Top-5 try before you buy caravans

Trying before buying is easy when it comes to cars, as most dealers have demo models that can be taken out for a spin. Likewise motorhomes, with many rental companies offering relatively new motorised RVs of all shapes and sizes.

But short of borrowing one from a friend or family member, testing out a particular caravan or camper trailer to see if it's worth the investment isn't always easy with most dealers not offering demo vans you can take away overnight.

However, there are a number of RV 'sharing' online platforms that allow potential buyers to try out a privately owned caravan or camper. And it's not just older or vintage models, with an increasing number of current models available for short-term rental, not unlike the ones currently on sale at your local dealer. Here are a few examples...

Zone Base

We recently reviewed Zone's new entry-level Base off-road caravan, and now you can try one out for yourself at $150 a night, to see if you like it before forking out $80,000-plus for your very own.

This brand new Zone Base 20ft 6in van for rent has the triple bunk layout so is perfect for families, and is located in Coolum Beach, Queensland.

Coromal Element Evolution

Like the Zone above, this almost-new 23ft Coromal off-roader is a full composite caravan built in Queensland and able to accommodate up to five people with a queen bed and triple bunks.

The Perth-based van is available from $130 a night and like the Zone, hirers must be at least 25 years old and have a suitable vehicle to tow the 3000kg-plus van (when fully loaded).

Patriot X1

The Queensland-built Patriot X1 is a dream camper for many people, and this near-new example based in Geelong-Victoria gives prospective buyers a chance to try it out before forking out around $40,000 for a new one.

The only catch with this very capable off-road camper is that you won't be allowed under most circumstances to take this 'fully specced' example off-road, as part of the hiring agreement (a catch with many off-road rental RVs, unfortunately!)

Jayco Journey

Near-new Jayco-built motorhomes and campervans are readily available as rentals in most states, but hire caravans of current Jayco models are harder to come by.

Not this  'brand new' Jayco Journey Pop Top, based in NSW's Port Stephens region and available to hire from $135 a night. It's set up for family camping with an outside kitchen and six interior beds, but hirers need to be at least 28 years old.

Avan Cruiseliner

We're big fans of Avan's A-shaped folding-wall campers, but their cosy interiors won't work for everyone. This near-new Avan Cruiser is based in Paramatta, NSW and is ready to for week-end getaways with sleeping for up to three, internal kitchen, portable toilet and outside shower. Its sub-tonne weight also makes it a breeze to tow behind most vehicles.

 Top-10 RVS for hire

The case for caravan renting