With the surge in domestic travel, caravanning has become an increasingly popular holiday choice for Australians. Local caravan manufacturers are reporting a spike in queries and web searches during recent weeks for guidance on what to buy and which features to prioritise.
Given the bewildering range of van sizes, styles, layouts and construction materials on the market, it’s understandable that first-time buyers are seeking expert advice for deciding which type and model is suitable for their specific needs, including the terrain where they intend to travel.
Award-winning local manufacturer Crusader Caravans has seen a doubling in its website traffic over the Christmas holiday break, with thousands researching caravan purchasing.
Attracting the highest number of website hits and downloads has been Crusader Caravans’ Buyer’s Guide and Checklist. Since launching in July 2020, the guide and checklist publications have been downloaded over 40,000 times, with an average of 200 new downloads per week.
Crusader Caravans Founder and CEO Serge Valentino explained that Australians are increasingly seeking guidance on caravan purchases to ensure they attain the best long-term value and protection.
“Buying a caravan is a significant investment so it’s not a decision people take lightly. There’s a lot to consider – budget, size needs, features, their car’s towing capacity and whether they’re planning on going off-road. Many buyers worry about making the wrong choice and want to ensure they’re getting real value and a product that will last,” Serge said.
“We created the Buyer’s Guide as an objective and comprehensive overview for caravan buyers, including a one-page checklist of the top 10 questions every buyer should ask before making a purchase – it’s a resource that helps buyers separate great caravan manufacturers from the rest.
“With 22 years of caravan manufacturing experience it’s fair to say we know a thing or two about caravans. We want to ensure every buyer has all the information they need to make the right purchase decision for them – whether that’s a Crusader van or not.
“The Crusader Caravans’ guide is designed to equip Australians with the knowledge and confidence needed to make a well-informed purchase, outlining important notes such as whether the manufacturer complies with the RVSA (Road Vehicle Safety Act).”
Other important caravan-buying considerations include:
• what is the towing capacity of the vehicle you’re intending to use to transport the van [The Buyer’s Guide provides a practical explanation of the different weights – maximum braked towing capacity, maximum tow ball weight capacity, gross vehicle mass (GVM) and gross combined mass (GVM) – that determine your vehicle’s caravan-towing capacity.]
• has the van been comprehensively tested for quality assurance, including for water resistance, and suitability for Australia’s variable weather and road conditions?
• does the caravan have optimal safety features, e.g. electronic stability control (ESC), reversing cameras, smoke alarms, security doors?
According to Tourism Research Australia, caravanning and camping have become one of the most popular ways for Australians to travel with:
• 15.3 million caravan and camping trips taken in 2023, exceeding pre-COVID levels
• $14.3 billion in total spend, with 90% of nights spent in regional Australia
• a record 859,000 caravans and campervans registered, a 21% increase since 2019.
"We appreciate that purchasing a caravan is a significant decision for the entire family and there’s lots to consider. As the Caravan Manufacturer of the Year, we see it as our responsible to help people, especially first-time caravan buyers. A caravan offers years of affordable holidays and strong resale value down the track if the right purchase decision is made,” says Serge.
To access Crusader Caravans’ Buyer’s Guide and Checklist, go to
crusadercaravans.com.au/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-caravan/
About us:
Crusader Caravans is a multi-award-winning Australian manufacturer of superior-quality caravans. First established in 2002 by Serge Valentino who has decades of hands-on caravanbuilding experience, the brand is held in high regard by industry experts, competitors and
customers alike. In 2016 Crusader Caravans partnered with Mawson Group to assist with strategy, capital, and management expertise. The partnership established a powerful combination of manufacturing prowess and astute management practices. Crusader Caravans has now firmly established itself as a leading supplier of exceptionally well-built caravans, and a financially robust brand caravan buyers can count on and trust.
The year 2022 marked a major milestone for the company with the opening of the new state of-the-art manufacturing plant. The new factory is the most advanced manufacturing plant in the Australian caravan industry. Crusader Caravans continues to create new industry benchmarks, cementing them as one of Australia’s most premier caravan brands. At the core of the business is grassroots leadership, a customer-first mentality and a passion for helping more Australians enjoy the ultimate adventure lifestyle. For more information on Crusader Caravans, please visit www.crusadercaravans.com.au
Contact details:
For more information, images or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Karen Strahan
Soda Communications
E: karen@sodacommunications.com.au| M: 0417 361 465
Emily Stojcevski
Soda Communications
E: emily@sodacommunications.com.au | M: 0409 552 913
