Pages

Saturday 29 December 2012

Few Important Things You Should Know About Caravans

Caravan Melbourne
Caravan is certainly one of the best travelling vehicles widely preferred all over Australia. This vehicle is basically a travel trailer and soon becoming one of the favorite means of popular vacationing vehicle. This vehicle is also knows as travel trailer as it provides a comfortable and a memorable travelling experience.
  • Caravan is basically an enclosed vehicle fitted with all the updated technologies and modern amenities to make the travelling experience comfortable and exciting. This vehicle can be used for various purposes for example some people use it for travelling various places, some uses it as a permanent or a temporary home while many people also uses this travelling vehicle to sell their products while visiting different places.
  • Caravan Melbourne have now become an indispensable part of vacationing. This vehicle is completely self sustaining and is also used as a home trailer for people who are always on the road. These vehicles are known as motor home.
  • Over the past few years there has been a rapid advancement in the field of science and technology which has led to the development of modern and customized caravans with all the modern and updated facilities such as working plumbing, beds, refrigerator, television, play station, home theater, modular kitchen and everything else needed to travel or camp in style.
  • These vehicles are the comfortable way to travel and camp in style and all the luxury. Because of the growing demand and increasing popularity, there has been a growing demand in the sale of both new as well as used caravans, which are the cost effective way of travelling various places.
The appearance, affordability, functionality and durability of these vehicles have led to their increasing popularity. However, a detailed and a proper research must be carried out before buying a caravan. There are available with number of valuable features as per your need and requirements.

Monday 17 December 2012

New Vs Used Caravans – Which Is Better?

Used Caravans
Are you in the market for a caravan melbourne and are unsure whether you would be better off buying new or used? As there are advantages and disadvantages associated with both of these options, the decision surrounding which type of van you will ultimately buy is completely personal. So, will you be better of purchasing a new or a used caravan?

New Caravan
  • You are given the opportunity to travel in a van that hasn’t been used by anyone else before. This feeling of ‘newness’ is something that most people and enjoy.
  • You are given a manufacturer’s or even a dealer’s warranty, which should cover the van for a couple of years. This will ensure that, should anything go wrong, it will be fixed for you.

Used Caravan
  • You are able to find a van that meets all of your requirements without breaking the bank. Even if the van is only a year or so old, its price will be considerably reduced.
  • You are able to do some research into the brand and even the model that you are interested in buying. When vans are new, there is often very little information available about issues and the like.


Regardless of whether you purchase a new or a used caravans, you will be afforded a number of benefits that are sure to make your future travels that much more enjoyable. Whilst some people prefer to buy a brand new caravan, simply because they like to be the first owners, buying a used one could be the perfect solution for someone else.

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Are You Looking For A Caravan For Sale? Why You Need To Include Insurance In Your Budget


Caravans Melbourne
When looking at caravans for sale, most couples and families have a set budget in mind and they will often try to find a van that hits as close to the mark as possible. Whilst doing this can often mean that you become the proud owner of a rather luxurious caravan, it can also mean that there is very little money left over for other necessities, such as insurance.

Having the proper insurance for your caravan is of the utmost importance, especially if you are planning on travelling long distances and for extended periods of time. What would you do if your van was involved in an accident or was robbed whilst you were out? With the right sort of insurance on your side, you can minimise the effects of these problems.

Unfortunately, when couples and families fail to take these sorts of costs into account when purchasing a caravans for sale, they are often left with very little to contribute. This often leads to very basic or even the wrong sort of insurance being purchased for the van. Whilst this is not really a problem to begin with, the moment something goes wrong you will realize your mistake.

The next time you are in the market for a caravan, make sure that you include all of the necessary costs associated with your purchase in your budget (especially insurance). This will ensure that your caravan Melbourne will be completely protected against all of the problems that could befall it and that you won’t be scrapping the bottom of the piggy bank to do it.

Sunday 18 November 2012

Tips For Anyone Thinking About Purchasing A Used Caravan

Used Caravans
These days, more and more people are opting to purchase a used caravan over a brand new one. Whether they are just looking to try to lifestyle out before making such a big investment or whether they simply cannot afford a new caravan that is able to meet their needs is completely irrelevant. If this describes your current situation, the following tips are a must have:
  • Always look for the ‘hidden'
    Even if a caravan looks fantastic, you should never let your guard down and always look for those little problems that could be hiding under the surface. Someone with mechanical van experience would probably be your best bet at uncovering some of the nastier ones.
  • Check the service history
    Never hand over any money until you have checked the service history of the used caravan. Make sure that you look for signs of the van having been in an accident or having suffered damage that may not have been repaired properly.
  • Understand the gamble
    You must keep in mind that, no matter what you do when purchasing a second hand caravan, you are always taking a gamble. At the end of the day, you never know what is going to go wrong down the line and you should be prepared for these sorts of problems.
Whilst we could have provided you with an endless list of tips for purchasing a used caravan, we felt that the three outline above are generally the most useful when it comes to making your final decision. The final piece of advice that we can offer you is to go with your gut instincts; if you ever have any qualms about a caravan, don’t make an offer.

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Are Auctions The Best Way To Find Caravans For Sale?


Caravans For Sale
Many buyers believe that the best ways to pick up a great deal when looking at caravans for sale is to scour the various auctions that are around. Regardless of whether you choose to visit a police auction (also known as a seized vehicle auction) or you choose to use an online auction website like eBay, this really is a great way to pick up a caravan for a bargain price.

To ensure that you are actually getting a good deal when purchasing through a physical auction, you should aim to arrive as early as possible. This will give you plenty of opportunity to inspect each of the caravans available to determine which you wouldn’t mind making an offer on. You may also be given the chance to make an offer on the vans before the auction starts.

Likewise, to ensure that you are getting a good deal with purchasing through an auction website, you should try and arrange an inspection of the caravan before you think about posting a bid. If this is impossible, you should read any questions that have been asked about the van and familiarize yourself with the seller’s feedback to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate person.

Whilst it is possible to get a great deal when looking at caravans for sale through an auction, it is important to keep in mind that a certain degree of risk does exist with this option. There is no guarantee that the caravan you ultimately end up with will be exactly what you’re looking for, but most people don’t mind providing they can save some money.

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Preparing Your Used Caravan For Emergencies

When couples and families are preparing to embark on their first holiday in a used caravan, one thing that they often forget to take into account is what they will do in case of an emergency. You never know what could happen when out on the open road – one of the kids could fall and cut open their knee or the caravan could be involved in an accident – so it makes sense to be prepared for anything.
  • First Aid: You should always have a basic first aid kit on hand when travelling in a caravan. Make sure that you regularly check the kit for out of date and expired items, as these will need to be replaced.
  • Emergency Contacts: Create a list of names and phone numbers for people you might need to contact in an emergency. Give a copy of the list to a friend or family member who is not travelling with you.
  • Important Documents: Keep copies of your important documents (such as passports and licenses) somewhere inside your used caravan and with a friend or family member in case the originals are damaged.
  • Alternate Sites: You never know just what Mother Nature is going to throw at you, so finding out some alternative sites along your route could ensure accommodation if you need to stop early.
Before embarking on your trip, you should also look into what weather you can expect to experience during your travels, as this will allow you to properly prepare your used caravan for whatever might be thrown its way. You might need chains for your tires if you can expect snow and sleet, for example. Just remember that it is better to be safe then sorry.

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Can You Test Drive A Caravan For Sale?


Caravans for sale
One thing that many potential buyers would be interested in doing but have never thought of asking is taking a caravans for sale for a test drive before making an offer. This can give you a much better idea of whether you will be able to handle the caravan or not. Whilst most dealers will not allow you to take the van off the lot, a private seller may be happy to let you take it around the block.

Taking the caravan for a test drive will also give you the added benefit of being able to learn how to properly hook it up from the previous owner. Whilst the steps to do this are generally pretty similar, each van will have different hookups and tricks to get it connected to the back of your vehicle. You can also have a go reversing and parking to check that you are able to do both these things with ease.

When test driving a caravan that you are interested in buying, it is a good idea to turn off the radio had have a listen to your vehicle and the van as they travel along the road. If you hear any squeaking or rattling, it is likely that the caravan hasn’t been hooked up properly or that it is experiencing some other sort of issue.

At the end of the day, there is no law or rule that states a seller has to let you take a caravan for sale for a test drive. This doesn’t automatically mean that there is something wrong with the van and they are trying to hide it from you – they could just be worried that you’ll drive off without paying.

Monday 20 August 2012

Why Should You Look At Dealer Caravans For Sale In Autumn And Winter?

Caravans for sale
Caravans

Ensuring that you find the best caravan for sale is all about timing – at certain times of the year, you really aren’t going to have much choice, which can lead to a compromise purchase that really is not right for your needs. If you are planning to buy with a dealer, new or used, then you really should begin looking in autumn and winter to get the best bargain.

If you are after a brand new caravan, it may interest you to learn that most dealerships will receive their current shipments at the beginning of spring, just in time for the caravanning season. By visiting dealers during autumn and spring (also known as the “dead” sales period), you may be able to pick up a brand new van (albeit last year’s stock) for a great price, just because they are trying to get rid of them.

If you are after a used caravan, however, you should begin looking visiting dealers during autumn. At this time of year, the yards will be chock full of trade-ins from the last caravanning season. Not only will this give you the best range to choose from, you may also be able to pick up a bargain because dealers just want to clear some room on their lot.

When looking at caravans for sale, especially from a dealer, it is important that you choose the best time of year to begin. This will ensure that you have the biggest range to choose from, as well as increasing your chances of picking up a great deal. So remember – if you plan on buying with a dealer, you should begin looking at caravans during autumn and winter.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Why You Should Scrutinize Accessories In Caravans For Sale

Accessories In Caravans For Sale
Caravans For Sale
When it comes to looking at caravans for sale, what generally seals the deal for you? The quality of the interior and exterior of the van? The age of the van? The price ? For many people, the accessories that are included in a caravan purchase can really make or break their decision to make an offer, which is why it is so important to carefully scrutinize each accessory during your initial inspection.

Some sellers believe that leaving their caravan set up in the way that they normally use it makes the vehicle appear more attractive to prospective buyers, even though they don’t intend on selling all of the accessories with it. Whilst it is true that the caravan looks more attractive, the reason for this is that the buyers are imagining themselves using all of the accessories. You should always make a point of asking what is and isn’t included in the purchase.

Likewise, some sellers think that including a whole bunch of accessories will help them get a much better price. Whilst this can be true, it is important that you carefully inspect each of the accessories for quality. You don’t want appliances that don’t work, an awning that is damaged or water storage containers that leak, do you?

Whilst finding a caravan for sale that looks fantastic when fitted out with all of its accessories, it is important that you scrutinize each of the accessories that you will be receiving with your purchase. For one, the seller may not even be intending on giving them to you and, for two, they might be old and unusable, which makes them essentially worthless.

Monday 6 August 2012

Where To Find Caravans For Sale In Your Area

With the economic climate the way it is at the moment, many people are looking for ways to lower their expenditure without sacrificing too much of things they enjoy the most. One way that couples and families are choosing to do this is by buying a caravan – whilst it may seem like an expensive investment, this is only a one off cost and you will save plenty of money once you start holidaying.

To avoid having to travel all over the place, where can you find a caravan for sale in your local area?
  • Internet: This will probably be your best bet of finding a dealer in your area, as you can type in “caravans” coupled with your suburb. This should bring up a list of dealers nearby.
  • Local Newspaper: Many dealers advertise in the local newspaper, so take a look through the classified section next time you receive one. You may also be able to find second hand vans this way.
  • Ask Around: If you have friends or family who own a caravan, you should ask them where they bought it. They may be able to tell you the name of the dealer or website where they found it.
When looking for caravans for sale in your local area, it is important to be careful, as you never know whom you might be dealing with. Make sure that you check out the dealer carefully and that you meet with private sellers at their place of residence for added security. Good luck with your caravan search!

Friday 20 July 2012

Tips For Purchasing Used Caravan Awnings

Used Caravans
Used Caravans
For many people, purchasing a brand new awning for their caravan is simply not something that they can realistically afford. As far as accessories go, these are some of the most expensive that you can invest in, but they are highly useful for increasing the living space of your van. Instead of forking out an arm and a leg for a brand new one, you could try looking at some used caravans awnings.
  • Make sure that you are purchasing a structure that has been created by a reputable company, as they will not damage their reputation by selling subpar products.
  • Thoroughly check the structure over to ensure that there are no hidden surprises (such as unraveling stitching, tears in the canvas, and failing grummets) that could cost you money down the track.
  • Make sure that the awning fits your used caravan. If possible, take your caravan with you and test that the structure aligns with the tracks and brackets it is fitted with.
  • Try and look for awnings that come with a manufacturer’s manual, as this will ensure that you are setting up the structure properly and that you are aware of its capacity (such as wind resistance and occupancy).
Once you have found a used caravan awning that meets all of the requirements outline above, you can rest assured that you are making a sound investment that will increase the value of your van. If you ever have any hesitations or qualms about an awning, trust your gut instincts and keep looking for one that better suits your needs.

Thursday 12 July 2012

Preparing Your Caravan For Sale


Caravans for sale
Caravans
Once you have decided to advertise your beloved family caravan for sale, there are a number of things that you could be doing to ensure that you receive the best price possible. By following the below tips and hints, you can ensure that you present your caravan in the best possible light and have lines of potential buyers lining up to take a look.

·         Photographs: If you are advertising your caravan online, it is always recommended that you take as many photos as possible, both inside and outside. This will allow you to choose the best shots to display with the advertisement, as well as giving you additional ones to send to buyers.
·         Price: Always do some research into what caravans similar to yours are currently selling for. Asking too much is a surefire way to ensure that your van remains on the market for months and sees very little in the way of inspections.
·         Questions: Think about what sort of questions you would ask a seller. If you can provide thought out and easy to understand responses to buyers, you will come across as someone who knows what they are talking about and they will listen to you.

When potential buyers come to inspect the caravans for sale, make sure that it is clean, smells nice and looks like it has been well cared for. You may like to put a vase of flowers inside, make up the beds as you would if they were going to be slept in, and hang towels in the bathroom. This way, buyers can envision themselves staying in the caravan and make a more personal connection with it.

Monday 9 July 2012

Should You Travel With Your Caravans Blinds Up Or Down?

Caravan
This is a question that few people think to ask – driving along the highway during the summer holidays, you are likely to see a number of caravans with the blinds down, but you are also likely to see almost an equal number travelling with their blinds closed. For some people, the blinds simply remain the way they were when the caravan was last used; for others, the blinds are rigorously checked before each trip. But is there a right way to do it?
  • During summer, travelling with the blinds down helps to keep the caravan cool, as the powerful rays are reflected back. It can, however, cause the light to be reflected back onto other drivers; some van owners are well aware of this issue and choose to travel with their blinds up as a result.
  • Some caravans are fitted with a full-length or –width mirror across the back wall, which can cause confusing reflections for the driver. If you are able to see any reflection in your rearview or side mirrors that could cause you to make a mistake, it is best that you travel with the blinds down.
  • During long trips, it is likely that you will need to stop occasionally for rests or toilet breaks. Many people choose to travel with their blinds down because it stops would-be thieves from having a sticky beak inside their caravan whilst it is unattended.
So, should you travel with your caravan’s blinds up or down? Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on a lot of factors and could change for each trip that you make. Before departing on your trip, ascertain whether you will need to make any stops along the way, what sort of whether you will be travelling in, and what items inside your caravan could cause distractions.

Monday 2 July 2012

Can You Take Your Caravan On Holidays Abroad?


Caravan
Caravan

One question that many caravan owners in Australia probably don’t think to ask themselves is whether they can take their can on holidays abroad. The main reason for this is that Australia is an island and that, whenever we visit another country, we are forced to take a plane (or, perhaps, a boat). Fortunately, if you are determined enough, it is possible to holiday abroad in your caravan.

Firstly, it depends what you consider ‘abroad’ to be. Whilst some people agree that the term refers to foreign countries, others believe that ‘abroad’ refers to any place that you have to travel over water to get to. If you are a follower of the latter, simply travelling to Tasmania or one of the smaller islands around Australia would count. And it is more than possible to take your caravan to these locations, namely on the ferries that join these islands to the mainland.

If you agree with the former definition of ‘abroad’, however, this does put you in a bit of a tricky situation. It is possible to travel by boat to some of Australia’s nearest neighbours, including New Zealand, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, meaning that you could probably take your caravan with you, but these are long and tiresome journeys.

The best way to holiday abroad in a caravan is to travel, by plane, to the country or continent of your choice and to buy a van once you arrive. If you are travelling around Europe or America, especially, there are plenty of neighbouring countries that you can simply drive your caravan to. Then, when it comes time to come home, you can sell your van back to a dealer or private buyer, hopefully making back most of the money that you spent on it in the first place.

Sunday 24 June 2012

Choosing The Best Spot For Your Caravan Holiday

Once you have invested in a caravan for your family, you will find that you have endless holiday opportunities open to you – but where do you start with making a decision? There are actually a number of places that you can take your caravan, each offering a different atmosphere, yet a relaxing stay all the same:
  • Caravan Park
    This would have to be the most popular place to visit on your holiday, as these parks offer a number of amenities and facilities that can make your stay that much more comfortable. Many parks will have swimming pools, playgrounds, toilet, shower and even pet-friendly facilities, as well as offering travelers the luxury of choosing their own site. 
  • Bush or Roadside Camping
    This has been common practice for caravan travelers in Australia ever since we were first settled – these days, however, many people are worried about their security in stopping on the roadside, so will avoid doing so wherever possible. If this an experience you would still like to try out, opt to stay in some of the designated camping sites dotted along the highways. 
  • National Park Camping
    Behind the humble caravan park, camping in national parks is the next most popular destination for travelers. Whilst most of these camping grounds are designed for tents, many will cater easily for caravans (just do your research beforehand). The most important thing to remember with this choice is that powered sites are pretty much non-existent, so be prepared to be self-sufficient. 
If you are an avid caravan traveler, it is likely that you have tried out at least one of the above destinations and, if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? When planning your next trip, why not try staying somewhere different and see how you like it? You might find your newest passion, you never know!

Wednesday 20 June 2012

A Closer Look At The Rise Of Caravans For Sale In Australia


Caravan For Sale
Caravan For Sale

There are many beautiful areas of the Australian landscape that have attracted holidaymakers for years, from the scenic coast to the leafy forests to the barren desert. But is the discovery of these amazing locations the reason that we have seen a rise in the number of caravans for sale and being purchased across the country over the last few years? Perhaps.

There can be no denying that Australia has some beautiful holiday destinations, but it is also impossible to deny that these places can be enjoyed without a caravan in tow – there are plenty of hotels, holiday homes, motels, camping sites and even resorts that holidaymakers could choose to stay in instead. There must be something about the humble caravan, then, that is making this option such a popular one.

Eureka! There are a number of benefits associated with the purchase of a caravan, including the fact that it is a home on wheels (allowing you to take everything you could possibly need with you), that it is much cheaper than some other holidays (as site fees are nowhere near as exorbitant as those for hotels or resorts), and that you can pretty much go wherever you want (whereas the other options confine you to certain areas).

When it comes to caravans for sale, Australia has an abundance of these handy and versatile vehicles. Whether you’re after a big van that fits in every member of your immediate or extended family, or you’re after a small caravan that is cozy enough for you and your significant other, you are sure to find what you are looking for somewhere across our great wide land.

Tuesday 12 June 2012

How To Save Money On Caravan Insurance

Many people shocked when they see how much their caravan insurance is going to cost them a year – when you take into account the fact that it is a vehicle that must also have its contents covered, it quickly becomes clear that insurance isn’t cheap. If you would like to save on your caravan insurance, however, there are a number of ways that you can do this effectively:
  • Level of cover: like with cars, caravans can be covered by fully comprehensive insurance or third party (with fire and theft added in for good measure). If you want to save some money, consider only giving your van third party coverage. 
  • Policy: there is more than one caravan insurance policy out there, so take a look at what yours includes and see whether you can cut anything out to bring the costs down a bit. If you don’t care about having parts replaced by brand new ones, make sure the policy says this; if you only want to be covered at certain times of the year, find a policy that does this; and so on. 
  • Security: some caravan insurance providers will offer you discounts if you have fitted your van with security devices, such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and GPS trackers. 
If you would like to save some money on your caravan insurance, you should look into one of the above scenarios and decide which one is going to benefit you most. If you have a brand new caravan, for example, you would not take out only third party coverage; you would have to save money by looking at the fine details of your policy or by installing security devices.

Thursday 24 May 2012

Are you bored of your old caravan? Why not exchange it?

Often the caravan that has been your co-traveler from years becomes boring. The same interior, same appliances and the same look often don’t boost up your interest to enjoy your journey. Since you have to spend several hours staying inside it has to be interesting enough to tie you inside with your will. Another condition is when existing caravan becomes insufficient. That means, your family might have grown or you think of more luxurious van for holidaying.

In any of the case, you don’t really dare to spend on caravans. Cause is obvious, i.e. the cost. A fresh new caravan may eat away all your savings if you start looking for new model. Also, if your caravan is working fine, you don’t find any reason to replace it. But, that doesn’t at all mean that you will have to stick to that boring van against your will. You have a solution to exchange it. Yes, you can find many caravans for sale around your neighbor or on web which provides the options of exchange. Just exchange your van against a new one or an older one.

If you get the new model you may have to pay just a little portion depending on the features you want. Else if you are exchanging it against the older model or the used one but higher model than yours then possibly you don’t have to pay anything or so minimal that won’t bother you at all. The major benefit is that whereas you a fresh new van for your next vacation you also get rid if your older van. So, don’t wait, find replacement of your old caravan today!

Thursday 17 May 2012

Choosing Blinds For Your Caravan

When people buy a caravan (either brand new or second hand), they sometimes like to change the curtains that the van has come with to some blinds. There are a number of reasons for this – perhaps the original curtains were outdated or damaged in some way, or perhaps the owner wants to make their van more modern. For whatever reason, you have a number of options when it comes to choosing caravan blinds:
  • Roller Blinds: these can be produced in a range of colours and materials (including aluminium), ensuring that you give your caravan windows the best protection possible. These blinds are very easy to use and would fit seamlessly into any caravan.
  • Cassette Blinds: there is a range of brands, styles and qualities available in these types of blinds for caravans. Like roller blinds, the cassette style are also highly easy to use and will protect any caravan’s upholstery from the harmful sun.
  • Sun Blinds: this type of blind is more popular across Europe, but they are starting to find their way into Australian caravans. These blinds act in a very similar way to the sunshades that you place in your car windows to protect the upholstery.
If there is another type of blind that you are simply dying to use in your caravan, go for it! Simply contact a blinds specialist and see how they can help you – you never know, you could be onto the next blind trend. Some people also like to couple curtains and blinds in their caravans (curtains because they look nice and blinds because they do a great job at blocking the sun). The choice really is yours, so choose wisely.