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 400W

Basic setup. Keeps the lights and fridge running for weekenders.

✅ Pros

• Lower cost
• Sufficient for park hoppers

❌ Cons

• Limited off-grid capability
• Relies heavily on sun

400W - 800W

Standard off-grid setup. The sweet spot for most travelers.

✅ Pros

• Balanced cost/performance
• Handles most appliances
• Good battery charging

❌ Cons

• Moderate roof space needed

More than 800W

Off-Grid Pro. Run everything, even in cloudy conditions.

✅ Pros

• Maximum independence
• Fast charging
• Run AC during day

❌ Cons

• Expensive
• Requires significant roof space

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 200Ah

Weekender setup. Good for powered sites and short trips.

✅ Pros

• Lowest cost
• Lightest weight

❌ Cons

• Very limited off-grid time
• Cannot run heavy loads

200Ah - 400Ah

Standard off-grid setup. The most common choice for serious travelers.

✅ Pros

• Balanced cost/capacity
• 2-3 days off-grid
• Run most appliances

❌ Cons

• Moderate weight and cost

More than 400Ah

Off-Grid Pro. Extended stays without charging.

✅ Pros

• Maximum independence
• Run A/C overnight
• 4+ days off-grid

❌ Cons

• Heavy
• Very expensive

❄️ 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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