Complete Options Guide

Detailed comparison of every component to help you decide.

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🚙 Tow Vehicles

Large Wagon (LC300/Patrol) - 3.5T

The standard for heavy towing. These vehicles offer comfort and power.

✅ Pros

  • • High towing capacity (3.5T)
  • • Comfortable for long trips
  • • Good off-road capability

❌ Cons

  • • High fuel consumption
  • • Expensive to purchase

Dual Cab Ute (Ranger/Hilux) - 3.5T

The most popular choice. Versatile for work and play.

✅ Pros

  • • Great storage in tray
  • • 3.5T towing capacity
  • • Widely available parts

❌ Cons

  • • Can be rougher ride unladed
  • • Lower payload capability on some models

American Truck (Ram/Silverado) - 4.5T+

The ultimate towing machines. Massive torque and stability.

✅ Pros

  • • Unmatched towing power (4.5T+)
  • • Luxurious interiors
  • • Superior stability

❌ Cons

  • • Very large (parking issues)
  • • High fuel consumption
  • • Expensive

Mid-Size SUV (Prado/Everest) - 3T

Perfect for smaller families standard touring vans.

✅ Pros

  • • Easy to drive in city
  • • Good fuel economy
  • • Comfortable

❌ Cons

  • • Limited to 3T towing
  • • Can struggle with heavy loads

I don't have a tow vehicle yet

Other

⛺ Caravan Types

Offroad

Built for the toughest tracks. Go anywhere with confidence.

✅ Pros

  • • Heavy duty chassis & suspension
  • • Higher ground clearance
  • • Stone protection

❌ Cons

  • • Heavier weight
  • • More expensive

Semi Off Road

A balance between highway comfort and dirt road capability.

✅ Pros

  • • Can handle dirt roads/National Parks
  • • Lighter than full off-road
  • • Cost effective

❌ Cons

  • • Not suitable for extreme 4WD tracks
  • • Less underbody protection

Tourer

Designed for bitumen adventures and caravan parks.

✅ Pros

  • • Lightest weight
  • • Best handling on highway
  • • Most affordable

❌ Cons

  • • Cannot leave sealed roads
  • • Lower resale value

🏗️ Construction (Frame)

Aluminum Frame

Modern, riveted construction.

✅ Pros

  • • Rot proof
  • • Lighter weight
  • • Consistent strength

❌ Cons

  • • Harder to repair
  • • Transfers heat/cold (thermal bridging)

Timber Frame (Meranti)

Traditional "stick and tin" construction.

✅ Pros

  • • Natural flex (good for corrugations)
  • • Easy to repair
  • • Better thermal insulation

❌ Cons

  • • Susceptible to rot if leaks occur
  • • Heavier
  • • Variable quality

🚿 Hot Water Systems

Gas & Electric (Hybrid)

The most versatile; use gas for off-grid, electric when plugged in, or both.

✅ Pros

  • • most versatile option
  • • Fast recovery (multiple showers)
  • • Redundancy (2 fuel sources)

❌ Cons

  • • Higher upfront cost
  • • Complex installation

Instant Gas (Tankless)

Heats water as it flows, providing endless hot water like a home system.

✅ Pros

  • • Endless hot water
  • • Great for showers/dishwashing
  • • Lightweight

❌ Cons

  • • Relies solely on gas
  • • Uses more gas
  • • No electric option

Gas-Only Systems (Storage)

Ideal for free camping and off-grid travel.

✅ Pros

  • • Self-sufficiency (LPG)
  • • Simple system

❌ Cons

  • • Slower recovery than hybrid
  • • Requires ventilation

Electric System (Storage)

Quiet operation, great for powered caravan parks.

✅ Pros

  • • Quiet
  • • Simple installation (no gas lines)
  • • No fumes

❌ Cons

  • • High power draw (240V)
  • • Needs generator or mains
  • • Drains batteries fast

🚽 Toilets

Cassette

The traditional caravan toilet. Removable tank.

✅ Pros

  • • Familiar to use
  • • Easy to find dump points
  • • Cheap

❌ Cons

  • • Must empty frequently (2-3 days)
  • • Chemical smell
  • • Heavy to carry

Compost (Nature's Head)

Eco-friendly, separates liquid and solid.

✅ Pros

  • • No chemicals
  • • Empty solids monthly
  • • No water usage

❌ Cons

  • • Liquids need frequent emptying
  • • Learning curve
  • • Expensive

Looseal (Bag System)

A system that seals waste in individual bags/liners.

✅ Pros

  • • Extremely hygienic
  • • No water usage
  • • Dispose in normal rubbish

❌ Cons

  • • Ongoing cost of refill bags
  • • Plastic waste

⚡ Solar & Inverters

Less than 500W

Standard setup. Keeps the lights and fridge running.

✅ Pros

  • • Cheaper
  • • Sufficient for basic needs

❌ Cons

  • • Cannot support heavy appliances
  • • Relies on sun availability

More than 500W

For serious off-grid living. Run more for longer.

✅ Pros

  • • Faster battery charging
  • • Run simple AC loads during day

❌ Cons

  • • Requires roof space
  • • More expensive

Less than 3000W (2000W)

Good for laptops, charging phones, and small blenders.

✅ Pros

  • • Cheaper
  • • Lower standby power draw

❌ Cons

  • • Cannot run Air Conditioning

More than 3000W

Power your entire life. Aircon, hair dryer, microwave.

✅ Pros

  • • Run almost anything
  • • Home-like convenience

❌ Cons

  • • Expensive
  • • Updates wiring requirements

🔋 Batteries

Less than 300Ah

Good for weekenders and park hoppers.

✅ Pros

  • • Lower cost
  • • Lighter weight

❌ Cons

  • • Limited off-grid time
  • • Cannot run A/C for long

More than 300Ah

True off-grid capability. Run the coffee machine and toaster.

✅ Pros

  • • Extended off-grid stays
  • • High discharge rates for inverters

❌ Cons

  • • Expensive
  • • Heavier

❄️ Fridges

Compressor (12V)

Runs like your fridge at home. Best for solar setups.

✅ Pros

  • • Cools fast
  • • Works on angles
  • • Consistent temperature

❌ Cons

  • • Uses more battery power
  • • Noise (compressor hum)

3-Way (Gas/12V/240V)

Silent running, powered by gas when off-grid.

✅ Pros

  • • Silent
  • • Runs for weeks on gas
  • • Versatile fuel sources

❌ Cons

  • • Must be level to work
  • • Struggles in extreme heat
  • • Inefficient on 12V

Ready to choose?

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