Walking into a caravan dealership without prepared questions is like walking into a car dealership without knowing your budget: you’ll leave having spent more than you planned on things you didn’t need. These questions help you cut through the sales pitch and get the information that actually matters for your purchase decision.
About The Van
“What’s the Tare weight and ATM?” These are the two most important numbers. Tare is the van empty; ATM is the maximum it can weigh loaded. The difference is your payload capacity (what you can put in it). If the payload is under 300kg for a family setup, you’ll struggle to carry everything you need.
“What’s the ball weight?” This is how much weight pushes down on your tow vehicle’s tow bar. It must not exceed your vehicle’s tow ball weight rating. Ask for the actual measured ball weight, not just the compliance plate maximum.
“What’s included in the advertised price, and what’s extra?” Get a full written list. Solar, lithium batteries, upgraded mattresses, an oven, a washing machine, an annexe, and specific paint colours are commonly optional extras that add $3,000 to $15,000 to the advertised price.
“What’s the drive-away price with everything I need?” This is the number that matters. It includes the van, all selected options, registration, stamp duty, dealer delivery fees, and any other charges. Get this in writing.
About The Dealer & After-Sale Support
“If something goes wrong while I’m travelling, how do I make a warranty claim?” This is critical for Big Lappers. Can any authorised repairer handle warranty work, or must you return to the selling dealer? Some manufacturers have national service networks; others require you to go back where you bought it. If you’re in Broome and your dealer is in Melbourne, a return-to-dealer warranty is essentially useless.
“What’s the typical lead time for warranty repairs?” Parts availability in regional Australia can add weeks to a repair. Ask how the dealer handles urgent warranty issues versus cosmetic ones.
“Do you have a dedicated service department?” A dealer that sells and services is preferable to one that just sells. Service departments see real-world problems and feed that knowledge back to the sales team.
“Can I speak to a recent customer?” Good dealers are happy to connect you with satisfied buyers. Dealers who refuse or dodge this request may have reasons for keeping you away from previous customers.
About Finance & The Deal
“What finance rate are you offering, and through which lender?” Compare directly against your pre-approved bank rate. Dealer finance is often through a broker who adds a margin. If the dealer rate is higher than your bank, use bank finance.
“Is the deposit refundable if I change my mind within the cooling-off period?” Cooling-off periods and deposit refund policies vary by state and by dealer. Know your rights before handing over money.
“What’s the delivery timeline if I order today?” Factory orders can take 3 to 12 months. Stock vans are immediate. If they promise a specific delivery date, get it in writing with terms for what happens if it’s delayed.
“Are there any end-of-financial-year, runout, or show specials coming up?” Timing your purchase can save $2,000 to $5,000 if you’re flexible on dates.
About The Warranty
“What exactly does the warranty cover?” Structural frame, walls and roof, appliances, plumbing, electrical, upholstery, and external fittings often have different warranty periods. Get the full breakdown.
“What voids the warranty?” Common voiding conditions include unauthorised modifications, exceeding weight limits, and not following the recommended service schedule. Know exactly what you can and can’t do without voiding your coverage.
“Is the warranty transferable if I sell the van?” A transferable warranty adds resale value. A non-transferable warranty dies with your ownership.
About The Handover
“How long do you allocate for the handover?” A proper handover takes 2 to 4 hours. If the dealer says “about 30 minutes,” they’re not doing a thorough job. A good handover walks you through every system, demonstrates operation, and gives you time to test everything.
“What documentation will I receive?” You should receive: owner’s manuals for the van and every appliance, warranty documentation, compliance plate information, gas compliance certificate, wiring diagrams (useful for troubleshooting), and weight certificates.
“If I find issues during the handover, what’s the process?” Ideally, minor issues are fixed on the spot. Larger issues should be documented in writing with an agreed rectification timeline. You should not feel pressured to take delivery if significant issues remain unresolved.
A good handover is thorough, unhurried, and documented. Don’t accept delivery until you’re satisfied.
Get drive-away pricing in writing with all options included. Ask how warranty claims work while travelling (return-to-dealer vs national network). Compare dealer finance against your bank. Insist on a 2 to 4 hour handover and test every system before accepting delivery. Get everything in writing: price, inclusions, delivery date, warranty terms, and cooling-off conditions.
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