How to find that Caravan that’s right for you!

If you're considering taking time to explore what Australia has to offer, then buying your own caravan is a great option. But when you look at the size and extent of the range, it’s easy to get a bit confused. But fear not! We have put together a comprehensive list of questions and answers to help guide your decision making.

Question 1: What do you intend to do with it?
Don't just think about the first trip, plan forward a couple of years: will your caravan be mainly used for weekend escapes to a favourite getaway destination? Is it for family holidays with the kids? Is it for the fulfilment of a lifelong dream – the trip around Australia that may take months or even years to complete? Or have you perhaps decided to adopt an itinerant lifestyle and make the caravan your only home? The purpose will determine your caravan’s size and configuration, its layout and the extent of its fittings. The amount of travel will determine how important features such as independent rear suspension and off-road capability will be to your new van.

Question 2: How are you going to tow the caravan?
Unless you are in the enviable position of purchasing the caravan first and the vehicle to suit it, you need check the tow capacity of your current vehicle as this will set a ‘maximum’ weight for your dream van.

Question 3: Big or small? (Yes, size matters)
If you want complete independence and you’re comfortable towing a long wheel base caravan, then a large, luxury caravan such as a Jayco Sterling with separate bedroom, shower and toilet are a delight. Alternatively, if you prefer the idea of travelling light, the convenience of towing something like a 12’ Expanda caravan is a good, cheaper option. The trade off is simply the share of facilities at local caravan and holiday parks – don't forget that bumping into like minded travellers at the local holiday park can be a highlight of the trip!

Question 4: What about Pop-Tops and Camper Trailers?
The Sterling and Discovery Pop Top caravans, with fold-down roof section, are proving to be one of the most innovative small to medium size caravan styles. Sterling and Discovery Pop Tops are ideal if you want to store your caravan under a carport or in your garage when not in use – no need to construct special high roofline carports!

The low profile of Pop Tops and Camper Trailers when closed also offers the advantage of less wind resistance and better fuel economy when towing.

The alternative choice of a Camper Trailer, with a wind-up canvas upper section and extendable sleeping accommodation on each side, is a great one for families with children.

Question 5: Buy New or Used?
Buying a new Jayco caravan offers you all the benefits, safety features and comforts of recent design advancements, including independent rear suspension and durable, lightweight construction material. Buying new also gives you the choice to ‘custom-build’ the layout of your caravan to your needs and desires!

If you choose to buy a used caravan it is recommended to buy from a licence dealer such as Prestige Jayco. This is the only way to guarantee clear title on the unit you are buying. Prestige Jayco carries out many exhaustive checks to ensure that the units we sell are in fact not stolen (and often re-identified) or encumbered (i.e. they don't have any money owing on them).