Camper trailer vs. Caravan — Which should you choose?

If you’re dreaming of hitting the open road and can’t decide between a camper trailer and a caravan, you’re not alone. Thousands of Aussies are weighing up the same choice every month. Both options offer their own unique benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your travel style, where you want to go, and how much comfort you’re looking for during your camping adventure.

With Australia’s urban centres seeing expanding population growth in recent years, more and more Aussies living in major cities are looking for ways to escape the crowd when it comes to taking a trip. Ownership of recreational vehicles (RV) has reached a record high, with 1 in every 13 households in Australia having at least one RV registered.

If you plan to own an RV in the future, you’ll eventually be faced with the choice between a caravan and a camper trailer. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between camper trailers and caravans, including their features, cost considerations, and practical questions you should ask yourself before making a decision.

What’s the difference between camper trailers and caravans?

Camper trailers and caravans serve very similar purposes — they provide a comfortable and convenient way to bring the comforts of home while travelling on the road. That said, there are some key distinctions that set them apart.

Camper trailers are a smaller and lighter type of recreational vehicle. Because of their compact size, they usually require some level of set-up before their amenities or features can be used. This could include a tent shelter that folds out from the trailer bed, where other travelling equipment can also be packed, or a pull-down shower area that is fitted to the outside of the trailer. Some bigger models may have a fitted kitchen, but in general, camper trailers can be considered to be the lightweight option.

Caravans, on the other hand, are the bigger cousin to camper trailers. Functioning more like self-contained mobile homes, they typically have a hard-shell exterior and come with various accessible amenities, such as a bed, kitchenette, bathroom, and dining area. Even larger models of caravans can have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.

Key features of camper trailers

Camper trailers are best known for their versatility and are an excellent option for those who travel light. Because they are focused on keeping travel weight to a minimum, they have a limited number of amenities. Most camper trailers will contain the following key features:

• Basic kitchen with a stove
• Shower area
• Small to medium storage space
• Bed/rest area

What campers lack in terms of amenities, they make up for in adaptability. With less to carry, camper trailers are more suited to off-road travel, especially in areas where the roads are just a suggestion. Being able to travel far into the wild areas means that you won’t need to compete for camping space with other adventurers, making it easy to find a quiet spot of your own for maximum privacy.

That said, you’ll need to be more patient with camper trailers — they often require some set-up (about 10-15 minutes) to get all of their amenities ready for use.

Another thing to consider is that camper trailers offer less shelter from the elements due to their makeshift design. They are significantly less effective in extreme weather conditions like heat waves or rainstorms.

Key features of caravans

With over 100 manufacturers in Australia, you’ll have no trouble looking for a caravan that suits your needs. Built with convenience and accessibility in mind, caravans are the perfect choice for those who don’t want to sacrifice comfort in the outdoors. Most caravans have the following key features:

• Extensive kitchen (including a fridge, stove, microwave, and storage space)
• Comfortable sleeping area with options for multiple beds
• Lounge area
• Large storage space
• Shower and toilet facilities

Caravans are essentially mobile homes, so you won’t have to worry about any set-up or tear-down when you reach your campsite — everything will be ready for use once you step into it. Most, if not all, of the amenities will also be inside the caravan, along with ample storage space for all your travel essentials.

Needless to say, caravans are ideal for longer camping or road trips. But their bulky size also means they don’t perform as well in off-road conditions, and towing them along may also have a bigger impact on your car’s fuel economy.

Cost of camper trailers compared to caravans

Generally speaking, camper trailers are less expensive than caravans, but there’s a range of potential costs for each depending on size and the amenities they offer.

Camper trailers can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the size. In comparison, caravans can cost between $30,000 to $150,000, and potentially even more with the larger luxury models.

Key Considerations Before Choosing

Beyond features and costs, there are several factors to think about before deciding between a camper trailer and a caravan for your camping trip. Here are some questions to guide you:

Where Do You Want to Travel?

If you’re planning to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, a camper trailer may be the better option for your camping adventures. Camper trailers are lighter, more compact, and designed for off-road adventures. You can reach remote areas that are inaccessible to larger caravans.

However, if you’re sticking to well-maintained roads or caravan parks with amenities like power and water hookups, a caravan offers more comfort without sacrificing convenience.

How Much Comfort Do You Need?

For those who value comfort and want to bring all the creature comforts of home with them, a caravan is the better choice. Most caravans come with kitchens, bathrooms, and plenty of sleeping space, making them ideal for long trips or family getaways.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more minimalist camping experience and don’t mind setting up your shelter at each stop, a camper trailer gives you just enough comfort without the luxury.

How Many People Are Coming With You?

The number of people on your trip will greatly influence your decision. Caravans are ideal for larger groups or families since they often feature multiple beds, more living space, and indoor dining areas. Some models can comfortably sleep six or more people.

Camper trailers, in contrast, are better suited for smaller groups or couples, with one or two built-in beds and limited indoor space. They offer a more intimate camping experience but may require sleeping arrangements like extra mattresses for additional guests.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Towing capacity may be another critical factor and is also one of the main differences. Caravans are bulkier and heavier, requiring a strong tow vehicle, and they may affect your vehicle’s fuel economy. You’ll need to ensure your car can legally and safely tow the caravan’s weight.

Camper trailers, being smaller and lighter, are easier to tow and typically more fuel-efficient. If you don’t want to invest in a heavy-duty tow vehicle, a camper trailer might be the more practical option.

Weather Protection and Setup

Weather can make or break a trip, so consider how much protection you need from the elements. Caravans, with their hard-shell construction, offer superior shelter from rain, heat, and cold. They are perfect for trips where you want reliable protection and minimal setup.

Camper trailers, especially soft floor models, offer less insulation from the weather, as they are mostly canvas-based. Setting up a camper trailer also takes more time and effort—expect around 10 to 15 minutes of setup at each stop, compared to the instant readiness of a caravan.

Feature comparison between caravans and camper trailers

Feature	Camper trailer	Caravan
Size	Smaller, lighter, and more compact	Larger, heavier, and more bulky
Set-up	Requires some level of set-up to access amenities	Does not require any set-up, all amenities are already built into the caravan
Amenities	Basic amenities, such as a tent, bed, and kitchenette, that are exposed to the elements	Extensive amenities, such as beds, kitchen, bathroom, and dining area, that are located indoors
Comfort	Less comfortable than a caravan, as it is typically smaller and has fewer amenities	More comfortable than a camper trailer, as it is typically larger and has more amenities
Price	Less expensive than a caravan	More expensive than a camper trailer

Pros and Cons of Camper Trailers

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to tow
• Ideal for off-road adventures
• More affordable than caravans
• Requires minimal storage space when not in use
• Great for getting closer to nature and camping off the grid

Cons:

• Requires setup at each site
• Less protection from extreme weather
• Limited amenities compared to caravans
• Smaller sleeping and living areas

Pros and Cons of Caravans

Pros:

• Comfortable and self-contained with no setup required
• Excellent protection from the elements
• Perfect for longer trips and larger groups
• Equipped with full amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas

Cons:

• More expensive than camper trailers
• Heavier and bulkier, requiring a stronger tow vehicle
• Limited off-road capabilities
• Requires more storage space when not in use

Start Your Journey to Caravan Ownership with Credit One

Choosing between a camper trailer and a caravan comes down to your travel style and what you value most on the road. If you’re an adventurer who loves off-roading and doesn’t mind a bit of camping setup, a camper trailer could be the right fit. However, if comfort and convenience are top priorities for your next camping trip, and you plan to spend extended periods on the road, a caravan may be the better option.

If you’re looking to buy a caravan, trust Credit One. With extensive access to lenders and a range of finance options, including secured caravan loans and private sale caravan loans, we offer a quick pathway to loan approval and a loan that fits your financial situation and needs. Try out our caravan loan calculator now or contact our friendly team and take your first step towards caravan ownership.