How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Caravan
Designed to offer everything you need while on the road, it’s little wonder why caravans have seen a surge in popularity across Australia of late. As of 2021, there were 770,000 caravan registrations across all states, and this number has only grown since.
So, are you thinking of purchasing a caravan so you can enjoy road trips with your family and friends? Whether you’re looking for a new model, or you’re looking to better understand your second options – this caravan price guide is here to help. Read on to find out all this information and more, so you can make the right choice that best suits your needs.
Table of Contents:
- How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Caravan?
- Different Types of Caravans Available
- The Costs of Caravan Ownership
- Finance Your Caravan with Credit One
- Used Caravan Prices
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Caravan?
The cost between different models of caravan varies greatly depending on numerous factors, including if you wish to buy new or used options.
The average new RV cost in Australia as of December 2023 on the OnlyVans platform sits at around $71,500, but this prices can range from anywhere between $10,000 and below, or $200,000+ for high-end models. It all just depends on what you are looking for in terms of size and ability.
Small caravans (12-16 ft.) can range from $12,500 to $57,470, with the average cost being around $52,950, whereas large caravans at from 20ft. and beyond start from $45,850. The average price of a pop-top caravan is $57,967.
New Caravan Prices
Using data from OnlyVans.au, prices of new caravans can range from $44,990 all the way to over $150,000. At the lower end of the scale, you may be able to pick up smaller-style caravans, however, these may come with fewer features and amenities.
With an average budget between $60,000 and $80,000, you will have the choice of multiple medium and large-sized options. Features like ensuites and water tanks will often come with these. From $80,000 onwards, you will get more space for your buck, so you can travel with plenty of guests.
Some popular options for this price range include the Just Caravans 24’6″ Manorhouse Quad Bunk, the 2023 Newgen Ng19 Caravan, and the 2023 Snowy River Src21S Caravan.
A caravan costing $100,000 or more will be a slice of home on the road, featuring creature comforts including ensuites, high-quality kitchens and luxury interiors.
Used Caravan Prices
When buying a caravan, it is wise to consider both new and used options. A well-maintained second-hand caravan can be a much more affordable option, especially if you’re new to the world of caravans. So, how much do they cost?
Prices for used caravans start from $10,000 and can go up to $160,000. Similar to new caravans, larger models with more amenities will cost significantly more, so it’s important to make a list of the facilities you want in your future caravan to narrow down your search for one.
Used caravan price points are generally much lower than compared to brand-new purchases. A safe place to park your budget for a second-hand caravan is between $40,000 and $60,000 — this range will give you a healthy number of options to choose from without being too limited.
Different Types of Caravans Available
There are plenty of caravans on the market for you to choose from which cater to a wide range of budgets and lifestyles. Some of these include:
On-road caravans, which are one of the most popular types are a great option for those looking for a home on wheels filled with amenities. Ranging between 11 and 25 feet, they typically contain a kitchenette, bathroom, lounge and multiple sleeping areas.
A motorhome is a large vehicle that includes bedding and cooking facilities. These types of campervans include many home comforts, including bedroom and dining areas, as well as a bathroom.
Pop top caravans work like any other model and allow for spacious interiors due to their ‘pop up’ canvas roof feature that packs down while the vehicle is in motion.
Just like motorhomes, Fifth Wheelers include all the same home comforts, but they’re designed to be towed by trucks. These are designed for big groups and can accommodate several people thanks to their lofted sleeping areas.
Camper trailers are generally smaller, lighter, and more compact than caravans. They generally have a kitchenette, a couple of sleeping areas and sometimes a lounge area.
A smaller, and often cheaper, version of a motorhome, campervans provide both transportation and sleeping facilities. These vans could be converted from regular van, and often have a small kitchen and storage space as well as room to sleep.
The Costs of Caravan Ownership
Buying a new or used caravan is a serious financial outlay for many budding caravanners, but these aren’t the only things to take into consideration. Insurance, registration, fuel, road tolls, servicing and caravan site fees all have to be considered.
Owning a caravan comes with legal responsibilities, including registration, which may vary between states and territories. Here are some links you may find helpful for the different caravan registration costs:
Insurance is also a cost to consider, and factor’s like the caravan’s value, usage and storage can influence premiums. The average cost of insurance for caravans is about $560 per year.
Towing a caravan also impacts the fuel of the towing vehicle, so you can expect to pay for the increased fuel consumption on your travels. With the average caravan travelling about 12,000km in a year and fuel prices in remote areas at about $3 per litre, yearly fuel costs can add up to $6000 and over.
To keep a caravan running smoothly, regular maintenance is crucial. Servicing brakes, tyres and appliances will ensure the safe running of the vehicle. Expect to pay about $200-300 every 10,000km for proper caravan servicing, including axle adjustment.
When camping, the campground fees, and utility hook-ups can contribute to the overall costs. Depending on where you go, caravan parks can cost as low as $25 a night to a whopping $200 a night for a family of four at a fully-powered camping site.
H2: Finance Your Caravan with Credit One
Purchasing a caravan is not so different from a big ticket purchase like for a car — the large upfront cost of a caravan can make a big impact on your finances. In most cases, getting a financing option for your caravan purchase is the best way to start hitting the open road without leaving a hole in your current savings.
Many Aussies opt for caravan financing as a safe and reliable option, whether it’s a caravan, motorhome, or camper trailer. A caravan financing specialist will be able to discuss different loans and find the best option for your needs, whether you’re looking to pay back your personal loan, unsecured loan or other finance solution weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
Credit One is Australia’s leading RV and caravan finance broker and offers the best rates and comprehensive caravan loan term options. Contact us via a call or our online form today to get a free instant quote for your caravan financing options!
