The caravan sizes aren’t just about internal space. It is also crucial for things such as towing comfort, maneuverability, low-season storage, and parking. Therefore, choosing the right size for each part is crucial for your next adventure.
Some other things to consider may be obvious, such as sleeping capacity, eating and lounging options for everyone, and don’t forget those new friends you’ll meet that may want to drop in for a game of cards. Alongside these factors, you also have campsite restrictions, and exactly where you’d like to take your new van.
Once you work out your size, life really will be a journey!
Let’s check out what caravan sizes typically come in
Caravans come in a variety of sizes, which are pretty self-explanatory. You have the standard small caravans, medium, and large vans. When it becomes confusing is where manufacturers classify them as something different, although these mean the same. For instance small can also be referred to as lightweight, and large are also tourers. Here’s a closer look at what each size entails:
Small Caravans (lightweight)
Small caravans, typically range from 10 to 17 feet in length. They are perfectly suited to solo travelers or couples. These compact vans are easy to tow and park. They can also usually be towed with a normal car, meaning no hidden costs or new car purchases. They are also ideal for semi-offroad caravans as they excel in their turning and ease of reversing.
Although they are small, you don’t have to compromise on comfort. Most small vans still come with all your creature comforts such as a small kitchen, bathroom, and a comfortable sleeping area for up to 2 people. You’ll also find that they are much more fuel-efficient and cost-effective, making them a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly travel option.
Medium Caravans
Medium caravans, usually between 18 to 21 feet, strike a balance between space and maneuverability. They have become very popular among families and friends traveling together. They are also great for furry companions as there is a little more space to wander around. Usually offering a larger living area, well-appointed kitchen, compact bathroom, and enough beds for 2 to 4 people, medium caravans are a great versatile option.
You will also find that they provide more storage and often include additional features like dining areas or entertainment systems, which can definitely enhance the travel experience. They are a great mix of easy to tow, but spacious vans.
Large Caravans or Tourers
Touring vans are just that, extending beyond 21 feet, they are designed to tour the country in style and comfort. For those who prioritise space and comfort, these vans will not dissapoint. Ideal for larger families or groups, these caravans can accommodate 5 or more people in an array of configurations. Offering double or queen beds, and multiple bunks and drop down dining tables to create more sleeping space, you really can take the whole family plus a few. Alongside the sleeping options, you get extensive living areas, full gourmet kitchens, and sometimes even luxury amenities like washing machines and a separate shower.
Large caravans are your ultimate home away from home. However, there is a downside. Their size can make them more challenging to tow and park, requiring a powerful towing vehicle and careful planning of your travel route.
So what now?
Now that you’ve considered the pros and cons of small, medium, and large vans, if you’re ready to find the perfect caravan size for your next adventure, explore our range. We have caravans in different sizes and configurations. Discover the one that best suits your travel needs.
When you first start looking at caravans you can get a bit overwhelmed with the sheer number of different vans on the market. Without sitting down and making a checklist of what you need, and what you need to consider you can get lost amongst a sea of bedding configurations, to shower, or not to shower, off-grid capabilities and size ranges. There definitely is a caravan out there for everyone, you just need to narrow down your search before you even begin, and we have some helpful hints to help you do just that.
Towing
The first thing you need to decide is whether you’re going to tow with your existing car, or buy a new one. If you aren’t looking at upgrading then you need to take into consideration the towing capabilities of your car. This will help you determine a maximum size and weight for your van.
Make sure you talk to a caravan specialist when looking at this factor as it has major safety impacts if you leave out things such as fully loaded weights including all fluids. The power of your engine will have a large impact on whether you’ll be easily towing uphill, or struggling to stay on the road. Your car’s user manual should have the basic information you need to determine it’s towing capacity.
People
This may seem obvious, but make sure you take into account all people that may potentially be in your van along the way. It may just be you and your partner travelling full time, but are you planning on meeting up with friends on the road? Will you have kids or grandkids joining you at any stage? You may want to make sure you have the room to accommodate extra people, even if it’s just for a game of cards in bad weather.
Budget
When looking at your budget, make sure you have a nice to spend, and can’t go over budget. This will give you room to move on items you may want but don’t need. What we mean by this is you may want to spend no more than say $20k, but make sure if the right van comes long with those little added luxuries you have a maximum budget (say $25k) you’d be happy with to get some inclusions that may not be available in your lower-end budget.
Having a lower and higher-end budget may mean the difference between finding a caravan with an ensuite and one without. It may give you the ability to add some off-grid features you were thinking of, but weren’t factored into your original plan. It could also simply mean that you get a newer van with less chance of problems, meaning you save money in the long run on repairs.
Time
How much time do you see yourself living in your van? The amount of room you need to do weekend trips in summer is very different to the amount you’ll need to live in it for 6 months on your lap around Australia. You’re much better off future-proofing your investment at the start, rather than finding in 6 months time you’re now ready to head off, only to realise your van just doesn’t have the room to be comfortable.
Once you’ve answered all these points you’re ready to go shopping and buy your next caravan. To talk to an expert and check out the range, please visit us at our Penrith, Morisset, Nowra, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour location.
