8 Best Triple Bunk Off Road Caravans for Family Adventures
Travelling with children requires more than adding extra beds to a standard caravan. Families need sufficient payload, secure sleeping areas, reliable off-grid power, practical storage and equipment capable of handling Australian gravel roads.
For larger families, triple bunk off road caravans provide a practical layout with a permanent bed for parents and three dedicated bunks for children. This allows five people to sleep comfortably without converting the dining area each night.
The eight models below range from compact 15ft hybrids to large 22ft 6in tandem-axle caravans. Their ATM ratings extend from approximately 2,900kg to 4,000kg, while battery capacity ranges from about 200Ah to 690Ah.
These differences directly affect tow-vehicle requirements, off-grid endurance and carrying capacity. Families should compare the complete weight, layout, power and water package before choosing a model.
Browse live caravan listings from across the country, then compare off road caravans in Australia using search filters by price, location, weight, length and sleeping capacity while exploring manufacturer and model reviews.
Off-Road Caravans and Family Space
Off-road caravans are built for unsealed roads, corrugations and remote campsites. Common upgrades include reinforced chassis construction, independent suspension, all-terrain tyres, electric brakes, protected plumbing and articulating couplings such as the DO35 or DO45.
Many family models also carry 190–200L of fresh water, 200–690Ah battery systems and 400–800W of solar for extended off-grid stays.
Interior space is equally important when travelling with children. A triple-bunk layout gives three children permanent beds while parents retain a separate queen or king bed.
This avoids converting the dinette each night and keeps the main living area available during the day.
Bunk dimensions should be checked carefully. Mattresses around 1,820mm may suit younger children, while 2m bunks provide more room for teenagers.
Families should also look for individual reading lights, USB ports, ventilation, secure bunk barriers and accessible ladders.
Storage must accommodate bedding, clothing, food and outdoor equipment. Large refrigerators, pantry space, under-bed storage, overhead cabinets and external tunnel boots can make longer family trips more manageable.
However, every added feature must remain within the caravan’s legal payload and the tow vehicle’s GVM, GCM and rear-axle limits.
What to Look for in Bunk Bed Caravans
Weight Capacity and Size
Calculate carrying capacity by subtracting tare from ATM. The remaining payload must accommodate water, gas, food, clothing, accessories and dealer-installed equipment.
A caravan carrying 190L of fresh water adds approximately 190kg before personal equipment is loaded. Confirm the tow vehicle’s braked towing capacity, tow-ball limit, GVM, GCM and rear-axle rating.
Safety Features
Look for secure bunk barriers, stable ladders, individual ventilation and accessible emergency exits. Off-road equipment should include an articulating coupling, suitable electric brakes, protected services, rated suspension and all-terrain tyres.
Storage and Amenities
Check pantry capacity, external lockers, under-bed compartments and storage around the bunks. Families may also need a large refrigerator, full ensuite, internal cooking facilities and sufficient water.
Compare battery capacity, solar wattage and inverter output instead of relying only on claims such as “off-grid ready.”
At-a-Glance Comparison
Airlie 22
The Ezytrail Airlie 22 is a full-height tandem-axle caravan designed for five-person families. It combines a permanent island queen bed, three individual bunks, a large internal kitchen, a full ensuite and extensive storage.
The interior includes a 224L Thetford refrigerator-freezer, four-burner cooktop, long dining table and extensive pantry space. Under-seat storage, overhead cupboards and the external tunnel boot provide room for clothing, bedding and camping equipment.
Payload management remains important. Filling approximately 190L of fresh-water capacity adds close to 190kg, reducing the remaining allowance to about 373kg.
The 3,500kg ATM and 285kg unladen ball mass also require careful checks against the tow vehicle’s GVM, GCM and rear-axle limits.
The optional power package makes the Airlie particularly suitable for families planning longer stays away from powered sites. However, air-conditioning and other high-draw appliance use will still depend on weather, charging conditions and daily energy consumption.
View all caravan listings from Ezytrail Caravans
Mars 15 Elite
The Mars 15 Elite is a compact pop-top hybrid designed to provide five permanent beds within a shorter travel body. Its defining feature is the rear fold-out king bed, supported by three internal bunks for children.
The rear fold-out king bed gives adults a larger sleeping area without requiring the entire mattress length to remain inside the body during travel. This helps preserve interior room for the triple bunks, dining area, storage and full bathroom.
Two 65L upright refrigerators provide approximately 130L of combined cold storage. Internal and external cooking facilities improve flexibility in poor weather or hot conditions.
Its 530kg payload is useful for a compact hybrid. However, the completed caravan should still be weighed after air conditioning, batteries and dealer accessories are installed.
The shorter body can be easier to position at bush campsites than a conventional 22ft family caravan. Buyers should still account for the van’s approximately 3,000kg loaded rating when selecting a tow vehicle.
View all caravan listings from Mars Campers
SRT-22F
The Snowy River SRT-22F is a full-height 22ft family caravan with a permanent queen bed and three separate bunks. It provides a large internal living area, full kitchen and ensuite for families touring highways, gravel roads and regional routes.
The SRT-22F includes a 174L refrigerator, café-style lounge, ceramic toilet, separate shower, 3.0kW air conditioner and 24in smart television. The 1,820mm bunks should suit many children, although taller teenagers may prefer a model with 2m mattresses.
Its payload requires careful planning. Filling the two 95L fresh-water tanks adds approximately 190kg, leaving about 266kg for gas, food, clothing, hoses, furniture and personal equipment.
Families planning long off-grid trips should prepare a complete loading calculation before departure.
The 9.23m overall travel length also affects manoeuvrability. Storage access, campsite dimensions and rear overhang should be considered before taking the caravan onto narrow tracks.
View all caravan listings from Snowy River Caravans
Gibb 16B
The Austrack Gibb 16B is a 16ft family hybrid with a queen bed and a configurable bunk section. Buyers requiring a five-berth layout should confirm that the selected caravan includes three bunks rather than the alternative two-bunk configuration.
The Gibb 16B has the strongest battery capacity among the listed models. Its 690Ah lithium bank and 750W solar array provide a substantial foundation for refrigeration, lighting, water pumps and selected 240V appliances.
Interior equipment includes a 174L refrigerator, cooktop, grill, full ensuite, reverse-cycle air conditioning, diesel heater and front-loading washing machine. External lockers and tunnel storage support longer trips.
The 730kg payload gives families more flexibility. Water, accessories and optional equipment must still be included in the final loaded weight.
The large electrical system is particularly useful for longer remote stays. Actual endurance will depend on solar conditions, appliance use and whether high-draw equipment such as air conditioning is operated through the inverter.
View all caravan listings from Austrack Caravans
SCT18
The SWAG SCT18 is an 18ft off-road family hybrid with an east-west king bed and three long bunks. Its approximately 2m bunk mattresses make it one of the more suitable choices for families with older children or teenagers.
The SCT18 provides internal and external cooking facilities, a full ensuite and separate refrigeration. Its 75L external dual-zone fridge-freezer and 65L internal refrigerator provide approximately 140L of combined cold storage.
A full 200L fresh-water load adds about 200kg, reducing the remaining payload to approximately 350kg. The east-west king bed saves body length, although one adult may need to climb over the other.
Families should test the bed access and bunk ladder before ordering.
The 300Ah battery and 600W solar system provide a balanced off-grid package for an 18ft caravan. The 2,000W inverter is suitable for many common appliances, but appliance startup loads and simultaneous use must be considered.
View all caravan listings from SWAG Caravans
Toura X
The Millard Toura X is a large premium caravan for families wanting substantial payload, high-capacity electrical equipment and a full residential-style interior. Its 4,000kg ATM places it outside the legal towing capacity of most standard 3.5-tonne-rated vehicles.
The Toura X includes a 218L compressor refrigerator, multi-burner cooker and oven, washing machine, 3.0kW reverse-cycle air conditioner and 27in smart television. These features make it suitable for extended touring but also contribute to its high tare.
The 774kg payload is the largest confirmed allowance in this group. However, the tow vehicle must be legally capable of handling the 4,000kg ATM, loaded tow-ball mass and combined family luggage.
Buyers should calculate GVM, GCM and rear-axle loading before placing an order.
The large payload provides more freedom for carrying water, food, outdoor equipment and factory options. It does not remove the need to weigh the completed caravan and tow vehicle combination before travelling.
View all caravan listings from Millard Caravans
Kimberley
The Red Centre Kimberley is a full-height off-road caravan available across several body lengths and internal configurations. The 19’6 family layout is available with three bunks, providing a dedicated triple-bunk sleeping zone for children.
The aluminium frame, hail-resistant composite exterior, insulated one-piece roof and protected plumbing support gravel-road and remote-area touring. Interior equipment can include a full ensuite, large fridge-freezer, oven, microwave, washing machine and pillow-top mattresses.
The 19’6 layout provides the required triple-bunk arrangement without moving into the largest 21ft or 22ft family-caravan category. This may improve campsite access and manoeuvrability compared with longer tandem-axle layouts.
The 240Ah AGM battery system offers less usable energy than a comparable lithium package. Families intending to operate high-draw appliances may need to discuss battery, charger and inverter upgrades.
Final tare, ATM and payload should also be confirmed after the triple-bunk layout and optional equipment are installed.
View all caravan listings from Red Centre Caravans
CAMO S2
The Everest CAMO S2 is a compact single-axle off-road caravan. Its standard layout includes two bunks, while a third bunk can be fitted as a factory option to create the five-person triple-bunk configuration.
The CAMO S2 has the lowest ATM in this comparison, making it potentially suitable for more tow vehicles than the 3,500kg and 4,000kg alternatives. However, its 260kg unladen ball mass is still significant and may increase after loading front storage and water.
Interior equipment includes a 141L refrigerator-freezer, L-shaped lounge, separate shower and toilet compartments and individual bunk lights, USB charging points and fans.
Buyers wanting three bunks should order the option during production. They should also confirm how it affects storage, tare and final payload.
The 200Ah battery system is suitable for basic lighting, refrigeration, pumps, fans and device charging. Families planning extended high-draw appliance use may need a larger lithium system and a suitable inverter.
View all caravan listings from Everest Caravans
Pros and Cons of Caravans with Bunks
Advantages of Triple-Bunk Design
Three permanent bunks give each child an individual bed and remove the need to convert the lounge every evening. Parents retain their own permanent queen or king bed, while the dining area remains available after bedtime.
Separate bunks can also improve organisation because each child has a defined sleeping area. Many family layouts add individual lights, USB charging, fans and nearby storage.
Disadvantages to Consider
Bunk layouts increase body length, cabinetry and overall weight. Many models have an ATM between 3,000kg and 4,000kg, requiring a capable tow vehicle.
The extra beds may reduce lounge space, bathroom dimensions or kitchen storage. Payload can also become restrictive after water, gas and family equipment are loaded.
Upper bunks require secure barriers and may not suit very young children. Bunk length should also be checked for growing teenagers.
Choosing the Right Caravan for Your Family
The best overall model depends on tow-vehicle capacity, family size and intended travel conditions. No single caravan provides the ideal combination of low weight, large payload, high-capacity power and maximum interior space.
The Gibb 16B offers one of the strongest combinations of payload and electrical capacity. Its approximately 730kg payload, 690Ah lithium bank, 750W solar and 3,000W inverter suit families planning extended off-grid stays.
The SWAG SCT18 is a strong option for families with older children. Its approximately 2m bunks provide more growing room than shorter bunk mattresses, while the 300Ah lithium and 600W solar package offers balanced off-grid capability.
The Mars 15 Elite suits buyers wanting a compact hybrid with five permanent beds. Its rear fold-out king bed preserves internal space while the three bunks provide a separate sleeping area for children.
The Airlie 22 and Snowy River SRT-22F provide spacious full-height interiors. Both require careful payload calculations and suitable 3,500kg-rated tow vehicles.
The Millard Toura X offers the largest confirmed payload and one of the strongest power systems. Its 4,000kg ATM means it requires a tow vehicle legally rated beyond the common 3,500kg limit.
The Red Centre Kimberley 19’6 provides a dedicated triple-bunk family layout in a body shorter than many 22ft alternatives. Its final towing figures must be confirmed from the compliance plate of the selected build.
The CAMO S2 has the lowest ATM in the comparison. The third bunk must be ordered as a factory option because the standard layout is supplied with two bunks.
Tips for Choosing the Right Caravan
Start with the tow vehicle rather than the caravan brochure. Confirm braked towing capacity, tow-ball limit, GVM, GCM and rear-axle rating.
Calculate the theoretical payload by subtracting tare from ATM. Then subtract water, gas, food, clothing, outdoor furniture, recovery equipment and dealer-installed accessories.
Ask whether the advertised tare includes batteries, air conditioning, awning, solar panels and bunk options. The final delivered tare may be higher than an early brochure estimate.
Inspect the bunks in person where possible. Check mattress length, vertical clearance, ladder position, ventilation, reading lights and safety barriers.
Compare refrigerator volume, water capacity and storage access for a five-person family. A spacious interior is less useful when the legal payload cannot accommodate the equipment required for the trip.
Finally, obtain the exact model specification, production tare and included equipment in writing. Specifications, prices and standard inclusions can vary between model years, individual builds and dealer packages.
Explore caravan sales from trusted dealers and private sellers across Australia. Use our search filters to compare off-road, family, touring, luxury and pop-top caravans by location, weight, length and sleeping capacity.
Originally Published : https://www.caravansforsale.com.au/best-triple-bunk-off-road-caravans/
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