by RVMAP RVMAP | Caravan Industry Association The caravan industry is not currently regulated allowing anyone to set up and build a caravan in their shed. Reputable manufacturers are approved by RVMAP. RVMAP inspects and approves the manufacturer for production. Being part of RVMAP is voluntary.
3 What type of caravan do you want?
Do you want a new or used caravan? This is another important decision you need to make. There are pros and cons to both options, so be sure to weigh your options carefully before making a decision. Always have face-to-face conversations with sellers, whether private or dealerships, questions about common faults and leaks. These questions should also be asked if the viewing is by remote video call. Remember Caravan Dealerships and private sellers have one goal in mind - to sell you their caravans! Find My Van is an independent caravan brokerage company who don't own any stock, is not affiliated with any manufacturers or dealerships, and does not have key performance indicators to meet. Our goal is to find you the caravan you're looking for.
4 Do you want a new or used caravan?
The price of used caravans in today's climate is much higher than this time last year. Lots of sellers are advertising their vans for a much higher price than they paid for them new. Always put sellers on the spot and ask what they paid. They might not tell you but it's always a good question. Buying a brand new van could be better value if you have time on your side. Lots of manufacturers currently have a 6-12 month wait for new vans.
It's also important to remember Caravan Dealerships and private sellers have one goal in mind - to sell you their caravans! Find My Van is an independent caravan brokerage company who don't own any stock, is not affiliated with any manufacturers or dealerships, and does not have key performance indicators to meet. Our goal is to find you the caravan you're looking for. The important point to remember here is we're independent. No ties, no preferences other than to find your dream caravan. We work for you.
5 What size caravan do you need?
Consider how many people will be using it and sleeping inside. How much storage does a person need? Also, any outside storage requirements you have. Again sellers have no interest in this, their only goal is to sell you their van. FMV caravan brokers take all your information into account and find you exactly what it is your looking for
6 What features do you need in your caravan?
There are many different features available on today's caravans. You need to decide which ones are essential for your needs and which ones you can live without, ie; on/off or semi off road, solar and size of solar, en-suite with separate shower or combination, L shape or club lounge, Queen or single beds. Lots of considerations
7 How will you tow your caravan?
You will need a vehicle that is capable of safely towing your caravan. Be sure to check the weight limit of your vehicle before making your purchase. Most modern SUVs and 4x4s can tow between 2.5 and 3.5T. Always refer to a towing guide. You'll find the one we use on our website. We highly recommend you complete the Check Weight course accessed from our website
8 Where will you store your caravan when it's not in use?
You need to have a safe and secure place to store your caravan when you're not using it. Always measure that space as that will enable you to look for a van within a maximum size limit
9 Are you prepared to maintain your caravan regularly
Caravans require regular maintenance in order to stay in good condition. Are you prepared to do the necessary work to keep your caravan in top shape? Also, ask the seller for all service history. If there's no recent service history or record of repairs, always request a professional vehicle examination. We appoint our partners at Redbook Inspect to examine all caravans we facilitate the sale of
10 Have you considered the risks involved in owning a caravan?
There are some risks involved in owning a caravan, so be sure to educate yourself on these before making your purchase. Have you towed a trailer previously? Do you require towing lessons? There are organisations across Australia that offer towing courses. Contact the team at FMV for further information regarding towing courses
Please remember most sellers are genuine and sell their caravans in good faith. Thank goodness it's only a minority who are rogue and might try to sell you a lemon. With this in mind, before you buy any caravan, please make sure to do your research and carry out a PPSR check or appoint FMV to do it for you. Our caravan brokers care and we're here to help!
Need advice? Click the link below and book a call today!
Comments