Pop Tops for Sale under $40,000

Browse pop tops for sale under $40,000 on Tradingpost, listed by private owners and licensed caravan dealers.

Weight is the first number to check. Compare the tare and the ATM on every listing against the braked towing capacity of your vehicle and its towball download limit, and remember that water, gas bottles, batteries and gear all add to the ATM. After that it comes down to layout. Work out how many berths you need, whether you want an ensuite or a full rear bathroom, and whether the van has to handle corrugations and dirt or will only ever see bitumen. Most listings also state the body length, single or tandem axle, water tank capacity, and any solar and battery setup.

Move the minimum and maximum to reshape the price range, and sort by price to see where the value sits. Budget a little beyond the sticker for a weight distribution hitch, a brake controller and an anti-sway setup.

Buyers who look at these usually look at full height caravans, off-road caravans, camper trailers, campervans and motorhomes. Or start again from the full caravan and camper list.

Every listing carries photos, an asking price, the seller location and a way to get in touch, so you can shortlist, arrange an inspection and negotiate direct. Before money changes hands, confirm the registration and its expiry, run a check for finance owing against the van, and ask to see a current gas compliance certificate for the cooktop and hot water service.

Also in the caravans department: the Motor Homes category, mobile homes, relocatables and caravan parts and accessories. Selling instead? Create a listing, set out the tare, the ATM and what has been done to it, and reach buyers who are ready to tow one home.