Short answer: do not pay a caravan deposit until the written agreement identifies the seller, exact caravan, total price, included equipment, important ratings, payment stages, delivery arrangements and what happens if the specification or timing changes. A signature or deposit can form a contract, so resolve unclear terms before committing.
1. Identify the parties
- Legal entity and trading name of the supplier
- ABN or ACN
- Business and service addresses
- Manufacturer or importer
- Name and contact details of the authorised salesperson
- Name that will receive each payment
Match these details against ABN Lookup, ASIC records, the invoice and the bank-account confirmation. Record whether the dealer or manufacturer is the supplier under the agreement.
2. Define the exact caravan
Record the make, model, layout, model year, build year if known, exterior dimensions and every option. Attach the final specification to the contract and give it a date or version number. Avoid broad wording such as “standard inclusions” unless the referenced list is attached.
For important components, record the promised brand, model or minimum performance where it matters: suspension, tyres, fridge, air-conditioner, battery, charger, inverter, solar, water tanks, hot-water unit, toilet, coupling and safety equipment.
3. Record ratings and assumptions
Write down the represented tare mass, aggregate trailer mass (ATM), gross trailer mass (GTM), payload and expected tow-ball mass, together with the source and any stated tolerance. Ask how factory and dealer options will be reflected in the final measured tare and documentation.
Do not treat the tow vehicle’s headline braked towing capacity as proof of a match. Check the vehicle’s GVM, GCM, axle limits, tow-ball limit and payload with realistic passengers, accessories and loads. Use the Australian towing-match guide and verify the final combination with actual data.
4. Lock down the price
- Base caravan price
- Every option and accessory
- Dealer preparation or delivery charges
- Freight
- Registration and on-road costs
- Taxes and fees
- Finance-related fees, if applicable
- Total amount payable
Read any price-rise, substitution or cost-adjustment clause. Ask what happens if you do not accept the change. Only a court can finally decide whether a standard-form contract term is unfair, so obtain legal advice when a clause creates material one-sided risk.
5. Understand the deposit
Record the amount, due date, purpose and the conditions under which it is refundable or retained. Do not assume there is a general cooling-off period for a caravan bought at a dealership or show. Cooling-off rights depend on the transaction, contract and applicable state or territory law.
Ask for the full agreement before paying. A contract can arise through signing, spoken acceptance or conduct such as paying, depending on the circumstances.
6. Tie later payments to evidence
For each progress payment, record the date or milestone and the evidence you will receive. Examples may include confirmation of the production allocation, chassis or VIN, completed build, RAV entry, inspection opportunity or handover readiness. A milestone should be objective enough that both parties can tell whether it occurred.
7. Set delivery expectations
- Estimated delivery window
- Whether any date is guaranteed
- How delays will be communicated
- What happens after a significant delay
- Who carries transport risk
- Where handover occurs
- What must be complete before final payment
The ACCC says suppliers accepting payment must supply within the quoted period or a reasonable time, subject to the law’s circumstances, and should communicate delays accurately and proactively.
8. Control substitutions and changes
Require written approval for material changes to the layout, ratings, chassis, suspension, tyres, appliances, electrical system, water capacity or promised capability. Record what happens to price, timing and cancellation rights if the agreed item becomes unavailable. “Equivalent” should not be left undefined when size, weight, energy use or warranty support matters.
9. Compare advertising with the warranty
Place any off-road, corrugation, water-crossing, nationwide repair or payload representation next to the written warranty exclusions. Ask the supplier to resolve conflicts in writing. Save advertisements and messages that influenced the purchase.
10. Define inspection and handover
The agreement should allow enough time to inspect the exact completed caravan, test included systems safely, identify defects and verify documents. Record whether final payment occurs before or after inspection, how defects will be documented and when agreed rectification must occur.
Before signing
- Read every page, attachment and linked term.
- Cross out blank spaces or complete them properly.
- Make every important promise part of the written agreement.
- Check the numbers add to the total.
- Keep a complete signed copy immediately.
- Seek independent legal advice if you do not understand a material term.
Work through the Buying a Caravan hub. For a printable record, use the verified Order, Contract & Handover Pack.