Owner Awards 2025

Meet Australia's 2025 Owner of the Year: Jono and Chris from Only Vans

The 2025 Camplify Owner Awards celebrate the people who make our community brilliant – and this year's Owner of the Year for Australia sets the bar sky-high.

When you've got 18 custom-built campervans, over 600 bookings under your belt, and a 4.9 rating from 258 reviews, you're doing something right. Actually, you're doing everything right – which is exactly why Jono and Chris from Only Vans in Western Australia have taken out Camplify's 2025 Owner of the Year award.

Starting with a single van back in November 2022, these two Perth legends have built something remarkable. Their secret? Design smart, keep it simple, and treat every hire like the van's heading out on its first date.

The Only Vans Fleet

If you've spotted a sharp-looking campervan cruising the WA coastline – or even making the epic trek to Darwin – there's a good chance it belongs to Only Vans. Jono and Chris offer three distinct fit-outs to suit different adventures: the compact V80 for value-packed getaways, the reliable Toyota HiAce, and their crown jewel – the Deliver Nine with a proper king-size bed.

Chris is partial to the king-size models. "They're quite easy, practical, big luxury and they've got everything that everyone wants," he says. Every van rolls out of their workshop with the same philosophy: simplified systems, fewer moving parts, and fit-outs designed to handle real-world use.

On how it all started...

The boys did their homework before diving in. "We spoke to insurance brokers and they just didn't cut the mustard," Jono recalls. The combination of 24/7 roadside assist, online support, and proper coverage made Camplify the obvious choice – and it gave them the confidence to grow fast.

And grow they did. "We had the intention of growing it quite quickly from the get-go," Jono explains. "Especially with the backing of Camplify, knowing we're in safe hands definitely adds to the value of being able to grow at that scale."

Three years later, they've just sent their first van across to the Gold Coast. A former hirer loved the experience so much she's now managing their East Coast operation.

On what surprised them most...

With over 600 bookings bookings, you'd expect a fair bit of wear and tear. Not so much, apparently.

"When we first started out, I expected a lot more damage than what we do currently have to deal with," Jono admits. "It's blown me out of the water, to be honest."

The stats back it up: only about 1.5% of bookings result in any damage at all. Even kangaroo strikes have only happened twice. When something does go wrong, Jono says the claims process has been smooth. "I've damaged my car before and had to wait months for a quote. But Camplify, I know I'm in safe hands."

Their top tip for new owners...

"Simplify it the best you can," Jono says. "Trying to explain complicated systems is just not going to work."

His full checklist for success: start with a brand-new van for warranty coverage, design fit-outs with fewer moving parts, take clear photos for your listing, keep your calendar current, and stay on top of servicing. Chris handles all the maintenance and log book servicing personally – no surprises when a van heads out.

"We try to simplify as much as possible," Jono adds. "Every van's going out like it's on its first date."

On their favourite moments...

Among the standout hires, one sticks with them both. A mother and daughter reached out from Brisbane – the daughter was wheelchair-bound and needed to visit her favourite uncle in WA.

"She reached out to us, we measured up the van, made sure a wheelchair could fit in, and then picked her up from the airport as well when she realised she couldn't get here," Jono remembers. The wheelchair fit perfectly. "That was very memorable, and obviously she visited her favourite uncle, which was just great to be a part of."

Where they'd send you first

Every Only Vans hire comes with a custom itinerary – either the Southwest route covering Margaret River through to Esperance, or the Northern adventure from Jurian Bay up to Exmouth and on to Broome. Each includes campsite recommendations and local tips.

Jono's personal pick? "Sandy Cape, up past Jurian Bay. It's just a short drive, three hours, and the beaches there are just fantastic."

With unlimited kilometres built into every WA booking, even a 22-day return trip to Darwin is on the cards.

The road ahead

What's next for Only Vans? A Toyota Hilux rooftop camper is in the works, and the Gold Coast fleet is set to grow. When asked about limits, Jono just grins: "The sky's the limit. Might need a bigger warehouse."

Watch the full chat below for more of Jono and Chris's story.

Want to hit the WA coast in an Only Van? Whether you pick up from Perth or choose delivery to wherever your adventure starts, Jono and Chris have got you covered. Check out their fleet here.

Meet all our 2025 Owner Award winners across Australia here.

Interested in meeting the owners who almost took the title of Owner of the Year? Meet our runners-up here:

• Chris

• Donna

• Terry and Danielle

Got an RV gathering dust in the driveway? See how Jono and Chris turned their first van into a thriving fleet. Learn how to list your RV.