The sticker price of a caravan is the most visible cost. It’s also the least surprising. The costs that catch people out are the ones that accumulate quietly: registration, insurance, servicing, repairs, accessories, and the slow depreciation that erodes your asset value year by year. Knowing these costs upfront doesn’t make them go away, but it prevents the budget shock that derails trip planning.
Registration & Insurance
Registration varies by state and is based on the caravan’s Tare weight. Expect $250 to $700 annually depending on your state and the van’s weight class. Some states offer discounts for caravans stored off-road or used seasonally.
Insurance is essential and costs $800 to $2,500 per year depending on the van’s value, your coverage level (comprehensive, third party, or fire and theft), and your claims history. Comprehensive insurance on a $70,000 van typically runs $1,200 to $2,000 per year. Don’t skip it: one hail storm, one accident, or one theft and the uninsured cost dwarfs years of premiums.
Roadside assist for caravans is separate from your car’s roadside assist. Providers like RACQ, NRMA, and specialist caravan assist programs cost $100 to $300 per year. Worth it for the peace of mind alone when you’re towing through remote areas.
Servicing & Maintenance
Annual service: A full caravan service (chassis, brakes, bearings, gas, electrical, appliances, seals) costs $400 to $800 depending on the van and the repairer. This is not optional. Regular servicing prevents small problems from becoming expensive catastrophes and is often a warranty requirement.
Bearings: Wheel bearings should be repacked every 10,000km or annually (whichever comes first). Cost: $150 to $400 per service. Neglect bearings and they’ll fail on the road, potentially causing a wheel to detach. That’s a $2,000 to $5,000 repair plus a tow truck.
Tyres: Caravan tyres last 40,000 to 60,000km or 5 years (whichever comes first). Replacement cost: $150 to $300 per tyre. Most caravans have 2 tyres plus a spare: $450 to $900 per set.
Brakes: Electric brake pads and magnets wear and need replacement every 20,000 to 40,000km. Cost: $200 to $500 per service including parts.
Seals: Roof and window seals deteriorate with UV exposure and should be inspected annually and replaced as needed. Professional resealing costs $200 to $600. Neglecting seals leads to water damage, which is the most expensive repair category in caravan ownership.
Accessories & Setup
A new caravan rarely comes with everything you need. The accessories that most buyers purchase in the first 6 months typically add $2,000 to $5,000 to the total cost:
Essential accessories: Power lead ($80 to $150), water hose ($50 to $100), levelling equipment ($100 to $300), weight distribution hitch ($400 to $1,200 if not included), brake controller ($200 to $600 if not already fitted), towing mirrors ($100 to $300), and basic tools and spare parts ($200 to $500).
Common upgrades: Solar panel upgrades ($500 to $3,000), battery upgrades ($500 to $3,000), annex or privacy screens ($300 to $2,000), outdoor mat ($80 to $200), camping chairs and table ($200 to $500), and security devices ($100 to $500).
Storage
If you’re not living in your caravan full-time, it needs to be stored. Storage options range from your own driveway (free, if you have space and council permits it) to commercial caravan storage ($50 to $200 per month). Over a year, commercial storage adds $600 to $2,400 to your ownership costs. Some councils restrict or prohibit caravan storage on residential properties; check your local rules.
Depreciation
Depreciation is the largest hidden cost because you don’t write a cheque for it, but it reduces the value of your asset every year. New caravans depreciate 15 to 25% in the first year and 5 to 10% per year after that. A $80,000 new caravan might be worth $60,000 to $65,000 after two years. Used caravans depreciate more slowly (5 to 8% per year) because the steepest depreciation has already occurred.
This matters because most Big Lappers sell their van after the trip. The depreciation between purchase and sale is a real cost of the trip, and buying used reduces that cost significantly.
The Annual Cost Summary
| Cost | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|
| Registration | $250–$700 |
| Insurance (comprehensive) | $800–$2,000 |
| Roadside assist | $100–$300 |
| Annual service | $400–$800 |
| Tyres, brakes, bearings (averaged) | $300–$600 |
| Storage (if applicable) | $600–$2,400 |
| Total (excl. depreciation) | $2,450–$6,800 |
- Expect $2,500 to $6,800 per year in ongoing costs beyond the purchase price (registration, insurance, servicing, maintenance).
- Initial setup accessories typically add $2,000 to $5,000 on top of the purchase price.
- Depreciation is the largest hidden cost. New vans lose 15 to 25% in year one; used vans depreciate much more slowly.
- Regular maintenance (bearings, seals, brakes, tyres) prevents expensive failures. Never skip the annual service.
- Budget for ownership costs from day one. They’re predictable if you plan for them, devastating if you don’t.
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