Short answer: keep the sales contract, specifications, handover documents, warranty terms, manuals, service history, inspection reports, invoices, photographs and all written communication about faults or repairs. Store copies securely and keep a dated timeline for every issue.
This record-keeping guide is part of the Caravan Maintenance & Ownership Australia hub. It is general information, not legal advice.
Create a permanent caravan file
- Sales contract, invoice and finance documents
- VIN, compliance information, registration and insurance
- Advertised specifications and written representations that influenced the purchase
- Handover checklist and condition photographs
- Caravan and component manuals
- Manufacturer, dealer and component warranty documents
- Service schedules, logbooks and inspection reports
- Repair quotes, invoices, parts records and technician reports
- Emails, messages and notes of phone calls
Keep cloud or off-device backups. A record is more useful when the file name includes the date, issue and supplier.
Record each fault as a timeline
Start with the date first noticed, the conditions, what happened and whether use stopped. Add clear photographs or video, who was contacted, what response was received, inspection findings, agreed action, repair dates and the result after repair.
Describe facts rather than conclusions you cannot support. For example, record where moisture was visible and when, rather than guessing which seal failed. Keep original files where possible.
Warranty and consumer guarantees are not the same
A voluntary warranty is an extra promise from a manufacturer or supplier. Australian consumer guarantees arise under the Australian Consumer Law and cannot simply be removed by the wording of a warranty. The ACCC explains consumer rights and guarantees, and its warranty guidance explains how warranties relate to those rights.
The ACCC’s guidance for new caravans explains practical steps for consumers experiencing caravan faults. Outcomes depend on the facts, so seek appropriate consumer or legal advice for a disputed claim.
Keep maintenance evidence even when nothing failed
Record scheduled services, dates, towing distance where known, the business or person completing the work, parts used and the next due point. If a warranty requires particular maintenance, keep the written requirement and proof that it was completed.
Do not let record keeping drive unsafe DIY work. Gas, mains electrical, brake, tyre and structural tasks must be completed by the appropriate qualified person where required.
Prepare a clear request when a problem occurs
- Identify the caravan, purchase date and supplier.
- Describe the fault, when it began and its effect.
- Attach the most relevant evidence rather than an unstructured file dump.
- State the outcome you are requesting.
- Ask for the response in writing and keep a copy.
If the issue is unresolved, the ACCC site links to state and territory consumer-protection agencies and dispute pathways. Deadlines and processes can matter, so do not delay professional advice.
For a dedicated evidence and correspondence system, see the Warranty & Consumer Record Pack.
Make it part of the complete ownership plan
Return to the Caravan Maintenance & Ownership Australia hub to connect this job with pre-trip checks, running gear, leak inspection, storage and service records.
Safety note: This guide is general planning information. Follow the current instructions for your caravan and every fitted component. Use qualified service, electrical, gas, brake, tyre and structural professionals where required.