Caravan Buying Guide
Everything you need to know before buying a caravan in Adelaide.
Browse Our Stock1. New vs Used Caravans
One of the first decisions you'll face is whether to buy new or used. Both have distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget, how you plan to travel, and what features matter most to you.
Buying New
- Full manufacturer warranty (typically 2–5 years)
- Latest layouts, materials, and technology
- No hidden history - you're the first owner
- Choose your specs and options
- Higher upfront cost but peace of mind
Buying Used
- Significant savings - up to 40% less than new
- Less depreciation (the first owner absorbs the biggest hit)
- Often comes with added accessories already fitted
- Wider selection of brands and layouts
- Requires careful inspection to avoid costly surprises
At Dario Caravans, we stock both new and pre-owned vans. Our workshop inspects every used caravan before it goes on the yard, so you know what you're getting. Browse our current stock to see what's available.
2. Choosing the Right Size
Caravan size affects everything - where you can camp, what you can tow, how comfortable you'll be, and how much you'll spend. Here's a rough guide based on who's travelling:
Solo / Couple
14–18ft
Compact, easy to tow, lower running costs. Perfect for weekend getaways and extended touring. Look for a queen bed, ensuite, and compact kitchen.
Couple (Comfort)
18–22ft
More living space, full kitchen, larger bathroom, dedicated lounge. Our Great Aussie 2ourer series is designed specifically for couples who want space without excess.
Family
20–26ft
Bunk beds or convertible dinette, extra storage, outdoor entertaining area. Consider the Great Aussie Gravity or Striker for family-friendly layouts.
Full-Time / Grey Nomads
22ft+
Full residential feel - washing machine, large fridge, island bed, study nook. Built for long-term comfort on the road.
Important: Always check your tow vehicle's maximum tow capacity before choosing a caravan. The caravan's ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) must not exceed your vehicle's rated towing capacity. Our team can help you match the right van to your vehicle.
3. Features & Must-Haves
Modern caravans come packed with features, but not all are essential. Here's what to prioritise based on how you plan to travel:
Essential for Everyone
- Quality mattress and comfortable bed
- Hot water system
- Adequate water tank capacity
- Good ventilation / air flow
- Reliable braking system
- Sufficient storage
Nice to Have
- Air conditioning
- Solar panels and lithium batteries
- Washing machine
- Full oven (not just stovetop)
- Outdoor shower
- Roll-out awning
Off-Road / Remote Touring
- Independent suspension
- Heavy-duty chassis
- All-terrain tyres
- Stone guard protection
- Large water & fuel tanks
- Extended drawbar
Many of these features can be added or upgraded after purchase. Our workshop handles installations for air conditioning, solar, electrical upgrades, and more. Check our parts and accessories range for available products.
4. Budget Planning
The sticker price is just the start. Here's what to budget for when buying a caravan:
Purchase Price
$20,000 – $150,000+
Ranges from basic used tourers to fully equipped off-road family vans.
Insurance
$500 – $2,000/year
Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. Costs vary by value and usage.
Registration
$200 – $500/year
SA registration fees depend on the caravan's weight and type.
Towing Setup
$500 – $3,000
Tow bar, wiring, brake controller, weight distribution hitch if needed.
Annual Servicing
$300 – $800/year
Regular servicing protects your investment. Our 16-point service keeps your van road-ready.
Accessories
$1,000 – $5,000+
Levelling blocks, annexe, solar, water filters, TV, satellite - it adds up!
Need help with finance? We offer flexible finance options with competitive rates. Get pre-approved before you start shopping so you know your budget.
5. What to Check Before Buying (Used Caravans)
If you're buying used, a thorough inspection is essential. Here's what to look for - or better yet, bring it to our workshop for a professional pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior
- Chassis for rust, cracks, or repairs
- Tyre condition and age (check date codes)
- Window and door seals for deterioration
- Roof condition - look for delamination
- Coupling, safety chain, and jockey wheel
Interior
- Soft spots in flooring (water damage)
- Ceiling and wall staining (leaks)
- All appliances operational (fridge, stove, toilet, hot water)
- Electrical - test 12V and 240V circuits
- Gas system - look for a current gas certificate
Running Gear
- Brake operation and adjustment
- Bearing condition (spin each wheel by hand)
- Suspension - leaf springs or independent
- Breakaway system functional
- Service history and logbook
Not confident doing this yourself? Book a pre-purchase inspection at our St Marys workshop. Our technicians know what to look for and can save you from buying a problem van.
6. Where to Buy in Adelaide
Adelaide has several options for buying a caravan. Here's what to consider with each:
Authorised Dealer
Best for new caravans with full warranty support. As an authorised Great Aussie Caravans dealer, Dario Caravans offers factory-backed warranties, genuine parts, and specialist servicing. We also carry quality used stock that's been workshop-inspected.
Private Sale
Can offer lower prices but comes with more risk. No warranty, limited recourse if problems arise, and you need to do your own due diligence. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) for encumbrances.
Ready to start shopping? Browse our current stock of new and used caravans for sale in Adelaide, or contact our team to discuss what you're looking for. We're at 1 Pinn Street, St Marys SA 5042 - open Monday to Friday 8:30am–5:00pm, Saturday 8:30am–12:30pm.
Caravan Buying FAQs
It depends on your budget and priorities. New caravans come with full warranties, the latest features, and no wear - but cost more. Used caravans offer better value and less depreciation, but you need to inspect carefully for water damage, chassis rust, and appliance condition. At Dario Caravans, we inspect every used van before it goes on our yard.
For couples, a 16–20ft van is ideal - easy to tow and park. Families with kids should look at 20–24ft with bunks or a club lounge that converts. If you plan to live in it full-time, 22ft+ with a full bathroom and kitchen is recommended. Always check your tow vehicle's capacity before choosing.
Entry-level new caravans start around $40,000–$60,000. Mid-range vans with good features run $60,000–$100,000. Premium off-road and family vans can exceed $100,000. Quality used caravans start from $20,000–$30,000. Don't forget to budget for insurance, registration, towing setup, and accessories.
Check for water damage (soft floors, staining on walls/ceiling), chassis rust or cracks, tyre condition, brake operation, all appliances working (fridge, stove, hot water, toilet), seal condition around windows and roof, and electrical systems (12V and 240V). A pre-purchase inspection at a workshop like ours can save you from costly surprises.
In South Australia, a standard car licence covers towing a caravan up to 4,500kg GCM (combined vehicle and trailer mass). Most caravans fall within this. For larger rigs, you may need an LR licence. Always check your tow vehicle's maximum tow rating matches the caravan's ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass).
Yes. Dario Caravans offers flexible finance options through our finance partners. We can arrange competitive rates with terms to suit your budget. Visit our finance page or speak to our team to get pre-approved before you shop.
Autumn and winter (March–August) are typically the best times to buy - demand is lower and dealers are more willing to negotiate. Spring and summer see higher demand as people gear up for holidays. That said, new model releases often come with show specials year-round.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Caravan?
Visit our Adelaide yard to inspect our range in person, or browse online and enquire today.