Caravan Check
Is the caravan stolen, written off or under finance?
Finance, write-off and stolen checks for caravans.
A caravan check runs the official PPSR search on the van, so you can see if there's finance owing, a written-off record or a stolen record before you pay. Search by rego, by the VIN on the compliance plate or, for an older van, by the chassis number.
What a MotorRegistry report shows
- Official PPSR certificate Official PPSR certificate, including any finance owing on the caravan
- Written-off check Written-off status from the national Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR)
- Stolen check Stolen records for the VIN and number plates
- Registration status Current registration status and expiry, with the make, body type and year as registered
- Common problems and inspection guide Common problems and a custom pre-purchase inspection guide written for caravans
What a caravan check covers
Caravans are on the same national registers as cars. Every MotorRegistry report on a caravan runs the official PPSR search and includes the certificate, so you get the core checks that matter most on a van:
Finance owing
Any security interest registered against the caravan on the PPSR. Caravans are often bought on finance, and if the seller still owes money the lender can repossess the van even after you've paid for it. Our vehicle finance check page explains how it works.
Written-off status
Whether the caravan is on the national Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR). The register covers caravans and trailers as well as cars. Caravans are written off after hail, flood, rollovers and water damage. More on the written-off vehicle check page.
Stolen records
Police-reported stolen records for the VIN and the number plates. See the stolen vehicle check page.
Registration
Current registration status and expiry, with the make, body type and year as registered.
A Comprehensive report adds common problems and a custom pre-purchase inspection guide written for caravans, not cars, so you know what to look at when you inspect the van.
Why there's no odometer history for a caravan
Caravans don't have an odometer, so there are no kilometre readings to check. A caravan report doesn't show odometer readings or expected kilometres. The checks that protect you on a caravan are finance, write-off, stolen and registration, and every MotorRegistry report includes all four.
Where to find the VIN on a caravan
Caravans built since 1989 carry a 17-character VIN on the compliance plate. The plate is usually on the A-frame or drawbar, or on the front of the van. Older vans may only have a chassis number, and you can search that instead.
Match the compliance plate to the papers. Stolen caravans are often given a new identity with another van's plates. Read the VIN or chassis number off the compliance plate yourself and check it against the registration papers before you search. If they don't match, or the plate looks re-riveted or newer than the van, stop and ask why.
How to run a caravan check
- Enter the caravan's rego and state, its 17-character VIN or its chassis number in the search box on this page.
- Choose your report. Every MotorRegistry report includes the official PPSR certificate and the finance, written-off, stolen and registration checks.
- Your report arrives by email and on screen, usually within minutes.
Run the check on the day you plan to pay. Finance can be registered against a caravan at any time, so a check from last week may not show it.
Things to check on the van itself
A clear report is the starting point. These are the things to look at when you see the caravan:
Water damage
Soft spots in the floor and walls, stains around windows, hatches and roof fittings, and a musty smell inside.
Hail damage
Dents across the roof and front panels, which can point to an insurance claim.
Chassis, A-frame and drawbar
Rust, cracks or fresh welds that may hide earlier damage.
The seller and the papers
The seller's name and address should match the registration papers, and they should be able to explain the van's history.
The price
A price well below similar vans, with pressure to pay quickly, is a reason to slow down.
Buying a trailer too? See the trailer check page. For a motorbike, see the motorcycle check. The PPSR check page explains what the official register shows.
Caravan Check FAQ
Can I do a PPSR or REVS check on a caravan?
Yes. Caravans are covered by the PPSR the same way cars are, and a REVS check on a caravan is now a PPSR search, since the state REVS registers moved to the PPSR in 2012. Every MotorRegistry report runs the official PPSR search and includes the certificate, which shows any finance owing on the van.
How do I check if a caravan is stolen?
Enter the caravan's rego and state, its 17-character VIN or its chassis number in the search box. Every MotorRegistry report checks the national stolen records for the van and its number plates.
Where is the VIN on a caravan?
Caravans built since 1989 carry a 17-character VIN on the compliance plate, usually on the A-frame or drawbar or at the front of the van. Older vans may only have a chassis number, which you can search instead.
Does the report show odometer readings for a caravan?
No. Caravans don't have an odometer, so a caravan report doesn't show odometer readings or expected kilometres. It covers the PPSR certificate, finance owing, write-off, stolen and registration checks.
Can a caravan be repossessed if the seller still owes money on it?
Yes. If there's a security interest on the PPSR, the lender can repossess the caravan even after you've bought it. Check the PPSR on the day you pay and make sure any finance is cleared before you hand over the money.
Start with a PPSR check or a full car history check.
Check the caravan before you pay
Enter the rego or VIN to see what's on record for the vehicle.
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