How much should you spend on a caravan?

To set a budget it’s crucial to visualise your dream van-lifestyle. There’s no point spending a fortune on a huge off-roader that barely leaves the driveway, so think about how you’ll use your caravan. Are you planning weekend escapes or the big lap which could take months or years? Are you heading off-grid? The type and amount of travel you’re aiming for will determine how important things such as independent rear suspension or off-road capabilities will be to your new van.

 New or used? New vans come with peace of mind in the form of warranties and options for customisation but cost more. Pre-loved vans can offer terrific savings and often include accessories added by previous owners but on the flip-side can have issues so make sure to thoroughly check for problems such as leaking, rust and knocking noises.

 It’s also important to consider how you are going to tow. Do you need to include funds for a towing vehicle in the budget? Others expenses to consider are fuel, insurance, registration, equipment and accessories, service, maintenance and site fees.