As caravan buying surges for new year holiday makers, Crusader Caravans has provided expert tips to help Aussies make the right choice for their rig.
A particular problem amongst new, and even seasoned caravaners is unintentionally overloading their rigs. This poses a major safety risk, can void insurance pay outs, and is an offence with a fine of up to $1,932 in Victoria.
According to Tourism Research Australia, a record 859,000 caravans and camper vans are registered across the country, a 21 per cent increase since 2019. For the year ending 2023, Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips, an all-time high. KPMG analysis released in December 2024 also confirmed a significant uplift in road trip spending versus air travel amid cost-of-living expenses.
Crusader Caravans has seen a doubling in its website traffic over the Christmas holiday break, with particular interest in its free downloadable Buyer’s Guide and Checklist which equip people with the knowledge and confidence to make the right caravan purchase decision for them. Since launching in July 2020, the guide and checklist publications have been downloaded over 40,000 times, with an average of 200 new downloads per week.
Crusader Caravans Founder and CEO Serge Valentino explained that Australians are increasingly seeking guidance on caravan purchases to ensure they attain the best long-term value and protection.
“Buying a caravan is a significant investment so it’s not a decision people take lightly. There’s a lot to consider – budget, size needs, features, their car’s towing capacity and whether they’re planning on going off-road,” Serge Valentino said. “Many buyers worry about making the wrong choice and want to ensure they’re getting real value and a product that will last.
“We created the Buyer’s Guide as an objective and comprehensive overview for caravan buyers, including a one-page checklist of the top 10 questions every buyer should ask before making a purchase – it’s a resource that helps buyers separate great caravan manufacturers from the rest.
“With 22 years of caravan manufacturing experience it’s fair to say we know a thing or two about caravans. We want to ensure every buyer has all the information they need to make the right purchase decision for them – whether that’s a Crusader van or not.
“The Crusader Caravans’ guide is designed to equip Australians with the knowledge and confidence needed to make a well-informed purchase, outlining important notes such as whether the manufacturer complies with the RVSA (Road Vehicle Safety Act).”
Caravan-buying considerations
- What is the towing capacity of the vehicle you’re intending to use to transport the van (The Buyer’s Guide provides a practical explanation of the different weights – maximum braked towing capacity, maximum tow ball weight capacity, gross vehicle mass and gross combined mass – that determine a vehicle’s caravan-towing capacity.)
- Has the van been comprehensively tested for quality assurance, including for water resistance, and suitability for Australia’s variable weather and road conditions?
- Does the caravan have optimal safety features, e.g. electronic stability control (ESC), reversing cameras, smoke alarms, security doors?
According to Tourism Research Australia, caravanning and camping have become one of the most popular ways for Australians to travel with:
- 15.3 million caravan and camping trips taken in 2023, exceeding pre-COVID levels
- $14.3 billion in total spend, with 90 per cent of nights spent in regional Australia
- A record 859,000 caravans and campervans registered, a 21 per cent increase since 2019.
“We appreciate that purchasing a caravan is a significant decision for the entire family and there’s lots to consider,” Valentino added. “As the Caravan Manufacturer of the Year, we see it as our responsible to help people, especially first-time caravan buyers. A caravan offers years of affordable holidays and strong resale value down the track if the right purchase decision is made.”
