Why show season should start with a finance plan

For caravan buyers, the finance lesson is simple: the best time to think about borrowing is before you walk through the gates, not after you have fallen in love with a van. A show discount may reduce the purchase price, but the long-term cost still depends on the loan amount, interest rate, fees, term, repayment structure and whether the finance is secured or unsecured.

This is especially important where optional extras are involved. Solar upgrades, off-road packs, awnings, towing equipment, lithium batteries and delivery costs can quickly push the final invoice above the advertised display price. If those extras are rolled into the loan, they may also increase interest paid over the life of the agreement.

Before attending a major caravan event, buyers should set a practical ceiling for the total purchase, not just the base model price. It can help to estimate repayments across several scenarios, including a higher purchase price, a shorter or longer term, and a conservative interest rate. This gives you a clearer sense of what remains affordable once fuel, insurance, storage, servicing and park fees are added to the household budget.

Pre-approval can also be useful, provided buyers understand that it is usually conditional. Lenders may still need to review the final asset details, invoice, deposit, income position and credit profile before issuing formal approval. Even so, having a borrowing range in mind can make it easier to compare finance options without being swayed by the excitement of the day.

It is also worth checking the fine print on event finance promotions. Look beyond the headline repayment and ask whether there are establishment fees, account fees, early repayment costs, balloon payments or restrictions on extra repayments. A lower weekly figure may not be cheaper if it stretches the term or leaves a large final amount to pay.

Show season is a great opportunity to inspect vans side by side, test layouts and speak with dealers. But the strongest buyers are usually the prepared ones: they know their budget, understand their likely repayments and are ready to walk away if the deal does not fit their longer-term travel plans.