Going Full-Time in Your Caravan: What Vehicle Setup You Need in Australia
Full-time caravan living — the "grey nomad" lifestyle on steroids — is growing rapidly in Australia. More Australians than ever are choosing to live permanently in their caravan, travelling between locations and escaping the cost of urban housing.
If you're considering this lifestyle, choosing the right vehicle and caravan setup is the most critical decision you'll make.
Going Full-Time in Your Caravan: What Vehicle Setup You Need in Australia
Your tow vehicle is the heart of your full-time setup. For full-time use, consider:
Requirements:
Sufficient GVM and towing capacity for your chosen caravan — add 10–20% safety margin
Diesel engine for economy over long distances and at high load
Automatic transmission for ease in challenging terrain and long-haul comfort
4WD or AWD if you plan to access any unsealed surfaces
Popular full-timer tow vehicles:
Toyota LandCruiser 200/300 Series
Toyota Prado 150 Series
Isuzu MU-X
Ford Everest
RAM 1500/2500 (for larger vans)
Before you buy your tow vehicle, run a National VIN Check — large PPSR encumbrances are extremely common on these premium vehicles.
The Caravan
For full-time living, prioritise:
Size and layout:
Minimum 18ft for comfortable full-time habitation for two adults
Island bed for accessibility and ease
Ensuite bathroom — essential for full-time comfort
Dedicated dining and seating area
Infrastructure:
300W+ solar with 200Ah+ lithium battery — allows free camping without generator reliance
200L+ fresh water with in-line filtration
Diesel heating (not just air conditioning) for winter nights in elevated areas
Quality suspension — full-timers travel vastly more kilometres than occasional users
Before you buy your caravan, run a National VIN Check — caravan finance is very common and PPSR checks are as important as vehicle checks.
Budget Reality
Full-time setup costs:
Tow vehicle: $60,000–$150,000
Caravan: $40,000–$150,000
Upgrades and accessories: $10,000–$30,000
Running costs: $2,000–$4,000 per month (fuel, sites, food, maintenance)
A National VIN Check on both the vehicle and caravan is an essential part of the due diligence process. Our Premium report covers PPSR, WOVR, registration, and stolen status for both — from $19.95 each.
Useful Australian Resources
Popular places to browse and research your next vehicle — always run a history check before you buy.
