Caravan Sizes and Dimensions Guide

Most Australian caravans are 2.4m wide, 2.7m to 3.2m tall, and somewhere between 3.66m and 7.92m long depending on the model. Width is capped at 2.5m by law, so almost every full size van sits close to that limit. Length varies the most and is usually described in feet, with 19ft 6in to 20ft 6in being the most popular touring size for a couple.

Caravan length categories

Caravan length is almost always sold in feet, then converted to metres for towing and storage checks. The table below sets out the common body length brackets used across the Australian market.

Compact caravans (12-16ft)

Compact vans suit solo travellers and couples who value easy parking over interior space.

Most sit under 2000kg tare weight, so they can be towed by a wider range of mid-size SUVs and utes. [CONFIRM: exact tare figures vary by brand and should be checked against the compliance plate.]

Mid size caravans (17-22ft)

This is the most popular bracket for Australian couples and small families. On-road touring vans in this range commonly measure 19ft 6in to 20ft 6in, or around 6m, and this size is often called the sweet spot for comfort and towability.

Off-road vans in the same bracket are usually built about 600mm shorter for better manoeuvrability on rough tracks.

Large caravans (23ft+)

Large vans are built for families or long term travellers who want maximum living space. They need a heavier duty tow vehicle and more room at caravan parks and at home for storage.

Caravan width

The legal maximum width for a caravan on Australian roads is 2.5m, including fixed features like wheel arches and awning boxes. Most manufacturers build to 2.4m, which is close enough to the limit for a spacious interior while leaving a small buffer for towing mirrors and tight gateways.

Internal living width is narrower again, usually around 2.2m to 2.3m once wall thickness and insulation are accounted for.

Caravan height

Standard Australian caravans typically sit between 2.7m and 3.2m tall, measured to the roofline including air conditioners and roof hatches. Height matters most for garage clearance at home, undercover storage facilities, and low bridges or car park entries on the road.

Fit and compatibility

Caravan size affects more than comfort inside the van. Before buying, it is worth checking these four things against the size bracket you are considering.

• Tow vehicle capacity: larger and heavier vans need a higher braked towing capacity and a matching tow ball weight rating.
• Home storage: measure your driveway, carport, or garage width and height before committing to a wider or taller van.
• Caravan park sites: some older parks have shorter site lengths that can struggle to fit large vans plus a tow vehicle.
• Accessory sizing: covers, awnings, and annexe walls are all sold against your caravan's body length, so an accurate measurement avoids an expensive reorder.

How to measure your caravan

• Measure body length only, from the front of the caravan body to the rear, excluding the drawbar, spare wheel, and bike rack.
• Measure width at the widest external point, usually the wheel arches or awning rail.
• Measure height from the ground to the highest fixed point, including roof-mounted air conditioners and hatches.
• Check your compliance plate for the manufacturer's official figures, since these can differ slightly from a tape measure reading.
• Record all three measurements before shopping for a cover, awning, or annexe.

FAQ

Related guides

• Caravan Cover Sizes and Dimensions
• Caravan Awning Sizes and Dimensions
• Caravan Bed Sizes and Dimensions
• Caravan Wheel Sizes and Dimensions
• Caravan Solar Panel Sizes and Dimensions
• Caravan Water Tank Sizes and Dimensions