SAFETY MATTERS WITH JAMES FIELD
THE BIG DECISION!
BUYING A NEW VAN IS ABOUT AS EXCITING AS
IT GETS. BUT IT CAN BE DAUNTING, TOO. THESE
TIPS SHOULD SET YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH.
With so many RV types and models to choose
from, it can be hard to know where to start when
looking to buy. The upside is that there is an RV
to suit nearly everyone’s needs and budget, from
small tent trailers to motorhomes and everything
in between.
The key is to determine your needs and why you
are buying an RV. Clearly defining your ‘why’ is
the best way to start your purchasing journey.
1. First, do you want to tow it or drive it? If you
are keen on towing, can your current car safely
and legally tow and, if so, how much can it
tow? Knowing this will enable you to focus on
what type of product you can buy (e.g. caravan
or camper trailer). If you just want to jump in
and drive, a campervan or motorhome may be
the way to go.
That way, you can focus more on the RV in
question, rather than stressing about how to
handle a larger rig. It’s important to choose an
RV you feel safe, confident and comfortable
driving or towing, and one that you can see
yourself enjoying for years to come.
4. Is the manufacturer accredited? Make sure
you look for the RVMAP Accreditation Key
near the entr y door of the RV as you
shop around.
2. Consider what type of trips you want to take. 5. Make sure you head to an industry-run caravan
Are you looking to head off with the family for
weekend getaways or are you planning to do
a lap of Australia? Do you want to be able to
take it offroad? Will you have access to power
and water? Do you want to bring along a boat
as well?
3. Test drive or test tow! Once you have narrowed
it down, take some options for a spin and see
how they feel. If you’ve never towed a caravan
or driven a motorhome/campervan before,
you might consider renting one in advance so
it’s not an altogether new experience.
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and camping show when looking to buy. These
shows provide the best way to see an incredibly
wide range of product all in one place.
RVs displayed at industry-run shows are
subjected to random compliance reviews, which
provide the consumer a level of confidence in
the products they are considering purchasing.
– James Field is the chief technical officer of the
RV industry’s national body, the Caravan Industry
Association of Australia.