25/06/2026
Do Your Homework Before Buying a Caravan
Buying a new caravan is one of the biggest purchases many Australians will ever make. For most people, it's the gateway to years of travel and adventure. But recent events have shown that choosing a manufacturer isn't just about floor plans, colours or features, it's also about making sure the company will still be around to build and support your van.
Over the past 12 months, several Australian caravan manufacturers have entered voluntary administration or liquidation, leaving customers, suppliers and employees in a difficult position. Some buyers have lost substantial deposits, while others have been left without the caravan they were promised. The last 2 to 3 weeks has seen 5 manufacturers go into administration.
This doesn't mean you should avoid buying a new caravan. It does mean you should do your homework before signing a contract.
How can you check a manufacturer's financial health?
You don't need to be an accountant to spot potential warning signs. It can be difficult with private companies but here are a few simple checks anyone can do:
- Search the ASIC Registers to confirm the company is registered and check for any insolvency notices.
- Check ABN Lookup to ensure the business is legitimate and the ABN is active.
- Purchase an ASIC Company Extract to see company details and director information.
- Consider obtaining a commercial credit report through providers such as CreditorWatch.
- Search recent news articles for reports of financial difficulties, legal action or administration.
- Read owner forums and Facebook groups to identify recurring concerns about delivery delays, warranty support or customer service.
No single check tells the whole story, but together they can provide a much clearer picture of a company's financial health.
Don't overlook the contract
Many buyers focus on the caravan specifications but spend very little time reviewing the purchase contract. This can be an expensive mistake.
If the manufacturer requires progress payments, don't assume the payment schedule is non-negotiable. Many builders are willing to discuss terms, particularly if you're an informed buyer.
Consider negotiating:
- A smaller initial deposit.
- Progress payments that match genuine construction milestones, rather than fixed calendar dates.
- Paying only after you've received evidence that each stage has been completed.
- Retaining a final payment until the caravan has passed its pre-delivery inspection and you've accepted delivery.
- A clear refund process if the manufacturer is unable to complete the caravan.
The further ahead your payments are compared to the actual construction of your caravan, the greater your financial exposure if something goes wrong.
Other questions worth asking
- How much deposit is required?
- Are progress payments necessary, and what milestones trigger them?
- How long has the company been manufacturing caravans?
- What happens to your deposit if the company becomes insolvent?
- Are customer deposits held in a separate trust account?
- How is warranty work handled if your local dealer closes?
A reputable manufacturer should have no hesitation discussing these questions.
The recent failures within the caravan industry are a reminder that even well-known brands can experience financial difficulties. Fortunately, most manufacturers continue to operate successfully and deliver excellent products.
At Mobile Weight Check, we see caravans from almost every manufacturer. We encourage every buyer to investigate the company behind the caravan just as thoroughly as they inspect the caravan itself.
An hour spent researching a manufacturer and understanding the purchase contract could save you many thousands of dollars and a great deal of heartache.
