Updated as at 19/02/2026
With hundreds of new caravans to choose from, it’s important to first consider where you intend to take your caravan. Will you travel on well-made roads around Australia and stay in caravan parks? Or would you like the flexibility to take your caravan onto unsealed surfaces?
This decision will determine the type of caravan you should be looking for. Most caravans are categorised as either Touring / On-Road or Off-Road, based on their specific design intent and engineering. To help narrow down the search, we’ve set out some handy definitions for each of these categories below.
Touring / On-Road
Touring caravans are designed for travel on smooth-surfaced roads, such as asphalt and concrete, as well as well-maintained dirt roads. A helpful guide is to stick to the same roads that can be comfortably driven in a standard small hatchback. These models are ideal for travellers visiting major cities and regional towns. To provide a stable and comfortable long-distance driving experience, these caravans feature lower ground clearance and are fitted with road tyres.
Because they are not as heavy as more robust off-road models, touring caravans are generally easier to tow and more fuel-efficient. However, this design focus means they are not intended for rugged or uneven camp spots. If a touring caravan is equipped with an ensuite, it is still possible to enjoy short periods of independent camping, as the onboard battery will typically power lights and water pumps for an evening or two. With lower ground clearance and straightforward systems, these vans are often easier to enter, exit, and operate, making them an excellent choice for those starting their caravanning adventures.
Crusader Touring caravans: Crusader Lifechanger Range, Crusader Esperance CRV Range.
Off-Road
Off-road caravans are designed to provide access to well-graded dirt roads, gravel, and flat sand surfaces. They are also engineered to handle more rugged terrain, including loam, soft forest trails, and specific utility tracks. While these models allow for travel to many “off the beaten track” locations, it is important to consider the physical size and weight of the caravan, as there are limitations on where they can safely be taken. Certain environments, such as marsh tracks, swamp trails, or poorly maintained tracks with deep ruts, may exceed a vehicle’s design limits.
These caravans feature higher ground clearance for steeper inclines and are equipped with All-Terrain tyres. Quality off-road models utilize supple long-travel suspension—typically either Coil Spring or Airbag independent suspension—designed to help manage corrugations and potholes. To ensure the longevity of the caravan and maintain safety, speed and tyre pressures must be adapted to the conditions; for example, a common preferred towing speed on rugged terrain is 5–10 km/h with tyre pressures lowered to between 20–30 PSI.
Off-road caravans typically come with increased storage and an articulating coupling to firmly secure the caravan to the tow vehicle across varying road conditions. It is always essential to ensure that the intended use does not exceed the legal towing capacities or the specific off-road capabilities of the tow vehicle.
Crusader Off-Road caravans: Gladiator CRV Range, Musketeer Range, Excalibur Range, XCountry Range.
