Why I bought from a used caravan dealer

For first-time caravanners, like my wife and I, the prospect of purchasing a new caravan can be daunting due to the high costs involved.

However, opting for a used caravan presents a myriad of advantages that not only makes the experience more affordable, but also allows newcomers to 'test the caravan waters' before committing to an even bigger investment.

Making the transition from our trusty MDC camper trailer into a fully kitted-out luxury caravan was a topic my wife and I would discuss often. It's something we'd also quiz seasoned caravanners about, seeking their experience on the pros and cons of various set-ups and questioning what they might have done differently.

After all, most folks would agree that choosing a suitable caravan is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. You only have to peruse the numerous caravans listed for sale on caravancampingsales (more than 9000 at last count!) to realise there are a multitude of options out there.

Private or dealer? A few years old or almost brand new? Plug-in or full off-grid? For us, purchasing a used caravan from a reputable caravan dealer earlier this year was a smart decision for various reasons.

Like a lot of Tasmanians we’d migrated north for the winter, and were staying on the northside of Brisbane, not far from the kilometre-long strip of caravan lots nestled next to the Bruce Highway at Burpengary.

One morning, my wife said she’d like to swing by the caravan lots and see what was available. She stopped off at Lawrence RV which has large sales yard with a wide variety of new and used vans, and it wasn't long before she'd struck up a friendly conversion with salesperson Catherine Lawrence.

Our caravan wish-list was a late-model 19ft 6in to 21ft dual-axle model with 600kg or more payload, an ensuite, and enough onboard power to camp off the grid for a few days.

We weren’t chasing a full-blown off-road caravan, as our highly modified 4x4 tow vehicle is well set up for off-road camping adventures. So the aim was to buy a semi-off-road style caravan and use it as a base station for off-road excursions in our ute.

It wasn't long before Catherine and my wife were sitting inside a nearby caravan and discussing our wish-list. Half an hour later, Catherine had a good understanding of our requirements and suggested we take a look at a used 2017 Essential Exceed-II.

At first glance, inside and out, the van compared well with the new caravans parked beside it with much higher price tags, so that was encouraging. That's despite Catherine saying it had only arrived the day before and hadn’t been through their detailing process.

Underneath, the spring bushes were generously greased, so obviously, the previous owner was a stickler for maintenance, much like myself.

Additionally, the caravan was fitted with AL-KO ESC stability control and had the RVGard protective coating, which probably contributed to the van’s pristine look. Most importantly, as we’re Tasmanian, it also came with a diesel heater.

Neatly stowed in the tunnel locker up front were anti-flap bars, awning ‘shade’ sides, a shade sail for the right-hand side of the van, and a new caravan jack. Those are things you don't always get with a new van!

Catherine said the caravan would be delivered with a 12-month registration and 12-month bronze caravan warranty that covered the chassis, axles, suspension and electric brakes (up to $2500 for each item). Not to mention water ingress (up to $2500 from the roof, door and windows for each item) and $1250 for each item on the domestic appliance cover schedule. All reassuring when buying a caravan that is five years old!

Furthermore, Catherine said the caravan would get a thorough pre-delivery inspection and service in their workshop to ensure it was ready to hit the road. We'd also get a two-hour training session as part of the delivery process, with their resident caravanning guru and trainer, Damo.

As most of the camping sites we like are near water, Catherine also offered to install a rear gas bayonet to allow us the option of positioning our BBQ at the front or rear of the caravan, depending on our parking location.

“If you’ve backed into a picturesque riverfront van site, it’s a lot nicer if you have the option of cooking your BBQ looking at the river view because you have a rear mount BBQ bayonet than looking at the back of your ute and drawbar because that’s where the only gas outlet is located,” Graham Lawrence (Catherine’s father) explained.

“We’ll even include the BBQ Arm Mate that hitches to the rear bar on the caravan. They’re great for placing your BBQ on and have a small table for your cooking utensils."

How's that for adding extra value and sealing the deal!

Understandably, putting down a deposit on that particular van was the only way my wife was leaving Lawrence RV. After all, it ticked all our boxes.

The delivery date with the two-hour caravanning lesson was scheduled for the following week, which allowed time for the pre-delivery and caravan service. When we arrived, sales co-ordinator Bri Cason, who had looked after all the paperwork, greeted us.

“I bet you’re excited,” Bri smiled. “There’s a couple of papers to sign, and then we’ll head out to see Damo, who’ll be providing the caravanning lesson.”

Bri suggested we could extend the caravan warranty from 12 months to 60 months for a few extra dollars. We took up the five year extended option, as the balance of the warranty is transferable if we want to sell the caravan before it expires.  

My wife and I were incredibly impressed with the overall care and effort displayed by the team at Lawrence RV. When it came time to hand it over, they laid out the red carpet and hung a large red bow on the caravan door. We thought they only did that with new van hand-overs, so it was further confirmation that we'd made the right decision to purchase the caravan from them.

When we went to amend our booking on the Spirit of Tasmania and tow our new caravan home, we were surprised to find out it would be a six-week wait to get a spot on the ferry. The upside of this was an extended vacation down the east coast from Brisbane to the new ferry terminal in Geelong, and our 'new' used caravan performed faultlessly all the way down.

My wife also didn’t waste any time adding some personal touches to the van. Most notable are her homemade detachable window shades, which provide both shade and privacy when the windows are open (She's promised to share her pattern and tips on how to make your own window shades in another article).

Given the trouble we had getting a spot on the Spirit of Tasmania this year, we’ve already booked our tickets for next year’s trip north. We've also booked the caravan in for a service at Lawrence RV...

Wide selection and options

Reputable caravan dealers typically offer a wide range of used caravans, catering to various needs, preferences, and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a compact caravan for weekend getaways or a spacious, luxurious model for extended trips, a good dealer can usually assist. As our experience with Lawrence RV demonstrated, a good dealer can also provide options for upgrades and customisations, depending on your specific needs.

Quality assurance and expertise

Buying a used caravan from a reputable dealer can give you access to their expertise and reputation. Established dealers often have a rigorous inspection and servicing process to ensure the caravans they sell are in excellent roadworthy condition. They refurbish, repair, and service the caravans in their inventory, ensuring they meet or exceed industry standards. Their meticulous attention to detail goes a long way to ensuring you’re getting a quality product, regardless of its age.

Documentation and transparency

A reputable dealer can also provide peace of mind via the transparency and documentation they provide. They will often have detailed records of the caravan’s history, including maintenance and servicing records, any previous accidents, and mileage. This information is invaluable in helping you make an informed decision. It can also help in securing finance and insurance, not to mention when you go to sell it yourself one day.

Warranty and after-sales support

A used caravan bought from a dealer should include a warranty, which provides extra protection and confidence in your purchase. Warranties often cover major components and systems, offering a fallback option if unforeseen issues arise. Additionally, dealers usually have established relationships with service and repair centres, making it easier to get your caravan serviced or repaired when on the road. This after-sales support can be a lifesaver, ensuring you’re not left stranded down the road.

Value for money

Purchasing a used caravan whether privately or from a dealer, can save you money. New caravans can depreciate significantly in their first few years, while a well-maintained used van can offer similar comforts and functionality at a more affordable price. You can then invest the savings in accessories like awnings, camping gear, or off-grid technology (often fitted at the dealer at the time of purchase), to further enhance your caravan experience.