A budget-friendly guide to buying a caravan for all the Aussie mums

I’m the organiser in our flock – packer, planner, finder of everything everyone else loses. I love taking the kids on trips, but after years of soggy tents, midnight bathroom dashes and mornings where everyone wakes up grumpy, I realised something needed to change. 

Upgrading to a caravan wasn’t about going fancy. It was about finally having holidays where I wasn’t on duty the entire time. If you’re looking for something under $60K, here’s my no-nonsense guide to choosing the right RV for your family. 

Your starting point shapes everything. 

If you currently camp in a tent, a soft-floor camper-trailer will be a revelation. But if you normally holiday at hotels, a soft-floor camper might seem like too much hard work. 

Your kids’ ages matter too. For example, pre-teens tend to sleep closer to parents, whereas teenagers want as much distance as possible, like my headphone-obsessed hatchling Jack. 

And remember, what works this year might not work in two years. Buying with the future in mind can save money down the track. 

Soft-floor campers store easily in most driveways. But if you’re eyeing a hybrid or pop-top, think carefully about the height, length and side clearance. 

Storage facilities exist, but the fees add up. Measure your space before falling in love with something too big.

Always match the RV to your tow vehicle – not the other way around. 

For example, a 2000kg pop-top doesn’t work with a vehicle that tows only 1000kg. 

Hybrids and pop-tops can be heavy however; smaller campers are often paired well with lighter SUVs. 

If you don’t check first, you may end up having to upgrade your tow vehicle which is a quick way to blow the budget. 

If you’ve never stayed in an RV, borrow or rent one. Even one weekend will reveal what setup style you can tolerate, how much internal space matters, what kind of kitchen arrangement works and whether canvas drives you crazy. 

Real-world experience beats guesswork. 

Soft-floor camper prices start from under $10K. They are affordable, roomy once set up, and simple to store. Though, soft-floor campers require poles/pegs, canvas care, and can be hot in summer. I’d recommend this camper to adventurous families. 

Hard-floor camper prices start from about $15K. Not only do they have elevated sleeping but also are quicker to setup than most caravans. Whether a traditional rear-fold or forward-fold variant, they're especially popular with young families. 

Prices for ‘teardrop’ campers (named because of the characteristic teardrop shape, although some these days are more squared-off) generally start around $15K. These campers are insulated, lockable and easy to tow. Although, they are limited to a bed and small kitchen, it’s great for couples, perhaps with a baby or toddler wanting simple getaways. 

Pop-up campers prices start from about $25K. Also known as the wind-up camper-trailer, they are arguably the most versatile, family-friendly option for budget RV travellers. They have large sleeping capacity and an internal kitchen, but more space means a heavier towing load and the need for additional storage when not in use. 

The starting price for hybrid campers is usually around $35K. With hard walls and roof, they are relatively quick to set up and notably weatherproof. Due to them generally having less internal space, I’d suggest couples or small families would be better off with hybrid campers. 

Pop-top caravans are typically priced from $45K. Easy to set up and providing full caravan comfort in compact form, they usually come with a comprehensive kitchen and shower/toilet, plus water, power and storage options. However, this style of entry-level caravan can be heavier, which might put you into trouble with payload and exceed your vehicle’s capacity to tow it. 

A towable off-road is basically anything from a soft-floor camper to a caravan that has off-road pretensions. Off-road features like coil suspension and an off-road coupling cost more and add weight so generally it’s only truly worth it if you’ll genuinely use them – think dirt roads, long outback drives or remote fishing and camping spots. 

If you stick mostly to sealed surfaces, save your money. 

A budget doesn’t have to hold you back – it just guides your starting point. 

For me, the right caravan meant no more wet canvas, no more midnight bathroom missions, kids with their own space, and holidays where I could actually take a breath. 

Choose an RV that makes trips easier, not harder – especially for the one doing most of the organising. (Hi, fellow mums. I see you.)