Used Caravans for Sale
Looking to buy a used caravan? You're not alone—2nd hand caravans are one of the most popular ways Australians start their road trip adventures, upgrade their touring lifestyle, or explore off-road or off-grid travel without the price tag of a brand-new caravan model. However, with numerous brands, models, features, and potential pitfalls, knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and stress.
Why Buy Second Hand Caravans From a Licensed Dealer?
When buying a used caravan, your choice of seller can significantly impact the quality, safety, and after-sales experience. The CTIAQ recommends buying from a licensed dealer (rather than a private seller) because this is the only way to guarantee a 'clear title' on the RV you're buying. 'Clear title' means the used caravan is not stolen or written off, is not subject to any legal disputes or claims by a third party, and is not under any loan or finance agreement.
Licensed dealers, such as the Apollo RV Super Centre, conduct thorough checks to ensure that the caravans they sell are not stolen, reborn (and often re-identified), or encumbered (they don't have any outstanding money owing on them). If a caravan is stolen, the purchaser will not lose their money, and a claim can be made for compensation. Find out more.
Here are some more reasons why buying from a licensed dealer is a wise choice:
Factor | Dealership (e.g. Apollo RV Super Centre) | Private Seller |
Vehicle Condition | Professionally inspected and certified | Varies widely; buyer must assess condition |
Warranties | Often included (statutory or extended) | Rare or not offered |
After-Sales Support | National service and parts network | None; buyer assumes responsibility |
Finance Options | Available with structured plans | Uncommon; external finance needed |
Paperwork & Compliance | Managed by dealership staff | Buyer must manage legal documents |
PPSR/Finance Checks | Completed before sale | Buyer must verify financial encumbrances |
Time to Purchase | Ready-to-drive inventory, faster processing | May involve long waits and back-and-forth |
Test & Compare | Multiple models on-site | One-off viewing, limited comparison |
Inspection Environment | Onsite with expert staff | At seller’s home, may be limited or rushed |
Risk Level | Low – business reputation at stake | Higher – buyer assumes all responsibility |
Buying second-hand caravans can be one of the smartest and most rewarding ways to embrace the life-changing caravan lifestyle—without the hefty price tag of a brand-new model. Whether you're a newbie or a long-time traveller looking to upgrade, here's what to consider before you sign on the dotted line.
FAQs - Used Caravans For Sale
Look for regular servicing from qualified technicians, ideally on an annual basis or before and after major trips. Key items include brake checks, suspension servicing, bearing replacements, and water system maintenance. If the caravan has a solar or gas setup, ensure that compliance checks have been done. A complete history shows that the caravan has been well-maintained—and often indicates fewer surprises after you buy.
Start by checking your vehicle's braked towing capacity—this is listed in your owner's manual or online. Then, compare it to the caravan's ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass), which includes the caravan when it's fully loaded. It's best to keep at least a 10% buffer between your vehicle's limit and the caravan's ATM. Also, consider the tow ball weight, the number of axles, and whether your vehicle is fitted with a brake controller.
Private sales can offer great value, but they also come with more risk. You should look out for:
A clear and complete service history
Evidence of ownership and ID that matches the registration
A willingness to let you inspect or get the caravan professionally checked
Red flags like vague answers, pressure to pay quickly, or inconsistent photos
The VIN, so you can run a PPSR check for outstanding finance or write-offs. The PPSR, or Personal Property Securities Register, is an online, government-managed register in Australia that tracks security interests in personal property.
Yes. Every used caravan undergoes a detailed pre-sale inspection, covering structural conditions, safety, electrical, gas, and plumbing systems, as well as legal checks. We ensure all caravans meet the highest standards so you can buy with confidence.
Absolutely. We offer trade-in options to make upgrading easier. The sales process operates on a 'consignment' basis. This means you hand over (consign) your RV to us, and we then work towards selling it. For the service, we will take a commission from the sale. Our process is seamless and straightforward, eliminating the guesswork from the selling process. Bring your caravan in for an appraisal, and we'll provide a competitive offer that can go toward your next purchase.