When you’re choosing a caravan, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. Do you need an off-road model, or will a touring caravan do the job? Should you go for a single-axle or tandem-axle caravan? What features are worth investing in, and which ones can you live without?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best caravan for you depends entirely on how you plan to travel, who you’re travelling with, and what kind of experience you want on the road. Some people want a tough off-roader that can handle remote tracks, while others just want a comfortable base for exploring the coast. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, this guide will help you work out what to look for when you’re buying a caravan.
Before getting caught up in caravan floor plans and features, it’s worth taking a step back and thinking about the bigger picture. How will you actually use your caravan? No matter if you’re buying a new or used caravan, a model that’s perfect for someone else might not suit your needs at all.
Far too often, people fall in love with a caravan without thinking about their tow vehicle. Although a lot of caravan buyers (retirees especially) choose a caravan and then find a tow vehicle to suit it, that approach isn’t within the means of most people and can turn an already sizeable shopping trip into an even bigger one for the average couple or family.
So, before you start crunching the numbers on your dream caravan, get familiarised with some of the terms below so you know what you can legally tow, and whether you need to upgrade your vehicle or if you can make do with what you’ve got:
Gross vehicle mass: This is the total legal weight of your tow vehicle and all its contents, and includes all fluids and a full tank. You can usually find this figure in your owner’s manual.
Aggregate trailer mass: This is the total legal weight of the caravan when it’s fully loaded, and includes everything from water in the tanks to the cups, crockery and canned food you keep in the cupboards.
Gross combination mass: This is the maximum combined legal weight of your loaded vehicle and your loaded caravan when they’re hitched together. This can usually be found in your vehicle owner’s manual.
The type of caravan you need depends largely on where you plan to take it and what kind of tow vehicle you’re using.
If you’re unsure which option to choose, think about where you’ll be travelling most of the time. A fully off-road model might sound great, but if you’ll mostly be on bitumen, the added weight and cost may not be worth it.
A caravan that works well for a solo traveller or couple might not be suitable for a family.
Solo travellers & couples often prefer single-axle caravans, which are lighter, easier to tow, and simple to park and manoeuvre. If that’s you, we recommend checking out our Gibb On-Road, Gibb Off-Road, and Gibb Off-Road Plus models, all of which offer the convenient size and weight of a single-axle caravan, with different setups depending on where you want to travel.
Families need more space, so a tandem-axle caravan with bunks, a club lounge, or extra storage is a better fit. Models such as our Kimberley, Kimberley Plus, Newell, and Newell Plus are all available as family caravans in a range of floor plans, These models offer greater stability and comfort for longer trips.
Travelling with friends? A layout with convertible dinettes or an extra sleeping space will make life on the road much more comfortable.
Not all caravans come with the same level of comfort, so it’s important to think about what will make your time on the road more enjoyable.
Storage: Some travellers pack light, while others need plenty of cupboard and tunnel boot space.
Kitchen setup: Internal kitchens are great for all-weather cooking, while some caravans prioritise outdoor kitchens for open-air meals.
Bathroom: Full ensuites provide home-like comfort, while compact designs with a combined shower and toilet are a space-saving alternative.
Climate control: If you’re travelling through extreme temperatures, air conditioning and heating will make a huge difference.
Power & water: Off-grid travellers should consider larger water tanks, additional battery capacity, and solar panels to extend their time away from powered sites.
These small details make a big difference when you’re on the road for weeks or months at a time.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of caravans in the Red Centre range and what they’re best suited for.
| Caravan Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Touring Caravans- Newell & Gibb On-Road |
Travellers sticking to sealed roads and caravan parks |
Lighter weight, easier to tow, good fuel efficiency |
Not designed for unsealed roads |
|
Semi-Off-Road Caravan – Newell Plus |
Occasional off-grid trips with gravel roads |
Tougher than a touring model, better clearance, good mix of comfort and durability |
Can’t handle extreme off-road conditions |
|
Off-Road Caravans- Kimberley, Tanami, Oasis and Gibb |
Travellers heading into remote, rugged terrain |
Heavy-duty build, independent suspension, built to handle rough conditions |
Heavier, higher fuel consumption |
|
Single-Axle Caravans –
Gibb Models
|
Couples or solo travellers who want something compact and easy to tow |
Lighter, more fuel-efficient, easier to park and manoeuvre |
Less storage, fewer layout options |
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, the best way to decide is to step inside a few models and get a feel for the space.
Choosing a caravan isn’t just about specs and features—it’s about finding the right fit for how you want to travel. A well-matched caravan will make your trips easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable, while the wrong one could leave you frustrated and potentially out of pocket when you need it least.
If you’re still weighing up your options, we’re here to help. With an extensive range of touring caravans, off-road caravans for sale, and semi off-road caravans for sale, we’ve got something for everyone, wherever your adventure leads. Contact us today to speak with a member of the team, or find a Red Centre caravan dealer near you to start your journey.