To say caravanning around Australia is huge right now, is an understatement. And with so many caravan options to choose from, it can be overwhelming when choosing which caravan might best suit your Australian travels. So….having been in the market for a caravan previously, I am going to share my research on the different types of caravans in Australia. From full-sized caravans to pop tops to off-road caravans, I’ve looked at them all. Here is the head’s up on choosing and buying a caravan in Australia to suit your travel needs.

This article acts as a beginners guide to the different types of caravans found in Australia. To try to answer questions like what types of caravans are there in Australia? What should I look for when buying one? Which caravan will suit my needs and be within my budget. It provides you with the basics of the different types of caravans in Australia, so you can start your search for the perfect van for your big lap of Oz or any other Australian road trip.

What is a Caravan?

I hear you laugh at this question but with so many now on the market, it can become confusing. Ultimately, a caravan is any vehicle that is designed to live in and is towable.

Here are Some Things to Consider when Buying a Caravan

Firstly, before buying a caravan consider the following:

1. How many people will be living in the caravan? Each will need a bed.
2. How will you fund your caravan purchase? Will you sell everything to go travelling or rent out your home? Will you work and travel around Australia?
3. Set your budget on how much you are prepared to spend on your caravan. Believe me, it can be easy being swept away here.
4. Choose your tow vehicle. This is quite important as your vehicle must be able to tow your caravan. Add to this, your towing comfort level. Are you comfortable towing a small or large caravan?
5. Create three lists: ‘would like’, ‘must have’ and ‘deal breaker’. When you begin looking at caravans, you will be able to grow your lists. A deal breaker for me was air conditioning. A must have was an awning with walls. Lots of kitchen accessories like a sandwich maker were on my ‘would like’ list but they were dependent on storage.
6. When at home, is there space to store your caravan?
7. How many times per year will you use the caravan? Or are you planning a one year lap of Australia, or possibly more?
8. What types of roads do you plan to drive on and what style of camps do you plan on visiting? If planning to drive on dirt roads and setting up camp on beaches, you should consider an off-grid caravan? If planning to drive on bitumen roads and stay in caravan parks, you can get away with a non-off-grid caravan.

The Main Types of Caravans in Australia

Now I’ve given you some things to think about when buying a caravan, here is what is on the market?

1. Full-sized or Classic Caravan or Regular Caravan

Aren’t all caravans full sized? No, they’re not! And the first type of caravan on this types of caravan list is a full-sized caravan or classic caravan. It is just the typical caravan that comes to mind when you hear the world ‘caravan.

A full sized or classic caravan is distinguished by being full-height, with solid walls and a solid roof. The length can be anywhere up to 10 metres (32.8 feet) with all the furniture built in. The internal layout can have different variations but it will have a kitchen, dining table (which may or may not convert to a bed) and have an ensuite with or without a washing machine. There can be a a differing number of berths, or beds which could be a queen bed or two singles plus 2 or 3 bunks.

2. Off-road Caravan

I can’t always tell the difference between a full-size caravan and an off-road caravan. Putting it simple, an off-road caravan is distinguished by its underbody and capabilities and it is usually an option people choose. It is what I chose as I wasn’t sure if I would always stick to the bitumen roads, and as it turned out, I didn’t.

Off-road caravans are distinguished by their underbody where you will find upgraded suspension, a higher chassis height so you have extra ground clearance when travelling off-road. And also larger off-road tyres. Plus there will be additional things so you can go off-grid as well as off-road. Meaning, you can pull up anywhere and be self-sufficient with fresh water and power.

And note here, even though caravans are advertised as semi off-road or off-road, if you are wanting to drive on bush tracks, ensure your caravan and vehicle are designed for 4WDing.

3. Pop Top Caravan

Pop top caravans are caravans that have their roof pop up when you get to camp and then pops down while you travel. The roof may be solid but the walls are made from canvas. Like full-sized caravans, they will have permanent interior furniture including a kitchen, dinette (which may or may not turn into a bed) plus an ensuite. They can also be taken off-grid by having water storage and solar power. Some people find them easier to tow, manoeuvre and store as they don’t have the height of a full-sized caravan and they are usually lighter to tow. Big advantage if you don’t want to tow a heavy caravan.

4. Pop Out Caravan

Like a pop top, instead the walls pop out. Pop out caravans are caravans where the beds  or lounge areas pop out of the ends or sides. The side walls on a pop out caravan are the full height of a regular caravan, with a solid roof on top. These are great for people with larger families who may need extra beds.

5. Pop Top & Pop Out Caravan

If you like both the different types of caravans that pop up and out, then combining the two might be the solution for you. The combo pop top and pop out caravan is quite literally a caravan with a pop top roof and pop out beds and / or living areas. The main problem with this style of caravan is the set up and pack up takes a little longer.

6. Fifth Wheelers

Pretty much, fifth wheelers are the biggest type of caravan you will see. They are designed to be towed by a ute and are typically equipped for those wanting to live in luxury as they travel – each to their own!

7. Teardrop Caravans and Pod Caravans

Teardrop and pod caravans are great for solo travellers or for couples. They are a lot smaller and lighter in weight making them easier to tow. They usually have a bed, TV and some storage inside. The kitchen area can be inside or can be pulled out from a storage area.

Other Options

Though not exactly caravans, the following options allow you to live and travel in so this is why I have added them to my list of types of caravans to travel Australia.

8. Camper Trailer and Wind Up

Think of a camper trailer as a regular trailer but has a tent structure that extends above the walls of the trailer. This creates a tent-based caravan. The biggest positive is they are lighter and thus, easier to tow. There are also different variations of camper trailer. A simple design is when the canvas tent folds out, there is an in-built bed on top of the trailer. There can also be slid-out kitchen plus storage. These can be a great introduction to caravanning around Australia as they are a much cheaper option.

9. Campervans

A camper van is essentially a van that has been turned into a home. They can be of varying sizes. A typical van can be equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, sitting area and an area to sleep. They are great because there is no need for setting them up. You pull up somewhere and go inside.

10. Motorhomes

Motorhomes are homes on wheels. They are very similar in space and internal design to a classic caravan but they do not need to be towed, they are driven. Like a camper van, these are great to pull up somewhere and go inside to use all the amenities required for living in while travelling Australia.

11. Car Camping

Last on my list of types of caravans in Australia is not a caravan, but I thought you would be interested in this option. With so many people wanting to travel Australia, and not always being able to buy a caravan, people are turning to car camping. I have been doing this recently and it has saved me loads on accommodation costs. This is because I am not reliant on staying in accommodation, instead I have set up my car for sleeping in.

Where to Find Your Caravan

The internet can be a wonderful thing and is a great place to start your search. Type in ‘where to find your caravan’ and see what pops up. When I did this, useful websites such as caravan and camping sales popped up. There were also local caravan sales places near where I live. Also popping up were different brands of caravan, some I had heard of and others not. Some brands included: Alpine Campers, Austrack Campers, Coromal Caravans, Cub Campers, Ezytrail, Jayco, Majestic Caravans, Millard Caravans, Teardrop Camper Company and Windsor to name a few.

TIP: Before you buy your caravan, see it physically. Go inside and see if you could live in it. Great places to see a caravan is at caravan retailers and at camping and caravanning shows.

Accessories for your Caravan

There are plenty of accessory essentials you can get for your caravan to make your Australian travels the best possible. Check out RV Caravan Camping.

Are You Ready to Begin Your Search for the Perfect Caravan to travel Australia?

Now you now the basics of the caravans available in Australia, it is time to start your lists so you buy the best caravan that suits you, your budget and aspirations. I’d love to hear in the comments about your caravan.