Renting vs buying a caravan

Is it more economical to buy or rent a caravan? That's the big question for an increasing number of 'non-vanners' who want get into the RV lifestyle and either can't afford to buy a van outright, or want to 'try before they buy' before handing over the big dollars for their very own mobile home...

So what are the pros and cons?

In recent years, the Caravan Council of Australia has received many calls from remorseful buyers of caravans that have numerous defects, including extremely-dangerous safety issues, and major non-compliances.

In far too many cases, these highly-aggrieved owners have had significant traumatic and costly hassles in trying to get the supplier to rectify them, as legally required by the Australian Consumer Law.  A lot of these unresolved hassles unfortunately lead to litigation.

A common story from unhappy owners is that "we were sold something that we didn't really want, we were too naive, and we hadn't done our homework properly".

The image of the caravanning industry is being badly tarnished by these continuing problems - despite the intentions of the ACL - such that new regulations for caravans are being introduced by the Federal Government, in an attempt to prevent such occurrences.

For some 'vanners, renting may be a better option, in terms of saving money, and in not having to worry about ensuring that a new caravan is indeed fully-compliant, safe, and of high quality.

Renting a caravan also allows you to fully relax and forget about caravan insurance, registration and servicing obligations.

However, whether you rent or buy, the first step before heading off on any RV adventure is to decide on exactly what you need - and also prefer - to have in a caravan.

The first vital consideration is to determine how large (and heavy) your 'ideal' caravan will be, and where you want to take it.

The second vital consideration is to make sure the tow-vehicle you will be using is suitable (both legally and safely) to tow your ideal caravan.

If it is, that's great, but if not you'll need to decide whether to buy or rent another more suitable, new or used tow-vehicle.

Another option then arises:  "Would it be better to buy - or rent - a suitable motorhome or camper trailer?"

All caravan rental businesses obviously welcome the opportunity to serve 'vanners who realise renting can be more viable and cheaper than buying, particularly for those only planning short or infrequent trips.

Caravan rental businesses no doubt also do their 'homework' in a meticulous manner, before deciding on which 'vans to buy. This encourages manufacturers, who 'want to be in the running', to ensure their 'vans are professionally designed and built.

Manufacturers also get feedback from renters on the usability and acceptance of their 'vans, along with suggestions on ways to improve them.

Renting first, is certainly an excellent decision for 'vanners who may wish to travel long distances in the future, but can see the short and long-term benefits of "trying before buying' before making any further significant investment in the RV lifestyle...