The honest answer isn't "buy the toughest van you can afford" — it's "buy the van that matches where you actually camp". Here's how family and off road vans differ, and which one we'd point you at. No BS, no pressure.
Sitting between the two? Most SEQ families land on a semi off road caravan — independent suspension and a real off grid power system, with a tow weight your dual cab can still handle.
| What to compare | Family caravan | Off road caravan |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Caravan parks, coastal holidays, school holiday trips around SEQ | Corrugated gravel, station tracks, remote free camps, the lap of Australia |
| Chassis & suspension | Hot dipped galvanised chassis with load sharing leaf or single independent suspension | Heavy duty chassis, twin independent trailing arm with twin shocks per wheel |
| Typical tare weight | 1,900 to 2,500 kg — towable behind most family SUVs and dual cabs | 2,400 to 3,000 kg+ — wants a 3,000 kg plus rated tow vehicle |
| Layout priorities | Bunks, club lounge, big fridge, internal shower and separate toilet | Café dinette, external kitchen, generous water and battery storage |
| Power system | 240 V with a modest solar and lithium package for powered sites | Off grid 12 V/24 V/48 V lithium, big solar array, DC DC and inverter |
| Water capacity | 2 × 95 L is plenty when you're on tap water most nights | 3 × 95 L plus grey water so you can sit out a week between towns |
| Running costs | Lower purchase price, lower tyre and fuel bills | Higher upfront cost, heavier tow, more consumables on dirt |
| Resale in Queensland | Strong — bunk vans are the most in demand pre loved stock we take | Very strong when the off grid package is genuine, not badge only |
Weights are indicative build ranges. Always check the compliance plate and your vehicle's GVM/GCM — our towing guide walks through the numbers.
Sunrise Caravans
89 inclusions
Sunset Caravans
92 inclusions
Sunrise Caravans
68 inclusions
Sunrise Caravans
67 inclusions
Sunrise Caravans
58 inclusions
Tell us where you camp and what you tow with — we'll point you at the right van, even if it's the cheaper one.
