Part 2 of our round-up of the vehicle-based accommodations on offer, and the pros and cons of each.
5th wheeler
More popular in the US than in Australia, the 5th wheeler is gradually making some penetration into the Australian touring market. They are commonly imported from the US, which can be difficult when it comes to the decor, repair, support and maintenance aspects of these vehicles.
Five years ago, Mick and Julie threw in their jobs, cars and house, and moved into a decked out 5th wheeler. They hit the road and have been travelling Australia ever since. They chose a 5th wheeler because it offered them more room than a conventional caravan. With three slide-out sections it meant the couple could stretch out when setting up for longer periods of time. The height of the roof was also much higher than other caravans they looked at.
Mick and Julie, who are currently in Queensland, love their 5th wheeler, but admit that the scarcity of 5th wheelers in Australia means that caravan parks are occasionally not suitably equipped to accommodate for the size of their rig – and parking can sometimes be a problem.
Camper
A camper is a family-friendly option that won’t break the budget. It’s part caravan, part trailer, with the base and roof generally made of fibreglass, while the middle section is canvas. Because campers can compact down, they are very fuel efficient, and once expanded out, offer plenty of space for sleeping, eating and relaxing.
While a camper does require a bit of set-up upon arrival at your destination, converting the trailer into holiday accommodation is quick and easy. The normal layout of a camper is with beds at each end, comfortably accommodating a family of four.
Add-ons, such as annexes, can expand this living space even further. As campers are fitted with off-road suspension, camper owners can generally take their vans wherever they want, even off the beaten track.
Camper Trailer
A camper trailer tows like a trailer, but once set up provides cosy tent accommodation.
Billy and Jane Hodge and their four kids regularly camp with their camper trailer ‘Colin’. They’ve even completed an epic Australian road trip with the trailer tagging along behind.
A camper trailer has been perfect for their family as it allows them to go off-road and access remote destinations. Once set up, the tent offers plenty of room for their four young kids, and the trailer means they have more baggage room for their journey.
2012 Road tripper nominees Lyndon, Bec and their young son Charlie, currently call their camper trailer home. Lyndon and Bec plan to travel off-the-beaten track, as well as fit in some bush camping, so they needed vehicle-based accommodation that would handle rough conditions as well as work within their budget. The camper trailer suits their needs for their epic one-year adventure.
If you don’t mind taking a bit of time to set up, cooking outside and can overcome the noise of wind, rain and occasionally hail flapping against the canvas, then a camper trailer might be an option for you.
Campervan
The campervan is simply a regular van custom-fitted out to include a bed, storage and kitchen space, often using novel ways to fit everything in. It combines the freedom of having an independent vehicle with the added protection of a space to sleep away from the elements. Most vans are fitted with four-wheel-drive suspension, which will allow you to get to more remote destinations and bush camping sites.
As a budget-conscious option, you’ll be able to park your campervan for free at many rest stops, car parks and roadhouses. Buying a campervan outright is likely your cheapest option into the market. However, most rental companies offer campervans if you don’t want to buy your own.
Unfortunately, a campervan probably won’t suit the needs of a family, as most vans don’t provide anchor points for baby car seats.
What’s your vehicle-based accommodation of choice?
Take a look at part 1 of our round-up.
