So, you’re looking for some adventure and you’ve started to browse Caravans for Sale. If you are looking for a way to get out of town and enjoy a weekend in the countryside, then hiring a caravan first is a smart choice. You will have access to everything that you need when you are out in nature, as well as all sorts of fun activities like swimming and hiking. However, choosing the right type of caravan can be difficult if you don’t know what’s available on the market or what features they offer. That is why we’ve put together an overview of some popular types along with their pros and cons so that you can find one that suits your needs perfectly. We also publish Caravans for Sale in our RV Buyer’s Guide.
Caravans are available in different shapes, sizes & materials.
Caravans are available in different shapes, sizes and materials. It is important to consider the size of your caravan, as well as its shape. The size, weight and aerodynamic design of your caravan will have an impact on safety, fuel economy, and comfort. A van that is too small will not be practical for you. On the other hand, if it’s too large or bulky it will be expensive and difficult to move around caravan parks!
There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to choosing the right caravan for your requirement.
The first step in choosing a caravan is to assess your needs. Do you need a caravan for a short holiday, or do you want one that will be used as a permanent home? Are there particular features that are important to you?When it comes to purchasing something as personal as a caravan, it’s important for it to fit your budget, tow vehicle, and lifestyle. Most caravan manufacturers make multiple models, sizes, and finishes. The more options included, the more the price will rise.Towing capacity can also vary between caravans – some may be too heavy or bulky for even larger vehicles such as an SUV or 4WD while others might be too lightweight and prone to swaying when travelling at high speeds on roads with strong crosswinds or curves in them (especially if they don’t have stabilizers). You should always take into account how much weight each member of your family weighs individually when making purchases like these! Check out our towing guide for important information.Finally, consider how comfortable each style of caravan would be for your needs. Do you require a proper queen bed, air conditioning, heating, a full kitchen, or an ensuite? These add weight and should be accounted for. Storage space should be given some consideration on the list. Where will you store your clothes, hats, shoes, food, kitchen utensils, and personal gear?
Are you touring or living in your caravan?
When looking at caravan models, it’s important to understand the difference between short-stay, and touring caravans. Both have their benefits depending on your needs.
Short-Stay Caravans
Compact and easy to tow with basic to mid-range features
Designed for short breaks away from home.
Less comfortable than touring caravans.
Touring Caravans
Most people invest in 21-foot or larger touring caravans to give more room.
Touring vans tend to include more home comforts like a washing machine and a larger bathroom.
Touring requires more self-sufficiency so extra water, power, and gas needs to be included
If you stay off the grid you need a wastewater (greywater) tank.
What is an offroad caravan?
Off-road caravans are designed for rough terrain, off-road driving and camping. They can be used on gravel roads, in the bush or on beaches. Features of an off-road caravan include:
Scrub Bars – bars add body panel protection if you have an accident or need to go through rough terrain
Internal and external storage tends to be manufactured to handle corrugations and dust ingress
Full-size spare wheel – allows you to replace a punctured tyre while out in remote areas
More solar panels, battery power, freshwater water tanks, and grey water tanks
Offroad chassis and suspension are upgraded to handle rough terrain
Pros and Cons: Off-road Caravans For Sale
Off-road caravans are designed to be tough and durable. While more expensive than an on-road caravan, they have the distinct advantage of being able to stay in remote locations for free longer. The downside is that they tend to weigh more than their on-road counterparts, which can limit the types of vehicles you can use with them.
What is an on-road caravan?
An on-road caravan is a caravan that is built to be towed at speeds of up to 100kph on bitumen or gazetted roads. They tend to use a standard 50mm ball hitch and a lighter chassis and suspension system. On-road caravans are lighter overall but designed for caravan park sites. They generally carry less offroad gear onboard.
Pros and Cons: On-Road Caravans For Sale
On-road caravans have many benefits and they are also very popular. When you compare them to off-road caravans for sale, on-road caravans are lighter-weight and less expensive. On-road caravans can be towed by most vehicle classes such as passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks.
Pros: Less expensive, lightweight, comfortable, capable onroad
Cons: Can’t take them down 4WD tracks, can’t free camp for too long, cost per night for accommodation is higher
If you prefer staying in caravan parks and don’t see yourself off-grid, an on-road caravan will suit you perfectly. You can save tens of thousands of dollars and still be comfortable.
What is a pop-top caravan?
A pop-top caravan is a caravan that has a pop-up roof. It can be raised or lowered either with retractable arms, or with the push of a button and can be opened and closed at will. The pop-top roof provides extra space inside the caravan, all while keeping the height of the vans low for towing purposes.
Pros and Cons: Pop-top Caravans For Sale
Pop-top caravans are great, and owners seem to love them for good reason. For example, pop-top caravans offer a towing experience like no other with a roof height almost equal to the roof of a standard SUV. Models tend to offer the same level of luxuries as their full-height equivalents, but come at a much lower cost. And finally, pop-top caravans tend to be lighter to tow and for this reason are ideally suited to less experienced drivers. There is a boom of pop-top caravans for sale due to rising fuel costs in Australia.
In terms of cons, we see few. The main con is the lack of roof-height cupboards. You will lose some storage in a pop-top caravan. Another point to consider is canvas maintenance. All types of canvas will require some maintenance to reduce moisture, mould and tears. Consideration should also be given to fridge sizes, bathroom layouts, and thermal comfort.
Safety when Towing a Caravan
When towing a caravan, it’s important to make sure you are doing everything correctly. When considering caravans for sale, your first priority should be the safety, maintenance, roadworthiness, and resale value of the caravan.
If you have a breakdown, always stay with your vehicle and call for help. If the breakdown is serious enough that it cannot be fixed on-site, don’t attempt to drive the vehicle as this could damage it further. Instead, wait for help to arrive or ask someone else for assistance if possible.
If your caravan breaks down when travelling in remote areas, stay with your caravans until help arrives; this will allow rescuers to find you more easily in the event of an accident or if they need assistance with getting their vehicles back on the road again after being stuck in mud etcetera due to bad weather conditions caused by inclement weather such as heavy rain (which can often cause minor flooding).
We recommend taking out adequate insurance and the top level of cover from RACQ.
Most accidents are due to overloading, fatigue, or inexperience. Rest every two hours and drive within your limits. We recommend installing a UHF radio to chat with truckies on the highways.
How much does it cost to buy a caravan when looking at caravans for sale?
Caravan prices vary depending on the model, size and accessories. If you have your eye on a caravan that has all the latest bells and whistles, then it’s going to cost more than one without them.Likewise, if you’re looking for a small campervan or motorhome option, then prices will be lower than bigger caravans with multiple beds, etc. The same goes for brand names: each company has their own range of caravans available in different sizes at various prices.Additionally, some types of caravans are more popular than others—for example, those built specifically for families with children tend to cost more than other models. And finally; if you’re buying second-hand instead of new there may be some additional costs involved when purchasing something that’s been used before (such as maintenance work).
How much does it cost to maintain a caravan?
The cost of maintaining a caravan varies depending on many factors: the age and condition, the level of annual service it has been used for, and whether or not you have chosen to insure your caravan.Caravan insurance costs can be expensive because of the high cost of repairing damage caused by accidents. The main costs associated with owning a caravan are:
Insurance: Caravans are often left unattended in parks or caravans sites overnight and this means that there is an increased risk that they could be damaged by others. Owning a caravan means paying more for insurance than if you were just renting one for holidays. Because different insurers can offer different levels of cover (for example from third-party liability to fully comprehensive cover), it may be worth shopping around until you find an insurer who offers suitable terms at an affordable price.
Fuel: A second-hand generator will use between 1-3 litres per hour while running – so if you use it daily throughout summer then expect to spend between $35-$50 on fuel each week.
Service & Maintenance Costs: You will need to book regular services with a qualified technician who will check everything from tyres through windows down to hoses under bonnets; these vary in price depending on where you live but typically fall between $150-$350 per year.
Spares & Repairs: If something breaks down then there could easily be delays before getting back out onto the open road again as spare parts aren’t always easy enough.
How many people do you need to accommodate?
Caravans are a great way to enjoy your free time. They’re comfortable, spacious, and can be easily transported wherever you want to go. But before you buy one, you’ll want to make sure it can comfortably fit the number of people in your family or group.If you are a family and have children under twelve, the bunk beds will be fine. If your kids are large teenagers, we would suggest they need a proper bed. Consider installing the annexe so they can sleep outside.
From your first caravan to an upgrade, we have a wide range of new & used caravans for sale that will suit your touring needs.
Choosing a caravan is not an easy task. There are a number of things to consider, like whether the caravan you choose is suitable for your family’s needs, budget, style and destination. We have customers who have upgraded their caravans over time as they have grown with families or changed their touring style. From your first caravan to an upgrade, we have a wide range of new caravans for sale that will suit your touring needs.
With a huge range of models to choose from, we have off-road caravans, on-road caravans, family caravans and many more. Our touring caravans are designed to suit different budgets and styles. We even specialise in hybrid caravans so you can enjoy all the best features at a price that is suitable for everyone.
One thing you need to consider when buying a caravan is the type of caravan you want. There are many different types of caravans, such as an off-road caravan or one that is on road. Caravan sizes range from small 2-berth models to large 6-bed models with many options in-between. The cost of a caravan will vary depending on its size and features so it’s important to take your time and do your research before making any decisions about which type of model would suit your budget best.
Should I consider insurance for my new caravan?
Caravan insurance can provide a number of benefits, including protection for your caravan and its contents. It can also provide cover for things like personal liability and legal costs.If you have just purchased a new caravan, it’s important to understand what is included in basic caravan insurance and whether there are any additional types of coverage that may be beneficial for you.Basic caravan insurance will typically include:
Cover for theft or damage to your vehicle as well as its equipment (e.g., tow bar)
Compensation for loss or damage to items carried within the vehicle (e.g., personal belongings)
Out-of-pocket expenses like alternative accommodation, hire car, etc.
You can find out more about the different types of coverage available by visiting our guide on caravan insurance policies here!
How do I choose what size of van will be most suitable for me and my family?
When looking at caravans for sale, it is important to consider the size of your caravan carefully. A small 2-berth caravan may be ideal for a couple looking to go camping together, but if you are thinking of taking your family on holiday then you will need a larger caravan such as a 4-berth or 6-berth.Most couples only require 14-19 foot caravans for general caravanning adventures. For those with children, consider 21-24 foot models.Other factors such as whether or not any pets need accommodation within these spaces should also come into play when making decisions about what sort of accommodation might work best for each occasion!
How much does it cost to tow a caravan to my chosen holiday destination?
You need to ask yourself a few questions before you start thinking about the cost of towing your caravan. What type of vehicle are you going to use? Do you have any experience driving caravans? How far is the journey and what kind of conditions will there be on the road?Smaller caravans under 16 feet tend to use 16-18 litres per 100kms. Larger rigs can be upwards of 22 litres per hundred. Maybe invest in long-range fuel tanks if you plan a big drive.
A caravan is a great investment for anyone who loves camping.
Caravans are a great investment for anyone who loves camping, but it’s important to know that there are many different types available on the market today. Some caravans are large and spacious, while others are more compact. In addition to small and large, you can also choose from steel or fibreglass material when deciding on what type of caravan is right for you. Caravans come in many different shapes and sizes as well as materials so make sure you take your time shopping around for one that meets your needs.There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to choosing the right caravan for your requirements
Conclusion
We hope this information has been useful to you. If you have any further questions about the different types of caravans we have listed or would like to speak with one of our friendly caravan experts, please don’t hesitate to email us.