Hi 'Vanners

There are two significant factors to persuade "non-vanners" to get into the caravanning lifestyle and have the enjoyment of travelling around our great country!

1:  People who simply cannot afford to buy a 'van, may well be enticed to go for the significantly lower-cost renting option. 

2:  People who do choose the renting path - and enjoy their short travels -  may well be encouraged to go for longer vacations, and decide to buy a 'van. 

Caravanning Option - Buy or Rent ??? 

Is it more economical to buy or rent a caravan???  That is the BIG Question  What are the "Pros and Cons"???

Over the past seven years or so, the Caravan Council of Australia has received many calls from remorseful buyers of caravans that have numerous defects... including extremely-dangerous safety issues, and major non-compliances.  

In far too many cases, these highly-aggrieved owners have had significant, traumatic and costly hassles in trying to get the Supplier to rectify them as legally required by the Australian Consumer Law.  A lot of unresolved hassles unfortunately lead to litigation.

A common story from unhappy owners is that "we were sold something that we didn't really want, we were too naive, and we hadn't done our home-work properly".  

The image of the caravanning industry is being badly tarnished by these continuing problems - despite the intentions of the ACL - such that new Regulations for caravans are being introduced by the Federal Government, in an attempt to prevent such occurrences. 

For a high percentage of 'vanners, the Renting option may well be much more beneficial, in terms of saving money, and in not having the stressful worry and annoyance of ensuring that a purchased caravan is indeed fully-compliant, safe, and of very high quality. 

It also allows the Renters to relax and forget about caravan insurance, registration and servicing obligations.

The first step for 'vanners preparing for their travels, is to decide on exactly what they need - and also prefer - to have in a caravan.

An informative article "Evaluating What You Want in a Caravan" is freely available by emailing:  caravancouncil@optusnet.com.au 

The first vital consideration is to determine how large (and heavy) your "ideal" caravan will be and where you intend to travel.

The second vital consideration is:  "Is our current tow-vehicle suitable to legally and safely tow your "ideal" caravan?" 

If it is, that is fine!  If it is not, a major decision must be made on whether to "buy or rent" another (new or used) tow-vehicle.  

Another option then arises:  "Would it be better to buy - or rent - a suitable motor-home or camper-trailer?"

All Caravan Rental businesses obviously warmly welcome the opportunity to serve 'vanners who have realised that Renting is appreciably more viable and cheaper than Buying particularly if they do not travel for long periods each year. 

Caravan Rental businesses no doubt do their "home-work" in a meticulous manner, before deciding on which 'vans to buy! 

This encourages - and necessitates - Manufacturers, who "want to be in the running", to be 100%-certain that their 'vans are professionally designed and built, so as to be able to guarantee full Compliance / exceptional Quality / Safety / Reliability / Durability / competitive Pricing / acceptable Servicing policies / ethical and knowledgeable Conduct by all company personnel, etc. 

Renters appreciably assist the Manufacturers, by providing constructive comments on the usability and acceptance of their 'vans, along with suggestions to improve any items that have any drawbacks.  

Renting first, is certainly an excellent decision for 'vanners who may wish to travel long distances in the future, and who can see the many benefits in the adage of "try before you buy"! 

A simple Spreadsheet, that calculates the costs of Buying v Renting, is freely available by emailing:  caravancouncil@optusnet.com.au  

Safe & Happy Travels!