Caravanning buying: where to start?

You’ve brushed up on the buying tips and things to consider before purchasing your van, but you’re not sure where to start. 

Let me help.

These days, there are so many different types of caravan available on the market that the options can definitely leave you feeling overwhelmed. To make things a bit easier for those seeking to transition to ‘van life’, I’ve taken a look at the types of vans that are on the market to help you take the guesswork out of what to buy.

Conventional caravans

This type of van is the classic set-up, comprising four walls and a full-height roof, and featuring all the comforts you could ask for. Conventional vans vary in size, with some up to 10 metres in length and including several rooms with built-in furniture. Conventional caravans are also the easiest to set up once you reach your destination – simply unhitch it from your vehicle and ensure that it is level and stable, and you’re done. They also boast enough storage space so you can spend weeks, if not months, on the road without having to compromise on what to pack. A lot of conventional vans on the market also come with their own built-in shower and toilet, meaning no more lining up to use the communal facilities at a caravan or camping site.

Pop-top caravans

Pop-tops are very similar to conventional caravans, with the exception that the roof is not full height until – much like the name suggests – it is ‘popped’ out. This makes this type of van more aerodynamic, meaning they are easier to tow and lighter in weight overall; however, this also means that, compared to the conventional caravan, it takes a bit of extra time to set up once you reach your destination.

Off-road caravans

Not all caravans are made equal, and the major draw of an off-road caravan is that you can take it with you along unsealed roads that are inaccessible to other types of vans. Off-road vans boast extra suspension and a higher chassis, meaning they’re able to be towed along on your off-roading adventures.

Pop-out caravans

Similar to its pop-top cousin, the pop-out caravan is a great option for families looking for extra space. Instead of the roof popping up, pop-out caravans see sections on the ends of the caravan pop out, creating more space for larger groups. This type of van also has the same benefits as the pop-top caravan: lighter weight and easier towing.

Camper trailers

Camper trailers are quite popular in Australia and are often a good starting point for those wanting to test the caravanning waters. These vans – which are basically a trailer with a tent on top – are fairly inexpensive when compared to conventional caravans and are easy to tow. They also provide a surprising amount of space: the roof pops open and there are extendable tent berths on either side of the trailer. The main downside of these vans, however, is that they take a while to set up, which might not be ideal if you’re spending only a few nights in one place before hitting the road again.

Teardrop campers

These small, light-weight vans are perfect for those wanting to travel solo or with a partner. Essentially a bed-on-wheels, this type of caravan is easy to tow and is an affordable option if you’re looking for something easy without the bells and whistles. The teardrop camper is also great for those looking to escape the city and slow down on weekends with a short sojourn rather than a longer lap, and is easy to store in between trips in your garage at home. While small and mighty, there are a few downsides: all cooking will have to be done outside, which may not be ideal if the weather isn’t on your side. There’s also not a lot of storage space in this type of van.

Fifth-wheelers

This is the Goliath of all caravans that, while not super popular in Australia, has a cult following in North America. As the biggest caravan option on the market, it can usually only be towed by a larger vehicle, such as a four-wheel drive. If you’re looking to travel in luxury, this option is for you – there’s plenty of space and all the creature comforts of home – but bear in mind that while you need a larger, sturdier vehicle to tow this kind of caravan, you may also struggle finding accommodation due to the sheer size of the fifth-wheeler.

Motorhomes

All the conveniences of a modern caravan without having to bring your own tow vehicle, the motorhome is becoming a popular option in Australia. Most motorhomes include a bathroom, kitchen, dining area and bedroom, and are said to be easier to park and manoeuvre than a tradition van. The motorhome’s biggest pro – not having a separate tow vehicle – is also its biggest con: if you have to quickly pop to the shops, or if you want to spend the day cruising down the road less travelled, you have to bring your accommodation with you, rather than leaving it back at the caravan park. Motorhomes are also not off-road friendly, so this may affect your itinerary. Insuring and registering a motorhome can also be more expensive, so there may be some additional hidden costs involved.

Before you write that cheque and sign on the dotted line, make sure you’ve done your research. It’s important to think about what you need rather than what you want – take into account what you can afford, and what type of caravanning you’ll be doing once you get out on the road. While buying a caravan may seem daunting, it’s definitely worth it in the long run – nothing beats the feeling of slowing down, getting back to basics and immersing yourself in Australia’s wonderful landscape.

To find out more about NRMA Caravan Insurance, simply call us on 132 132 to get a quote or find us online 24/7 at nrma.com.au.

This content is intended to be general in nature and is not financial or professional advice. We recommend you obtain independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances, before making any financial or commercial decisions.

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