Buying a van at a show is exciting but can be overwhelming. We provide the essential tips to help you navigate the crowds, avoid pressure and confidently secure the right caravan for your adventures.
Overview – Why This Matters
A caravan show is a convenient way to compare models, secure competitive pricing and see the latest innovations but it’s a lot to take in.
This guide is for anyone considering a purchase at a show, from first-time buyers defining their needs to seasoned caravanners looking for a deal. It lets you navigate the show environment effectively, helping you move from browsing to buying with a clear plan.
You will learn how to prepare your finances, narrow down your choices, understand tow vehicle limits and plan your day to “come out winning”.
Define Your Needs and Budget First
With hundreds of brands available, the choice is phenomenal. So plan. Weigh up your budget and ambitions and identify the essentials. This will cull the chaff fast.
For example:
- Are you happy to top up the batteries every few days at powered sites?
- What about your crew, their needs, your needs (aircon? ensuite?) and the terrain.
Then, see what’s achievable with what you’re willing to spend so you know what you’re paying and can recognise a deal. Hard work done? Write it down. And any questions, too. So you don’t forget them in a fit of adrenaline.
Match Your Tow Vehicle to Your Van
Safe towing starts with you and your rig. Matching your prospective caravan to the right vehicle is vital.
If you have the tow vehicle already write down the vital stats and towing weight limits. Check too:
- Is the towbar as is, enough?
Even if you haven’t finalised your vehicle purchase, knowing what’s going on in your preferred vehicle class matters. What they weigh when they’re set up for towing in your intended terrain, what their limits are–and not just the ‘vehicle’s towing capacity’.
- Limits like Gross Combined Mass (what a tow vehicle can carry and tow combined, including itself, you and all the gear) can trip up prospective buyers.
- Vehicle ride height can also impact your vehicle-caravan combo. Though most manufacturers can build their caravans to suit a type of vehicle.
Consider Pre-Finance for Negotiating Power
So you’re starting to visualise your rig. Arranging pre-finance before hitting the stands can put you in a strong negotiating position.
It’s one less thing to process when you’re making a hundred decisions. And your favourite RV manufacturer’s financing partner (or lack of) won’t restrict you. Further, it gives you time to plan your budget and ongoing costs in a lower pressure environment.
Assess the Ownership Costs of a New Van
While you have that calculator handy you might also want to check the differences in running costs of your new prospective van against your existing RV.
- Is it bigger than what you’ve got?
- Will your storage needs change?
- Are you using it differently?
If, for example, you plan to go off-road–check the fine print on your insurance and roadside assist policies to see what you’re offered interstate or in rural regions.
Alison Huth shares her experiences here.
How to Plan Your Day at the Show
Now, our camping community is a diverse bunch so there are lots of different RV styles catering to all kinds of tastes demonstrated across hectares at the caravan show. So if you have a manufacturer short-list, know their booth numbers. If you can, get your hands on a map before you get there. Even if you haven’t finalised your brand, it’s helpful as similar style RVs are usually together.
Some caravan shows may
- Offer courtesy bus services from the carparks to different entrances if you’re attending a larger venue.
- May have printed maps readily available on-site.
Go at Your Own Pace
Remember, buying a van is your endgame. No one says you have to start or finish your purchase at the show.
If you’ve narrowed your list, you can reach out to prospective dealers or manufacturers beforehand to give you time to process the nitty gritty, documenting and calculating those essential weights and measurements, understanding the fine print involved in a sale, what the warranty covers and details around the deposits.
Lots of vanners start their purchases this way.
Conversely, if you’re using the show to whittle down your short list, you can still finalise your decision afterwards–that’s common as well.
Even if you do choose and settle on the day, take the time you need to consider the fine print. This is a big deal. Bring along a friend who is less emotionally involved in the sale.
Finally, good luck, and have fun!
Key Takeaways
✅ Must-check before buying: Know your tow vehicle’s vital stats, especially its towing weight limits and Gross Combined Mass (GCM).
✅ Legal or maintenance essentials: Check the fine print on warranty, insurance and roadside assist policies before committing.
✅ Budget planning reminders: Arranging pre-finance gives you a clear budget, strengthens your negotiating position and simplifies decisions on the day.
Before You Go:
Define your “must-have” features.
At the Show:
You can often find competitive pricing or “show specials,” but the main benefit is comparing many brands in one place. Knowing your budget and what you’re willing to spend helps you recognise a true deal.
Before anything else, ensure the caravan’s weights are a legal match for your tow vehicle. Check your vehicle’s Gross Combined Mass (GCM), payload, towing capacity and towbar limits.
Yes, arranging pre-finance is highly recommended. It puts you in a strong negotiating position, gives you a clear budget to stick to and saves you from making high-pressure financial decisions on the day.
