Buying a second hand caravan vs new

Should you buy a second hand caravan? Australia is a land made for exploring, and one of the best ways to experience this beautiful landscape is by caravan. As a ‘home on wheels’, it allows you to go off the beaten track and explore different landscapes for days, weeks or even months.  

But when it comes to choosing a second hand caravan or a new caravan, there’s quite a bit to consider. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both before you begin your search.

To new or not to new: Considering the pros and cons of new and used caravans

Second hand caravan pros:

Tried and tested: A second hand caravan has often been put through its paces on the open road, and could come equipped with additional upgrades from the previous owners that you now don’t have to worry about yourself.

Save money on customisation: Price is often one of the main drivers of buying a caravan. Whether you simply don’t want to spend as much or you’d like to invest the savings into your purchase to make it your own, the benefits can stack up.   

Low-risk investment: Caravanning isn’t for everyone, and the only way to find out if you’re going to fall in love with it is by doing it. Spending less the first time around is a great way to determine if this is a worthwhile long-term investment.

Second hand caravan cons:

Safety concerns: You don’t know what the second hand caravan has been through, so you’ll have to do a lot of safety checks before hitting the open road. Having said that, buying new doesn’t guarantee perfection and safety checks should always be done before travelling.

Higher insurance premiums: A second hand caravan often has higher insurance premiums than new ones, so it’s essential to double-check rates before purchasing.

New caravan pros:

Guaranteed quality: Rust free and dust free, a new caravan doesn’t come with the unknown of ‘where has it been?’ You have peace of mind and guarantee that the vehicle has not gone through any rough terrain yet.

Personalised touch: As the first owners, you are free to customise the caravan to suit your own personal style.

Up-to-date technology: The newer the caravan, the better the technology that comes with it. A lot of the new vehicles come equipped with extras that can ease your travel.

New caravan cons:

Long waiting time: Getting a caravan built to your own specifications can take time, and if you’re in a hurry to get on your next adventure you might have to wait a while.

Costly investment: This is not a cheap hobby, and buying new is a big investment. You simply might not be ready to spend so much on something you might not end up using all that often.

As with any big purchase in life, there are pros and cons to both sides, and the decision should not be made lightly. No matter what you land on, remember to always put safety first, and if a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. 

After purchase, always do your safety checks, and add as many safety features as you can. As mentioned on www.caravancampingsales.com.au, remotely monitoring the temperature of your trailer wheel bearings with Wheel Sensei is advisable regardless of the option you choose, and a great way to turn any con into a pro when it comes to safety.

Step one: safety. Step two: explore.

Digital wheel bearing monitoring – Helping drivers stay safe on the road when towing.

Wheel Sensei’s smart driver app and wheel bearing monitoring technology helps drivers stay safe and protect their caravans and trailers while towing. Wheel Sensei monitors your bearings and alerts you to any potential issues while you are driving so you don’t have to stop for ‘manual bearing ‘touch-tests’. 

Wheel Sensei’s smart sensors replace your dust cap and monitor the internal hub temperature of each wheel, sending you live updates of each bearing temperature every minute via the phone app.  

If any issues arise, such as a sudden spike in wheel bearing temperatures, you’ll receive an instant notification.

By using Wheel Sensei, drivers can avoid potentially dangerous situations and prevent damage to their vehicles and precious cargo.

Wheel Sensei provides peace of mind to drivers who frequently tow, allowing them to focus on the road and enjoy a safe and stress-free journey.

If you have any questions, or would like to know more, please get in contact with us today.