Caravan huntMcCullough family
Who's looking?
Checked Tuesday 13 October 2026

Finding our caravan

A fixed bed for us, room for the two kids, self contained, between $18k and $30k with $25k the sweet spot. Tap Like or Not for us on each one, and fill in Questions so the list gets tighter each time it's refreshed.

29 on the list Trade Me and Facebook Marketplace Self contained first. Solar and movers a plus
Who's looking? Pick one so your taps are saved under your name.
Tightened up from Ryan's answers and taps: hard tops only, North Island, shower and toilet a must, self contained first. The Ranger tows 3,500 kg, so weight isn't an issue. Everything Ryan put aside is gone, the ones he liked sort to the top, and there are 4 new finds marked New.

Shortlist

Every caravan Ryan or Emma tapped Like on. Once a couple are on here, it's time to ring.

Questions

Takes two minutes. Each of you can answer, or do it together as Both. The list gets tightened up around your answers.

Before you buy

What to check on the phone and at the viewing.

🚿 Self contained

What matters is the gear onboard: a fixed toilet, a shower, fresh water and a grey water tank. Each card says what the ad tells us. "Toilet, shower and tanks" means it has the gear but the ad doesn't claim a certificate.

The certificate only matters for freedom camping on public land. Since 7 June 2026 that needs the green warrant (blue ones stopped counting), and camping there without one can mean a $400 fine. A van with the gear can be certified after you buy it.

Source: 1News, 3 Jun 2026

🚙 Towing with the Ranger

  • The 2026 Ranger XLT is rated to tow 3,500 kg braked. Everything on this page is well under that: the heaviest stated is the Swift Challenger 620 at 1,747 kg loaded.
  • The UK vans brake themselves off the towbar, so no brake controller is needed for them.
  • Check the towball height: a ute sits higher than a car, so you may want a drop hitch to keep the van level.

Source: CarExpert NZ, 2026 Ford Ranger XLT specs

📞 Ask on the phone

  • Exact model and year (a few ads don't say).
  • Does it have a fixed toilet, shower, fresh and grey water tanks? Any self containment certificate?
  • Electrical WOF and gas cert: are they current, and when do they run out?
  • Any leaks or damp ever? Is there a damp report?
  • How old are the tyres?
  • Why are they selling, and is the price firm?

💬 Buying off Facebook

  • Facebook ads are thinner than Trade Me, so ring and get the model, year, loaded weight and certs before driving anywhere.
  • Don't pay a deposit before you've seen it in person and the seller's name matches the rego papers.
  • Pay by bank transfer once you're standing next to it with the keys, not before.

🔍 At the viewing

  • Push on the floor by the door, in the corners and under the windows. Soft or springy means damp.
  • Look for staining around windows, roof vents and the corner trims. Sniff for a musty smell.
  • Tyre date code is the four digits on the sidewall (week then year).
  • Lie on the fixed bed, and sit the kids on the bunks or lounge to check they fit.
  • Turn on the fridge, hot water, heater and pump. If it has movers, drive it about with the remote.
  • If it has solar, check the battery voltage and the controller.