Warning for Potential Caravan Buyers – how to buy a caravan

by | Apr 27, 2021 | Articles, Caravan/Tow Vehicle Behaviour & Suspension, CBRV, CMB, General

 

Warning for Potential Caravan Buyers

Caravan industry insiders express concern that too many manufacturers and importers compete in a limited and highly competitive market, hence this warning for potential caravan buyers – how to buy a caravan. RV Books shares this concern.

Potential buyers need to ensure their proposed caravan complies with Australia’s safety regulations. These are currently (early 2021) in the Australian Design Rules. The Federal government’s Vehicle Safety Standards branch, however, recognises there are problems in Australia’s caravan industry. Its new Road Vehicle Standards Act is effective from July 2021. This Act replaces the 1989 Motor Vehicle Standards Act.

Caravan buyers

The effect of inadequate rust protection.

Road Vehicle Safety Standards Act

The 2021 Road Vehicle Safety Standards Act allows larger caravan companies a lengthy period to meet the new requirements. Hence, it is likely the new law’s intended benefits will not become apparent until mid-2022.

The caravan industry veterans warn there are non-compliant caravans. The new regulations, however, do not guarantee all future caravans will be fully compliant. Nor do these regulations apply to manufacturers and importers. Some companies that produce caravans in small numbers will be exempt. So will be industry newcomers.

Not all makers have the resources and experience essential to manufacturing safe, high-quality caravans. Also lacking are standard professional after-sales service and repair facilities.

Unfortunately for owners of defective or non-compliant caravans, the new Act is not retrospective. Affected owners can only continue to pursue action against the selling dealer. Not the maker.

Australian Consumer Law

Australian Consumer Law protects customers who bought unsatisfactory or unsafe products. Dealers, however, may attempt to avoid their responsibilities. Some advise buyers to seek redress from the caravan maker. If that happens, consult a lawyer. Whoever sold you the caravan is legally liable.

It is vital that potential buyers do their homework thoroughly before deciding on a particular make and model.’ Furthermore, ‘that a salesperson does not persuade them to buy a better (i.e. higher-priced) caravan, which may or may not, live up to promises made.

How to buy a caravan

Buying a caravan is a significant investment. Make the purchase on a practical basis, not emotional. Moreover, sales staff are professionally trained to sell.  Caravan buyers, however, are not trained to buy. As a result, buyers are likely to suffer remorse when they realise their purchase lacks expectations.

Collyn Rivers is a semi-retired automobile research engineer.  He is the author of seven books, five of which are about making RVs and solar work optimally.

How to Choose and Buy an RV

How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.

eBook versions

Paperback version

Prices for the paperback version including delivery can vary dramatically.  RVBooks recommends you shop around.  We've included a number of reputable booksellers you may wish to consider. Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of How to Choose and Buy an RV. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-5-4.

The Caravan & Motorhome Book

The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.

How to Choose and Buy an RV

How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.

eBook versions

Paperback version

Prices for the paperback version including delivery can vary dramatically.  RVBooks recommends you shop around.  We've included a number of reputable booksellers you may wish to consider. Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of How to Choose and Buy an RV. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-5-4.

The Caravan & Motorhome Book

The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.