Are you interested in buying a caravan? Caravanning is a great way to experience everything that the great outdoors has to offer. With the right caravan, you can travel across the country in a comfortable, convenient, and reliable way. However, you need to have the right caravan to begin with. With that in mind, what are some of the things you should know before buying your first caravan?
To help you make the most informed purchase decision, here is a list of 5 things that most caravan enthusiasts wish they knew before they got their first caravan.
1). The Need For The Right Towing Vehicle
Before you head out and purchase a caravan, you need to find out whether your tow vehicle can actually handle the weight of the caravan. Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity. The weight of your caravan, when fully loaded, should not exceed your car’s towing capacity. If you end up choosing a caravan that’s heavier than your car’s towing capacity, you will then be forced to get a new towing vehicle as well. This is far from ideal.
Furthermore, you may also need to install an electronic brake controller which makes it possible for you to brake the caravan while driving. This is also an additional expense and not really ideal
2). Conducting A Thorough Inspection
Looking at a used caravan? Before buying one, it is highly recommended that you inspect it thoroughly. If possible, you should bring someone who has extensive knowledge about caravans to assist you with the inspection.
One of the main things to look out for is damage caused by mould or water. If the caravan has damaged seals, cracks, or doors and windows that cannot close properly, you might end up struggling with water damage and mould for as long as it’s under your ownership. Be sure to use a dampness tester, available at hardware stores, to check for the presence of water and water damage in the caravan.
You should also pay special attention to the plumbing and electrical systems, including any changes made in the past. Ask for a service record so you know what to expect.
3). Budget And Financing
If you are working on a tight budget, you might feel like you have to put all your focus on price, ignoring other important considerations when it comes to buying the right caravan for you and your family. Fortunately, you can buy something new, and even utilise caravan financing which is available from some dealers. However, it’s important to make sure the purchase price is still within your budget and doesn’t put an extra strain on your finances.
4). The Caravan’s Effect On Your Vehicle Expenses
While it might seem obvious to some, you need to prepare yourself for added vehicle expenses once you start towing a caravan. Generally, your vehicle running and maintenance expenses are likely to double when you start towing a caravan. In addition to paying for the registration and insurance of both your towing vehicle and the caravan, you will also have to cover higher maintenance and fuel costs.
5). The Need For Proper Research
If you are looking to buy a used caravan, you can avoid any regret later on by conducting extensive research before you make the final purchase decision. Get on the internet and find out everything that you can about any models that you might be considering. Find out if they have any documented issues, available layouts, and any recommended upgrades. On top of helping you avoid preventable issues further down the road, conducting research will assist you with predicting the overall cost of ownership.
Contact Great Southern RV For All Your Caravanning Solutions
Buying a caravan is exciting. However, to have a great ownership experience, you need to tick a lot of boxes. If you would like to buy a new or used caravan or want to learn more about caravans before making a final decision, contact the friendly and knowledgeable team over at Great Southern RV today!
For the best caravans for sale in Adelaide, please give us a call today at 08 7282 0990 or leave an enquiry.
