#### Contents 1. [Types of caravans](#types-of-caravans-2) 2. [What to consider when choosing a caravan](#what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-caravan-2) - [Weight and towing capacity](#weight-and-towing-capacity-3) - [Size](#size-3) - [Design](#design-3) - [Features](#features-3) - [Build quality](#build-quality-3) - [Price](#price-3) 3. [Tips for when you shop](#tips-for-when-you-shop-2) ![An elderly couple relaxing by a river next to their caravan](https://cdn.productreview.com.au/resize/article-image/97b47003-0b28-4234-9006-89b74f91ec00?width=826) ## Types of caravans While there are plenty of types of caravans to choose from, conventional caravans and pop-top caravans are the two most popular choices. ### Conventional caravans These have a solid roof and solid walls, neither of which can be adjusted. They’re also the most common type of caravan on the market. Has more cupboard space than pop-tops. Easier to set up. Less vulnerable to leaks. Can stay warmer in colder weather. Cheaper than pop-tops. Weigh more than pop-tops, so they're more difficult and expensive to tow. Higher height may make them difficult to store in some carports and garages, and more difficult to manoeuvre along trails with low-hanging debris. ### Pop-top caravans [Pop-top (or pop-up) caravans](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?dcbfb3de-c3b6-4916-b8fb-196cc71c8393=true) have a roof that can be lifted up or lowered. When the roof is raised, vinyl or canvas walls protect the interior of the van. Reduced height makes them easier to store in garages, and may make it easier to take them along roads or tracks with a low clearance. Provide more ventilation, making it great for hot or humid weather. Often weigh less, so use less fuel to tow. Often more expensive. More vulnerable to water and dust leaks. Often have less structural integrity than conventional caravans. Offer less cupboard storage. Mechanisms to pop and pull top back down are often highly mounted and aren’t ergonomic. ### Other types of caravans - **Pop-out caravans:** These have a slide-out section that usually has sleeping berths or seating, allowing them to stay compact while being a great family caravan. - **Fifth wheeler caravans:** Fifth wheelers are the largest type of caravan you can find, and you’ll find these have the space to house luxurious interior features. Because of their size, you’ll need a sturdy vehicle to tow them, and you may find that not all caravan parks accept these vans. - **Teardrop caravans:** These are small caravans that are used by those who have a smaller towing vehicle or don’t need to carry all that much. They’ll usually have enough space for 2 people to sleep in as well as a kitchenette.

![An image of a conventional caravan next to an image of a pop-top caravan](https://cdn.productreview.com.au/resize/article-image/57b08fcd-acbd-4ac5-83ab-4407b1de21c1?width=826)

*On the left: a conventional caravan. Image credit: New Age. On the right: a pop-top caravan. Image credit: A'van.*

#### Should I get an off-road caravan? If you’re itching to get off the bitumen, then you might find an [off-road caravan](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?af54d787-1fd8-45cb-851f-3173e34e4494=true) is more suitable for you. Off-roaders have more ground clearance, larger wheels, a more durable chassis, and suspension that can absorb road shock and tackle rough terrain. They also sometimes have larger water tanks, solar panels, and a more powerful battery system to allow for greater self-reliance when you’re off the grid. Think about the type of adventures you plan on setting off for. Will you mainly be on paved roads, or will you need something that can tackle a dust road, rougher trails and even the odd river crossing? Off-road campers are pricier, heavier, and more difficult to tow, so don’t overestimate your bravery - only opt for one if you really think you’ll need it. ## What to consider when choosing a caravan ### Weight and towing capacity First-time caravan buyers will likely be confused at all the weights they need to consider when buying one. All of these weights are to ensure you can legally and safely tow your caravan. These are the measurements you’ll need to check: - Your vehicle’s **maximum towing capacity**. - The **tare weight** of your caravan. This is the weight of an empty trailer (but including 10L of fuel). - The **Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)** of your caravan. This is the legal maximum weight of your caravan with a load, and is the combination of the tare weight and its payload (the maximum weight of cargo that can be loaded onto the trailer). - Your vehicle’s **Gross Combination Mass (GCM)**. This is the maximum combined weight of the car and the caravan. - The **ball weight**, which is the maximum amount of pressure you can put on your vehicle’s towball. Check with both your vehicle and caravan manufacturer about weights. You can also weigh both at a public weighbridge. If you find that most caravans don’t suit your current towing capabilities and you don’t want to upgrade your vehicle, you may want to consider opting for a more lightweight [camper trailer](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/camper-trailers). ### Size Most caravans in Australia are somewhere between 11 and 24ft (even here, we generally measure caravans by feet). An 11ft camper usually sleeps 1 one person, while couples can often be comfortable in one between 19 to 20ft. Longer caravans are usually recommended for larger groups, with some caravans accommodating up to 7 people. Check how easy your caravan will be to store, particularly if it needs to be parked in a garage or another kind of enclosed space. However, you shouldn’t settle for too tight a fit, as you’ll need a bit of swing room when making a turn out of the garage. How large you decide to go will generally depend on your vehicle’s towing capacity, the number of sleeping berths you need the van to have, and what kind of interior features and components you want in your van. ### Design Just because you’re planning to live in a box doesn’t mean that you need to sign away a life of comfort. Well thought-out layouts can make even the smallest caravans feel spacious, and caravan manufacturers often offer a variety of layouts within a single model or range. Think about how many campers you need your van to sleep and what kind of activities you want to do in your van - some people like space, while others prefer a cosier home that forces them to relax outdoors more often. Also consider the colour of your van - the majority are white because they're cooler and white wall sheeting is more widely prouced, making them cheaper to purchase if you need repairs done. ### Features While most caravans come with sleeping berths, a kitchenette, a toilet and shower, and a living area, there are some extra features that you might want to look for when you shop. Deciding what features you want or need largely depends on personal preference - here are a few common ones for you to consider. #### Interior features - [TV](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?a7a92920-5908-43e3-bb0a-fd208133cc52%5B0%5D=c939b89a-4792-40e8-8318-0e3a99ee8cbb) - [air conditioner](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?a7a92920-5908-43e3-bb0a-fd208133cc52%5B0%5D=8bbc45aa-a199-47e3-8023-44a4a77ca7ce) - [fan](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?a7a92920-5908-43e3-bb0a-fd208133cc52%5B0%5D=ed7399b8-f156-42c5-90e9-89f6b1e4b8ea) - [washing machine](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?3a15c5f5-13ad-4496-8997-1a9a1fc39ca7%5B0%5D=8af91af6-6993-49f4-94a8-bbf53ba895d4) - Wi-Fi system #### Exterior features - [awning](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?e5d4de3b-13d3-4fa7-9f64-06fc5e675abc%5B0%5D=1ea1f740-26f7-495e-9331-3d6636a3100f) - patio light - [reversing camera](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?e5d4de3b-13d3-4fa7-9f64-06fc5e675abc%5B0%5D=ad463c03-0ce7-4ed3-ae00-24ca192c44df) - [external speakers](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?e5d4de3b-13d3-4fa7-9f64-06fc5e675abc%5B0%5D=0a8bc9b7-999e-4351-a0d5-72d44b07c98a) - [solar panels](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans?e5d4de3b-13d3-4fa7-9f64-06fc5e675abc%5B0%5D=171df386-bedf-4c92-aafd-9865acb7f59e) You should also consider the following: - **Water tank capacity.** It’s generally a good idea to have at least 100L of fresh water on your caravan, particularly if you plan on free camping or travelling through National Parks. - **Battery.** You should have at least one battery of 100A/H or higher. - **Grey water tank.** A grey water tank helps you leave no trace, and while not all caravans have them as a standard feature, they’re an environmentally responsible fitting to have. The more bells and whistles you want your caravan to have, the larger and heavier you should expect your caravan to be. ### Build quality Whether you want a caravan for the odd trip away or plan on making it your permanent home, you should look for a sturdy, well constructed van. Most caravans are made from either aluminium or fibreglass - neither is inherently better than the other, but both materials have benefits and drawbacks. #### Aluminium - Lighter, making it easier and cheaper to tow. - Less expensive. - Easier to repair. #### Fibreglass - Stronger and more resistant to denting. - Less likely to sustain hail damage. - Offers a smoother look (as opposed to a ribbed aluminium surface). You can also look out for the joints between panels - usually, the fewer there are, the less likely your van will leak. ### Price Buying a caravan can set you back anywhere from $40,000 to upwards of $120,000, while a second hand caravan can still cost you anywhere from $20,000. Cheap caravans under $50,000 will generally be smaller in size and won’t sleep more than 4 people. Spending between $50,000 and $70,000 will usually get you a longer caravan with a larger dinette and bathroom, as well as more durable and stylish finishes. Spending more than this can get you an off-road or luxury caravan, and these models will often include features like a full kitchen, top-grade suspension, and swanky upholstery. ## Tips for when you shop There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting [caravan and camper trailer shops](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravan-camper-trailer-shops). - You can sometimes score a better deal for a caravan in the summer (ideally December or January) as campers are already off on holiday and RV sales are generally quite low. - Ask the caravan dealer what kind of ongoing customer service they provide, taking note of relevant warranties, whether they offer roadside assistance and where they source parts. This will give you a good indication of where you can get help, and how long you’d have to wait if you need repairs. - Inspect a caravan closely when you’re shopping around as well as during the handover after you’ve purchased one. Checking the finishes, how secure the furniture and appliances are, and how comfortable the caravan is can save you having to make a detour to a service centre in the middle of your holiday. One way to try before you buy is to rent a caravan for your next weekend getaway - if you have a few trips planned, you can road test different models to see which style and layout suits your needs. Whether you’re perusing through new or used caravans for sale, knowing what to look for will help you get on the road with a camper that’s just right for you. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.productreview.com.au/c/caravans" }, "headline": "Best Caravans", "description": "This guide will help you choose a caravan that helps you feel at home wherever you go.", "image": "https://cdn.productreview.com.au/resize/article-image/97b47003-0b28-4234-9006-89b74f91ec00", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Clara Von Dinklage" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "ProductReview.com.au", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://cdn.productreview.com.au/assets/public/og_logo_1a8a64.png" } }, "datePublished": "2021-04-30", "dateModified": "2024-06-07" }

Best Opal Caravans Caravans

Opal Southern Explorer 186