With Australian state borders now re-opened following the easing of coronavirus restrictions, the highways, byways, tracks and trails are set to be very busy with caravan tourers and holidaymakers. Many of these will be first-time caravan owners as there has been a surge of interest in caravan and all types of recreational vehicles as people seek alternative travel plans due to COVID-19.
At Jade Caravan Finance we’re keen to ensure both our new and existing customers are fully across many aspects caravan ownership and that includes road safety. While it may be viewed essentially as a form of accommodation, a caravan is a road vehicle and safety must be addressed with the same priority as car safety.
We applaud initiative of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia with the launch of its Caravan and RV Road Safety campaign to educate caravan owners around road safety. The initiative is providing free assets, both digital and print, in conjunction with the Association’s partners to educate, inform and create awareness.
Safety Tips for Caravan Owners
The Caravan Association initiative includes information about:-
- Manage fatigue
- Use rest stops appropriately
- Preparing your vehicle for travel
- Sharing the road
- UHF communication
- Towing
- RV weights
Safety is paramount on the road and we encourage caravan owners to connect with the resources available through to keep informed and up to date.
Know Your Tow
One of the biggest and most important skills for new caravan owners to master is towing their vehicle. Going from driving a car to towing a caravan for the first time is a major step and at Jade we strongly encourage our customers to seek courses run by professionals so they are educated correctly.
There is quite a lot to know, starting with weights around your caravan and what your car is authorised to tow. From there, you need to know about stability, braking and other driving techniques to safely manoeuver your caravan both on the highway and into and out of parking areas and caravan park sites. A good reference site is https://caravantowingguide.com.au/
Another great site for road safety tips is https://coexist.org.au/ which has videos and information especially developed for caravan travellers.
Know Your Licence and Rego
Does your driver licence cover you to tow your caravan? You will need to check your state road department regulations and that the weight/size of your RV is permitted with your category of licence. Certain categories of licence are not permitted to tow a vehicle at all and some only up to a certain GVM.
Some small caravans can be towed with a small-medium passenger car while most will need a larger wagon or SUV. Before deciding on the caravan you want and talking to Jade about the lowest interest rate caravan loan, spend a few minutes researching the issues around your driver’s licence and the car you have to tow the caravan. Upgrading your licence and/or your car be required.
As with all trailers and vehicles that are towed, caravans and camper trailers need to be registered with your state roads authority. Details can be obtained through your state authority. If purchasing a new caravan through a dealer, they may register the vehicle as part of the pre-delivery preparation. In that case, the cost may be able to be included in your Jade caravan loan.
Know Your Insurance
Insurance is an important aspect associated with road safety. Is something unfortunately does go wrong you want to know that your insurance will cover you and your vehicle. When you take out a caravan loan with Jade, you will be required to take out caravan insurance. As a double check of all things safety this season, review your policy so you know what you are and are not covered for.
Know Your Loan
If you’re planning to get into caravanning, then knowing your loan options is an important step. For the purchase of caravans, camper trailers, RVs, motorhomes, on road and off road models, Jade Caravan Finance provides the Secured Caravan Loan.
This has a universally accepted loan structure and features our signature cheap interest rates which are fixed for the fixed term of the loan. The caravan is used as security by the lender against the loan and the borrower repays the loan in equal monthly instalments over the loan term. The borrower has full possession of the vehicle and is responsible for all costs such as rego, insurance and maintenance. When the loan is finalised, the lender releases the security interest and the borrower has unencumbered ownership.
Jade Caravan Finance negotiate interest rates to the cheapest possible and preferred terms from our vast choice of banks and lenders so we secure you a loan that will suit your life and your lifestyle. So if you’re planning to join the great caravan armada, swot up on the road safety regulations and requirements and secure a great loan through Jade to start your exciting new lifestyle in the caravan of your choice.
For a caravan finance quote contact Jade Caravan Finance at 1300 000 003
DISCLAIMER: READERS ARE ADVISED THAT THIS INFORMATION AS PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES AND NOT AS FINANCIAL ADVICE. PEOPLE NEEDING FINANCIAL ADVICE ARE RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO ASSIST IN REGARD TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. INFORMATION AND CONTENT IN THIS ARTICLE MAY HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM A RANGE OF PUBLICATIONS AND INFORMATION RESOURCES. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS OR MISINTERPRETATION OF OTHER ISSUES AROUND THE PRESENTATION.
