Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Single-Axle Off Road Caravans

 

Single-axle off road caravans occupy the practical middle ground between compact hybrid campers and heavier tandem-axle caravans. The models compared here range from short pop-top hybrids to 19ft conventional caravans with full internal ensuites.

A single axle can reduce chassis mass, tyre count, turning resistance and manoeuvring difficulty. However, the complete axle load is carried through two tyres, one suspension assembly and one braking system, making component quality and correct loading especially important.

The best choice is not simply the caravan with the largest battery or strongest off-road badge. Buyers need to compare tare, ATM, usable payload, ball weight, dimensions, suspension, water storage, electrical capacity and tow-vehicle compatibility.

Prices also vary between model years, locations, registration requirements, available stock and fitted options. All prices below are current or recently advertised Australian price points and should be confirmed with the relevant manufacturer or dealer before ordering.

Understanding Single Axle Off-Road Caravan Types and Configurations

A single-axle off-road caravan uses one axle group and is designed to travel beyond sealed roads. Typical equipment includes independent or heavy-duty suspension, a reinforced chassis, an articulated coupling, A/T or M/T tyres, increased clearance and additional protection for tanks, plumbing and bodywork.

These caravans can suit couples, solo travellers and smaller families wanting easier manoeuvrability and access to tighter campsites. However, size and capability vary significantly between a compact hybrid such as the Jawa Stealth 12 and a conventional 18ft caravan such as the Gibb Off-Road Plus.

Single-axle caravans usually have fewer tyres, less turning scrub and a shorter footprint than tandem-axle models. Tandem caravans can distribute weight across four tyres and may provide greater load capacity, but they generally add chassis mass, length, tyre costs and manoeuvring resistance.

Terrain descriptions are not standardised across the industry. Manufacturers may use terms such as semi-off-road, rough-road, multi-terrain, full off-road or extreme off-road for substantially different engineering packages.

The badge alone is therefore insufficient. Buyers should examine the chassis, suspension, coupling, tyre specification, clearance, water-tank protection and manufacturer usage restrictions.

Layout also affects suitability. Conventional caravans such as the Storm 5.5 and Enduro 17 prioritise internal kitchens, permanent beds and full ensuites. Hybrids such as the Stealth 12 and Forbes 11 use compact bodies and external living equipment, while slide-out models such as the X-Scape 13ft increase usable space after setup.

ATM, tare, nominal payload, towball mass and tow-vehicle limits must be verified for the exact completed caravan.

Key Features to Look For

Chassis and Body Construction

A strong caravan starts with its frame and underbody. Compare chassis dimensions, drawbar construction, chassis coating, floor design, wall framing, roof construction and how furniture is secured.

Galvanised, SupaGal or otherwise corrosion-protected chassis components are useful for gravel, coastal and wet-condition touring. Composite floors, one-piece roofs and aluminium frames may also reduce the number of areas vulnerable to water damage.

Suspension and Coupling

Independent coil, trailing-arm, wishbone and premium off-road suspension systems can provide better wheel movement than basic beam-axle touring systems.

An articulated coupling such as a DO35 allows more movement between the tow vehicle and caravan on uneven ground. Buyers should also examine shock-absorber quantity, brake size, axle rating and whether suspension components can be serviced outside major cities.

Tyres and Ground Clearance

A/T tyres provide a practical balance between sealed-road manners and unsealed-road durability. M/T tyres can provide a more aggressive tread for loose and muddy surfaces but may add road noise and rolling resistance.

Ground clearance should be assessed across the complete caravan, not just beneath the chassis. Low plumbing, steps, spare-wheel carriers and rear bodywork can still limit departure clearance.

Payload and Water Capacity

A high ATM does not automatically mean a generous payload. Payload is calculated by subtracting tare from ATM, but dealer-fitted accessories may increase the caravan’s actual empty mass.

Fresh water adds approximately one kilogram per litre. Batteries, gas cylinders, food, clothing, tools, recovery equipment and outdoor accessories must also fit within the available payload.

Master Comparison: Best Single Axle Off Road Caravans

Model	Length	ATM	Indicative Price	Nominal Payload
Gibb Off-Road Plus	18ft	Varies / Contact Dealer	Contact Dealer; previously advertised from approximately $109,990	Varies / Contact Dealer
Aussie Five Star Joey	16ft 6in–17ft 6in	2,700kg	Approximately $69,990–$76,990	Approximately 650–800kg, build dependent
Storm 5.5	Approximately 5.5m body	Approximately 2,800kg	Approximately $79,990–$84,990 drive-away	Approximately 700–735kg
X-Scape 13ft	13ft body	2,800kg	From approximately $49,990	580–680kg
Coronet Enduro 17	17ft	2,800kg	Approximately $78,999 advertised	Approximately 601kg
MY25 Musketeer Camelot	18ft interior / approximately 7.9m overall	Varies / Contact Dealer	Approximately $83,990–$93,000	Varies by completed build
Jawa Stealth 12	12ft body	2,650kg	Approximately $60,000 / Contact Dealer	Approximately 500kg
Prime Edge Xplorer	Approximately 16–18ft	Varies / Contact Dealer	Approximately $109,990 for an advertised 16ft stock caravan	Varies / Contact Dealer
Newgen NGC19	19ft	Varies / Contact Dealer	From $75,990 tow-away nationwide	Varies / Contact Dealer
MDC Forbes 11	11ft body / approximately 5.49m overall	2,500kg	$49,990 excluding government charges	Approximately 550kg

Gibb Off-Road Plus

The Red Centre Gibb Off-Road Plus is a conventional 18ft single-axle caravan designed for serious off-road and extended off-grid travel. Three floorplans combine a full ensuite and internal kitchen with robust running gear and substantial water and electrical capacity.

Specification	Details
Price Point	A previous published price point placed the Gibb Off-Road Plus from approximately $109,990. The manufacturer does not currently display a public purchase price, so buyers should request a build-specific written quote.
Dimensions	Three 18ft floorplans are offered. Public width, towing length and travel-height figures are not clearly published.
Weights	Tare, ATM and towball mass are not published for the current range. Red Centre warns that caravan weights can vary between completed builds.
Nominal Payload	Varies / Contact Dealer. It cannot be calculated without confirmed tare and ATM figures.
Running Gear	Australian-engineered steel chassis, 6in drawbar, 4in main chassis, 2in riser, independent 3T dual-shock suspension, 12in brakes, DO35 coupling and A/T tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	600W solar, 300Ah lithium battery, Victron management equipment, 190L fresh water and 95L grey water.

The lack of published model-specific weights is significant. Buyers should insist on the physical weigh sheet for the completed caravan rather than relying on a suspension rating, range-level estimate or differently optioned display model.

Ideal Buyer: Couples wanting a conventional full-ensuite caravan with serious off-grid equipment and stronger running gear than a compact hybrid.

Best Use Case: Extended remote-area touring where water capacity, solar input and suspension strength matter more than achieving the lowest possible towing mass.

View all caravan listings from Red Centre Caravans

Aussie Fivestar Joey

The Aussie Fivestar Joey is available in compact single-axle layouts from approximately 16ft 6in to 17ft 6in. Depending on the selected layout, it can suit couples or smaller families requiring more sleeping flexibility than a conventional two-berth caravan.

Specification	Details
Price Point	A current 16ft 6in display caravan is advertised at approximately $69,990 including Victorian on-road costs. A 17ft 6in Joey has also been advertised at approximately $76,990.
Dimensions	Approximately 16ft 6in to 17ft 6in. Public width and travel-height figures vary by layout and completed build.
Weights	Advertised examples list approximately 1,900–2,050kg tare, 2,700kg ATM and around 160kg towball mass.
Nominal Payload	Approximately 650–800kg, depending on the tare of the completed caravan.
Running Gear	Australian-made heavy-duty chassis, twin-shock coil independent suspension, 12in brakes, DO35 coupling, alloy wheels and M/T tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	Approximately 420–480W solar, two 100Ah batteries, battery management, approximately 190L fresh water and about 95–100L grey water.

The variation between advertised tare figures shows why buyers should not assume every Joey leaves the factory at the same mass. Confirm the compliance plate and physical weigh sheet for the selected floorplan and option package.

Ideal Buyer: Couples or smaller families wanting flexible sleeping arrangements without moving to a larger tandem-axle caravan.

Best Use Case: Mixed touring across highways, maintained gravel roads and established off-road camping routes.

View all caravan listings from Aussie Fivestar Caravans

Storm 5.5

The On The Move Storm 5.5 is a couples caravan with a front queen bed, internal kitchen and rear ensuite. It combines a conventional caravan layout with independent wishbone suspension and a manageable single-axle body.

Specification	Details
Price Point	Current and recent dealer listings place new 2025 examples at approximately $79,990–$84,990 drive-away.
Dimensions	Approximately 5.5m body length. Published examples list an overall width near 2.4m and travel height around 3.1m, although completed specifications may vary.
Weights	Advertised examples list approximately 2,079–2,145kg tare, around 2,799–2,880kg ATM and about 120–130kg towball mass.
Nominal Payload	Approximately 700–735kg, depending on the completed caravan.
Running Gear	High-tensile steel chassis, independent wishbone suspension, dual springs and shock absorbers, DO35 coupling and 265/75R16 off-road tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	Approximately 200Ah lithium, 400W solar, battery management, DC-to-DC charging, around 190L fresh water and 95L grey water.

The nominal payload is substantial for a couples-focused single axle, but the final usable allowance will depend on fitted accessories and the actual tare recorded after construction.

Ideal Buyer: Couples wanting full internal amenities and good payload without moving into a long tandem caravan.

Best Use Case: Extended regional touring with regular free-camping stops and travel across sealed and maintained unsealed roads.

View all caravan listings from On The Move Caravans

X-Scape 13ft

The X-Scape 13ft from The Little Caravan Company uses a rear slide-out island bed to create the living space of a longer caravan within a compact travelling body. Buyers can choose between hard-top and pop-top configurations.

Specification	Details
Price Point	Published price guides have placed the X-Scape from approximately $49,990, although current new-stock pricing should be confirmed directly with the manufacturer or dealer.
Dimensions	13ft or approximately 3.96m body length, around 6.06m from drawbar to caravan body, approximately 2.15m wide and about 2.66m high before the rooftop air conditioner.
Weights	Hard-top examples list approximately 2,220kg tare, 2,800kg ATM and 180kg ball mass. Pop-top figures have been listed near 2,120kg tare, 2,800kg ATM and 160kg ball mass.
Nominal Payload	Approximately 580kg for the hard top and 680kg for the pop top.
Running Gear	Galvanised chassis, independent trailing-arm coil suspension, four shock absorbers, 12in electric brakes, DO35 coupling and 265/75R16 A/T tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	Approximately 260W solar, two 105Ah AGM batteries, 200L fresh water and 65L grey water.

The pop-top provides the stronger nominal payload on the published figures, while the hard top removes the need to raise and lower the roof at each stop.

Ideal Buyer: Couples wanting a short travelling body without giving up an island bed, internal ensuite and cooking facilities.

Best Use Case: Compact campsites, frequent overnight stops and routes where easier manoeuvring is more useful than maximum interior floor area.

View all caravan listings from The Little Caravan Company

Coronet Enduro 17

The Coronet Enduro 17 is a conventional couples caravan with a permanent queen bed, internal kitchen and full ensuite. Its suspension, coupling and tyre package provide a more serious foundation than a basic touring caravan.

Specification	Details
Price Point	A new 2024 Enduro 17 has been advertised at approximately $78,999. Availability and current model-year pricing should be confirmed with Coronet or an authorised dealer.
Dimensions	Approximately 17ft. Public overall width, towing length and travel height are not clearly stated in the source material.
Weights	Approximately 2,199kg tare, 2,800kg ATM and 135kg towball mass in the cited specification.
Nominal Payload	Approximately 601kg.
Running Gear	Australian-made 6in chassis and A-frame, Cruisemaster XT Freestyle coil suspension, DO35 coupling, AL-KO stability control, 16in wheels and 265/75R16 A/T tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	400W solar, two 120Ah AGM batteries, lithium-compatible management, 190L fresh water and 95L grey water.

The published 601kg nominal payload is practical, but water alone can consume approximately 190kg when both fresh tanks are full.

Ideal Buyer: Couples wanting a familiar internal caravan layout with established Australian suspension and coupling components.

Best Use Case: Long touring holidays across bitumen, maintained gravel roads and recognised camping tracks.

View all caravan listings from Coronet RV

MY25 Musketeer Camelot

The Crusader MY25 Musketeer Camelot is a premium single-axle couples caravan with a café dinette, composite construction and a spacious internal layout. Advertised specifications vary between individual stock caravans, particularly for ATM and payload.

Specification	Details
Price Point	Current advertised examples range from approximately $83,990 to $93,000, with higher prices possible in some states or with different option packages.
Dimensions	Approximately 18ft internal length and 7.9m overall length. Advertised height is around 3.08m and width approximately 2.49m.
Weights	Advertised examples show approximately 2,226–2,236kg tare, 2,800–3,000kg ATM and about 178–194kg ball mass.
Nominal Payload	Approximately 574–774kg depending on the ATM assigned to the completed caravan.
Running Gear	Independent TuffRide coil suspension, 12in electric brakes, 150 x 50mm A-frame, 16in wheels and LT245/75R16 tyres. Coupling specifications vary between listed builds.
Off-Grid Setup	150Ah lithium battery, 400W solar and Victron management equipment. Published water figures vary between stock specifications and should be confirmed.

The variation between 2,800kg and 3,000kg advertised ATM figures materially changes the calculated payload. Buyers should request the physical weigh sheet, compliance plate details and confirmed water capacities for the exact stock caravan.

Ideal Buyer: Couples prioritising interior finish, café seating and a conventional caravan experience in a single-axle platform.

Best Use Case: Long-distance touring where comfort and payload matter more than extreme-track capability.

View all caravan listings from Crusader Caravans

Jawa Stealth 12

The Jawa Stealth 12 is a compact pop-top hybrid with an internal ensuite, external cooking equipment and a substantial electrical package. Its short body and protected running gear are designed for buyers who prioritise manoeuvrability and off-grid independence.

Specification	Details
Price Point	Independent market guides place the Stealth 12 at approximately $60,000. Jawa does not consistently display a public current purchase price, so a written dealer quote is required.
Dimensions	Approximately 12ft or 3.66m body length. Previously published overall length figures have been around 5.5–5.8m, depending on model year and equipment.
Weights	Approximately 2,150kg tare, 2,650kg ATM and 180kg unladen ball mass.
Nominal Payload	Approximately 500kg.
Running Gear	Heavy-duty chassis, Lovells off-road springs, four heavy-duty shock absorbers, 12in brakes, DO35 coupling, rock sliders and 265/75R16 10-ply A/T or M/T tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	300Ah lithium battery, approximately 400W solar, 2,000W inverter/charger, 220L fresh water and 80L grey water in the cited model.

A full 220L fresh-water load can use approximately 220kg of the available 500kg nominal payload before food, gas, clothing or accessories are added.

Ideal Buyer: Couples wanting compact hybrid dimensions, fast campsite setup and strong off-grid electrical capacity.

Best Use Case: Remote touring and tighter bush camps where a short body and protected undercarriage provide a practical advantage.

View all caravan listings from Jawa Caravans

Prime Edge Xplorer

The Prime Edge Xplorer is an Australian-built, aluminium-framed single-axle range available in approximately 16ft to 18ft layouts. It combines premium suspension and Victron equipment with composite floor and roof construction.

Specification	Details
Price Point	A 2024 Xplorer 16ft stock caravan has been advertised at approximately $109,990. Current pricing varies by length, layout, location and options.
Dimensions	Approximately 16ft, 17ft 6in and 18ft configurations. Exact overall dimensions vary by floorplan.
Weights	No universal tare, ATM or towball mass applies across the range. A previously cited 17ft 6in build listed approximately 2,358kg tare, 3,000kg ATM and 133kg ball mass.
Nominal Payload	Approximately 642kg for the cited 17ft 6in build only. Other completed caravans will vary.
Running Gear	Australian-manufactured steel chassis, 3T Cruisemaster ATX suspension, 12in brakes, DO35 coupling, SupaGal chassis coating, 6in A-frame, chassis raiser and 265/75R16 M/T tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	Approximately 300Ah lithium, 300–500W solar depending on specification, Victron inverter/charger, Cerbo monitoring and DC-to-DC charging.

Because the Xplorer is a multi-layout range, a dealer listing from one length cannot be used as the weight specification for every Xplorer. Request a physical weigh sheet for the exact layout and option package.

Ideal Buyer: Couples wanting aluminium construction, premium suspension and a stronger electrical system in a compact conventional caravan.

Best Use Case: Extended off-grid touring where build quality and electrical integration justify a higher purchase price.

View all caravan listings from Prime Edge Caravans

Newgen NGC19

The NGC19 is a 19ft couples caravan with a front bed, internal kitchen, lounge and rear ensuite. Newgen describes it as a multi-terrain model rather than a caravan intended for extreme rock crawling or deep-water crossings.

Specification	Details
Price Point	From $75,990 tow-away nationwide. The advertised tow-away price includes registration, pre-delivery and dealer-delivery costs, subject to the manufacturer’s terms.
Dimensions	Approximately 19ft body length. Complete width, overall towing length and travel-height figures should be confirmed with the dealer.
Weights	Newgen does not clearly publish a universal tare, ATM or towball mass on the current model page.
Nominal Payload	Varies / Contact Dealer. It cannot be calculated without confirmed tare and ATM figures.
Running Gear	Off-road coil suspension, 12in brakes, DO35 hitch, checker-plate protection and 245/75R16 A/T tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	Approximately 400W solar, 100Ah lithium battery, Projecta battery management, 190L fresh water and 95L grey water.

The suspension rating must not be treated as the caravan’s ATM. Buyers should request the physical weigh sheet and compliance details for the completed NGC19 before assessing tow-vehicle suitability.

Ideal Buyer: Couples wanting a competitively priced 19ft internal-ensuite layout with light-to-moderate unsealed-road capability.

Best Use Case: Highways, maintained dirt roads and recognised camping tracks rather than extreme or technically difficult terrain.

View all caravan listings from Newgen Caravans

MDC Forbes 11

The MDC Forbes 11 is a compact two-berth hybrid combining an internal combination ensuite with external living and cooking equipment. Its price places it among the more accessible new off-road hybrids in this comparison.

Specification	Details
Price Point	$49,990 excluding government charges in current 2026 dealer listings.
Dimensions	Approximately 11ft body length and 5.49m overall towing length.
Weights	Approximately 1,950kg tare, 2,500kg ATM and 140kg towball mass.
Nominal Payload	Approximately 550kg.
Running Gear	Hot-dipped galvanised chassis, independent trailing-arm coil suspension, 12in electromagnetic brakes, stability control and 16in M/T tyres.
Off-Grid Setup	200Ah lithium battery, 550W solar, approximately 1,600W inverter, 120L fresh water and 80L grey water.

The published 550kg nominal payload provides a reasonable allowance for a compact two-berth hybrid. However, the external fridge and other optional or owner-supplied equipment must still be included in the loaded weight.

Ideal Buyer: Couples wanting a compact new hybrid with lithium power, solar and an internal ensuite at a comparatively accessible price.

Best Use Case: Weekend escapes, shorter off-grid trips and value-focused touring on mixed sealed and unsealed routes.

View all caravan listings from MDC Caravans

Single Axle Caravan Weight Considerations

Tare

Tare is the mass of the caravan in its ready-for-service but unloaded condition. Buyers should confirm exactly what the manufacturer includes when stating tare, particularly for gas cylinders, water, dealer accessories and optional appliances.

A brochure tare may not match the completed caravan after accessories have been fitted. The physical weigh sheet provides a more useful basis for loading calculations.

Aggregate Trailer Mass

ATM is the maximum legally permitted mass of the loaded caravan when it is not coupled to the tow vehicle.

ATM includes the mass carried through the wheels and the downward mass that would normally be applied to the tow vehicle through the coupling.

Gross Trailer Mass

GTM is the maximum mass transmitted to the ground through the caravan tyres when the caravan is coupled to the tow vehicle.

GTM is normally lower than ATM because part of the caravan’s mass is carried as towball load by the tow vehicle.

Nominal Payload

Nominal payload is calculated by subtracting tare from ATM.

For example, a caravan with a 2,100kg tare and 2,800kg ATM has a theoretical payload of 700kg. That capacity must cover water, gas, food, clothing, tools, recovery equipment, outdoor furniture and accessories added after the tare measurement.

Towball Mass

Towball mass is the downward load applied to the vehicle’s towbar. It contributes to the tow vehicle’s payload and rear-axle loading.

Passengers, luggage, aftermarket accessories and the towball load must all remain within the tow vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass and axle ratings.

Why Physical Weigh Sheets Matter

Brands that do not publish tare, ATM and towball mass make meaningful comparison difficult.

A suspension rated to 3,000kg does not prove that the caravan has a 3,000kg ATM. It also does not show the completed tare, usable payload or actual ball load.

Buyers should insist on a physical weigh sheet for the exact completed caravan. Do not accept a verbal estimate, a brochure covering several layouts or the weight certificate from a differently optioned display caravan.

Choosing the Right Single Axle Off Road Caravan

The best compact hybrids in this comparison are the Jawa Stealth 12, MDC Forbes 11 and X-Scape 13ft. They provide shorter bodies and easier campsite positioning, although their layouts rely more heavily on convertible or external living areas.

The Storm 5.5, Coronet Enduro 17, Aussie Five Star Joey and Musketeer Camelot provide more conventional caravan interiors. They suit buyers wanting permanent beds, internal kitchens and full ensuite facilities.

The Gibb Off-Road Plus and Prime Edge Xplorer provide stronger electrical systems and premium running gear, but they also sit toward the higher end of the price range.

The Newgen NGC19 offers a competitive advertised tow-away price for a 19ft layout. However, buyers cannot properly assess its towing suitability until build-specific weights are supplied.

Price should be compared against included equipment rather than treated as a standalone ranking. A lower purchase price can rise quickly after adding lithium batteries, solar, an inverter, suspension upgrades, dust reduction, heating, external storage and water capacity.

Final Verdict

The MDC Forbes 11 and X-Scape 13ft provide some of the lowest entry price points in the comparison. Both target buyers who value a short body and compact campsite footprint.

The Storm 5.5 and Joey offer a strong middle ground between purchase price, payload and internal comfort. Their published dealer weights also make preliminary tow-vehicle comparison easier.

The Gibb Off-Road Plus and Prime Edge Xplorer target buyers prepared to pay more for premium construction, stronger electrical systems and remote-area capability.

Regardless of model, the final decision should be based on the completed caravan’s physical weights, actual payload, towball load and compatibility with the selected tow vehicle. Public specifications and advertised prices are a starting point, not a substitute for a build-specific quote and weigh sheet.

Originally Published: https://www.caravansforsale.com.au/best-single-axle-off-road-caravans/