Camping guides
Finding your ideal caravan: guide to van types Australia
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Choosing the right RV can make all the difference in your travel experience. At Camplify, our van-sharing platform offers a range of RVs to suit different travel styles and needs. Read the ultimate guide to choosing your van.
Last Updated: September 2024
One of the most useful features when searching for your perfect RV is the "van type" filter. This tool helps you narrow down your options based on your specific requirements.
Which RV type is the right one for you?
Campervans
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, urban explorers
Ideal for: Weekend getaways, city-to-city trips
Motorhomes
Best for: Families, groups, those who want home comforts
Ideal for: Longer trips, multi-stop journeys
Caravans
Best for: Families, groups, pet owners
Ideal for: Extended stays, travelers who want a familiar "home base"
Hybrid/Expander Caravans
Best for: Families, adventure seekers
Ideal for: Those wanting flexibility between compact travel and spacious camping
Pop Top Camper Trailers
Best for: Couples, small families, first-time towers
Ideal for: Weekend trips, those who enjoy a mix of RVing and camping
Camper Trailers (Soft Floor and Hard Floor)
Best for: Families of various sizes, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers
Ideal for: Those who enjoy a more immersive camping experience with added comfort
Soft Floor: Offers more space, suitable for larger groups
Hard Floor: Quicker setup, often better for off-road travel
Rooftop Tent 4WDs
Best for: Adventure seekers, off-road enthusiasts, couples, small families
Ideal for: Exploring remote areas, quick setup and packup, weekend warriors
Tow Vehicles
Best for: Travellers who want to hire a caravan or camper trailer but don't own a suitable towing vehicle
Ideal for: Those needing extra power for larger RVs, flexibility in RV choices
While this overview gives you a snapshot of each RV type, we know that choosing your perfect van involves weighing various factors. What are the specific advantages of a motorhome over a caravan? How does the setup time of a pop-top compare to a camper trailer? What about fuel efficiency, towing requirements, or off-road capabilities?
To help you make the best choice for your next adventure, we've put together a comprehensive breakdown of each RV type. Let's explore each RV type in detail and discover which one aligns best with your travel dreams.
Types of RVs explained
1. Campervans
A campervan is a commercial/work van that has been converted to include accommodation in the rear. Generally, the accommodation in a campervan includes a bed, a kitchen and a dinette area. Campervans don’t normally have a bathroom (although some have portable toilets and showers).
What we consider a campervan in Australia may be considered a Class B motorhome in the United States. Whatever you call them, these compact campers are one of our favourite types of RVs!
Campervans are great for solo travellers or couples because they are smaller than caravans or motorhomes and easier to drive. However, most models won't be suitable for off-road camping.
Sleeping berths: 1 to 4 people
Average Hire Pricing: $50 to $150 per night
Pros and cons of campervans
Smaller than most RVs and easier to drive, manoeuvre and park.
Cheaper to hire than larger RVs.
More fuel efficient than larger RVs.
More acceleration than larger RVs.
Minimal setup compared to other RVs.
Sometimes there is limited space for storage, living and dining relative to a motorhome.
Only some vans are suitable for off-road camping.
Campervans for hire
Use Camplify to find campervan hire all around Australia. Here are some examples of campervans on our platform:
Coral (Sydney, NSW)
Oakley (Brisbane, QLD)
Cavanbah (Berkeley Vale, NSW)
Oasis (Terrigal, NSW)
Van Damme (West Beach, SA)
2. Motorhomes
A motorhome is a type of RV that is purpose-built to accommodate travellers in a living module. Motorhomes provide more internal living space and amenities than a campervan - generally including a bedroom, kitchen, dinette, bathroom and additional bedding.
What we consider a motorhome in Australia may be considered a Class A or C motorhome in the United States.
Motorhomes are great for larger families because they provide lots of sleeping and living space with very little set up. They are easy to drive and manoeuvre. However, most models won't be suitable for off-road camping.
Sleeping berths: 2 to 4 people
Average hire pricing: $110 to $170 per night
Pros and cons of motorhomes
Minimal setup compared to other RVs.
Easier to drive, manoeuvre and park than trailer RVs.
Ability to tow additional vehicle or trailer.
Larger and more comfortable than smaller RVs with more layouts choices.
Well protected from the elements due to solid walls and ceiling.
High ceiling clearance for tall people.
Lots of storage, including ceiling cupboards.
More luxurious features including air-con, TV’s and separate bedrooms and bathrooms.
Unable to detach vehicle from living module if you want to use it as a day vehicle.
Generally more expensive to hire than smaller RVs.
Sometimes less fuel efficient than smaller RVs.
See our full list of motorhome or caravan pros and cons.
Motorhomes for hire
Use Camplify to find motorhome hire all around Australia. Here are some examples of motorhomes on Camplify:
Jayco Motorhome (Springfield Lakes, QLD)
Vanessa (Raymond Terrace, NSW)
Keeno # 2 (Myaree, WA)
Amelie (Ocean Grove, VIC)
Familiy size, offgrid heat (Coburg North, VIC)
3. Caravan
Caravans are one of the most popular types of RVs in Australia. They come in all shapes and sizes, with solid walls and a ceiling. Some models may feature slide-outs to expand the living space even further. There are many specifications and layouts available to choose from to suit your party size and trip requirements.
Caravans are great for both small and large families who want an RV that is spacious and features many of the luxuries that you’d find at home. Some models are suitable for off-road camping.
Towing info: Can be towed with a larger 2WD. Use a 4WD if the caravan is capable of off-roading.
Sleeping berths: 4 to 8 people
Average hire pricing: $100 to $200 per night
Pros and cons of caravans
Larger and more comfortable than smaller RVs with more layouts choices.
Easier to set up than a camper trailer, pop top or hybrid.
Well protected from the elements due to solid walls and ceiling.
High ceiling clearance for tall people.
Lots of storage, including ceiling cupboards.
More luxurious features including air-con, TV’s and separate bedrooms and bathrooms.
It is often pricier to hire than camper trailers and pop tops.
Sometimes less fuel efficient and heavier and harder to tow than camper trailers, pop tops and hybrids (see caravan tips for beginners)
Generally less suitable for off-road camping than smaller RVs.
Caravans for hire
Use Camplify to find caravan hire all around Australia. Find examples on our platform:
Malibulicius (Cranebrook, NSW)
Family Quad Bunk (Sydney, NSW)
Rhonda the road owl(Deniliquin, NSW)
Family Palace (Ningi, QLD)
4. Hybrid/Expander caravan
Hybrid caravans are a cross between a conventional caravan and a pop top. They essentially have the body of a caravan with a pop-top roof and there may be a slide-out on one or both sides to expand the living area.
Hybrid caravans are great for both small and large families who want an RV that can be packed down to be more manoeuvrable on the road and expanded to be more spacious at camp. Some models are suitable for off-road camping.
Towing info: Can be towed with a larger 2WD. Use a 4WD if the caravan is capable of off-roading.
Sleeping berths: 4 to 8 people
Average hire pricing: $100 to $200 per night
Pros and cons of hybrid caravans
Lower profile than a regular caravan so are said to be easier and more economic to tow.
Main living space is well protected from the elements due to solid walls.
Larger and more comfortable than camper trailers and pop tops.
Height is regained by popping the top.
Easier to set up than a camper trailer or pop top because it is more similar to a conventional caravan.
Includes all of the amenities of a caravan, including a bathroom, kitchen, living/dining area and beds.
Typically more expensive to hire than camper trailers and pop tops.
Often less storage than a caravan as you can’t use the pop top to store anything in.
Sometimes less fuel efficient and heavier to tow than camper trailers and pop tops.
Usually less suitable for off-road camping than smaller RVs.
Hybrid caravans for hire
Use Camplify to find hybrid caravan hire all around Australia:
2023 Ani - Luxury Hybrid Off Road Allowed (Jacobs Well, QLD)
Murrays Tanami for Adventure (Llandilo, NSW)
2 Bunk Luxury Hybrid Navigator Family (Cairns, QLD)
Highline Phantom - Off-Road Hybrid 16ft(Northlakes, QLD)
5. Pop top camper trailers
Pop top campers have a solid base (the trailer part) and pop-up canvas walls and roof. Rather than the tent folding out of a trailer, it pops upward out of the trailer to form a small caravan.
Pop top camper trailers are great for couples or small families who want a comfortable sleeping and living space that is smaller and lighter than a full-sized caravan. Many models are suitable for off-road camping.
Towing info: Can be towed with a larger 2WD. Use a 4WD if the trailer is capable of off roading.
Sleeping berths: 2 to 8 people
Average hire pricing: $75 to $150 per night
Pros and cons of pop top campers
Cheaper to hire than caravans or motorhomes.
Offers more protection from the elements than both soft and hard floor camper trailers because of the solid roof and the waterproof canvas walls.
Has many of the same features as larger RVs such as kitchen, lounge area and double beds.
Easier and safer to tow than a conventional caravan with better fuel consumption.
More suitable for off-road camping than larger RVs.
More storage than soft and hard floor camper trailers.
Can take longer to set up than a caravan, campervan or motorhome.
Generally less storage space than larger RVs.
Most models don't have shower or toilet included.
Sometimes less privacy as the walls are canvas and easy to look/hear through.
Typically not as much protection in high wind or rain.
Pop top camper trailers for hire
Use Camplify to find pop-top camper trailer hire all around Australia:
Hybrid Off-road Camper - Elecbrake controller included with hire (Thornlands, QLD)
Hybrid off-road 15foot bunk van (Dalby, QLD)
Austrack Camper with Bunks (Middleton Grange, NSW)
Tulki Tanami(Exmouth, WA)
6. Soft and hard floor camper trailers
Hard floor camper trailers also have a tent that pulls out of a trailer. However, the majority of the living and sleeping area sits within the trailer itself and is raised off the ground with rails, making for a more comfortable experience. Additional soft-floor awnings can be attached and pegged into the ground to extend the living space outward.
Hard floor camper trailers are a great choice for families because they are more durable and easier to set up than soft-floor camper trailers, whilst also being lighter than a caravan or motorhome. Many models are suitable for off-road camping.
Towing info: Can be towed with a 2WD. Use a 4WD if the trailer is capable of off roading.
Sleeping berths: 2 to 12 people
Average hire pricing: $50 - $150 per night
Pros and cons of hard floor campers
Cheaper to hire than a caravan or motorhome.
Easier and safer to tow than a conventional caravan with better fuel consumption.
Easier and quicker to set up and pack up than a tent.
Larger living space and has more storage than a tent.
Raised off of the ground to be more comfortable than a tent.
Feels like you’re closer to nature and can take in the smells and sounds.
More suitable for off-road camping than larger RVs.
Can take longer to set up than a caravan, campervan or motorhome.
There’s usually less storage space than larger RVs.
Most models don't have shower or toilet included.
Often less privacy as the walls are canvas and easy to look/hear through.
Typically not as much protection in high wind or rain. ****
Soft and hard floor camper trailers for hire
Use Camplify to find hard floor camper trailerand soft floor camper trailer for hire all around Australia:
Off road alpha (Fawkner, VIC)
Opus OP4 - Tough Luxury (Ningi, QLD)
Canz Camper (Cairns, QLD)
2022 Tvan Zenith - Mystic (Cranbourne East, VIC)
Beevan (Ferntree Gully, VIC)
7. Rooftop Tent 4WD
A Rooftop Tent 4WD combines the versatility of a four-wheel-drive vehicle with the convenience of a rooftop tent. These setups typically consist of a 4WD vehicle (such as a Toyota Land Cruiser or similar) equipped with a foldable tent mounted on the roof rack.
Rooftop Tent 4WDs are great for adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts who want to explore remote areas while having a comfortable sleeping arrangement that's quick to set up and pack away.
Sleeping berths: 2 to 4 people (depending on tent size) Average hire pricing: $100 to $200 per night
Pros and cons of Rooftop Tent 4WDs:
Pros:
Excellent for off-road and remote area exploration
Quick and easy setup compared to traditional tents
Elevated sleeping area away from ground-dwelling wildlife
Combines transportation and accommodation in one vehicle
More fuel-efficient than larger RVs
Cons:
Limited living space compared to larger RVs
May have less storage space than other RV types
Climbing up and down the ladder may be challenging for some
Less protection from extreme weather compared to hard-sided RVs
Usually doesn't include amenities like bathrooms or kitchens
Rooftop Tent 4WDs for hire: Use Camplify to find Rooftop Tent 4WD hire around Australia. Here are some examples:
(EKA) Toyota Landcruiser Troopy 4WD + Rooftop Tent(Perth, WA)
The Fun Factory (Ardross, WA)
Nimble Nomad (Perth, WA)
Wolf 4x4 (EOH)Unltd KMs (Perth, WA)
8. Tow Vehicle
Tow vehicles are powerful cars or trucks specifically designed or equipped to safely tow caravans, trailers, and other towable RVs. Camplify offers tow vehicle rentals for those who don't own a suitable towing vehicle or need a more powerful option for larger caravans.
Tow vehicles are ideal for travellers who want to hire a caravan or camper trailer but don't have a suitable vehicle to tow it. They're also great for those who own a smaller car and want to tow a larger RV for a special trip.
Average hire pricing: $80 to $200 per night (varies based on vehicle type and capabilities)
Pros and cons of hiring a tow vehicle:
Pro:
Excellent for off-road and remote area exploration
Quick and easy setup compared to traditional tents
Elevated sleeping area away from ground-dwelling wildlife
Combines transportation and accommodation in one vehicle
More fuel-efficient than larger RVs
Cons:
Limited living space compared to larger RVs
May have less storage space than other RV types
Climbing up and down the ladder may be challenging for some
Less protection from extreme weather compared to hard-sided RVs
Usually doesn't include amenities like bathrooms or kitchens
Tow vehicles to hire on Camplify: Here are examples of tow vehicles, find more on tow vehicles on our platform:
On Point - Isuzu D Max X Terrain (Grose Valley, NSW)
Toyota Fortuner Canberra (Wright, ACT)
Tow Master 2022 - Ford Ranger Next Gen XLT V6 (Taree, NSW)
FORD RANGER | NEXT-GEN XLT V6 2022 (Cranebrook, NSW)
When considering hiring a tow vehicle, be sure to check the towing capacity and compare it to the weight of the RV you plan to tow.
Hire the right type of RV on Camplify
After getting to understand the different types of RVs, you’re almost ready to hire a caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or campervan for your road trip. Also check out our Ultimate guide to finding and booking a caravan park in Australia.
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.