We get it. Trust us, we're adventure caravanners. We get it. We've been there. When you're purchasing your new toys, you want the best. You want the bells. You want the whistles. You want the latest, greatest features. We get it. But do you always NEED the latest, greatest bell and/or whistle on your new rig? Let's discuss.
It's not uncommon for our clients, when ordering their Kokoda, to add, remove, and add again when it comes to the vast array of custom caravan upgrades available. And it's certainly not uncommon for them to request changes at the last stages of production, which can be disruptive not only to their build schedule but to other customers, too. It can be a bit of an overload when considering what you'll select, and we want you to get it right the first time. So for us, we prefer to take the time to sit with you in person or over the phone and ask the right questions.
For me personally, this is what I will ask, and in this order:
- What's the budget we're working with? This allows me to understand what is realistic in relation to base price plus options.
- What kind of camping do they expect to be doing? Mostly off-grid? Mostly caravan parks? Or 50/50?
- Will this be a van they'll have for a few years or many?
- What do they WANT?
Once I've been able to chat with them about those four questions and they've had the time to really consider them, it usually breaks down what they will choose for options with high certainty and with little to no changes—and a satisfied customer well after handover.
Now... let's break down each of those four questions a bit further.
- Sometimes you want it all, and the budget just isn't there—or maybe the budget isn't a question. Either way, I need to know this so we can determine the best caravan performance enhancements for their build. We aren't here to waste someone's hard-earned dosh, nor do we want someone having remorse for not stretching that wee bit further to include something that could have major implications on the enjoyment of their adventures.
- If I can understand what they expect out of their caravan—how they intend to camp, for how long, where, when, and what creature comforts/tech they hope to achieve—I can recommend the essential caravan accessories first, as that's key to maintaining the best budget whilst meeting requirements for the adventures ahead.
- I ask this question because, if it's a short-term investment, one should consider money spent on a short-term investment vs. return. Personalizing a caravan to a T that you will only have for your 12-month trip? I don't recommend it, as you'll want it to be saleable and attractive to a broad spectrum of future purchasers. So maybe hold off on the red upholstery this time or removing the door and frame to the ensuite on a bunk van.
- Now that we've tackled the above trio, this question has now become a lot easier to dial down. Needs versus wants is now clearer and can be weighed up more easily and without as much frustration. If budget is no obstacle, well, then it's easy. However, that isn't the case for the majority of purchasers. So following these steps, in that order when considering your next purchase, will set you off on the right path to selecting the best caravan modifications for you and your new home on wheels. We will weigh up the "what ifs" and "have you considered" scenarios if you do/don't go with an option—and what that will look like when you're on that trip you've been daydreaming about all year.
Getting the above-mentioned items right means that you won't have those moments where you think to yourself, "Self, I should have," or "Well, that was a waste of...," and my least favorite, "Summer, can we add this on at the last moment in mid-production, which, although you told us wreaks havoc on production, we didn't think about 'X'—so can we? Can we, please?"
I integrated those four questions into my diagnosis stage of the purchase pathway because I learned early on, selling these fabulous caravans, that if people don't put the right thought into their off-road caravan upgrades, they end up wishing they had—or wishing they hadn’t. Or they end up buying something different in a shorter time than they had anticipated to meet the requirements they always had but didn't diagnose in the planning stages. And well, folks, that's just not the shortest path to the best destination.
Common examples:
- New van after only six months because they ended up needing the extra space—or, on the other side of the coin, didn’t need a van that big.
- Well, wouldn't you know it, the airbag suspension would have been a better investment than the slide-out kitchen.
- Yup, as you said, two tanks wouldn't be enough with three kiddos.
- We didn't think the dust would be a big deal.
- Why did we think we could do without an inverter in the Australian heat off-grid!?
- We never used "X" or we used it once and that was it.
- We should have gotten the larger ensuite and not worried so much about a rear entry van. Getting hung up on rear entry meant we ultimately didn't get the van that would have suited us far better.
Just now, our "On The Line" manager, Fee, suggested I also mention what the most common caravan upgrades are on our caravans from our off-grid range. Great suggestion, Fee! This is what I find to be the top ten (she knows I love a good numbered list):
Top 10 Most Common Caravan Upgrades:
- Solar/Battery
- Inverter
- Extra water tank or filtered water tank/tap
- Level 4 self-leveling airbag suspension
- Dust reduction system
- External slide-out kitchens
- Concertina door so the kids (or adults) have their privacy
- Drop-down kitchen w/ pantry and large table (model dependent)
- Armour One ceramic protection
- Oven/cooktop removal and replacement with portable inductions
Now, it's normal to not get it 100% right every time when you're new to camping and haven't had the luxury of years of experience. So I hope this quick little tidbit gives you a bit of guidance when considering your new or next caravan.
And of course, as always, we're here to help you with any questions you might have to ensure you are over the moon with your Kokoda!
Happy camping!
