The Beginner's Guide to Buying a Caravan in Australia

You've seen them on the highway heading north. The grey nomads doing the big lap. The families at the campground with the awning out and the kids running between sites. The van parked in your mate's driveway, ready for the next long weekend.

Now you're thinking about your own.

Good news: the Australian caravan market has more options than ever, from entry-level pop-tops to off-road rigs built for the Gibb River Road. But between wanting a caravan and actually owning one, there are a few things to sort out. This guide covers all of them, including the costs most first-time buyers don't see coming.

What type of caravan suits you?

Before you start looking at brands, you need to decide what kind of van matches how you'll use it.

Pop-top: The roof lifts for headroom when parked, then lowers for towing. Lighter, more aerodynamic, and easier to tow. Trade-off: you can't stand up inside when it's down. Good for couples who travel light and want better fuel economy.

Full caravan: Fixed roof, full headroom all the time. More space, more weight, more wind resistance. The most common choice for families and longer trips.

Hybrid/expander: Fold-out beds or canvas sections that extend the living space when parked. A middle ground between a camper trailer and a full caravan.

Off-road: Reinforced chassis, independent suspension, higher ground clearance. Built for unsealed roads and remote Australia. Expect to pay a premium, but you'll access places the others can't.

Can your car actually tow it?

This is the mistake that costs people thousands. You find a caravan you love, then discover your car can't legally tow it, or you're over your Gross Combined Mass, or you need suspension upgrades before your first trip.

Here's what you need to know:

Tare weight: The empty weight of the caravan.

ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The maximum the caravan can weigh when fully loaded. This is what your car's towing capacity must exceed.

GCM (Gross Combined Mass): The maximum combined weight of your car plus the loaded caravan. Most cars have a GCM that limits real-world towing more than the headline towing capacity suggests.

Tow ball weight: How much weight sits on the tow ball. Usually 10% of ATM. Your car has a limit here too.

The rule: Your car's towing capacity is the ceiling, not the target. Leave headroom for water, gear, and the stuff you'll inevitably add.

What do caravans actually cost?

New caravan prices range from around $35,000 for a basic on-road single-axle to over $150,000 for a premium off-road family van. Here's how the market breaks down:

Entry level ($35,000 - $55,000): Single-axle, on-road caravans with basic fit-outs. Good for weekenders and shorter trips. Jayco's Journey Outback and several Chinese-manufactured brands sit here.

Mid-range ($55,000 - $85,000): Tandem-axle, better build quality, more features. This is where most Australian-made brands start. Jayco Silverline, Crusader, and New Age fit this bracket.

Premium ($85,000+): Off-road capability, higher-end fit-outs, independent suspension, solar and lithium battery setups. Kokoda, Zone RV, and Lotus play here.

Used market: A 3 to 5 year old Australian-made caravan often represents the best value. Expect to pay 50-70% of the new price for a well-maintained van with the depreciation already absorbed. Check for water damage, chassis rust, and tyre age.

The costs nobody tells you about

The sticker price is only the start. Here's what you'll actually spend before your first trip and every year after.

Setup costs (one-time)

Realistic setup total: $2,500 to $5,000+ on top of the van. You're fitting out a small apartment on wheels.

Ongoing costs (annual)

Annual holding cost: $2,500 to $6,000+ before you've gone anywhere, depending on whether you need storage.

Tow vehicle costs (often forgotten)

If your car can tow but isn't set up for it:

Some buyers discover they need $3,000 to $5,000 in tow vehicle work before their first trip.

How to finance a caravan

Most caravans are financed with a secured personal loan or chattel mortgage. Here's what that looks like:

*Estimates based on secured loan at approximately 8% p.a. Actual rates depend on your credit profile, lender, and loan structure. Subject to lender approval; terms and conditions apply.

Tip: Get pre-approved before you start shopping. It sets your budget, stops you overextending, and puts you in a stronger position when negotiating.

What to do next

1. Decide on your type. Pop-top, full caravan, or off-road? Match the van to how you'll actually use it.
2. Check your tow vehicle. Look up the GCM, not just the towing capacity. Factor in upgrades if needed.
3. Set your real budget. Van + setup + year one costs. Be honest about the total.
4. Walk through vans in person. The NSW Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow runs April 28 - May 3 at Rosehill Gardens. Walk through 250+ exhibitors in a day and sit in them before you buy.
5. Get pre-approved for finance. Know what you can spend before you fall in love with something out of budget.

Ready to get on the road? Emu Money compares caravan finance options across 50+ lenders in minutes. Compare caravan finance.