Owning a caravan for the first, second or 10th time is an amazing feeling. Knowing you can pack up and go and everything you need is already on board, makes travelling and weekends away a breeze. It offers freedom, flexibility and comfort, but it can also come with its own list of hazards. Caravanning can sometimes come with a steep learning curve. So, whether you’re new to the world of caravanning or have been towing for years, You may still want to take a look at these common mistakes that you may want to avoid.
At RV Central, we’ve seen it all, and worked with countless many a customers who have had to learn on the go—sometimes the hard way. That’s why we’ve decided to compile a list of some of the most common mistakes caravanners make, and how to avoid them. If you’re currently looking for campers for sale in Sydney, exploring small camping trailers, or considering the benefits of hybrid caravans, this guide is essential reading.
1. Choosing the Wrong Caravan, Camper or Motorhome for Your Needs
When you choose your van, you can’t just rely on your gut instinct. Too many buyers choose a model based purely on emotion or aesthetics, without considering whether it suits their lifestyle, tow vehicle, or travel plans. Did you know that most caravanners will buy approximately. 3 vans before they settle for the right one? This is because a caravan may look great on the showroom floor, but if you haven’t considered how heavy it is for your car, how capable you are at towing, or exactly where you will spend most of your time travelling, it may just not suit. This means it can become a liability rather than an asset.
Matching your new caravan to your towing vehicle’s capabilities is probably the most important step, ensuring that you’re factoring in braked towing capacity, gross vehicle mass (GVM), and payload. Secondly, think carefully about how you’ll use the van. 2 people embarking on long off-grid adventures will have very different needs to the family ducking away for the weekend. At RV Central, our team can walk you through the process to ensure you find the right fit from our range of campers, caravans, and hybrids.
2. Overloading the Van
It’s very tempting to pack everything you might need “just in case,” but most of the time you just end up with an overloaded van full of stuff you never used. This can compromise handling, braking, and overall safety. And you need to be aware that overloading could also void insurance and even make the van illegal to tow.
Multi-purpose items are always better than single purpose, and if you don’t know if you’ll use it we have a handy tip,
Tip – Take a packet of sticky dots and when you use an item, place a sticky dot on it. When you get home anything without a sticker gets unpacked and left behind on the next trip.
You’ll be surprised at how little you need to be comfortable. Once you know what you’re packing, always load heavy gear low and close to the axle to maintain balance. If you want to force yourself to pack light, small camping trailers offer a more compact and manageable solution, encouraging thoughtful packing from the outset.
3. Skipping Pre-Departure Checks
You have a checklist for packing, shopping and even destinations, so why not have one for Pre-departure checks. Following a pre-departure safety check every time you head off is an easy way to avoid disaster on the road. Include everything from checking tyre pressure and condition, ensuring the lights and brakes are working, and confirming the tow hitch, safety chains, and breakaway system are correctly connected.
It’s easy to overlook these details when you’re in a rush to get away, but skipping them can lead to serious problems, like flat tyres, detached trailers, or even road accidents. If you’re unsure about what to look for, the RV Central service team offers comprehensive pre-trip inspections for peace of mind.
4. Towing Without Proper Experience
Towing a caravan is very different from regular driving. Many new owners assume that they’re ready to hit the road if their vehicle can handle the weight. But poor towing technique—such as taking corners too sharply, failing to leave enough stopping distance, or not accounting for the extra length—can be both dangerous and stressful.
Practising in a quiet area before taking on longer drives can help build confidence. It’s also wise to install towing mirrors and brake controllers and to get advice on weight distribution. At RV Central, we’re happy to provide guidance on safe towing when you collect your new van.
5. Not Practising Setup and Pack Down
Depending on your caravan, the setting up and packing down can be overwhelming and feel like it’s taking forever. Practicing at home and in good weather, may help you get it right when you’re away. If you haven’t practised before your first trip, you might find yourself frustrated and disorganised—especially if you arrive late to a busy caravan park, or you get there in the rain.
Don’t forget to practise levelling your van, connecting power and water, deploying awnings, and securing items inside and out. These routines help protect your van from damage and make the experience smoother. To assist, we offer articles in our RV Central blog with step-by-step guidance for new travellers.
6. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Your caravan is an investment, and even though it doesn’t have an engine, like any vehicle, it needs regular maintenance to keep it performing safely and reliably. Ignoring checks such as checking bearings, brakes, tyres, and seals can result in costly repairs down the line or, worse, cause mechanical failures during your trip.
At RV Central, our qualified technicians offer comprehensive servicing packages to suit every van type, including hybrid caravans and campers. Booking regular maintenance helps preserve your van’s value and ensures it’s always ready for the next adventure.
7. Travelling Without Insurance or Roadside Assistance
Caravans are not immune to accidents, theft, or breakdowns, and being caught out without proper insurance or roadside assistance can turn a minor issue into a major crisis. Too often, new owners assume their vehicle insurance covers the van, only to find out it doesn’t.
Before hitting the road, make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your caravan, as well as roadside assistance tailored to larger vehicles. We’re happy to recommend providers who understand the needs of caravanners.
8. Poor Trip Planning
We get it! You bought the caravan so that you can take off on a whim, and not have to think too hard about where to stop, but there’s still plenty that needs to be considered. If you want to travel during peak holiday periods, school holidays or long weekends, you may find that many caravan parks fill up quickly. Queues at things like fuel stations and dump points may be a frustration, and filling with water may be harder in remote regions.
A bit of planning goes a long way. Booking sites in advance, knowing where your next refill point is, and ensuring your van is equipped for off-grid travel can save you a lot of stress. If you’re planning remote travel, our range of hybrid caravans is specifically designed for rugged, self-sufficient touring.
9. Ignoring Caravan Park Etiquette
Caravan parks can be busy, and being a good neighbour can go a long way. Good etiquette at caravan parks isn’t just about being polite—it helps everyone enjoy their stay. People want to travel with their friends, kids and even pets, so avoiding common issues such as making noise after hours, allowing pets to roam, or walking through other people’s sites will help everyone enjoy their stay.
Every park is different so understanding park rules helps you avoid conflicts. Many of our customers travel with pets, and we’re happy to provide tips and information on pet-friendly camping and appropriate setups on our blog.
10. Inadequate Security Measures
Unfortunately, caravans can be a target for theft. People know that many of us have a lot of our possessions in a van, and they also know that they are not usually as secure as our houses. Both on the road and in storage, you should always think about the security of your van. Don’t wait until something is stolen.
You can install things such as wheel clamps, hitch locks, and even GPS tracking. These can deter theft and provide peace of mind. When your van is not in use, storing it securely or using a quality caravan cover can help protect it from both criminals and the elements. RV Central offers a range of caravan accessories, including security gear designed for Australian conditions.
11. Failing to Plan for Storage Between Trips
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a caravan, but what will you do with it when you’re not travelling? Check your council rules as some councils have restrictions on parking large vehicles on the street or even in your driveway. Even if the council has no rules, ensuring your van is parked somewhere that is not in the way of your neighbours is paramount.
Before buying, consider where your caravan will live between trips. As much as you’d like to think you’ll always be in your caravan, unless you’re retired it’s likely that it will be stored for more time than it’s used. You may need to rent a secure storage space or invest in a weather-resistant cover. We can offer guidance on storage options, including sizing and maintenance to help you keep your van in top condition.
12. Overlooking the Capabilities of the Tow Vehicle
Your caravan is only half the equation—your tow vehicle must also be up to the task. Many people purchase a caravan and only later discover that their vehicle can’t legally or safely tow it. Always check the braked towing capacity and ensure you’re within the legal combined weight limits for vehicle and van.
If you’re unsure, our experienced team can assist with choosing a van that suits your vehicle. When browsing campers for sale in Sydney through RV Central, we can provide advice on compatibility to make sure you drive away with confidence.
13. Making an Impulsive Purchase
Buying a caravan is a big investment, and rushing into a purchase can lead to disappointment. If you’re heading to the local caravan show to check out all the models in one place, make sure you go home and think it over before signing on the dotted line. Caravans are an investment and like most things will depreciate in value. It’s not uncommon for people to choose a model that doesn’t suit their needs, only to sell it months later at a loss.
Take the time to research different models, ask questions, and understand the long-term implications. At RV Central, we encourage customers to compare layouts, inspect build quality, and test features to make informed decisions. Whether you’re looking at a full-size van or a camping trailer for sale in Sydney, our team is here to help you get it right.
14. Underestimating Power and Water Requirements
Off-grid caravanning is a completely new experience, and once you do it once, you’ll usually be hooked. It is one of the great joys of caravanning, but it also requires much more planning. You usually need much more water and power than you expect and running out of battery power or water while you’re in a remote area can quickly shorten your trip.
It’s important to understand your van’s power usage and solar capabilities, especially if you rely on appliances like fridges, lights, or fans. Many hybrid caravans come equipped with solar panels, lithium batteries, and larger tanks—ideal for off-grid adventures.
15. Forgetting to Budget for Ongoing Costs
Finally, Don’t get caught off guard when it comes to pricing. It’s easy to focus on the upfront cost of buying a caravan, but the ongoing cost of ownership also needs to be considered. Registration, insurance, servicing, and storage all add up, and can differ depending on size, weight and inclusions. Fuel consumption is also a factor to weigh up when looking at sizes.
At RV Central, we’re transparent about total ownership costs and can help you choose a caravan that fits both your lifestyle and budget.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
If you’re ready to explore our full range of campers, small camping trailers for sale, or off-road-ready hybrid caravans, visit RV Central or contact our expert team today.
We can help you avoid these common mistakes and make a huge difference to your caravanning experience. Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading to your next van, having the right knowledge—and the right van—can make every trip smoother and more enjoyable.
