Buying a caravan is a significant investment, so it’s important to start with how you plan to travel. Are you doing weekend trips around Victoria, long-term touring around Australia, or heading off-grid for extended periods?

Key considerations include tow vehicle capacity, ATM and tare weight, internal layout, storage, bathroom configuration, and power setup. Many buyers overlook payload limits and end up restricted in what they can legally carry.

You should also think about where you’ll stay. If you plan to free camp, you’ll likely need solar, larger water tanks and lithium batteries. If you mainly stay in caravan parks, your needs may be simpler.

Finally, consider after-sales support and warranty. A caravan isn’t just a purchase; it’s an ongoing ownership experience. Choosing the right van for your travel style is more important than choosing the most expensive one.

An on-road caravan is designed primarily for sealed roads and caravan parks. These typically have lighter suspension systems and are suited to highway touring.

An off-road caravan is built for rougher terrain, including gravel roads and remote travel. They usually feature independent suspension, reinforced chassis, higher ground clearance, off-road tyres and protective underbody shielding.

There are also semi off-road caravans, which sit between the two. These are ideal for travellers who want to explore national parks or regional areas without tackling extreme tracks.

Choosing between them depends on how adventurous your travel plans are. Buying a full off-road caravan when you’ll mostly stay in powered sites can add unnecessary cost and weight.

Towing capacity is determined by your vehicle manufacturer and must never be exceeded. You need to check your vehicle’s maximum braked towing capacity, tow ball weight limit and Gross Combined Mass (GCM).

It’s not just about the advertised weight of the caravan. You must consider the caravan’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass), payload, and how much weight you’ll add through water, gas and personal belongings.

Many first-time buyers assume their vehicle can tow any caravan in their price range, which is not always the case. A proper weight assessment before purchase prevents costly mistakes.

A reputable dealership will help you match a caravan to your vehicle and explain the numbers clearly.

Tare weight is the weight of the caravan as it leaves the factory without personal items, water or gas.

ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) is the maximum legal weight of the caravan when fully loaded.

Payload is the difference between tare and ATM. It represents how much gear, water, gas and accessories you can safely carry.

Understanding these terms is critical. Exceeding weight limits can void insurance and create safety risks. Always calculate your real-world usage, not just brochure figures.

A new caravan offers warranty protection, the latest technology, and the ability to choose layouts and features suited to your needs. You also know the full ownership history from day one.

A used caravan can be more affordable but may carry unknown wear and maintenance issues. Repairs to suspension, water systems or electrical components can be expensive.

If you’re new to caravanning, the reassurance of a new van with dealer support can outweigh the initial price difference.