In a country as expansive, varied and beautiful as Australia, there is no better way to explore than by road. From the endless coastlines to the stark red deserts, Australia’s natural beauty is best enjoyed close-up. There’s nothing better than a suitable caravan, motorhome or camper trailer to explore all the wonders that Australia has to offer. But choosing a caravan, motorhome or camper trailer is often a big challenge, especially if you’ve not had much experience with them. So, to help you make the best decision here’s a rundown of what each is good at, so you can plan the best way to travel in Australia.
The Correct Definitions
RV stands for ‘recreational vehicle.’ It is a closed piece of equipment employed as a mode of transportation and a temporary residence. It has a wide range of meanings encompassing all vehicle definitions mentioned here.
A motorhome is a recreational vehicle built on a truck or bus chassis and meant to serve as self-contained living quarters. The cab is usually separated from the living quarters, including sleeping quarters, bathroom, and kitchen facilities.
A campervan is a van that has been outfitted as a self-contained travelling home. It is typically smaller than a motorhome, with minimal cooking, washing, and sleeping amenities. There is no distinction between the cab and the living quarters in most cases, meaning you can move between the two without exiting the vehicle.
A caravan is a mobile home or trailer that is fully furnished and towable behind a vehicle. Depending on its size, it is designed to be utilised like a house and includes bedrooms, bathrooms, and full kitchen facilities.
A camper trailer is a trailer with sleeping accommodations pulled behind a wheeled vehicle. Much smaller than a caravan, it often consists of a tent that folds out of the trailer and other needed living goods and conveniences like sinks and ovens. Its compactness and lightweight contribute significantly to its appeal.
We tried to break down the big picture to make it easy. It’s not just about buying an RV. It’s about learning to drive or tow it. It’s figuring out how to maintain your vehicle and when to take it to the mechanic. It’s about overcoming sticker shock regarding petrol prices against kilometres.
There are numerous reasons to enjoy RV travel. It transports you to the vast outdoors without sacrificing the cosiness of your bed. It provides an opportunity for family and friends to spend quality time together and is a less expensive alternative to flying.
When you’re ready to take the plunge, keep the following in mind when planning your RV budget:
- What is your budget?
- Why are you purchasing an RV?
- For whom are you buying an RV?
- Where do you intend to take the RV?
- Do you prefer to drive a motorhome or tow a van?
- What characteristics are you looking for? Need vs want.
To make things simple, below is our list of advantages and disadvantages of each.
Motorhomes
It’s critical to choose a vehicle that meets your needs and your budget. Motorhomes are the king of RVs, including sleeping, cooking, toilet facilities, and many other amenities (depending on budget). They are often more luxurious, sleeping 2-6 people, and you will be entirely self-sufficient. They are generally self-contained, easy to put up at campsites and provide enough space for passengers while on the road.
Pros
- It’s more convenient to park and set up. Simply park, plugin, and walk away.
- Greater maneuverability.
- Larger fresh and wastewater tanks.
- Easy waste removal by connecting a hose to the dumpsite.
- Easy access to the cab.
- Dedicated storage compartments: This is ideal for storing large, cumbersome things while accessing them from the outside.
- All you need is a basic driver’s license to drive a motorhome.
Cons
- When sightseeing, you have less flexibility; if you wish to leave camp, you may have to pack everything outside.
- Registration and insurance costs: a motorhome can be more expensive.
- Higher buying price.
- Less interior space: generally smaller than caravans’, and they usually sleep two to six people.
- Less off-road capability: will be unable to reach remote off-road camping places.
Caravans
You can have a caravan in various sizes and features depending on your need. Off-road versions are available if you want to go over harsh terrain, but the cost will be higher. When you arrive at your camping spot, you will need to unhook your car and hook up electricity and waste facilities.
Pros
- Caravans are often longer than RVs, giving you more room to walk around within. Accommodates two to eight people.
- Use of your tow vehicle: you can disconnect your tow vehicle and drive off.
- Off-road capabilities make it easier to get to difficult-to-reach places or campgrounds.
- More cost-effective: Caravans are typically less expensive to purchase and maintain.
- Slower depreciation: Caravans depreciate at a slower rate.
- All you need is a basic driver’s license to tow a caravan.
Cons
- Setting up is significantly more challenging because you must reverse and un-hitch a caravan.
- Manoeuvrability is limited when reversing and parking since they are longer.
- Caravans have fewer or smaller external storage compartments.
- Manual waste removal: This can require you to physically remove and empty a waste cassette by pouring it out.
Campervans
A campervan is a van that has been modified to accommodate sleeping, cooking, and driving. It is usually integrated into the living space, with swivel chairs that turn around to face a table or seats that fold down to become a bed. With a capacity of 2-3 people, there will likely be no separation between the driving cab and the living quarters. Campervans are often smaller and more basic than a motorhome or camper, although they will have cooking, washing, and sleeping amenities.
Pros
- Less expensive than most other options, and this one is also more fuel-efficient.
- There isn’t any luggage to lug around. It has everything you need. You can move at short notice.
- It is nice and cosy. Everything is within your reach.
- You have everything you need in the van. It can even be used as an extra bedroom when you have guests at home without any fuss as it does not require huge storage space.
Cons
- Finding parking can be difficult because you’re carrying your home on your back.
- It’s small and cramped, and it can only hold a few people at once.
- It can get pretty hot during the summer and cold during the winters.
- Because the water tanks are tiny, garbage must be emptied more frequently.
Camper trailers
The primary sleeping area is a modest roof-top tent intended for the adventurer. A tent folding out of the trailer, where additional living equipment is packed, is typical in a camper trailer, much smaller than a caravan. Its attractiveness stems from its lightness and compactness and it is far less expensive than other RV options to buy. Some trailers have kitchen and shower sections that fold down to be utilised under an awning.
Pros:
- Buying a camper trailer is frequently less expensive than buying a caravan or campervan.
- Towing a camper trailer behind a car is significantly easier. You don’t need to upgrade your vehicle to improve your fuel efficiency.
- The compact size improves safety.
- Off-road places will have easier access.
- It gets easy to park and manoeuvre.
Cons:
- It takes longer to set up and tear down.
- Less space equals less comfort.
- There is a lack of storage and other conveniences.
- Lack of privacy
In conclusion, the best RV for you depends on how much money you want to spend, how long you plan to travel, and what amenities you require. Now that you know the differences between a motorhome, a campervan, a camper trailer, and a caravan, you’ll be better prepared to choose the best one for you on your next adventure. We at RV Central hope that you now have enough information to make an informed decision to buy an RV that suits you and load up to embark on the vacation of a lifetime.
