Caravan or Motorhome – The Big Decision for Australian Travel
The Big Decision: Your Gateway to Australian Adventure
Choosing between a caravan or motorhome is the biggest decision facing Australian travellers today. Both offer freedom to explore our great country but each suits different travel styles and budgets.
The average new RV cost in Australia is $71,500 but prices range from $10,000 to over $200,000 for top of the line models. This decision affects not just your initial purchase but years of adventures ahead.
Try before you buy through caravan and motorhome hire to see which one suits you best – a “try before you buy” approach many RV specialists recommend.
Choose a Caravan If You Want Flexibility and Freedom
Caravans offer maximum space, lower costs, and complete freedom to explore using your tow vehicle.
Perfect for Extended Stays and Base Camping
Caravans are great when you plan to stay in one spot for days or weeks. If your typical break is a couple of weeks at a time in the same holiday park, the hassle of hitching and unhitching is minimal.
Key benefits for extended stays:
Unhitch and go in your tow vehicle
Easier and quicker to get around in your tow vehicle than lugging the motorhome around
Set up camp once and have full mobility
Easier to attach a fixed awning to a caravan once parked to increase living space
Space benefits: A 7m touring caravan has more interior space than a 7m motorhome because all available areas can be used in the living quarters.
Modern touring caravans like the Sprite Alpine have multi-functional furniture and energy efficient appliances to maximise the space.
Many models have storage compartments, water tanks and waste tanks positioned to maintain balance and provide on-board facilities.
For extended stay options and powered site information check out Mighty Campers caravan park guide for facilities and booking tips.
Ideal for First Time RV Buyers on a Budget
Generally caravans are cheaper than motorhomes mainly because they don’t have an engine. This makes them perfect for new RVers considering van life.
Budget benefits:
Lower insurance costs – about half the cost of motorhome insurance
Cheaper to run and maintain due to lower fuel consumption and registration costs
Better resale value retention
Supreme Classic Tourer has semi-off-road caravans starting at $60,000
Note: A caravan is only cheaper if you already have a suitable tow vehicle. The cost blows out if you need to buy a tow vehicle too.
For full caravan costs including insurance and maintenance check out Caravan Camping Sales cost calculator.
Best When You Already Own a Suitable Tow Vehicle
If you drive a ute, SUV or large car you can tow, caravans become very cost effective. Check your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, the caravan’s Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) and your vehicle’s Gross Combination Mass (GCM).
Towing considerations:
Most family SUVs can tow 2,000-3,500kg depending on their towing capacity specifications
Longer and heavier caravans put more stress on your vehicle and fuel efficiency
Ball weight limits – maximum pressure on your vehicle’s towball
Consider models with independent suspension and anti-sway technology for safer towing
Body length affects maneuverability, shorter body length options are easier for beginners
Modern caravans have stabiliser legs and jockey wheels for easy setup and DO35 hitch systems. Many touring caravans now have solar panels and lithium batteries for off-grid camping.
For more information on vehicle towing limits and weight calculations check out Australian Caravan Centre’s towing capacity guide for safety requirements.
Choose a Motorhome If You Want Convenience and Simplicity
Experience ultimate convenience with all-in-one travel, instant setup, and superior driving ease nationwide.
Perfect for Frequent Travelers and Quick Getaways
Motorhomes are great for quick pack up and go, perfect for shorter stopovers. This convenience factor becomes crucial for spontaneous travellers exploring destinations like New Zealand’s scenic routes.
Convenience advantages:
Just hop in and drive off or park and go to bed as soon as you arrive at your destination
Pull over just about anywhere and have a drink before continuing your trip
No hitching, unhitching or reversing hassles
Turn much tighter with a motorhome than a caravan combination
Setup time: Motorhomes set up in 5-10 minutes compared to 90 minutes for caravan combinations. Popular models like the Jayco Conquest and Avida Topaz CV7655SL have streamlined body length designs for easy maneuvering.
To check out different RV types and their benefits check out Explorer Motorhomes’ guide which explains features and costs.
Ideal for Solo Travelers and Security-Conscious Buyers
A motorhome is much better suited to a single traveller, eliminating the challenges of setting up, packing up, and parking a caravan.
Solo travel benefits:
No need for caravan reversing skills
Everything accessible from driver’s seat
Better security – locked vehicle with you inside
Some motorhomes fit in average-sized parking bays
Security benefits: Your accommodation moves with you, reducing theft risks and personal security in remote areas.
Popular models include the Swift Bessacarr and Kea Navigator Mercedes-Benz, both have compact body length options perfect for New Zealand touring or Australian coastal routes.
For beginner motorhome information including car licence requirements check out RV Daily’s beginner guide which covers advantages and top brands.
Best for Lower Long-Term Running Costs
Motorhomes cost between $110,000-$150,000 so you can stay in one spot or travel to new places.
Although more expensive to buy, motorhomes can save you money on accommodation and ownership.
Long-term cost benefits:
No separate vehicle registration and insurance
Save money on accommodation by staying in camping sites versus hotels
Single maintenance schedule
No towing wear on separate vehicle
Better fuel efficiency than towing combinations
Many motorhomes have on-board facilities including washing machine connections, storage space for extended travel and solar charging systems with lithium batteries for off-grid power.
Models like the Fraser 226R are great on-road cost efficient for budget conscious travellers.
For professional motorhome buying advice including manufacturer reputation and key considerations, visit RV Boss’s ultimate buying guide for expert recommendations.
Which Option Fits Your Specific Situation?
Match your travel style, family size, and adventure goals with the perfect RV choice.
Best for Families with Children
For families, caravans win for:
More space when staying put for extended periods
Separate vehicle for day trips without packing up
Supreme Spirit Tiny Home fits up to seven people with customisable layouts for bunk beds configurations
Need for proper child seat anchor points (ISOFIX available on newer models)
Modern family caravans have multiple bunk beds, washing machine facilities and storage compartments for extended family travel. Many have bike racks for family adventures and electrical plugs for device charging.
Motorhomes work for families when:
Frequent travel with regular stops across New Zealand or Australia
Parents don’t want to reverse trailers
Vehicle needs fasteners for car seat installation with car licence simplicity
Compact body length suits urban camping
Popular family motorhomes include models built on Fiat Ducato chassis with automatic transmission and spacious living quarters with washing machine space and multiple bed configuration options.
For family motorhome recommendations and rental options, check Australia Backpackers Guide’s family motorhomeguide covering seating and seasonal considerations.
Best for Couples and Retirees
Couples benefit from caravans when:
Planning extended stays and romantic getaways
Wanting maximum space for comfort
Off-grid capabilities for remote locations with solar capacity and lithium batteries
Budget conscious with existing tow vehicle and sufficient towing capacity
Modern touring caravans like the ABI Marauder Gold have luxury features including washing machine facilities, independent suspension for smooth travel and storage space for extended touring.
Motorhomes for couples:
Couple’s escapes with minimal setup across Australia and New Zealand
Frequent travel between destinations with car licence simplicity
Driving convenience over space
Smaller campervans for holidays not full-time living
Couples travel vans include Fiat Ducato based models with automatic transmission, compact body length for parking and essential on-board facilities.
To learn about different caravan types and what’s right for you, check out Kokoda Caravans’ ultimate guide to teardrop campers to fifth wheelers.
Weekend Warriors vs Full-Time Travellers
Travel frequency and duration determine whether convenience or space matters most for your adventures.
Weekend warriors should:
Crusader Chameleon Action SV and Liberty SV for beach and local campsite trips
Motorhomes for national park and coastal trips
Off-road caravans for adventurous weekend camping and off-road adventures
Full-time travellers need:
For year-long trips around Australia and New Zealand, touring caravans if budget allows
Maximum storage space and washing machine facilities
Travel vans for affordable living alternatives to housing costs
Solar charging systems and lithium batteries for extended off-grid stays
Many full-time travellers choose models with full on-board facilities, multiple storage compartments and waste meter systems for extended independence.
Making Your Final Decision: Caravan or Motorhome?
Caravan or Motorhome: Final Comparison Summary
Decision Checklist: Score Your Priorities
Rate each factor from 1-5 (5 = very important):
Budget – Choose caravan if 4-5
Setup – Choose motorhome if 4-5
Space – Choose caravan if 4-5
Driving – Choose motorhome if 4-5
Extended stays – Choose caravan if 4-5
Frequent moves – Choose motorhome if 4-5
Solo travel – Choose motorhome if 4-5
Family space – Choose caravan if 4-5
For caravan financing options and insurance comparisons, check out expert guides on rates and providers.
What to Do Next
Before you buy:
Test drive – Hire both to see which suits you
Check financing – Get caravan financing with Australian Motor Homes & Caravans
Factor in all costs – Insurance, registration, storage and maintenance
Consider extras – Lithium batteries, solar charging systems, washing machine space and bike racks
Insurance:
Caravan insurance averages $560 per year
Motorhome insurance over $1,300 per year
Consider ‘Total Care’ insurance for towing and emergency roadside service
Talk to RV specialists for customer service and advice
In summary: Whether you choose a touring caravan or motorhome, both are great ways to see Australia and New Zealand’s amazing scenery. It’s all about your travel style, budget, towing capacity and personal comfort.
At the end of the day, they’re both good for getting out and about – and that’s what it’s all about! Check out All Around Oz for travel planning and Australian Motor Homes & Caravans for RV advice.
Originally Published: https://www.caravansforsale.com.au/caravan-or-motorhome-australia-which-to-choose/
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