If you’re in the market to buy a secondhand caravan, you’ve probably spent countless hours online looking for the perfect model that ticks all your boxes. However, it can be frustrating when locally filtered searches yield little that takes your fancy, and broader searches reveal that all the best caravans are interstate. And often, those caravans are in Melbourne! This may not be a problem if you currently reside in Victoria, but not everyone has the time or inclination to trek across the country to pick up their dream caravan.
So, why are the best caravans always in Melbourne? Should you simply make do with a secondhand caravan closer to home, or is caravan freight from Melbourne a viable option?
Melbourne’s Caravan Boom
There are a few reasons why Melbourne is a hot spot for used caravans. Not only is it the HQ for caravan production, but Melbourne also has a large population and a strong caravanning culture.
However, a recent global event drove an explosion of caravan sales in Melbourne — the COVID-19 pandemic. With Melbournians having spent over 260 days in lockdown between 2020-21, the former ‘World’s Most Livable City’ earned the unenviable title of ‘the most locked down city in the world.’ So, it’s not surprising that when curfews and restrictions were finally lifted, people craved travel. With continued uncertainty around overseas travel and lingering concerns about contracting the illness, caravanning offered a COVID-safe, self-contained way to reconnect with nature and family after the long period of isolation.
Now, a few years on, international travel is back on the menu for many Aussie families, and caravans that no longer get used are being put back on the market.
To Wait or To Freight?
If you find the right caravan in Melbourne, should you arrange interstate transport? Or should you wait and see if something similar pops up closer to home? There are a few points to consider.
- Are you willing to compromise on the caravan features and layout you had your heart set on and take what you can get closer to home? Only you can decide how important your must-haves really are.
- Do you live in an area where there are fewer caravans on the market? If so, low supply locally could mean much higher prices when compared with Melbourne, where vans are more competitively priced. Take the time to weigh up the bang for your buck.
- Are you buying a secondhand van that you haven’t yet had the opportunity to physically inspect yourself? Consider how prepared you are for any unexpected repairs or other on-road expenses that might be involved in bringing the “new to you” caravan home.
- If you’re thinking of picking up the van yourself, is travelling to Melbourne the most cost-effective option? First, consider the travel time, petrol costs, wear and tear on your towing vehicle, plus putting a whole lot of extra kilometres on your new van without the benefit of actually being on a holiday. Next, obtain a quote for interstate caravan transport. This will help you make a clear cost analysis. Hiring a reputable caravan freight company to do the hard work for you – with full insurance coverage, too – offers convenience, reliability, and peace of mind. If those things are important to you, caravan transport may offer the best value.
To arrange a free quote, contact All Vehicle Freight today.
