Caravan buying tips: How to choose the right van for your adventures

Thinking about buying a caravan so you can explore more of Australia? It’s an exciting step – but with so many sizes, layouts and features on the market, it can quickly feel overwhelming.

The good news: a bit of planning before you visit a dealer or show will make your choice much easier, and help you invest in a van that suits your lifestyle for years to come.

Here are the key questions to work through before you buy.

1. How do you actually plan to use your caravan?

Start with the “why” and “how often”, not the floorplan.

Ask yourself:

• Are you planning occasional weekend getaways?
• Will you use it for school holidays and family trips a few times a year?
• Are you dreaming of a ‘big lap’ or extended touring?
• Do you want to live in it full-time?

Your answers will influence:

• Size & layout – do you need bunks, separate bedroom, big kitchen, or just a simple couple’s layout?
• Storage – both inside the van and back home.
• Off-road ability – occasional dirt tracks vs regular outback or corrugated roads.
• Comfort vs simplicity – full bathroom and big fridge, or lighter, more compact travel?
• Be honest about what you’ll actually do in the next 2–3 years, not just the dream version of yourself.

2. What can your tow vehicle safely handle?

Before you fall in love with a van, check what your current vehicle can legally tow.

Look at:

• Maximum towing capacity (braked)
• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
• Towbar and towball limits
• Payload you’ll need for passengers, luggage and accessories

Your vehicle’s limits will set a maximum fully loaded weight for your caravan. It’s important for:

• Safety on the road
• Compliance with road rules
• Protecting your insurance cover (overloaded vehicles can affect claims)

If you’re starting from scratch, you might choose a caravan first and then buy an appropriate tow vehicle. But many buyers are working within the limits of the vehicle they already own, so know your numbers early.

3. Big or small? Finding the right size

There’s no universal “best” size – just what works for you.

Larger caravans (with ensuite, island bed, spacious kitchen) often offer:

• More comfort for long trips or full-time living
• Extra storage and bench space
• Better separation of sleeping and living areas

But they can also mean:

• Heavier towing weights
• More fuel consumption
• Harder manoeuvring in tight parks or older towns

Smaller or mid-size vans can:

• Be easier to tow and park
• Use less fuel
• Fit into more compact campsites and storage spaces

The trade-off is often less space and shared facilities (using caravan park amenities rather than a full internal bathroom). For many travellers, that’s a worthwhile swap.

If possible, stand inside several different sizes at a show or dealership and imagine a rainy week in each one. Could you all move around and live comfortably?

4. Pop-tops, full-height vans and camper trailers

You’ll see three common styles on the market:

Pop-top caravans

• Roof lowers for travel and storage, then raises at camp
• Can fit under standard carports or lower garages more easily
• Lower towing height = less wind resistance and slightly better economy
• Often limited to small to medium sizes

Full-height caravans

• No raising/lowering roof
• More overhead cupboard space
• Fewer moving parts
• Great for travellers who want a “ready-to-use” feel as soon as they park

Campers and hybrids

• Fold-out or wind-up designs with canvas sections
• Often lighter and easier to tow
• Great for families needing lots of beds in a compact towing package
• Usually require more setup and pack-down (less ideal for frequent one-night stops)

The best option comes down to:

• ● How often you’ll set up and move
• ● Where you’ll store the van
• ● Whether you’re happy with canvas sections vs hard walls
• ● How much comfort and insulation you want in extreme weather

5. New or used? Pros and cons

Buying new

• Latest designs, materials and safety features
• Full manufacturer warranty
• Ability to customise layout and options
• Known history from day one

Buying used

• ● Lower upfront cost
• ● Many come with useful extras (solar, extra batteries, annexes, storage mods) already fitted
• ● Slower depreciation than brand-new vans

If you’re buying used, consider:

• Buying from a reputable, licensed dealer where possible
• Getting a pre-purchase inspection (chassis, brakes, suspension, water damage, electrics)
• Checking for any finance owing or previous insurance/write-off history
• Checking tyres, age of gas and compliance plates
• A solid, well-maintained used van can be excellent value – just make sure you know what you’re getting.

6. Construction, axles and suspension – what matters?

Modern caravans use different construction methods and materials, including timber, aluminium and composite panels. Rather than fixating on one “right” material, look for:

• Quality of workmanship
• Neat wiring and plumbing
• Good sealing and weatherproofing
• Solid cabinetry and hinges

Single vs tandem axles

• Single axle: common in smaller vans, easier to manoeuvre, fewer tyres to replace
• Tandem axle: more common in larger/heavier vans, can feel more stable on the highway and spreads the load over four wheels

Suspension

• Leaf spring: simple, proven and generally cheaper
• Independent suspension: smoother ride, especially on rough roads, and kinder on contents

If you plan to travel regularly on corrugations or unsealed roads, an upgraded “outback” or “semi-off-road” package (with extra chassis strengthening and protection) may be worth considering. For mostly highway touring with the occasional good-condition gravel road, a standard touring van and sensible driving can be perfectly suitable.

7. “Wish” vs “need”: setting your priorities

With so many layouts and options, it helps to write two lists before you go shopping:

You NEED:

• Number of beds and seating
• Weight and size that your vehicle can tow
• Storage for essentials (food, clothing, safety gear)
• Bathroom requirements (full ensuite vs using park facilities)

You WISH:

• Bigger fridge
• Club lounge or separate seating area
• Extra solar and battery capacity
• Washing machine, external kitchen, slide-out BBQ
• Air-conditioning and extra fans

Knowing your non-negotiables will help you stay focused and avoid being swayed by features you don’t actually need – or by a layout that looks pretty but doesn’t fit your lifestyle.

8. Try before you commit

Before signing on the dotted line, it’s worth:

• Visiting at least one caravan and camping show to see a wide range of brands and layouts
• Hiring or borrowing a similar type of van for a short trip
• Talking to current owners in person or in online groups about real-world pros and cons

A weekend trip in a similar style of van can reveal more than hours of research – especially around storage, setup time and how the layout really feels to live in.

9. Don’t forget insurance and ongoing costs

Alongside the purchase price, factor in:

• Registration and insurance
• Servicing and maintenance (bearings, brakes, seals, roof checks)
• Accessories (towing mirrors, reversing camera, weight distribution hitch, extra safety gear)
• Storage costs if you can’t keep the caravan at home

When it comes to insurance, think about:

• The replacement value of your caravan, including fitted accessories
• Where and how you’ll travel (on-road only vs some unsealed roads)
• The contents you’ll carry regularly (outdoor gear, tech, personal items)
• The right policy helps protect the investment you’re making – so if something goes wrong, you’re not starting from scratch.

The bottom line

Buying a caravan is a big decision, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you:

1. Understand how you’ll use it
2. Match it to your tow vehicle
3. Choose a size and layout that genuinely suits your lifestyle
4. Check construction, condition and safety
5. Separate your “must-haves” from your “nice-to-haves”

…you’ll be well on your way to finding a van that feels like a true home on wheels.

And once you’ve found the right one, having the right insurance in place means you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey, not worrying about the what-ifs.