Tips for Buying a Used Caravan (Australia)

Buying a used caravan can be a gateway to affordable adventures and memorable journeys across Australia. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or brand-new to caravanning, a used van lets you explore the country without breaking the bank. The trick is to combine a clear budget, the right shortlist, a thorough inspection, watertight paperwork, and confident negotiation.

This guide builds on those five pillars with practical checklists, red flags, and “buyer’s smarts” so you can choose a van that fits your needs now – and still makes sense down the track.

1: Setting Your Budget

Goal: Be clear on the total cost to get rolling safely (not just the sticker price).

Determine Your Total Budget: Start with the purchase price, then add a realistic “day-one” setup allowance.
Factor in Maintenance & Upkeep: Bearings & brakes annually (or 10–20k km), resealing as needed, insurance, rego, roadside assist, storage. Tyres older than ~5–6 years should be replaced even if tready.
Consider Financing Options: Compare personal loans vs caravan finance. Look at the comparison rate, application fees, early payout terms, and required insurance.
Allocate for Additional Equipment: Tow mirrors, brake controller, weight distribution hitch/anti-sway, TPMS, jack & wheel brace, hoses, power leads, water filters, bedding/kitchenware.
Plan a Contingency: Keep 10–15% aside for surprises (e.g., failing fridge, soft floor patch, battery replacement).

Buyer’s tip: If your dream van leaves zero buffer for safety-critical fixes, it’s not the right van – yet.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Weights, Caravans & Towing • 10 Quick Towing Tips for Caravan Beginners

2: Researching Models and Features

Goal: Shortlist vans that match your travel style, tow vehicle, and maintenance appetite.

Types of Caravans (at a glance)

Conventional: Best interior space. Check weight/payload aligns with your car.
Pop-Top: Lower height & drag; watch roof seals and lift mechanisms.
Camper Trailer/Hybrid: Light & compact; great off-bitumen; more setup.
Off-Road/Hybrid Vans: Beefier chassis & suspension; look for genuine protection (tanks/stone guards) and quality shocks.

Layout & Construction

Floor plans: Island bed vs east–west; bunks for families; separate shower/toilet vs combo; kitchen over axle = better balance.
Body construction: Alloy cladding on timber/aluminium frames (watch for leaks) vs composite sandwich panels (watch for delamination).
Chassis & suspension: A-frame size, crossmembers, weld quality; leaf vs independent trailing arm; even ride height left/right; shock leaks.

Systems & Weight Reality

Appliances: 3-way vs compressor fridges; HWS (gas/240V); A/C & heating. Prefer tidy wiring and brand-name chargers/DC-DC.
Weights: Compliance plate shows Tare/ATM/GTM/Max ball. Aftermarket options often increase Tare and reduce payload.
Tow match: Ensure your car’s braked tow rating, GVM, GCM, and tow-ball download comfortably cover the van with a 10–20% buffer.

Do your homework: Scan owner groups for recurring issues (leaks, door frames, chassis cracks, parts support) before you book inspections.

Read More: Caravan & Towing Weight Terms Explained • Tyre Pressures 101: Highway, Sand & Corrugations

3: Inspecting the Caravan

Goal: Confirm condition, spot expensive faults, and price repairs realistically. Bring a torch, small mirror, paper towels, and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty.

Exterior & Roof

Body condition: Dents, ripples, hail marks; sight along walls for waves/bubbles (possible delam).
Seams & penetrations: Cracked sealant around windows, hatches, A/C, solar feet; dust tracks = sealing issues.
Awning: Fully deploy; check fabric tears, arm cracks; mounts firmly attached to wall.
Windows & seals: Open/close all; perished rubbers, fogging, latch cracks.

Undercarriage & Chassis

Chassis rails/A-frame: Rust pitting, fresh cover-up paint, welded crack repairs; beware unapproved holes near stress points.
Suspension: Leaf packs/independent arms; bush wear, cracked hangers; shock leaks; even ride height across axles.
Brakes & bearings: Wiring tidy; handbrake works; spin wheels for rumble; rock at 12/6-o’clock for play.
Tanks & guards: Straps intact; no leaks; stone guard secure.
Tyres/wheels: Tread/sidewalls + DOT date; replace if 5–6+ years old; bent/cracked rims = walk-away or price hard.

Interior

Damp: Musty smell? Stains/softness around windows, corners, wall/roof joins, under bed bases/cushions.
Floor & furniture: Walk everywhere; no spongy patches. Hinges/latches/drawers smooth.
Hatches & windows: Open/close; check flyscreens and seals.

Systems & Appliances

12V: Lights, fans, pump; charger/DC-DC brand & output; battery age/type (AGM vs lithium) and mounting/ventilation.
240V: RCD test; firm outlets; no heat marks. All 240V work must be by a licensed electrician.
Solar/BMS: Panel condition, roof entry seals, regulator (MPPT preferred), observable charge rate if possible.
Gas/Water: Soapy water leak test (cold), appliance ignition & flame; pump runs; tanks fill without dripping; HWS cycles.
Fridge: Cool-down test (allow time); door seals; vents clear.

Functional Drive/Weigh (if possible)

Short tow: Listen for clunks/creaks; test brake controller; assess sway.
Weighbridge: If practical, weigh vehicle solo, van axles, then combined to validate GVM/GCM/ATM assumptions.

Read More: Used Caravan Inspection Checklist (Printable) • Packing Your Caravan for Stability & Safety

4: Checking Documentation and History

Goal: Prove identity, ownership, compliance – and avoid encumbrance or “problem vans”.

Registration papers: Confirm expiry and owner details; VIN on paper matches VIN on chassis/plate.
PPSR (encumbrance) report: Ensure no finance owing; not written-off or stolen (national database).
Compliance & standards: Compliance plate legible; ADR compliant. Gas & 240V certificates (licensed trades) where applicable.
Service history: Bearings/brakes, roof reseals, suspension, appliance repairs; manuals/wiring diagrams are a plus.
Insurance: Understand coverage and any weight/security conditions.
Seller disclosure: Ask for a written statement covering known defects/mods.

Read More: State-by-State Towing Rules: Quick Reference • Caravan & Towing Weight Terms Explained

5: Negotiating and Closing the Deal

Goal: Pay a fair price based on facts, then collect the van in verified, ready-to-tow condition.

Research market prices: Compare like-for-like (age/spec/condition). Cost your required fixes (tyres, batteries, reseal) and keep that list handy.
Set your maximum: Base it on your budget plus repair allowance. Don’t spend your safety buffer.
Negotiate with conditions: Repairs to be completed; accessories included; sale subject to PPSR/safety cert; finance cleared with proof.
Payment & paperwork: Traceable payment; signed bill of sale with VIN, date, price, seller ID; list inclusions.
Transfer & insurance: Know your state’s transfer steps; activate insurance from handover time.

Pickup Day Checklist

Two sets of keys (doors, hatches, hitch locks), manuals, remotes.
Tyres at highway pressures; wheel nuts torqued; spare inspected.
Gas bottles filled & leak-checked; water tanks flushed.
Lights/brakes re-tested; breakaway/ESC status OK.

Read More: 10 Myths About Towing (Busted!) • 10 Driving Tips to Tow Your Caravan with Confidence

Bonus: Red Flags (Walk-Away List)

Persistent damp smell, soft floors/walls, mould, bubbling wall panels.
Fresh underbody paint hiding cracks/rust; welded repairs at key stress points.
Random 240V alterations; no gas/electrical compliance docs.
VIN mismatch; seller won’t provide PPSR; encumbrance not cleared.
Tyres 6+ years old, dead batteries, seized stabilisers – signs of neglect.

Read More: Off-Grid Power Basics for Caravans • Choosing the Right Tow Vehicle for Your Caravan