There’s no denying it, caravanning has become a massively popular activity over the last three to five years in particular. Gone are the days when hitching up a caravan and hitting the open road was a leisure activity reserved for retirees.
What with the recent state of worldwide events and economic hits, adventuring in our own backyard is now the most attainable way for families, singles and couples of all ages to escape the grind for a while.
However, caravanning is not exactly the cheap activity that camping once was. Caravans are expensive and that’s without adding in a tow vehicle upgrade to actually be able to use the thing.
For those who want to enjoy the creature comforts of a caravan and be able to tow it with their existing vehicle, there are plenty of lightweight caravans under 1200kg on the market.
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Caravan Towing Weight Terms
When it comes to caravan weights, there are actually quite a few different terms that need to be considered.
Below is a summary of the towing weight terms that you’ll need to know when choosing a lightweight caravan under 1,200kg. To gain an even deeper understanding, check out Caravan Towing Weights (Full Guide) and Calculating Tow Ball Weight.
| CARAVAN TOWING WEIGHT TERMS | |
|---|---|
| Towing Capacity | Maximum Allowable Weight the Vehicle Can Tow |
| Vehicle Tare Weight | Empty Weight of Vehicle + Oil & Fluids + 10L Fuel |
| GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) | Maximum Allowable Weight of Vehicle |
| Vehicle Payload | GVM – Vehicle Tare (amount of weight you have for accessories, luggage & passengers) |
| Caravan Tare Weight | Empty Weight of Caravan + Only Factory-fitted Accessories |
| ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) | Maximum Allowable Weight of Caravan |
| Caravan Payload | ATM – Caravan Tare (amount of weight you have for mods, accessories & luggage) |
| GCM (Gross Combined Mass) | Maximum Allowable Weight of Car + Caravan |
| TBW (Tow Ball Weight) | Approx. 10% of your ATM or maximum 350kg |
All caravans included in this post have a tare (empty) weight of 1,200kg or under. Keep in mind that you need to allow extra weight for your “stuff,” which is what we call the ‘payload.’
So, if your car’s towing capacity is 1,500kg and you buy a caravan with a tare weight of 1,200kg, you will have a maximum payload allowance of 300kg.
While that might sound like a lot, things can add up really quickly! Here’s a list of payload items that you may have to account for.
Payload items to consider:
- Clothing
- Food
- Water
- BBQ & cooking gear
- Kitchen & bathroom items
- Linen
- Full gas bottles
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor mats & privacy screens
- Battery & solar upgrades
- Generator
Common Towing Capacities for Australian Vehicles
The table below will give you an idea on what the towing capacities are for 34 common Australian vehicles.
- BRAKED Towing Capacity = the maximum weight the vehicle can tow if the caravan has its own brakes.
- UNBRAKED Towing Capacity = the maximum weight any vehicle can tow in Australia if the caravan does not have its own brakes is 750kg.
NOTE – All figures below are based on 2023 models.
| VEHICLE | MAX BRAKED TOWING CAPACITY (kg) |
|---|---|
| FORD Puma | 1,100 |
| FORD Escape | 1,800 |
| FORD Everest | 3,500 |
| FORD Ranger | 3,500 |
| HYUNDAI Kona | 1,600 |
| HYUNDAI I30 | 1,600 |
| HYUNDAI Tucson | 1,900 |
| HYUNDAI Palisade | 2,200 |
| HYUNDAI Santa Fe | 2,500 |
| ISUZU MU-X | 3,500 |
| ISUZU D-Max (Dual Cab) | 3,500 |
| KIA Cerato | 1,100 |
| KIA Sportage | 1,900 |
| KIA Sorento | 2,000 |
| KIA Carnival | 2,000 |
| MAZDA CX-3 | 1,200 |
| MAZDA CX-5 | 1,800 |
| MAZDA CX-9 | 2,000 |
| MAZDA BT-50 | 3,500 |
| MITSUBISHI Eclipse Cross | 1,600 |
| MITSUBISHI Outlander | 1,600 |
| MITSUBISHI Pajero Sport | 3,100 |
| MITSUBISHI Triton | 3,100 |
| NISSAN Qashqai | 1,500 |
| NISSAN X-Trail | 2,000 |
| NISSAN Pathfinder | 2,700 |
| NISSAN Patrol | 3,500 |
| NISSAN Navara | 3,500 |
| TOYOTA Corolla | 1,300 |
| TOYOTA RAV4 | 1,500 |
| TOYOTA Kluger | 2,000 |
| TOYOTA Prado | 3,000 |
| TOYOTA Hilux | 3,500 |
| TOYOTA Landcruiser (Wagon) | 3,500 |
Teardrop & Pod Caravans
If you’re interested in little caravans that are often well and truly under the 1,000kg (tare) mark, have a look at the Teardrop Caravans and Pod Campers.
These two camper styles are basically an enclosed bed on wheels, with an external kitchen at the back. With Teardrop and Pod Campers, you won’t have any bathroom facilities, nor can you stand up inside the van, so they’re not for everyone.
But, the great thing about Teardrops and Pods is that due to their light weight, plus their low profile, almost any car with a hitch can tow them!
Here are 20 Teardrop Brands and 21 Pod Camper Manufacturers to browse through.
Lightweight Caravans Under 1200kg
ADRIA – Action
The Adria Action has a big u-shaped dinette, which converts into a double bed for sleeping. One of the unique things about this van is the massive glass roof, perfect for star-gazing at night! In the kitchen you’ll find a sink with 2-burner cooktop, fridge and full-sized oven. The ensuite is a shower and toilet combo.
Adria Action Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13.2 ft | 1,000 | 400 | 1,400 | – |
See the Adria Action lightweight caravan.
AVAN – Aspire 402
The Avan Aspire 402 comes in two different model options – either a double bed or twin singles. You can also choose between a full-sized hardtop caravan or a pop top version. The kitchen is equipped with a microwave, 2-burner cooktop, sink and 3-way fridge. While you will have air conditioning, you won’t have the convenience of an on-board ensuite.
Avan Aspire 402 Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 12.6 ft | 1,150 | 350 | 1,500 | 115 |
See the Avan Aspire 402 lightweight caravan.
CENTURY TRAILERS – Venus 11
The Venus 11 also has the u-shaped dinette and double bed conversion set-up. An induction cooktop, 50L fridge, sink and microwave live in the kitchen, which sits alongside the ensuite (shower and toilet combo). Similar to the Adria, there is a wrap-around sunroof, which invites in extra sunlight and moonlight.
Venus 11 Price: $32,000 AUD
Venus 11 Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10.3 ft | 972 | 528 | 1,500 | 70 |
See the Century Trailers Venus 11 lightweight caravan.
EURO CARAVANS – Glider
The Euro Glider comes in two different models:
- Double Bed with Ensuite
- 3 Berth (no ensuite)
Much like the Euro Hobby (below), the double bed converts into a dinette, leaving room in the caravan for an ensuite. The 3-berth model has an extra single dinette that changes into a single bed, which is why there is no ensuite for that model. The small kitchen has a sink, work bench, plus a 65L fridge/ freezer.
Euro Glider Prices (AUD):
- DOUBLE BED with ENSUITE – $37,800
- DOUBLE BED + SINGLE BED (no ensuite) – $32,900
Euro Glider Measurements:
| MODEL | Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Bed (with ensuite) | 2 | 4,500 ft | 680 | 220 | 900 | 45 |
| Double Bed + Single Bed (no ensuite) | 3 | 4,500 ft | 680 | 220 | 900 | 45 |
See the Euro Glider lightweight range.
EURO CARAVANS – Hobby
The Euro Hobby comes in three different models:
- Twin Single Beds (or King Bed) with Ensuite
- Double Bed with Ensuite
- 3 Berth (no ensuite)
In the 2-berth versions, the dinette converts into the bed, which still allows room for an ensuite. However, in the 3-berth model, instead of a bathroom there’s an additional single dinette that converts into a single bed. The kitchen consists of a sink, small bench and 65L fridge/ freezer.
Euro Hobby Prices (AUD):
- TWIN SINGLES/ KING with ENSUITE – $42,800
- DOUBLE BED with ENSUITE – $42,800
- DOUBLE BED + SINGLE BED (no ensuite) – $37,900
Euro Hobby Measurements:
| MODEL | Berth | Travel Length (mm) | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Singles/ King + Ensuite | 2 | 4,050 | 680 | 220 | 900 | 45 |
| Double Bed + Ensuite | 2 | 4,050 | 680 | 220 | 900 | 45 |
| Double Bed + Single Bed (no ensuite) | 3 | 4,050 | 680 | 220 | 900 | 45 |
See the Euro Hobby lightweight caravans.
EZYTRAIL – Winton 10
EzyTrail Campers offer one lightweight caravan, which is called Winton 10. The four person dinette converts into a double bed, plus there is an ensuite with the shower and toilet combo. The kitchen has an induction cooktop, sink and a 50L fridge.
Winton 10 Price : $31,990 AUD
Winton 10 Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10.3 ft | 1,050 | 450 | 1,500 | 70 |
See the EzyTrail Winton 10 lightweight caravan.
FANTASY CARAVAN – Mystic 10
The Fantasy Caravan Mystic 10 is a 10ft van with all of the essentials. A u-shaped dinette by day, turns into a double bed by night. With an 85L fridge, sink and induction cooktop, there are no worries about having to cook outside in the elements. The combo ensuite is very convenient, especially for off-gridding.
Fantasy Mystic 10 Price: $34,990 AUD
Fantasy E2 Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 ft | 1,080 | 420 | 1,500 | 70 |
See the Fantasy Caravan Mystic 10 lightweight caravan.
FANTASY CARAVAN – Mystic 12F
Fantasy Caravan’s Mystic 12F is the perfect example of how a family caravan can be both lightweight and shorter in length. At just 12ft long, the Mystic 12F weighs in at 1,150kg (tare). With the convertible dinette for the double bed, plus double bunk beds at the other end, there’s room for up to four people. You won’t have to stress about midnight toilet block runs with an on-board ensuite, plus a little kitchen for food prep.
Fantasy Mystic 12F Price: $41,990 AUD
Fantasy Mystic 12F Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 12 ft | 1,150 | 350 | 1,500 | 70 |
See the Fantasy Caravan Mystic 12F lightweight van.
JAYCO – Journey Pop Top (12 ft)
There are only two vans in the Jayco range, which come within the lightweight caravans under 1200kg range. These are the two smallest Journey Pop Tops, which are both 12ft in length. The only difference between the two models is the bed configuration. You can either go for twin single beds or a queen-sized bed. Along with that, there’s a kitchen with fridge and dinette. Unfortunately, this caravan doesn’t have the space for an ensuite.
View a comparison of the entire Jayco collection, including weights and lengths.
Journey Pop Top Price: $35,690 AUD
Jayco Journey Pop Top Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 – 3 | 12.6 ft | 1,120 | 375 | 1,495 | 100 |
See the Jayco Journey Pop Top (12ft) lightweight caravan.
JOLLY CARAVANS – Mini 270
Jolly Caravans offer a handy micro caravan called the Mini 270, which even has storage room for a bike inside! Whether you’re into mountain biking or dirt bike riding, this is a great toy hauler alternative.
Inside is a small kitchen for cooking out of the elements, plus a dinette that converts into a double bed for night time.
Mini 270 Price: $36,500 AUD
Mini 270 Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 9.5 ft | 610 | 590 | 1,200 |
See the Jolly Caravans Mini 270.
SILVERSUN CARAVANS – Neptune
For a slightly larger lightweight caravan under 1,200kg, Neptune by Silversun Caravans is an ideal model. With a full-sized 150L fridge/ freezer, microwave, 2-burner cooktop, sink and pantry, you can enjoy a decent interior kitchen. There is a choice between a permanent double bed with dinette or twin single beds. All models have an onboard ensuite.
Neptune Price: $51,990 AUD
Neptune Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 13 ft | 1,200 | 400 | 1,600 | 65 |
See the Silversun Caravans Neptune.
SILVERSUN CARAVANS – Pluto
Silversun Caravans offer a smaller lightweight caravan under 1,200kg in the shape of the 10ft Pluto. With three configurations there is the choice between a dinette/ double bed conversion, single bed + two-seater dinette or single bed + single lounge. A smaller 80L fridge and microwave are included to pair up with the sink and 2-burner cooktop in the kitchen. Plus, an ensuite for comfort and off-gridding.
Pluto Price: $47,990 AUD
Pluto Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 2 | 10 ft | 960 | 240 | 1,200 |
See the Silversun Caravans Pluto.
SWIFT RV – Sprite Alpine 2
The Swift RV ‘Sprite’ range has two models which fall under the 1,200kg tare weight. The first is the Sprite Alpine 2, which comes with twin single beds/ lounges. With a generous ensuite you can enjoy a separate toilet and shower, plus wardrobe for your clothes.
Sprite Alpine 2 Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 14.3 ft | 1,042 | 208 | 1,250 |
See the Swift Sprite lightweight caravans.
SWIFT RV – Sprite Alpine 4
The largest lightweight caravan under 1,200kg (tare weight) is the Sprite Alpine 4 by Swift RV. At over 15ft in length there’s room the kids up one end, parents up the other and even a separate toilet and shower inside the handy ensuite. Something to note with the lightweight Swift RV caravans is that they don’t allow for very much payload given the size of the van.
Sprite Alpine 4 Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 15.7 ft | 1,094 | 206 | 1,300 |
See the Swift Sprite lightweight caravans.
WILD BOAR CAMPERS – Road Trotter
The Wild Boar Campers Road Trotter weighs in at just over 1,000 kg empty, with 410 kg of payload allowance for all of your gear.
This is a 2-berth caravan with a convertible dinette, come double bed, toilet, shower and internal kitchen.
Road Trotter Measurements:
| Berth | Body Length | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | ATM (kg) | TBW (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 11.5 ft | 1,090 | 410 | 1,500 | 90 |
View the Wild Boar Campers Road Trotter.
Small Caravans Spreadsheet
Use the Small Caravans Australia spreadsheet to narrow down your perfect van. ↓
- 70+ manufacturers
- 350 different small caravan models
- Select the number of berths, caravan style, bathroom, tank size, solar power etc.
- Narrow down your search
- Find the price and information details for your caravan shortlist
Lightweight Caravans Australia (Manufacturers Directory)
| MANUFACTURER | ADDRESS & WEBSITE | AUSTRALIAN MADE |
|---|---|---|
| Adria Australia & New Zealand | 698 Nudgee Road, Northgate QLD 4013 au.adria-mobil.com | ❌ |
| Avan | Pakenham VIC 3810 avan.com.au | ✔️ |
| Century Trailers | 706 Beaudesert Road Rocklea QLD 4106 centurytrailers.com.au | ❌ |
| Euro Caravans | 2/148 Toongabbie Road, Girraween NSW 2145 euro-caravans.com.au | ❌ |
| EzyTrail Campers | 1/97-107 Canterbury Road, Kilsyth VIC 3137 ezytrailcampertrailers.com.au | ❌ |
| Fantasy Caravan | 3/37 Princes Highway, Dandenong South VIC 3175 fantasycaravan.com.au | ❌ |
| Jayco | 1 Jayco Drive, Dandenong VIC 3175 jayco.com.au | ✔️ |
| Jolly Caravans | 2/148 Toongabbie Road, Girraween NSW 2145 jollycaravans.com.au | ❌ |
| Silversun Caravans | Unit 37, 20/22 Ellerslie Road, Meadowbrook QLD 4131 silversuncaravans.com.au | ❌ |
| Swift RV | Level 2, 9 Bay Street, Southport QLD 4215 swiftrv.com.au | ❌ |
| Wild Boar Campers | 41 South Pine Road, Brendale QLD 4500 wildboarcampers.com | ❌ |
Travel Planning Resources
If you have a towing capacity of 1900kg what size caravan would suit my needs. Thanks Bob.
Hi Bob, any caravan with an ATM of 1900kg or lower should suit your vehicle. The ATM is the maximum weight that the caravan can weigh when it’s fully loaded with accessories, food, water, camping gear etc. So, something with a lower Tare (empty) weight and a few hundred kilos of payload allowance would be ideal. All of the caravans on this list will come in well under your 1900kg towing capacity, so if you’re looking for something nice a compact, take your pick!