Consigning Your Caravan – A Good idea?

Consigning a caravan has several advantages for those looking to sell without handling the process themselves. Here are some key pros:

1. **Professional Presentation**:

Dealers often have the expertise to prepare and present your caravan in the best possible way, ensuring it looks appealing to potential buyers. This may include dressing the bed, adding plants and cushions etc.

2. **Wider Market Reach**:

Dealerships have established marketing channels, including websites, social media, and networks of interested buyers. They can get your caravan in front of more people than you might on your own.

3. **Handling of Paperwork**:

Selling a caravan involves various legal and financial paperwork. Consignment dealers manage these details, ensuring everything is handled correctly.

4. **Negotiation Skills**:

Professionals are experienced in negotiating with buyers, ensuring that you get the best possible price for your caravan.

5. **Convenience**:

The dealership takes care of all aspects of the sale, including inquiries, viewings, and negotiations. This saves you time and effort, as you don’t have to meet buyers or deal with the logistics of the sale.

6. **Safety**:

When you consign, the dealer takes care of showing the caravan to potential buyers, ensuring you don’t have to worry about strangers coming to your property.

7. **Trusted Sale Process**:

Buyers are often more comfortable purchasing from a dealer, checks, and other assurances.

8. **Storage Options**: 

Many consignment services include storage for your caravan, ensuring it is kept secure while waiting for a buyer.

These factors make consigning an attractive option for caravan owners looking for a hassle-free selling experience.

Like what you’ve read here? Contact us today to discuss what your caravan could be worth.

CARAVAN OF THE YEAR – Wonderland RV’s XTR 2211

Australian-made. Built  tough. Luxury finish. What else could you ask for in a new van?

Well, the 22ft 11′ XTR has just been awarded Caravan of the Year 2024 after being voted as being the Best Overall Caravan, Best Family Caravan and Most Innovative Build!

If that hasn’t grabbed your attention yet, you better keep reading…

Meet the ultimate off-roader and the jewel of the Wonderland RV range. Fully loaded with all the luxury features, XTR was made to conquer the most extreme Australian landscapes with ease. It is the pinnacle of off-road caravanning.

Wonderland RV specialise in luxury, off-road caravans built for the Australian caravanning adventurer. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple, or a family, the Wonderland RV range can be personalised to suit your needs and adventuring style.

With their high-quality design, build and materials, Wonderland RV combines luxury and durability for the perfect Off-Roader experience.

If you’re considering buying a family van, then this could be exactly what you’ve been searching for – plus a whole lot more!

At Aussie Escape, we take pride in working closely with our customers to achieve the desired results that they are searching for within a new caravan. We can’t wait to hear what it is you’re looking for, and to make those dreams become a reality. Our design expert Emma takes you through the whole process from the first consultation, colour selection and all the way to collecting your custom Wonderland RV – start your adventure with the piece of mind that you’re being looked after.

If we’ve got you hooked, our vans are available to view at Aussie Escape Caravans, 40 South Pine Road, Brendale, QLD, 4500 – we’re the exclusive Wonderland RV dealership!

Make sure to catch Emma and the vans at the Let’s Go QLD Caravan & Camping Super Show at the Brisbane Showgrounds 5th-9th June! We’re at site 435 in Sideshow Alley – Save the Date and Come and say hi!

Things to Remember When Buying a Pre-Owned Caravan

Whether you’re purchasing from a private seller or a dealership, there are several important items to address when buying a used caravan.

This begins with a question. Are you buying from a reputable dealer? Check Google and Facebook reviews regarding to the company and ensure they have a current ABN. It’s not just about the quality of van you are purchasing, but you also need to have access to after-sales care if you need further help with your new caravan.

Pre-Owned Caravans do not come with a warranty. Because usually the warranty on the van has run out by the time it’s owners are ready to sell- and quite honestly, sometimes the businesses selling don’t know the full history of the caravan and what it’s been through.

You do however, have the option of buying an extended warranty. We personally use AWN and they have packages suited specifically for used caravans. Not having a warranty means you may have to do a little research into the brand of caravan you are looking at, and when sighting the van, asking the owner if the van has had any recent repairs. If they have, ensure the repairs are done properly and the van no longer has any issues. Items like cupboard door hinges or entry handles break often and are easy to replace – so don’t worry if the van you’re looking at has a couple of cosmetic issues.

Has the caravan had its checks and certification?

By law, to sell a Used Caravan it must have a very recent Roadworthy and Gas Certificate (We’re talking within the last 3 months!) There are very strict Gas compliance requirements on Caravans at the moment, with many caravans needing the upgrades. A Roadworthy certificate is a MUST as these tell you that the van is in great condition and doesn’t need any major works. Roadworthy checks look at the condition of the Chassis, all running gear including breaks and hubs, and the 12V systems. Remember, this is a legal document that all sellers must produce at the time of sale – Private or Dealership.

Will your car tow the caravan you’re looking at?

When purchasing from a reputable dealership, you will be asked what your tow vehicle is, because legally you cannot be sold a caravan that is too heavy for your car. If you’re unsure about weights in caravanning, our Towing & Compliance Centre can provide you with all the information you need.

Ask lots of questions.

Always ask lots of questions and make sure you’re happy with the answer. It can be a big financial move buying a Used Caravan, so you need to make sure you’re feeling confident and happy with your purchase.

Let’s Go QLD Caravan & Camping Supershow 2024

One brand that stood out from the crowd like always was our incredible Wonderland RV site. Located in Marquee 1 in sideshow alley, we were front and centre stage with a huge site footprint. Decorated with real native plants, hay bales and Aussie animals, we were standing out from the crowd – not to mention our brand new GIANT inflatable marquee which caught many customers eyes.

There were seven brand new Wonderlands on display, each with their spectacular individual layouts and colour combinations. The seemingly most popular at the show was our 17’05 Amaroo – a custom designed RV that had arrived from Victoria only that week – luckily for us, its owners allowed us to showcase her for the week! A new size for Wonderland, and weighing in at a 3T ATM and with all the extras you’d expect from a luxury RV, it’s proving to be incredibly popular already amongst couples.

Next on the display was our 21ft Tandem Axle Hornet, proudly displayed at the front of our site. A minimalistic black and white exterior brought families in to explore it’s double bunk layout with full off-road capabilities.

It’s inviting dark leather seating and light oak wood surfaces created a homely feel with plenty of space and storage for those wanting to use the van as a home on wheels. With no surprise, this van sold at the show and we are incredibly excited to see what adventures are in-store for this family.

The Aussie Escape Team were joined by several members of Wonderland RV who flew in all the way from Victoria to come and help us out. One of which was Rick, a full time Wonderland RV enthusiast who lives in his caravan and travels Australia with his family. Rick was able to draw customers in with his amazing stories and extremely useful information about living inside these luxury RV’s.

Our show special of $8,000 towards free upgrades on the vans enticed several buyers, so we’re currently gearing up for plenty of colour selection appointments and handovers. We are genuinely so excited to have these vans built for you – Welcome to the Wonderland RV family!

Aussie Escape doesn’t have any more shows on our radar at the moment, but if you’d like to view a Wonderland RV or get more information, please contact us today on (07)3205 7738 OR email Emma at [email protected]

5 Tips to Take the Weight off of Caravanning

It’s quite a task when packing your Caravan for a trip away, it’s a fine balance between taking more than you need for ‘ just in case ‘ instances and not taking enough!

Here are some simple tips and tricks for taking the weight off:

1. Empty those water tanks!

If you’re heading to a local campsite with town water supply, there’s no need to load the tanks unless it’s completely necessary. Also, remember that the tanks can be used as a counterweight, so check that you’re loading your van appropriately and that the weight is low down in the van when the tanks are empty.

Tip: Avoid driving with water tanks half full – this causes the water to slosh around and instability when driving!

2. Don’t Bring the Whole Wardrobe

The original idea of camping is living off of the basics – so consider how many outfits you’ll actually need, and avoid packing heavy jeans, puffy coats and bulky shoes if you know the weather will be warm. This sounds obvious, but when you’re packing for a whole family, these items are extremely weighty!

Tip: The same goes for clothes hangers; try and fold and place your clothes in drawers rather than bringing the hangers too!

3.  Think Plastic & Recyclables

There’s a reason they make caravan accessories such as handles, cupboard door knobs and roof hatches out of plastic. If too many were made out of metal the kilograms would add up quickly. Think of this when packing knives and forks, kitchen utensils and storage tubs. Plastic (or Melamine) & single-use wooden cutlery utensils are much lighter, and consider using lightweight, collapsible space-saving buckets & boxes as they tend the weigh much less, and save on a tonne of storage room.

Tip: Paper plates are also very popular when camping as they save the washing up, and you also wouldn’t have to worry about them moving around in the cupboard when towing! If you’re environmentally conscious, melamine plates and bowls are a great alternative.

4. Swap the Batteries

Replace your AGM batteries with Lithium. Lithium batteries are smaller, more lightweight, charge faster and if they’re properly maintained, they will last much longer than the AGMs’ ( Some around 10years! )

Tip: A 120AH Lithium battery provides around 60% more useable power than their AGM cousins, and would save you around 20KG on your caravan weights!

5. Get Your Set-Up Weighed

Towing a caravan that is overweight is like playing Russian Roulette on the highway.

It is definitely illegal, a terrible idea, and it can be very costly!

Not sure about your weights? Take a trip over our scales at Aussie Escape Caravans for that piece of mind.

Book in today (07) 3205 7738