How exciting - you've decided to create your dream lifestyle in a motorhome or caravan!
Now, it's time to figure out which one to buy, where from and when is the best time. As New Zealand's motorhome and caravan experts, we've collated our knowledge to create this page that will help you make the right decision.
We cover everything you need to know about buying a motorhome or caravan - from whether you should buy via a private sale, private import or a licensed dealer, and what questions should you be asking the seller (and yourself). It you're trying to decide whether to buy new or pre-owned, we provide benefits of both, plus tips on common mistakes to avoid, and answers to the all important finance question. We even have advice on floorplans and specifications, and how to identify your non-negotiables - the essential first step into your research.
To make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for, click on the below links to find out more about:
- The steps you should take when purchasing a motorhome
- Questions to ask when buying a caravan or motorhome
- The best time to buy a motorhome or caravan
- What to look for when buying a family caravan
- The importance of getting the right motorhome or caravan diagnosis
- Buying new or pre-owned
- Why build with TrailLite
- Financing a motorhome or caravan
- The best place to buy a motorhome or caravan
We understand how it can be easy to think you're saving money by buying a cheaper motorhome, only to find you have made an expensive mistake that's far from ideally suited to your needs later down the track. This is why it's so important to do step one - your research!
Purchasing a motorhome is a big investment and a significant commitment so we understand how important it is to make the right decision.
Our blog post detailing these steps will provide you with more information around:
- Doing your research
- Speaking to the experts
- Talking with other 'motorhomers'
- Learning about the company/dealer you're buying from
We understand that everyone's idea of a dream lifestyle is different so everyone's journey is going to be different too! You may find you come across different steps during your journey but with any luck these will help to give a better understanding of what motorhome will work for you!
Looking to buy a caravan?
So you've decided a caravan is right for you but, how do you make sure you buy once and buy right?
You would be surprised by how few times these types of questions are asked and instead, priority is given to floor plan, interior colour scheme and length. While these are important, most companies will have a range that covers most of your non-negotiables.
Looking to buy a motorhome?
Over the last few years, we've noticed a massive trend towards people new to motorhoming looking to start off their on-road journey.
For most, purchasing a motorhome can feel very overwhelming. You don't know what you don't know, and being new to the experience can often leave you quite vulnerable to making the wrong decision for your intended purpose.
A lot of people ask us this question. However, the question should really be "when am i most ready to buy a motorhome or caravan?"
Are you looking to get something in a hurry for the upcoming summer, or is it more about getting it right? Another question to ask yourself is, if you were to look back to today in twelve months' time, would you be happy with the decision you made, or would you be wishing you took a bit more time to do your research?
Timeline may be important to you and a key non-negotiable however, it's about weighing that up against other factors. You don't know what you don't know, and until a subject gets broached, you may not have realised that particular subject could have so much bearing on choosing the right caravan or motorhome.
Once you have completed a thorough consultation, you'll come to a logical conclusion of what your non-negotiables are and, feel more ready to buy.
Read more of our top tips or book a consultation to speak to one of our team.
Caravanning is a great way to see the best New Zealand has to offer. Head away with the family to give your children access to some of the best outdoor playgrounds a kid could ask for; nature, forests, beaches - we have it all! Get back to the days where you climbed trees, dances around campfires and swum until sunset. That's what childhood memories are made of!
A caravan could be your answer to family holidays that everyone will love. But how do you make sure you get one that will maximise everyone's enjoyment and not leave you all bickering over who sleeps where. We've pulled together a few ideas on how life on the road could look for you and your family. Once you are committed, you should start considering what floor plan, specification, features and after-sales support is going to work for you and your family.
The same analogy can be drawn when googling what motorhome or caravan is going to best suit your needs. You can spend week upon week trawling the internet, reading reviews, looking at the possibilities. Don't get us wrong, that is a great place to start but, if you're serious about getting your affliction sorted, would it not be wise to seek out a specialist for their advice?
When you invest in an expensive asset, it is time well spent taking the time to visit and talk with a specialist - just like you would before undergoing any major medical operation. Or even before buying a house when whole suit of specialists, such as lawyers, accounts and building inspectors, help you along the way.
It is amazing how many times we hear a client wanting to get out of what they first bought, and when you drill-down into the approach they took to their initial purchase, a lot of it was based on assumption rather than well-researched fact.
Read more or book a consultation to make sure you make the right decision the first time.
Many people are often set on the decision to go new or used above anything else. They will compromise on everything else because of a set of beliefs about what 'going new' means, without truly understanding the benefits of both.
When it comes to make a purchasing decision, a vital step we see that is often missed, is getting clear on the non-negotiables. Unfortunately, you don't know what you don't know, so many new to motorhoming and caravanning end up learning by trial and error - an expensive exercise that can be so easily avoided. Don't rule out a new or pre-owned motorhome or caravan without first getting clear on all of your requirements.
Find out more about the following in our blog article:
- The benefits of buying new
- The benefits of buying pre-owned
- Common mistakes to avoid
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At TrailLite we pride ourselves on being the knowledgable experts in all things motorhomes and caravans. Part of that expertise has come from over 65 years of connecting customers with their dream lifestyles.
We believe it's important to resource our potential customers with information ensuring they make a wise decision every time. We love empowering people to make the right decision for their needs.
If you've decided that purchasing a motorhome or caravan is right for you and you're ready to take the plunge into buying and visiting supplier branches then consider this, why TrailLite? You can also explore the option of purchasing a TrailLite built motorhome.
Ready to buy?
How do you finance a motorhome or caravan?
Know you're keen on the motorhome or caravan lifestyle but not sure exactly what your budget is? Or have you found the perfect product but you need to sell a house or property first? Finance could be the answer for you.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can look at financing a motorhome or caravan and of course, here at TrailLite, we can support you through that process.
The best place to buy a motorhome or caravan
This will depend greatly on your circumstances and tolerance for risk. As always, do you homework and talk to as many people as possible before rushing into what could be a costly mistake.
The options for buying a motorhome or caravan are vast. With thousands of choices available online and at your fingertips, the choices can be overwhelming.
