What to Look for When Buying a Caravan (And What to Avoid)

Buying a caravan is a big investment, whether you’re dreaming of weekend getaways, long Aussie road trips, or even a whole new way of living. With so many options out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming knowing where to start. At Goldy, we’ve seen (and built!) a lot of caravans, so here are a few things we reckon are worth looking for… and a couple of things to steer clear of.

1. Weight & Towing Ease

One of the easiest mistakes to make is buying a caravan that’s simply too heavy for your car. A big steel frame might look tough, but it often means you’ll need a bigger tow vehicle, you’ll chew through more fuel, and the whole experience feels harder than it should.

Our Goldys are built with a lightweight foam and fibreglass blend, which basically means they’re super strong but still easy to tow. Whether you’re heading off with the family SUV or a 4WD, you’ll notice how much smoother it feels behind the wheel.

2. Build Quality That Lasts

Not all caravans are created equal. Some of the cheaper, mass-produced ones look shiny on the surface, but the materials don’t hold up to Aussie weather and roads for long.

Vintage vans are another option people often look at, and yes — they’re cute, and usually cheaper up front. But here’s the catch: if you’re planning to renovate one yourself, you won’t know what’s really going on underneath until you rip it apart (and the surprises are usually not the good kind). If you buy one already restored, there’s still no guarantee it’s safe or reliable for long trips.

That’s why we build every Goldy by hand in our Gold Coast workshop. From the chassis right up, we use quality materials and finishes that are made to last. You get the retro style, but with the peace of mind of a brand-new build.

3. Comfort & Layout That Suits You

A caravan isn’t just a box on wheels, it’s your little home on the road. If the layout isn’t right, you’ll feel it every single trip. Caravans are compact spaces, which means the design has to be practical and functional for the way you live.

Our retro-inspired vans are full of natural light thanks to the big windows and open, airy layouts. You can start with one of our three models and then make it your own. Need triple bunks for the kids? A cosy bed for the dog? Extra storage for surfboards or camping gear? We can make it happen. Honestly, the options are limitless.

4. A Caravan With Personality

Here’s the truth, most caravans on the market look exactly the same. White, grey, maybe a little black trim. Safe, but boring.

Goldy caravans are designed to stand out. Bright colours, retro curves, and a heap of personality. You get to pick the finishes and make it completely yours. We’ve seen everything from Tiffany blue and pastel yellows to bold oranges and deep navy.

And because every van has its own story, each owner gets to name their caravan and peel the sticker on themselves. It’s a small thing, but it makes the van truly yours.

5. Aftercare & Community

Buying a caravan shouldn’t end the second you tow it out the gate.

At Goldy, we make sure you’re part of the Goldy Family from the moment you join. You’ll get a welcome pack, updates throughout your build, and invites to events like the Vintage Van Festival. We’ve also got a private Facebook group where owners share tips, stories, and travel photos. You’re not just buying a caravan — you’re joining a community.

6.Resale Value That Lasts

A caravan isn’t just something you buy for now, it’s an investment. And like any investment, you want to know it’ll hold its value over time. The tricky thing with standard white or grey vans is that they all look the same, which can make it harder to stand out if you ever decide to sell.

Goldys are different. Every van is full of colour and character, and built to last. That makes them highly sought after. So whether you plan to keep your Goldy forever or eventually upgrade to another model, you can feel confident knowing your van will still be worth something down the track.

9. Australian-Made & Locally Built

These days, more mported caravans are coming into the market. The problem is, they’re often not built with Aussie roads or conditions in mind, and finding parts or support when something goes wrong can be a headache.

That’s why it matters to buy Australian-made. You’re supporting local jobs, getting a van designed for our climate, and you know the quality meets Australian standards. Every Goldy is built right here on the Gold Coast by a small team who care about every detail.

And if something ever does happen while you’re on the road, our workshop doors are always open. If you’re passing through the Gold Coast, we can get you back on track quickly — which is peace of mind you just don’t get with an imported van.

At the end of the day, choosing the right caravan is about more than just price or looks. You want something that’s easy to tow, built to last, comfy, full of personality, and backed by people who actually care.

That’s what we do here at Goldy. Bright, fun, retro caravans with modern reliability — built so every trip feels unforgettable.

✨ Ready to see which Goldy might be right for you? Download our brochure here:

( https://gldy.au/brochure)