Planning the big lap? Here’s what to consider in your caravan and five of the best caravans Australia has to offer for the journey.
When it comes to buying a caravan, how you plan to use it should always frame your selection criteria. Compared to those looking for a weekender caravan, you’ll have a different set of criteria if you’re planning a big lap of Australia. There’s a lot you can put up with during a week-long trip that becomes unacceptable when the caravan is your home for the foreseeable future.
The best caravans for a big lap of Australia will have the following:
Capacity for self-sufficiency
When you’re touring the country, you’ll doubtlessly be spending many nights ‘off the grid’ at free or national park campsites where there is no mains power or water. And with the price of caravan park sites soaring as high as $60/night (and beyond), chances are you’ll avoid them as much as possible to stick to your touring budget.
Your van will, therefore, need to be able to sustain you when you’re away from mains power and water. The best caravans for any lap around Australia will have the capacity to remain off-grid.
Reliable electrical set-up
To power your van’s fridge, lights, water pump and devices when you’re off grid, you’ll need an electrical set-up that won’t let you down. That means decent battery capacity, an appropriately sized battery charger, an Anderson plug to charge the batteries from your car while towing, and roof-mounted/portable solar panels.
An inverter is a good inclusion, too, in order to run 240V appliances such a coffee machine or charge computer and camera batteries.
Grey water storage
A number of free and bush campsites will only allow caravans that have the ability to store their own grey water, which is to say used water that drains from the van’s sinks and shower. It’s best if your caravan is able to collect a few days’ worth of grey water before you need to find somewhere to safely and legally dump it on your trip around Australia.Â
Large fresh water capacity
Look for a caravan that has at least 200 litres of fresh water capacity, ideally over multiple tanks, as an insurance policy against potential damage to a tank. With that in mind, water tanks should be protected, either positioned high in the van’s undercarriage and shrouded in steel or tucked safely within the body of the van.
Plenty of payload
Your caravan’s ‘payload’ refers to the amount of weight it can legally carry. To calculate payload, subtract the van’s Tare or ‘dry’ weight from its ATM weight. Whatever remains is how much weight you can load into the van, including the filling of water tanks.
There are lots of vans on the market that look great on paper – loads of accessories, massive water capacity, heaps of storage compartments – but once you put 200-litres of water in the tanks, equating to 200kg, you might find you have very little allowable weight remaining for the rest of your gear.
Lots of storage space
When you’re only going away for a weekend or a week, there are lots of things you can live without. And while your aim should always be to take as few items as possible, the reality is you’ll need to lug around more stuff when you’re living out of a caravan. A caravan that’s best suited to long-term touring will offer plenty of useable storage space for your lap around Australia. Vans that have a dedicated barbecue or generator hatch get a big tick, too.
All-terrain suspension
To get to some of the best destinations in Australia, it’s best if your caravan can traverse the odd dirt road – sometimes hundreds of kilometres of it. Even if you don’t plan to tour off-road as such, it’s a good idea to buy a van with at least semi-off-road suspension for those instances where you need to travel on unsealed roads to get to the best campsites or secret swimming holes. Believe me, they’ll pop up.
Premium construction
Living out of a caravan for months at a time places the van under a lot of stress, so it’s important to know how the van is constructed and be confident that it’s durable enough to last well beyond your big lap. Look for a manufacturer with high production values emphasising strength, weight reduction and insulation. Aftersales service is important too. So check the manufacturer has an adequate warranty policy that’ll cover you wherever you happen to be touring.
Overall weight
Like most aspects of caravanning, finding a suitable long-term touring van is all about balance. Namely, striking a balance between strength, storage capacity, and weight. You’ll need to consider how much your tow vehicle can legally haul and how it performs when it reaches the pointy end of its maximum allowable limit. Generally speaking, the lighter the van, the easier and safer it is to tow.
Five caravans we reckon are up to the task
While this list is by no means exhaustive nor ‘tested’ by RVDaily, based on the criteria above, here are five of the best caravans we reckon would be up to the task of completing a big lap of Australia in comfort and style.
#1. Mountain Trail RV LXV 6.7
Priced from: contact Mountain Trail direct
The Mountain Trail RV LXV 6.7 is a premium tandem-axle, full-off-road caravan designed to offer both durability and luxury for serious touring enthusiasts. Manufactured in Albury, this caravan features an insulated composite frame complemented by aluminium internal cabinetry, ensuring structural integrity and a sleek finish. The floor, roof, and wall panels are precision-cut from European XPS composite fibreglass, presenting a glossy white interior and exterior.
To handle diverse terrains, the LXV 6.7 is equipped with Mountain Trail’s proprietary independent trailing arm air suspension system. This system offers three pre-programmed ride heights and a self-levelling function, maintaining optimal balance regardless of load or road conditions.
Designed for extended off-grid adventures, the caravan boasts a substantial 1505-watt solar array paired with 1200Ah lithium batteries. A 3000W pure sine wave inverter powers appliances such as the microwave and roof-mounted reverse-cycle air conditioner, ensuring comfort in various climates.
The spacious ensuite includes a full-size shower, toilet, and a 2.5kg washing machine. Ample storage solutions are integrated throughout, and the well-appointed internal kitchen features a dual induction cooktop, rangehood, and a 250L upright fridge/freezer.
Top features for long-term touring
- 1,505 watts of roof-mounted solar power
- 945kg payload
- 1,200 amps of lithium battery power
While the LXV 6.7 represents a significant investment, its combination of robust construction, advanced off-grid capabilities, and luxurious amenities makes it a comfortable choice for those seeking a top-tier off-road caravan experience.
#2. Masterpiece Optimum
Priced from: contact Masterpiece direct
The Optimum Off-Road from Masterpiece Caravans is an ideal choice for long-term touring, combining self-sufficiency, durability, and luxury. Designed for serious off-road adventures, this caravan features a robust electrical setup with 600Ah of lithium battery capacity and 880 watts of solar power to keep you powered off-grid. A 3000-watt inverter supports 240V appliances, and internal power points are inverted for added convenience.
For water storage, the Optimum offers two 95L water tanks, a 62L drinking water tank, and a 100L grey water tank, ensuring you can stay off-grid longer. Comforts include a full-size ensuite with a one-piece fibreglass shower, a top-load washing machine, a Truma gas heater, and reverse-cycle air conditioning. The kitchen is well-equipped with a hybrid hob, a convection microwave, and a Dometic compressor fridge.
Built in Melbourne, the Optimum Off-Road is constructed with a custom-designed Australian-manufactured chassis utilizing zinc-galvanized Australian steel. The 4.5T TerraGlide independent airbag suspension with a wireless remote ensures a smooth ride, while the 3mm composite panel construction and fiberglass one-piece roof add durability.
Top features for long-term touring
- 800 watts of solar power
- 600 amps of lithium battery power
- Large water capacity
This van is a well-rounded off-road option, offering everything needed for a comfortable and reliable home away from home.
#3. Crusader Excalibur
Priced from: $125,149
The Crusader Excalibur is a tandem-axle, semi-off-road caravan designed to offer comfort and practicality for long-term touring. Constructed with a Meranti timber frame and composite fibreglass for the walls, body, and floor, it features a one-piece composite floor and ceiling with high-density polystyrene foam insulation, ensuring durability and thermal efficiency.
The Excalibur range includes models like the Prince, Kingsman and Castle, each catering to different needs. For instance, the Castle model accommodates up to five people, making it suitable for families.
Standard features across the Excalibur range include a front toolbox with twin BBQ and generator slides, an oversized shower, a front-loader washing machine, a reverse-cycle air-conditioner, and a large 224-litre fridge. These amenities provide a comfortable living experience on the road.
In terms of self-sufficiency, the Excalibur is equipped with a single 120Ah battery and two 170-watt solar panels, supporting off-grid capabilities. Water storage comprises two 95-litre fresh water tanks and a 95-litre grey water tank, ensuring adequate supply for extended journeys.
Top features for long-term touring:
- 340 watts of solar panels
- Certain models offer separate sleeping areas, giving parents privacy
- Dedicated BBQ and generator slide
The Crusader Excalibur combines thoughtful design and practical features, making it a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and comfortable caravan for extended travel.
#4. Lotus Trooper
Priced from: $165,424
The Lotus Trooper is a robust off-road, tandem-axle caravan designed for self-sufficient touring. Available in 26 ergonomically designed floorplans ranging from 17 to 24.5 feet, it offers layouts suitable for singles, couples, and families.
Constructed with a full-aluminium frame using AL+ technology, the Trooper ensures durability and reduced weight. Its galvanised truss system chassis, developed in partnership with G&S Chassis, enhances strength and longevity. The Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension and custom 17-inch wheels with Cooper all-terrain tyres provide optimal performance on challenging terrains.
For off-grid capabilities, the Trooper is equipped with 600Ah of power from REDARC lithium batteries, a 3000-watt REDARC inverter, and 1000W of solar power. This setup supports extended stays in remote locations.
Inside, the Trooper features premium kitchens with matte black sinks, taps, and hardware, complemented by coordinated interlocking cabinetry. The interior is designed for comfort and luxury, making it a suitable choice for long-term touring.
Top features for long-term touring:
- 600 amps of REDARC lithium batteries
- 1000W of solar power
- Large fresh water storage capacity
Zone RV Sojourn
Priced from: Contact Zone RV directly
The Zone RV Sojourn is a 21ft off-road caravan designed for extended adventures, offering a blend of durability and comfort. Its full composite construction ensures a lightweight yet robust structure, making it suitable for various terrains.
The Sojourn can accommodate up to five people, with optional double or triple bunk configurations. It features a gas-free interior, a queen bed, under-bed storage, and a well-equipped kitchen with an under mount sink and mixer.
The caravan also includes a diesel water heater, a 32-inch smart TV, and ample storage solutions. Externally, it boasts a hot-dipped galvanized chassis, Cruisemaster ATX airbag suspension, 17″ alloy wheels, and a lockable front storage box.
For off-grid capabilities, the Sojourn is equipped with REDARC 200Ah lithium batteries, 540W of solar panels, a 3000W inverter, and 240L of water storage, which can be optioned to have 80L isolated for drinking.
Top features for long-term touring:
- 200 amps REDARC lithium batteries
- 540W of solar panels
- Approximately 821.5kg
- 240L of fresh water storage, with an option to have 80L isolated for drinking
The Sojourn’s design and features make it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable off-road caravan for extended journeys.
Whether you’re planning your big lap or simply dreaming of one, choosing the right caravan is key to a comfortable journey. With options to suit every need, from off-road adventurers to long-term tourers, these five caravans showcase some of the best features the Australian market has to offer.
Words by Emma Ryan and Jessica Palmer.
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