Are you considering buying a caravan? It’s a fantastic way to travel, offering all the comforts of home while you explore the great outdoors.

However, before you head too far down the road, it’s essential to do your research. There are several key factors to consider when choosing a new caravan that can truly make or break your experience. For instance, attempting rugged off-road tracks in a touring caravan can lead to costly mistakes and safety concerns.

Here are a few pointers to help you get started with your search.

Understanding the different types of caravans

First things first, you need to decide what type of traveller you’ll be. Will you be going off the beaten path, or do you prefer sticking to smooth roads and established caravan parks?  The answer to this question will help you decide between the two main caravan styles available on the market:

• Touring / On-Road: Touring caravans are designed primarily for well-maintained, smooth-surfaced roads. Because they typically weigh less than other models, they are often more fuel-efficient and easier to tow. However, it is important to note that they are not intended for rugged tracks, steep inclines, or uneven terrain.
• Off-Road: Off-road caravans are suitable for well-graded dirt roads, gravel, and flat sand driving without dunes. These models feature higher ground clearance and independent suspension to better manage rugged terrain and remote tracks. 

Tip: Know what you can tow Your loaded caravan cannot exceed the legal towing capacity of your towing vehicle; otherwise, you may not be covered by insurance in the event of an accident. It is also important to ensure that your “off-road” ambitions do not exceed the specific capabilities of your tow vehicle. Be sure to ask your dealer to help you work out what your vehicle can safely tow.

Australian made versus imported caravans

Now you can start to consider your caravan make and model. There are hundreds of great caravans on the market, but few foreign companies truly understand the unique challenges of Australian roads and the diverse climate. For this reason, many experienced travellers prefer Australian-made brands.

It also usually pays to choose a larger, established manufacturer that can engineer a well-designed and well-built caravan. Local manufacturers often produce caravans better equipped to withstand Australia’s extreme weather conditions (rain, hail or shine). 

To narrow your search further, ensure you are looking for RVMAP Accreditation. This is a key indicator that the caravan adheres to all Australian quality and compliance guidelines. Choosing a locally-made, accredited van also often means easier access to servicing and spare parts across the country.

Selecting the right internal layout

Finally, you’re ready for the fun part – browsing caravan layouts to find your perfect floorplan.
Choosing the right features is a matter of balancing your travel style with your must-have amenities.

Are you looking for an entry-level small caravan with toilet? Or do you want something more, like a 2 person caravan with shower and toilet? You actually have quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to selecting your setup.

Knowing how many people you’ll be travelling with will also help you make decisions about beds and bunks. An island bed takes up a lot of space, but if you aren’t travelling with many people, a caravan with an island bed could be ideal. If it’s just the two of you, a more compact 2 person caravan with an open plan style internal layout may be more suitable. If you have more people or are travelling with kids, you’ll want to look into a caravan with bunks.

Depending on where you want your bed, you’ll next decide on a lounge configuration. Cafe Dinette with a Tri-Fold table is a popular seating option as it can accommodate more people. However, if you’re interested in a more social atmosphere you might opt for a caravan with a club lounge or L-shaped lounge.

Buying a caravan is a big but exciting decision! For more in-depth advice, check out our buyer’s guide. It’s a great overview of how to buy a caravan as it’s packed with advice from fellow caravanners, a glossary of common caravanning terms and a checklist to help you find your perfect caravan.