Little van has big heart

The tiny van movement continues apace, with a new range of full height, feature-packed micro caravans emerging from a factory in Campbellfield, Victoria.

Housing industry veteran and seasoned caravanner Graham Gniel has teamed up with a caravan manufacturing specialist to create The Little Caravan Company, which offers a range of fixed-roof models much shorter than that offered by most mainstream Australian caravan manufacturers.  

Gniel said the nine to 11 feet (2.7-3.3m body length) vans are aimed at those moving on from camper trailers, as well as owners down-sizing from larger caravans.

“We’re also appealing to those with smaller cars, so that they don’t have to replace their car as well if they want to get into the caravan market,” Gniel said. “It’s an expensive exercise having to buy a big tow vehicle and a big caravan.”

With Tare weights between 1140kg and 1480kg, along with 300-400kg payloads, the single axle vans are also designed to appeal to older couples as well as solo and female travelers who require “hassle free camping”.

Various layouts are available, all with a club lounge/dinette that converts to an east-west double bed. Also standard is an internal kitchen with two-gas burner, sink and 90 litre two-way fridge, with the option of an external slide-out kitchen.

Other features available on much larger caravans, are either fitted as standard or options, including solar panels, TV and antenna, battery pack, roof-top air-conditioner, two 4.5kg gas bottles, hot water service, and outdoor shower.

Off-road versions are also available with heavier duty six-inch A-frame and fully galvanized chassis, independent trailing arm suspension, bigger 16in wheels, and 155 litre water storage compared to 90 litres on on-road versions.

Body construction is traditional Meranti timber framing clad with Alucabond-style aluminium panels, offered in a range of exterior colours including blue, silver, white, bronze, and yellow.

Standard internal height and width (both 1850mm) are not far off larger caravans, while overall height including air-con is 2350mm.

“We’re trying to offer the full services of a caravan in a cheap to tow and easy to manipulate package,” Gniel said.

Prices start at around $30,000 for the smallest, nine foot rear-door model, all the way to $45,000 for the largest 11ft van in off-road spec.

The company is also about to introduce a bigger 12ft version with the option of a combination shower/toilet and permanent east/west bed, together with small drop-down table and kitchenette. It will be slightly wider at 2050mm.

Just one dealer has been appointed so far, McKenzie Caravans in Baywater, Victoria, which currently has four ‘Little Caravans’ on display (pictured).