The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in caravan sales over the past 18 months. The lifestyle offers versatility and flexibility when making holiday and travel plans with the freedom to quickly change plans when new restrictions are put in place in some areas. This surge in interest is great for the industry but it does mean greater competition for the sites in holiday parks and at other stops and sites. There are reports of having to book your caravan site up to 12 months in advance. Whoa! That seriously diminishes the flexibility and freedom benefits. Jade Caravan Finance provides info on how to avoid overcrowded holidays parks with an off-grid caravan at cheap finance.
The appeal of recognised holiday parks is the facilities and convenience offered – power, water, bathroom and recreational activities in particular. But if having more space, solitude and privacy is your thing, consider the options available to over the over-crowded parks with an off-grid caravan.
There can be quite a broad definition of off-grid caravans but essentially we are referring to models that allow for varying degrees of self-sufficiency and hence negate the need to stay in a holiday park. Many models these days have solar power units and large grey water tanks which make them extremely self-sufficient. The extent of these features in terms of capacity may determine how long you can last without support facilities.
Another variation on this definition is off-road models which enable owners to head off the black top. These models also vary from semi to fully off-road. Owners of these types of vehicles can enjoy even greater freedom in travelling through more remote areas and staying at a range of locations and sites without support facilities. If this sounds like an option you would like to explore, we’re covering off on the important basics of finance, makes and models available and ideas on finding places to stay in an off-grid RV.
Finance for Off-Grid Caravans
As specialists in finance for RVs, when we talk caravan finance we are referring to all types of recreational vehicles. The term ‘caravan’ in many contexts is used in an umbrella context to cover traditional caravans, off-road caravans, camper trailers, campervans, mobile homes, hybrid caravans, toy haulers and RVs. Our lender service and loan products are available for the purchase of all these types of caravans.
For the purchase of off-grid models, the same loan product applies as for traditional and other types of vans – our Secured Caravan Loan. This highly versatile loan has a universally recognised structure and format which applies to most secured loans on a range of new goods. The goods, in this case the caravan, is the security against the loan. The borrower repays the loan over the set loan term in monthly instalments.
The type of van does not of itself determine the type, structure or pricing of loan. The exception being with used caravans where the age and condition of the vehicle is considered by lenders when pricing the loan. With new caravan loans the credit profile of the applicant and other aspects of the loan application are key determinants of the loan offer.
Another key determinant in achieving the cheapest interest rate caravan loan is choice of lender. Refer to our Lender Comparison Calculator to see the difference in interest rates offered on caravan loans by a number of banks and non-bank lenders. Enter the amount you would like for your loan to see the differences in monthly repayment estimates across the lender panel.
At Jade we provide fixed interest rate caravan loans with fixed terms up to 7 years and fixed repayments so our customers can have the reassurance that their finance is secured over the full term.
Popular Makes and Models
Most leading caravan manufacturers now offer at least one off-road model if not several in their line-up and there are manufacturers that specialise in off-grid, fully off-road vehicles. Vehicles designed to enable the owners to exist off-grid for extended time periods either for work or recreational travel purposes.
To find the links to caravan manufacturers to explore refer to the industry association
Most caravans are built to order so buyers can specify many aspects of the fit-out to suit their particular travel plans. For those seeking to be self-sufficient for longer, consider boosting the standard power units and grey water tanks with additional units. If included at the time of purchase and on the invoice, those extras can be included in the total loan amount.
Places to Stay
Once you’re set with your off-grid and possibly off-road caravan, it’s time to plan where you can stay. When travelling on main roads and highways, there are many rest stops which permit overnight stays in the interests of driver fatigue. Experienced travellers do warn that rest stops on some popular routes might fill up so it’s wise to get to your intended overnighter in the afternoon.
Some states do not allow overnight parking/sleeping of RVs in places that are not officially designated for that purpose. Best to check restrictions and signage before setting up camp.
To encourage visitations, free camping areas have been set up in country towns. These may be on the outskirts of the town, at a local showground or other location. Free camp sites are located around the country and a simple online search should give you some options. Also search farm stays and support rural producers while you travel.
If planning to travel through and stay in a National Park, always check the restrictions around where you can and can’t stay in a caravan. While camp sites may be designated, that may not permit caravans, only small campers or tents. Pets are usually not permitted in national parks.
And of course you can find your own way off the beaten track to secret, lesser known locations to make your very own. So don’t let talk of crowded holiday parks put you off the idea of getting into the caravan lifestyle. Talk to us about finance on an off-grid caravan loan and go your own way!
Call 1300 000 003 to discuss a caravan loan with a Jade Caravan Finance consultant
DISCLAIMER: THE DETAILS AND INFORMATION IN THIS CONTENT ARE PREPARED AND PRESENTED PURELY FOR INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY AS THE SOLE SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR CARAVAN PURCHASING. IF ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE IS REQUIRED, READERS SHOULD REFER TO A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS, PRODUCT DESCRIPTION VARIATIONS, OR OTHER MISREPRESENTATIONS OF INFORMATION AS PRESENTED.
