If you’re new to caravanning then read on.
This page is designed to equip you with the basic information needed if you’re considering buying a caravan or other recreational vehicle.
- Tow vehicle considerations
- Tow vehicle accessories
- Choosing the right caravan, camper or tent trailer
- Before you depart
- Learning to tow
Buying a Motorhome or Campervan
Where to find additional information
Buying a Caravan, Camper or Tent Trailer
If you’re planning to buy a caravan, camper or tent trailer and you already own the tow vehicle you must ensure your tow vehicle is capable of towing within the guidelines of the roads department in your state or territory and comply with the caravan, camper or tent trailer manufacture guidelines.
If you’ve done this you’ll need to consider the following information for the purchase or your new caravan, camper or tent trailer (consult your tow vehicle handbook or manufacturer):
- The tow vehicle’s allowable (braked and unbraked) towing weight
- The tow ball weight rating
- Any additional equipment required for towing such as the fitment of a transmission or power steering oil cooler in your tow vehicle
- Manufacturer specifications for the type and rating of the tow bar required for specific towing weights
- Tare and gross weight of the caravan, camper or tent trailer you plan to tow*
* Tare is the weight of the caravan, camper or tent trailer after manufacture (this is also considered a dry weight). Gross is the all-up weight the axles are legally permissible to carry. The difference (weight rating) between tare and gross varies from manufacture to manufacture so ensure you always check this.
If you haven’t yet purchased your tow vehicle this means you will be less limited in your choice of caravan, camper or tent trailer. You won’t be restricted by gross or tow ball weight (unless you’re planning to purchase a two-wheel drive tow vehicle) as once you’ve selected the caravan, camper or tent trailer you can then match the tow vehicle to suit. Of course you must always consider budget and height restrictions.
After you purchase your caravan, camper or tent trailer you may need to consider the following:
Electronic Brake Controller
In most cases you will require an electronic brake controller fitted to the towing vehicle to activate the trailer braking system. This should only be fitted by an authorised auto electrician.
Weight Distribution Hitch
Depending on the size and weight of the caravan you may also require a weight distribution hitch. This device helps distributes the additional weight to provide more level and stable road behaviour. There are various configurations of these devices and we recommend you visit a Hayman Reece dealer after you have purchased the caravan to ensure the correct distribution hitch is installed. (Weight distribution hitches are not required on all applications, however they are recommended as a safety feature and offer stability on the highway when larger trucks pass or overtake.)
Choosing the right caravan, camper or tent trailer
Before you purchase your new caravan, camper or tent trailer, consider the following:
- How long do you intend living in it?
- How many people will it sleep?
- Do you intend travelling on road, off road or on 4 x 4 tracks and trails?
- Do you require alterative power such as solar panels and dual batteries?
- Do you require an onboard toilet and shower?
- Will you require an awning or full annexe?
- Do you intend to cook inside, out or both?
- Are copious amounts of internal storage vital for all your personal items?
- Do you intend carrying push bikes or other large objects?
- Do you intend using it at home for additional accommodation?
- Is height a major consideration for storage?
The list is a good start. We recommended that you develop your own detailed wish list in conjunction with any towing, budget, height or other limitation.
Delivery lead times vary between brands and models and it’s not unusual to wait a few months for final delivery. In the meantime you should consider the following:
- Obtain comprehensive insurance inclusive of contents
- Freshen up on your towing skills and weight distribution
- Plan your trip and obtain the information required
- Check out the huge range of accessories that will enhance your trip
- Service your tow vehicle and ensure your trailer wiring harness is the right connection
- If you have specified alternative power you may need to fit an ‘Anderson direct power feed plug’ to your vehicle
Towing courses are available at the Metropolitan Traffic Education Centre located at Colchester Road North Bayswater 03 9725 4758. These courses are available for the beginner right through to refresher stages. They include towing, backing and reversing, hooking up and weight distribution. You may use your own vehicle and caravan or they can arrange a caravan for you.
Buying a Motorhome or Campervan
Motorhomes and campervans are gaining popularity and there’s an extensive range available today. The following is designed to assist you during the purchase process.
Background information
Campervans
Campervans sit on many chassis, the most popular being VW, Ford, Fiat, Mercedes, Iveco and Toyota brands. Pop tops are fitted to the smaller units however in just about all cases the original body configuration is maintained. The Campervan concept combines a home away from home while doubling as your daily transport if required.
Turbo Diesel engines coupled to manual or auto transmissions are quite common in today’s market. Campervans are generally not designed to tow another vehicle, however many can tow small boats, jet skis, motor bikes and so on.
Motorhomes
Motorhomes are largely configured from an individual chassis and body. Most motorhomes offer toilet and shower as standard and the list of options is determined by your budget or physical size.
Be mindful of the fact motorhomes exceeding 4.5 tonnes require a light truck licence. This is not difficult to obtain should a vehicle of this size be in your sights.
Consumer checklist for buying a motorhomes or campervans
- Ensure it’s within your Drivers licence limit
- Do you intend using it as a daily get about vehicle?
- Check your storage location for length and height restrictions
- If you intend touring off the beaten track, fit a generator and/or alternative power pack
- Do you intend towing a small 4 x 4? If yes, check to ensure the chassis has the legal capacity to accomplish this
- Ensure your partner is comfortable driving a larger vehicle in case of illness or injury to the main driver
- Insure your new motorhome or campervan including contents
Where to find additional information
For more information on caravans, campers, tent trailers, motorhomes and campervans:
Industry Magazines
Caravan World, Caravan & Motorhome and On The Road magazine are three informative Australian magazines that will provide useful information on brands, models and more. These are available at all good newsagents.
Dealerships
Talk to accredited CIA member dealers and check out what’s available. And don’t forget to take along your wish list. If you have trouble finding a specific brand, call your local caravan industry organisation for assistance.
Also look out for the RVMAA badge located near the entrance door which ensures the caravan, camper, tent trailer, motorhome or campervan was manufactured to the latest compliance codes.
Caravan & Camping Shows
Three shows are held in Victoria: the Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow at Caulfield Racecourse in April/May, and The RV & Camping Leisurefests in Sandown in October and Bendigo in November. You will find hundreds of products all in the one location.
Websites
The web can be a great source of information. Some manufactures and dealers have their own web sites and offer a comprehensive overview of their products. Many caravan industry organisation websites also contain extra tips, hints and links.
(Refer to the touring page on this site.)
Your first trip
We recommend that the first one or two trips should always be close to home to ensure that everything onboard, including your personal items, is satisfactory to your needs. (Unfortunately this rarely occurs and the ‘budding Caravanner’ finds out the hard way.)
If you’re towing a caravan, camper or tent trailer, this will also give you more confidence towing and reversing, and the extra experience makes for a better and safer journey.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this site is a guide only and the publisher accepts no resposibility for the accuracy of its content.
