Important Things To Look For When Purchasing A New Caravan
Thinking about buying a brand new caravan, but not sure what to look out for? Don’t worry, because this is a common problem most Aussies have when it comes to buying a new caravan!
The good news is that we have put together a guide for you to follow which will make your job so much easier.
To help you decide what caravan is best for you, we will suggest a few things to look out for so you can make the best choice for you.
So let’s take a look now at our quick guide below!
1). Knowing The GCM Of Your Tow Vehicle
Before purchasing a brand new caravan, you’ll have to consider what your vehicle’s gross combination mass (GCM) is. In fact, this should be the very first thing to consider.
Later model vehicles usually have a GCM of at least 6000 kg, so if your tow vehicle is lower its GCM may also be lower.
2). Choosing The Right Size Caravan
When thinking about the size of the caravan you want to buy, the best thing to do is to consider what the purpose of the caravan will be. Will it be used for your family? Do you have kids? Is your family large or small? Or are you retired, and simply looking for a “home away from home”?
Make sure you look at different layouts and configurations to see what works best for you. If you have a family, take them with you when you check out the caravan. Sit inside it and try to imagine what it would be like if you were on holiday together.
These are questions you should consider asking yourself before purchasing a new caravan. After all, you need to make sure you buy a caravan that can accommodate the number of people you may want to travel with in the future.
The other thing you need to think about is that if you choose a bigger van, it can be heavier and more challenging to manoeuvre, and will also mean you use more petrol.
3). Taking Budget Into Account
Money, money, money – this is what will ultimately determine what caravan you choose. Before purchasing a new caravan, it is important to take your budget into account so that you won’t get carried away and accidentally leave a big dent in your bank account.
Try to stick to what is affordable, realistic, and economic in the long run. You need to also take into account operational costs, maintenance, servicing etc.
4). Weighing Up Your Options
When it comes to caravan options, there are a few choices available. For example, if you are looking for a comfortable trailer with a bit of luxury and your own bathroom, then perhaps a touring caravan is your perfect fit. Touring caravans are great if you are just going to stay on highways and camp in caravan parks.
Then if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore remote areas where others fear to tread, you have the choice of hybrid off-road caravans. These come equipped with a solar panel which allows you to visit places where there is no power.
However, if you really want to experience the ultimate off-road and off-grid adventure, you can go for a fully electric, solar-powered caravan. Electric caravan’s such as the ERV by Retreat allow you to visit anywhere your heart desires without ever needing to worry about power.
5). After Sales Service
Make sure you verify what is covered under the warranty and how long the warranty is valid. It is important for you to understand the conditions of the warranty.
For example, if you are travelling in a remote area and have a problem with your caravan, where can you take it to be repaired? And are the costs involved in getting it to a particular location for repair covered under the warranty? Is there any regular maintenance covered under the contract of sale?
These are important considerations for you to check.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing a brand new caravan, it really just means sticking to the basics. Choose a caravan that is practical, comfortable, yet budget-friendly. By knowing your two vehicle’s GCM, choosing the right size caravan and layout, considering different types of caravans, and taking your budget and after-sales service into account, there is no doubt that you will find the caravan that is right for you to tackle the great outdoors.
If you are looking for the best caravans in Australia for your next big adventure, you can’t go past Retreat Caravans. Please check out our full range of caravans below, all carefully designed with you in mind:
