The caravan is the centrepiece of your Big Lap, and it’s almost certainly the largest single purchase you’ll make for the trip. Prices range from $10,000 for a serviceable used van to $150,000+ for a fully spec’d new off-road rig. That spread makes the decision overwhelming, because every dollar more on the van is a dollar less for the trip itself.
This guide breaks down what you get at each price point, where the real value sits, and how to decide what’s worth spending on versus what’s marketing fluff. The goal isn’t to tell you how much to spend. It’s to help you understand exactly what your money buys so you can make a choice that fits your budget, your trip, and your towing capacity.
A $15,000 van and a $120,000 van both complete the Big Lap. The difference is comfort, capability, and what you’re willing to trade off.
What Drives Caravan Prices
Caravan pricing isn’t random. Six factors account for most of the price difference between a $15,000 used van and a $120,000 new one.
Age and condition. The single biggest factor. Caravans depreciate roughly 10 to 15% in the first year and 5 to 8% per year after that. A 5-year-old van in good condition typically sells for 50 to 65% of its new price. A 10-year-old van might be 30 to 45%. This depreciation is your advantage as a buyer.
Construction quality. Cheap caravans use timber frames, basic seals, and lightweight materials that deteriorate faster. Premium vans use aluminium or composite frames, better insulation, and higher-quality fittings. The difference shows after 5 years of hard use: cheap vans develop leaks, rattle, and need constant repair. Quality vans hold up and hold value.
Off-road capability. Independent suspension, increased ground clearance, reinforced chassis, heavy-duty axles, stone guards, and water tank protection add $10,000 to $30,000 to the price. If you’re sticking to sealed roads and well-maintained gravel, you don’t need full off-road spec. If you’re planning serious outback tracks, you do.
Power and water systems. A basic van with AGM batteries and 100W of solar costs less than one with 400Ah of lithium, 600W of solar, a 3000W inverter, and a battery management system. The premium power system costs $5,000 to $15,000 more but enables extended off-grid camping without generators or caravan park hook-ups. If you plan to free camp regularly, this investment pays for itself in saved campsite fees.
Size and layout. Bigger vans cost more: more materials, more systems, more everything. A 16-foot single-axle van is significantly cheaper than a 22-foot dual-axle family van with bunks, a full ensuite, and a slide-out kitchen.
Brand. Established brands with strong reputations (Jayco, Retreat, Kokoda, Zone, New Age, Evernew) command higher prices than unknown or newer brands. You’re partly paying for resale value, warranty support, and spare parts availability. That premium has real value on the Big Lap, where finding a panel beater who can work on an obscure brand is genuinely difficult.
The Budget Tier: $10,000 to $30,000
What you’re buying: A used caravan, typically 8 to 20 years old, from brands like Jayco, Windsor, Coromal, or Roadstar. Basic layouts with a fixed bed, small kitchen, potentially a small ensuite or external shower. AGM batteries, minimal solar (if any), basic 12V systems. Single or dual axle depending on size.
What’s good: The price. A $15,000 van means more money for fuel, campsite fees, and experiences. Lower financial risk if you decide the Big Lap isn’t for you; you can sell without taking a massive hit. Simpler systems mean fewer things to go wrong.
What’s not: Older vans need more attention. Seals deteriorate, appliances fail, water damage can be hidden. Limited off-grid capability means more caravan park stops (which cost money, partly offsetting the lower purchase price). Less insulation means hotter summers and colder winters. Ride quality and towing stability are often inferior to modern vans.
Best for: Couples on a tight budget, first-time caravanners testing whether full-time travel suits them, anyone who already owns a suitable tow vehicle and wants to minimise upfront costs.
At this price point, a pre-purchase inspection ($300 to $500) is essential. Water damage, chassis rust, and electrical faults can turn a $15,000 bargain into a $25,000 money pit. Never buy a used caravan without a qualified inspector checking it first.
An older van in good condition is the best-value entry point into the Big Lap. Just get it inspected before you buy.
The Mid-Range Tier: $30,000 to $70,000
What you’re buying: A used caravan that’s 2 to 8 years old, or an entry-level new van. Better construction, modern layouts, upgraded power systems (often lithium-ready or lithium-equipped), more solar, better insulation, and improved towing stability. Brands like Jayco (Silverline, Journey, All-Terrain), Retreat, New Age, Zone RV, or Avida.
What’s good: The balance between cost and capability. These vans are modern enough to be reliable and comfortable for 12+ months on the road. Power systems handle off-grid camping. Build quality has improved significantly in recent years. Warranty coverage on newer models provides peace of mind.
What’s not: At the lower end ($30,000 to $45,000), you’re still buying used and the usual caveats apply: inspect thoroughly, check service history, verify no water damage. At the upper end ($50,000 to $70,000), you’re approaching new entry-level territory where value becomes more subjective.
Best for: The majority of Big Lappers. Families who need space and reliability. Couples who want comfort without excess. Anyone planning 6+ months on the road and wanting a van that just works.
The Premium Tier: $70,000 to $150,000+
What you’re buying: A new, fully equipped caravan from a reputable manufacturer. Full off-road capability (if chosen), premium lithium power systems, 400W+ solar, composite or aluminium construction, independent suspension, top-tier appliances, and luxury finishes. Brands like Kokoda, Zone RV Sorell, Retreat (Fraser/Hamilton), New Age (Big Red/Manta Ray), or Evernew.
What’s good: Everything is new, under warranty, and built to your specifications. Premium build quality means fewer problems on the road. Full off-grid capability means total freedom in campsite choice. Better insulation, better ride, better everything. The resale value on premium brands is strong.
What’s not: The price. Every dollar above what you need is a dollar that could extend your trip, fund experiences, or sit in your emergency fund. Premium vans are also heavy; many require a large, capable tow vehicle, which adds another $60,000 to $100,000+ if you don’t already own one. And new caravans depreciate fastest in year one.
Best for: Retirees investing in years of travel, not just one trip. Families who need the space and durability. Anyone planning extended off-road travel where build quality is a safety issue, not a luxury.
New vs Used: Where The Value Is
The honest answer: the best value in the caravan market is a 3 to 5 year-old used van in good condition from a reputable brand. It’s already taken the biggest depreciation hit, the original owner has found and fixed the teething issues, and it’s modern enough to have decent power systems and layouts.
New vans have the advantage of warranty, zero wear, and the ability to spec exactly what you want. But they depreciate 10 to 15% the moment you tow them off the lot. On a $80,000 van, that’s $8,000 to $12,000 in lost value before you’ve spent a single night in it.
Used vans have risk: hidden water damage, worn components, unknown history. This risk is manageable with a professional inspection, a thorough personal check, and asking the right questions. The money you save by buying used goes directly into making the trip better or longer.
A 3 to 5 year-old van in good condition is the sweet spot. Someone else paid the depreciation; you get the value.
How Much Should You Actually Spend?
Here’s the framework that cuts through the noise.
Rule 1: Never spend so much on the van that you can’t afford the trip. A $100,000 caravan sitting in the driveway because you can’t afford fuel is worse than a $30,000 van on the road. The van is a tool for the trip, not the trip itself.
Rule 2: Match the van to the tow vehicle, not the other way around. If your vehicle can safely tow 2,000kg, buy a van under 2,000kg ATM. Don’t buy a 3,000kg van and then need a $70,000 tow vehicle to match.
Rule 3: Spend on what affects your daily life. A good mattress matters more than premium exterior cladding. A reliable power system matters more than a brand-name kitchen tap. Prioritise the things you’ll interact with every single day for months.
Rule 4: Budget for the total, not just the van. The van is one line in a larger budget that includes the vehicle, gear, preparation, insurance, and road costs. A $50,000 van in a $100,000 total budget leaves room for everything else. A $90,000 van in the same budget does not.
- Budget tier ($10k to $30k used): gets you on the road at minimum cost. Needs more maintenance and caravan park stops but minimises financial risk.
- Mid-range tier ($30k to $70k): the sweet spot for most Big Lappers. Modern enough to be reliable and comfortable for 12+ months.
- Premium tier ($70k to $150k+ new): maximum comfort and capability, but every dollar above what you need is a dollar that could extend the trip.
- Best value: a 3 to 5 year-old used van from a reputable brand. Already depreciated, teething issues resolved, modern enough for extended travel.
- Never spend so much on the van that you can’t afford the trip. The van is a tool for the experience, not the experience itself.
- Match the van to the tow vehicle’s capacity, spend on daily-life items (mattress, power, kitchen), and always get a pre-purchase inspection on used vans.
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