Caravans and hybrid caravans are both popular choices for people who want to enjoy the freedom of camping with the added comfort and convenience of a home on wheels. But which type of caravan is right for you? After living in both a hybrid and a full-size caravan for 12-months in each as we travelled around Australia, we wanted to share our thoughts on both to help you make the best decision for your needs. In this blog, we will compare full-size caravans and hybrid caravans and we’ll cover everything including size, weight & features, so you can find the perfect caravan for your next adventure.
The key differences between full-size caravans and hybrid caravans:
Full-size caravans
- Larger and heavier than hybrid caravans
- Offer more space and features, such as internal kitchens and ensuites
- Typically more expensive than hybrid caravans
- Can be more difficult to tow and maneuver
Hybrid caravans
- Smaller and lighter than full-size caravans
- Offer a mix of indoor and outdoor living space, with external kitchens and pull-out beds
- Typically less expensive than full-size caravans
- Easier to tow and maneuver than full-size caravans
Pros & Cons
Full-size Caravan:
Pros
- Larger living space
- Less set-up and pack-up time
- Ensuite – Depending on your caravan options, full-size caravans will usually have a seperate toilet and shower. This makes it comfortable and easy to shower & toilet.
- Bed is always made – this seems small but it makes the world of difference when you do a long-term trip.
- Internal kitchen allows you to prepare meals inside and be protected from the weather.
- Safer when towing on the road because they have more wheels.
- Better for beach driving as they have more surface area.
Cons
- Wider than hybrid caravans which means they sit wider than the cars wheel tracks.
- Towing is harder than towing a hybrid as they are wider, longer & tandem axle caravans don’t move as easy as single axel.
- Higher fuel consumption (heavier & more wind resistance because of size)
- Heavier in wight
- Typically more expensive
Hybrid Caravan:
Pros
- Smaller in width & height to a full-size caravan so the caravan wheels sit in the same wheel tracks as the car, meaning it tows easier when off-road and goes where ever the car can go (in most cases).
- Easier to tow
- Single axel caravans are easier to manoeuvre
- Less fuel consumption
- Lighter in weight
- Features such as; Combo ensuite & the Fold-out bed all save space to allow you to have all features you have in a full-size caravan in a smaller caravan.
- External kitchen allows you to enjoy the outdoors and the scenery while you cook.
- Price – Bang for buck! You get everything a full-size caravan has but in a smaller version.
Cons
- Hybrids are usually pop-top or have pull-out beds & kitchens which means there is more set-up & pack-up time involved.
- Smaller living space – Living in a small space can feel claustrophobic, especially when you’re living & working from a caravan.
- Ensuite – This could be pro or a con depending on your preferences. Hybrid caravans will usually offer a combo toilet & shower which means your toilet & shower are in the same room. This is excellent as it saves space in the living area, however, it can feel crammed at times & if you are a tall person this might be difficult. Some hybrids only have the option for the shower on the outside of the caravan.
- Fold out beds – You will have to remake your bed everytime you move.
- External kitchen means you have no option but to cook outdoors even when weather is terrible.
- Not as good as tandem axel caravans for beach driving as there is less surface area.
Tips for choosing the right type of caravan for your needs
Here are some tips to help you if you are buying your first caravan:
- Do your research. Before you start looking at caravans, take some time to think about what you need and want. Consider the size of your family, the types of trips you plan to take, and your budget. Write a list & have notes of what you think you would want in your caravan before you start looking.
- Do your research on construction methods. There are many ways a caravan is constructed. There are construction methods which are superior to others, so make sure you look at how the brand you are interested in builds their caravans. We did a build video on our caravan which shows the construction of an Urban Caravan, you can watch that video here.
- Set a budget. Caravans can range in price depending on the brand, type of caravan and construction. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
- Inspect the caravan carefully. Once you’ve found a caravan that you’re interested in, be sure to inspect it carefully before you buy it. Look for any signs of damage if you are purchasing a second-hand caravan.
- Consider the towing capacity of your vehicle. Make sure that your vehicle is capable of towing the caravan that you’re interested in. You can find the towing capacity of your vehicle in the owner’s manual. If you want to know more about GVM upgrades we have blog on this topic here .
- Attend a caravan show. Caravan shows are a great way to see a wide variety of caravans in one place. You can also talk to experts and get advice on choosing the right caravan for your needs. Its a great way to see the quality of the different caravan brands in real-life.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Caravan dealers are often willing to negotiate on price, especially if you’re buying a used caravan.
So, which type of caravan is right for you? It depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable caravan with all the bells and whistles, then a full-size caravan may be the best option for you. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or need a caravan that is easy to tow and manoeuvre, then a hybrid caravan may be a better choice.
If you would like a more in-depth visual look at the two types of caravans, check out our videos below where we walk you through our old hybrid caravan and our current caravan which is a full-size caravan.
the link is broken “Sarah and Keelan Travels Patreon”
Hey Jane, this blog is currently only visible to those who are members of our Patreon. We release all our blogs a week early for our Patreon members and then it will be visible to all after a week 😊
okey dokes, gotcha thank you xx
All good, you should be able to view it now ☺️ Thanks Jane! Have a lovely weekend!