- Larger caravans offer better layout flow and permanent living zones
- More storage and higher payloads support longer, off-grid travel
- Bigger tanks and better insulation increase comfort and independence
- Larger models tend to retain value well in the growing caravan market
When you’re living on the road, space becomes more than just a luxury — it shapes how you cook, sleep, relax, and even how long you can stay off-grid. The size of your caravan directly affects the kind of travel experience you’ll have. It’s not just about squeezing in more storage or fitting a bigger bed. It’s about comfort, usability, and whether the space supports your lifestyle beyond the weekend trip.
For many travellers, upgrading to a larger van isn’t about showing off. It’s about being able to stand up straight, walk from one end to the other without bumping into someone, and having dedicated zones for sleep, eating, and unwinding — especially when the weather keeps you indoors for days. The gap between small and large caravans is felt in the details, and those details start to matter quickly once you’re a few days into a more extended trip.
Living Space and Layout Make All the Difference
One of the first things people notice when stepping into a larger caravan is how much easier it is to breathe. In smaller models, you often work around tight corners and compromised layouts — fold-down tables, makeshift beds, and compact cooking stations. Larger caravans offer a more seamless sense of flow, with permanent fixtures and clearly defined zones that feel more like a small apartment than a mobile home.
Having a separate bed that doesn’t need to be packed away every morning, a kitchen that allows two people to cook without shoulder-bumping, or a lounge that doesn’t double as a storage bin changes how relaxed the space feels. It also reduces fatigue. Over time, the cramped setups of smaller vans can wear on you, especially if you’re travelling with a partner or kids.
What sets larger vans apart is how they accommodate daily routines. You’re not adapting to the van — the van adapts to you. Whether that’s sitting at a table without moving three bags first, or stretching out fully in bed without hitting a wall, the usability grows with the extra square footage. And that translates directly into better travel days.
Storage, Payload and Practicalities on Long Trips
When you travel for weeks or even months at a time, the limitations of a smaller van become apparent quickly. Water storage, pantry capacity, tool access — it all starts to matter. Larger caravans don’t just give you more cupboards and drawers. They usually come with a higher payload, meaning you can carry more gear without pushing the legal or mechanical limits of your setup.
If you’re planning extended travel or want more gear freedom, it makes sense to buy a 23 ft caravan in Sydney, where options are tailored to rugged Australian touring needs. These vans often come pre-fitted with larger fridges, full-size washing machines, and storage solutions designed for serious off-grid stays — features rarely found in more compact models.
The difference isn’t just in what you can take, but how you can store it. Full-width tunnels, external lockers and raised chassis allow better access to bulky equipment. That means fewer compromises when it comes to comfort items, spare parts or outdoor gear. It also means safer towing, since well-distributed weight is easier to manage when the van itself has room to balance it properly.
Better Insulation, Bigger Tanks and Off-Grid Potential
With more physical space comes the opportunity for stronger infrastructure. Larger caravans are typically built with better thermal insulation, which matters when you’re chasing seasons or spending nights in the high country. Good insulation means less reliance on air conditioning or heaters, especially when you’re camped off-grid with limited power. It also helps reduce condensation and internal moisture, an issue that smaller vans often struggle to control in cooler climates.
Water and grey tank capacity also tends to scale with van size. Being able to carry double or triple the water means fewer stops and a lot more flexibility in where you camp. Larger vans also support bigger solar systems and battery setups. These aren’t just luxuries — they make a real difference in how far off the beaten track you can travel and how long you can stay there.
Small caravans often require compromise. You should cut a trip short to refill water, plug into power, or empty a cassette. Larger vans minimise those breaks in routine. They allow you to live more independently for longer, without sacrificing comfort. That’s especially useful when travelling through remote regions where facilities are sparse and access is limited.
Towing Considerations and Who Larger Vans Suit Best
Choosing a larger caravan does come with added responsibility. You’ll need a capable tow vehicle, often something with a higher towing capacity, like a dual-cab ute or large SUV. Proper weight distribution, electric brakes and suspension upgrades are all part of the equation when moving a van that size. However, for many, the trade-off is worthwhile.
Larger caravans may not be suited to everyone. They can be more challenging to manoeuvre and may limit the types of campsites you can access, particularly in older national parks or tight coastal parks. However, for long-term travellers, remote workers, retirees embarking on a big lap, or families needing room for growing kids, the extra space pays for itself in convenience and sanity.
Even the towing experience becomes more manageable with the right setup. Stabiliser hitches, reversing cameras, and clear weight ratings mean towing a 23 ft van isn’t as daunting as it once was. With a bit of practice, most drivers adapt quickly, especially when the reward is a comfortable home base wherever you decide to stop.
Long-Term Value and Resale Trends in Larger Caravans
As more Australians hit the road for extended travel, demand for larger caravans has seen steady growth. Buyers are looking for comfort, durability and the ability to live semi-permanently without constant upgrades. Larger models, especially those with full en-suite bathrooms and separate sleeping areas, often hold their value better in the second-hand market.
There’s also been a shift in what people consider essential. Five years ago, a microwave and a pop-top roof might have been enough. Now, buyers are asking about lithium batteries, air suspension, and full off-road capabilities — all features more commonly found in mid-to-large caravans. This trend suggests a growing demand for larger layouts that provide not only more space but also enhanced functionality.
Even in a cooling market, well-maintained 23 ft and above models with high-quality fit-outs are selling quickly. Families upgrading, retirees downsizing from houses, and digital nomads all contribute to a broader pool of serious buyers. That makes investing in a larger caravan less about indulgence and more about choosing a setup with staying power.
Making the Most of the Space You Travel In
When you’re travelling for more than just a weekend, the way your space works starts to matter more than you expect. A larger caravan gives you the breathing room to settle into a routine, to stretch out when the weather turns bad, and to bring the gear that makes life feel easy rather than improvised.
Choosing more space isn’t always about luxury. Sometimes, it’s the difference between cutting a trip short and staying out a little longer. And for those planning bigger adventures, it’s often the thing that makes the whole journey sustainable, comfortable and worth repeating.