What are the key features people looking to buy a new caravan should look for?

The caravanning boom has seen a surge in the number of people investigating what vehicle might best suit their future travels.

One local manufacturer, Crusader Caravans, says it has seen a doubling in its website traffic over the Christmas holiday break, with thousands researching caravan purchasing.

And, it says, its ‘Buyer’s Guide and Checklist’ is one of its most popular pages, with buyers seeking guidance on which features to prioritise as they seek their dream rig.

The company believes that, given the bewildering range of van sizes, styles, layouts and construction materials on the market, it’s understandable that first-time buyers are seeking expert advice for deciding which type and model is suitable for their specific needs, including the terrain where they intend to travel.

Crusader Caravans CEO, Serge Valentino, said people wanted to make sure they were getting the best long-term value.

“Buying a caravan is a significant investment so it’s not a decision people take lightly,” he said.
“There’s a lot to consider – budget, size needs, features, their car’s towing capacity and whether they’re planning on going off-road … many buyers worry about making the wrong choice and want to ensure they’re getting real value and a product that will last.”

Of course, many other caravan manufacturers also offer their own ‘buyer’s guide’, and motoring organisations like Victoria’s RACV do the same.

It says that the first thing to consider when looking to buy a new or used caravan is to assess the size you need. And it is important also to know exactly who will be using the van as that will determine what size, layout and features you need.

“Make a list of your wants and needs, and be prepared to cut from the bottom should it blow out your budget,” the RACV says. “Think toilet and shower, air-conditioning, leather interiors, slide-out barbecue, coffee maker, washing machine, or rear-view cameras.”

And it’s not just about size, it’s about choosing the right type of caravan, as well.

The RACV says newcomers who prefer to hop from one caravan park to the next, enjoying on-site power, and communal facilities will have different needs to those more adventurous travellers.

“For those wanting to venture off the beaten track, an off-road-style van offers self-reliance with bigger water tanks, solar panels and a souped-up battery management system for off-grid power,” it says. “They also offer greater protection for the front and undercarriage – usually in the form of checker-plate aluminium cladding – and a heavy-duty suspension system for rough tracks.”

The RACV also says that understanding towing weights and capacity, and knowing how much a car can legally tow is critical.

“One of the most confusing things about buying a caravan are the myriad towing weights involved, which are designed with safety in mind,” it says. “Basically, you must ensure your vehicle can legally tow your van.”

The RACV urges buyers to check with their dealers or manufacturer about weights (it’s a complex topic) and to check how heavy their combination is at a public weighbridge to be certain.

And perhaps the most important piece of advice is also the most obvious.

“Do your research carefully when purchasing a new or used caravan,” says the RACV.

Article: The Grey Nomads https://www.thegreynomads.com.au/crusader/

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