New Versus Used - Things to Consider When Buying a New or Used Caravan

Caravans appeal to many people, those who want the simplistic pleasures of the open road and those who want more affordable holidays for themselves and their families.

However the big question remains, how do you know what choice is right for you?

Should you be safe and buy a brand new caravan or should you spend the time scouring the second hand market? Whether it be new or used there are many things you need to consider before making your big purchase.

Used Caravans

Its spring and you're looking to get your first caravan but you have no idea what's good, what's bad and what is going to collapse in a mound of caravan panels the moment you leave the second hand dealers forecourt.
Buying a caravan is for many people a very large investment towards their leisure time. What you don't want to happen is for that leisure time to be taken up fixing hitches, doors, chemical toilets and windows. Unless you know what you're looking for, buying a new caravan or at least one with a good second hand warranty is probably the best option, if you can afford it of course!

Whilst caravans have been getting much better over the years, because it's a house on wheels there is a lot more to consider and be aware of when buying. It’s not quite as easy as buying a car!
The major things to consider when buying a second hand caravan are:

- Check for rust, especially around the chassis area, and underneath the van. If there is fresh paint then it could be the sign of a quick cover-up. Rust is a big problem with caravans and is very expensive to fix.

- Check everything, from the cooker to the fridge, beds and windows. If you don't you're bound to find something that bites you later on. Even if there is nothing major to be found, minor faults can be a good way to bargain with the seller on price.

- Check for water leaks and dampness. Make sure you check any pipes in the van, also look around windows and the roof for signs of water damage and thus signs of leakage. If there is a smell of damp in the air then there could also be a problem. A leaking caravan is a miserable place to be.

- Check the tow hitch, make sure it moves easily and that the handbrake holds the van when on. You don't want to be slithering down the hill into the lake now do you!

- Is the van the right size for you? Can it fit the kids and yourselves without getting cramped? You also need to be sure the van is not too big for your car. Causing stress to you car by pulling a large van is a quick route to expensive engine problems.

- If you're new to caravanning then make sure you take a test drive pulling the van before you go on your holiday. Towing a caravan calls for a very different, more cautious approach to driving.

- As with most second hand items, always view a good number before making a decision, chances are the first one isn't going to be the best deal. Don't get goaded in by the seller trying to force a quick sale by suggesting there are hoards of other buyers just waiting to snap up their shoddy caravan.

- Lastly, haggle if possible! Don't start at the price you want to pay, always start well below and bargain up. If you find this difficult to do, practice in the mirror or with a friend before, failing that take a trip to Bali to see how the experts operate!

New Caravans

The “New Caravan” market is packed with different models touting features and services that to the newcomer can be confusing and befuddling. Fundamentally you need to understand your own needs before purchasing. It can be expensive, so ensuring the right decision is made is essential!
Hopefully the following points will give you the information you need to know and help highlight exactly what kind of considerations need to be made before buying a  new caravan.

- The first and major consideration is the weight of the caravan. Your towing vehicle will have a limit to the weight it can tow. For those new to the world of caravanning, the importance of this can be underestimated! Your vehicle will have a maximum towing weight for a reason, towing anything heavier could be seriously dangerous. The last thing you need when travelling is a busted vehicle in the middle of no-where!  Normally this information can be found in the car's handbook although there are a number of internet websites that will allow buyers to enter their vehicle details into a system that will produce a list of suitable caravans for your towing capacity. 

- The overall shape of any caravan being viewed should also be a factor when buying. The older varieties of caravans are square in form and will increase the drag on your outfit, subsequently increasing costs in the long run in terms of fuel efficiency. New caravans utilize more streamlined designs to decrease the drag and increase the fuel efficiency. For those who are especially concerned with fuel prices it is possible to buy Caravans that are collapsible, these flat pack outfits do reduce drag however, in no way are they as comfortable as rigid variants.

 - Caravans vary in length and size immensely. While the showier caravan owners may be inclined to buy the largest most opulent outfit, this is not always advisable for newcomers. The longer the outfit the harder it is to park and control, hence first timers should consider a smaller caravan, at least for an introductory period. If space is a major consideration, there is always the option to pack an awning. This will not only be cheaper, but also will make the outfit easier to park with no sacrifice being made on space. In addition, longer caravans are often susceptible to higher fees on toll roads and ferries.

- In the majority of cases new caravans come in two axle varieties, single and double. Normally it is the larger outfits that require two axles and smaller varieties only one. Single axle variants are easier to park and while in the past they may have been less stable, today they are just as stable as double axle varieties – something to consider!

- Lastly, if you're not sure whether a caravan is the right choice for you, rent one for a few weeks, take the family on a holiday, and see if the life-style suits you!

Buying a caravan is a big expensive decision, don't get one if it's going to sit on the drive-way for the next 5 years! Consider how often it will be used, you may be better off renting one for the few weeks’ use it might get.

For more information on RV's and related topics, visit http://www.ozrvsales.com.au

Justin Dravsnik - Ozrvsales.com.au

Australia's No.1 recreational vehicle classifieds website. At Ozrvsales.com.au, we showcase a huge range of new and used caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camping trailers, trailers and even horse floats available for sale within Australia.