With an explosion in the caravanning and camping industry over the last few 5 years in particular, there was an opening in the market for something much simpler. Somewhere in between a camper trailer and a hybrid caravan sits the pod camper.
Inspired by the size and weight of a traditional teardrop camper, pod campers Australia are on the rise and with good reason. Featuring a tiny kitchen, fully-enclosed bed with solid walls and solar power for going off-grid, these compact pod campers boast a lot for their size.
For those who like outdoor hobbies, such as surfing, hiking and cycling, a pod camper is the perfect minimalist accommodation to come back to after a long day’s adventure.
There is a bit of a blurred line between teardrop campers and pod campers, as they are both based on the same principles (basically a bed on wheels, with external kitchen at the back). Some manufacturers even call their pod campers ‘teardrops,’ as that is the more commonly-known term.
So, if the camper is in more of square or boxy shape, it’s been added to this Pod Camper list, while the ones that have the tell-tale teardrop shape have been added to a separate Teardrop Camper list.
You may also be interested in the Micro Caravan list, which includes full-height vans under 14ft long or the directory of Lightweight Caravans Under 1200kg.
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Difference Between a Teardrop Camper and a Pod Camper
A modern take on the classic teardrop caravan is the pod camper. While they both encapsulate many of the same qualities, the teardrop has the telltale rounded ‘teardrop’ shape, with the pod exuding more of a boxy, rugged feel.
Similarities between a Teardrop Camper and a Pod Camper:
- Not much bigger than a bed on wheels
- Can’t stand up inside the cabin
- Generally only sleeps 2
- A few designs may allow for a bunk inside or a rooftop tent to accommodate extra people
- No shower or toilet (except for the possibility of outdoor facilities with a pop-up tent)
- External kitchen at the rear (or may be a slide-out)
- Lightweight and can be towed by most standard vehicles (if fitted with a tow hitch)
The main difference that I’ve noticed between the teardrops and the pods is their off-road capabilities.
Classic teardrops are not designed to go off-road, however many manufacturers now offer an off-road model for those who are interested. Pod campers are more inclined to be set up for going off-road, but as with most campers, there is often the option to get an on-road version if you prefer.
Pod Camper Pros & Cons
| Pod Camper PROS | Pod Camper CONS |
|---|---|
| • Lightweight • Solid walls (out of the elements – no canvas) • No set up required • Kitchen included • Storage for food & clothing • Solar power for off-gridding | • Limited storage • Can’t stand up in the cabin • Generally only sleeps 2 (unless there’s a rooftop tent) • Kitchen is outside in the elements • No toilet or shower |
Pod Campers Australia
Key Weight Terms (used below):
- TARE – empty weight of the camper
- PAYLOAD – the amount of weight (i.e. “stuff”) you can add
- ATM – maximum allowable fully loaded weight of the camper
Here’s a great run-down on how to work out your camper weights so that you’re safe and legal.
*Note – all weights and figures below are based upon the entry level models without non-standard upgrades.
AdventureMan Campers
AdventureMan Campers have been made and tested in Australia for over 10 years. Mark and Cheryl Byrne are the family team behind not only AdventureMan, but also Travelbug Teardrop Campers, which are the more classic style.
AdventureMan Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SideKick | 520 | – | – | $14,500 |
| Treka | 560 | – | – | $16,200 |
| High Country | 580 | – | – | $17,200 |
| X10 Camper | 700 | – | – | $18,900 |
BRS Offroad
BRS Offroad are in the business of building Australian made camper trailers. They have a small pod camper called Sherpa that has a queen bed inside the cabin, with the option for a rooftop tent, which would allow for another two people.
BRS Offroad Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa | 880 | 720 | 1,600 | $58,700 |
Bruder
Bruder make extreme off-road campers, from a small rugged pod-style, to a large hybrid. However, with all of their extra features and off-road capabilities comes a hefty price and higher towing weights.
Bruder Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXP-4 | 950 | 900 | 1,850 | $115,000 |
Camp G
Camp G offer off-road hybrid pods and campers, as well as rooftop tents and canopies for the ultimate off-grid exploration.
Two things that set Camp G apart are their wider wheel track, adding to stability and maneuverability, plus a 40mm wall thickness to keep the heat and cold out.
Camp G Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross G1 | 745 | 855 | 1,600 | $51,990 |
Golf Caravans
All Golf Caravan products are designed and made in Australia for our rugged conditions. Within their range of campers and caravans, there is one pod camper, which is lightweight and built with high ground clearance.
Golf Caravans Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X265 | 985 | – | – | – |
Goliath Campers
Goliath Campers are all about off-grid luxury, using the latest marine technology. Inside you’ll find faux leather and high-quality stainless steel, plus diesel hot water, 2 x 4kg gas bottles and a 180L fresh water tank.
At the back is one of the best-designed pod kitchens I’ve seen with a 1600 x 600 bench top, plus a 700 x 400 swing-out serving table, almost doubling the working space.
Goliath Campers Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G47 | 1,050 | – | – | $58,500 |
Gumnut Campers
Gumnut Campers are designed and manufactured in Geelong, Victoria – the caravan manufacturing capital of Australia. While the early production campers were imported from China, they inevitably made the move to being fully Australian made. What started out as more of a teardrop caravan has morphed into the pod campers available today.
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H1 Touring | 510 | 290 | 800 | $24,990 |
| H1 Adventure | 620 | 380 | 1,000 | $27,990 |
| H1 Renegade | 900 | 300 | 1,200 | $35,990 |
| Echidna | 950 | 650 | 1,600 | $38,990 |
Hitch Campers
Hitch Campers proudly display the Australian Made green and gold kangaroo logo on their website, which is comforting for those who are looking for Aussie made products. For a back-to-basics camper, that doesn’t compromise on the comforts, take a look at Hitch Campers.
Hitch Campers Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canning | 840 | 760 | 1,600 | $54,990 |
Jayco
Jayco are the biggest caravan manufacturer in Australia, so of course they’d be crazy not to jump onto the pod camper bandwagon. They currently only have the J-Pod Sport (on-road) and J-Pod Outback (off-road) models in their pod range.
See the entire range from this caravan manufacturer, comparing all available lengths and weights for Jayco.
Jayco Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J-Pod Sport | 760 | 216 | 976 | $24,490 |
| J-Pod Outback | 910 | 300 | 1,210 | $30,190 |
| J-Pod X | 930 | – | – | $30,440 |
Lumberjack Camper Trailers
Lumberjack are an Australian-based camper trailer company who import a range of different styles. From the small camper trailers and pods, to the larger hybrid campers.
Lumberjack Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheoak Series II | 1,040 | 460 | 1,500 | $23,999 |
| Seville Series II | 1,400 | 600 | 2,000 | $48,990 |
| Sorento Series II | 1,270 | 630 | 1,900 | $42,500 |
Origin Campers
Origin Campers make a unique pod camper, which they describe as ‘squaredrop.’ This style camper is perfect for travelling without having to set up, while still having the ability to go off-grid.
Origin Campers Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Adventure | 540 | 210 | 750 | $24,200 |
| Borderline M1 | 680 | 420 | 1,100 | $32,200 |
| Borderline M2 | 820 | 530 | 1,350 | $38,500 |
| Long-Range V1 | 880 | – | – | $40,370 |
| Long-Range V2 | 900 | 450 | 1,350 | $41,690 |
| Long-Range V3 | 990 | 360 | 1,350 | $40,700 |
Ourgen RV
Ourgen is a family owned and operated business running out of Somerton, Victoria. With over two decades of experience, they currently offer a full-sized caravan, plus a pod caravan.
Ourgen Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genpod | 800 | 450 | 1,250 | – |
Raptor Campers
Raptor Campers currently only have the SB10 pod camper to choose from, so we’ll have to see where this company goes.
With 18 years of building experience, a love of camping, plus an appreciation for quality craftsmanship, Raptor Campers was born.
Raptor Campers Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raptor SB10 | – | – | – | – |
Riptide Campers
Riptide Campers offer on-road and off-road models, ranging from small to large in size. All Riptide Campers are fully self-contained with queen bed, stereo, TV, fridge, cooktop, power, water and storage. While there are three teardrops in the range, there is currently only one pod style.
Riptide Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoon (Off Road) | 1,180 | 320 | 1,500 | $52,500 |
| Hurricane | 1,360 | 840 | 2,200 | $65,500 |
Roadstar Caravans
Roadstar Caravans have been around for years and in 2017 they added a cute little pod camper to their range. The Roadstar Colt is compact, sleeps two, has a fridge and kitchen out the back, plus comes with a solar set-up to keep you off-grid.
Roadstar Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colt | 590 | 300 | 890 | $24,990 |
Smidge Squaredrop Campers
Smidge are in the business of creating on-road teardrop campers as well as off-road pod campers called ‘squaredrops.’ Smidge are made by Suncamper Motorhomes, who’ve been leaders in the motorhome industry since 1977.
Smidge Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squaredrop ‘Dash’ | 800 | 250 | 1,050 | $30,500 |
| Squaredrop ‘Drop’ | 800 | 200 | 1,050 | $35,500 |
| Squaredrop ‘Dram’ | 850 | 350 | 1,200 | $42,000 |
| Squaredrop ‘Dram’ Xtreme | 850 | 350 | 1,200 | – |
Southern Cross Campers
Southern Cross Campers offer camper trailers and hybrid caravans out of Western Australia and have been in the business since 2010. They are happy to work directly with their clients to make sure the perfect camper is delivered.
Southern Cross Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Bambino | 850 | 650 | 1,500 | $39,990 |
Space Pod Campers
Space Pod Campers are 100% Australian made and owned. They boast a good sized rear kitchen with large lift up hatch, which doubles as a great instant shelter. Also included is a permanent solar 250w solar panel and independent suspension.
Space Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeker ST | 485 | 265 | 750 | $17,500 |
| Seeker LX Gen2 | 600 | 150 | 750 | $24,990 |
| Seeker AT Gen2 | 600 | 500 | 1,100 | $26,500 |
Stockman
While the Stockman pod trailers are proudly Australian made, it seems that the Rover Pod Camper is imported. Their campers consist of rooftop tents, ute tents and the Rover – an off-road teardrop style camper trailer.
Stockman Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rover | 1,080 | 520 | 1,600 | $54,990 |
The Teardrop Camper Company
The Teardrop Camper Company build pods that are fully customisable, so you can personally order exactly what you’re looking for. The Teardrop Camper Company trailers are 100% Australian made, with all parts being manufactured in house.
The Teardrop Camper Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brumby LS | 480 | 270 | 750 | $18,700 |
| Brumby | 720 | 280 | 1,000 | $23,800 |
| Brumby 121 | 740 | 460 | 1,200 | $24,100 |
Track Trailer
Track Trailer are experts in creating truly off-road and off-grid campers. With a history in making military grade trailers, their reputation in design and testing products in the harsh Australian environment is well known in the industry.
Track Trailer Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | PAYLOAD (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tvan Tanami | 985 | 515 | 1,500 | – |
| Tvan Inspire | 990 | 510 | 1,500 | – |
| Tvan Zenith | 1,130 | 670 | 1,800 | – |
| Tvan Murranji | 1,200 | 600 | 1,800 | – |
Travelbug Campers
Travelbug Campers came about in response to the booming camper industry, while fulfilling the need for something smaller, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. Travelbugs come in four different models, three of which are teardrop caravans, while one is a pod camper.
Travelbug Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Pod AdventureMan | 480 | – | – |
Vanglass RV
Vanglass RV can custom build any type of camper you like, including teardrop and pod caravans. They can also supply the parts if you want to be an owner builder.
| MODEL | WEIGHTS & PRICING |
|---|---|
| Custom build or owner build | To be advised upon commencement of design |
Wotpods
Wotpods are a newer brand who build Australian made teardrop pod caravans in the Northern Rivers, NSW. Customise your camper with a huge range of colours, from brights to metallics.
Wotpods Pod Range:
| MODEL | TARE (kg) | ATM (kg) | PRICE (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wotapod | 700 | – | $21,990 |
| Q-Pod | 750 | – | $25,990 |
| Bosspod | 840 | – | $28,990 |
Caravan Packing List
Never forget a thing with the ULTIMATE Caravan Packing List!
- Pre-filled with 600+ items
- 17 categories
- ‘Weight’ column (to organise payload)
- PRINTABLE – fully customisable
- DIGITAL – completely interactive
- Download once, use it over-and-over
Pod Camper Manufacturers Australia
| MANUFACTURER | ADDRESS & WEBSITE | AUSTRALIAN MADE |
|---|---|---|
| AdventureMan Campers | Unit 4/96 Link Crescent, Coolum Beach QLD 4573 adventuremanteardropcampers.com.au | ✔️ |
| BRS Offroad | Redhead NSW 2290 brsoffroad.com.au | ✔️ |
| Bruder | 115 Muriel Avenue, Moorooka QLD 4105 bruderx.com | ✔️ |
| Camp G | Unit 2/7 Hansen Court, Coomera QLD 4209 campg.com.au | ❌ |
| Golf Caravans | 1 Reynolds Court, Burpengarry QLD 4505 golfcaravans.com.au | ✔️ |
| Goliath Campers | 5/26 Greg Chappell Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 goliathcampers.com.au | ✔️ |
| Gumnut Campers | 2/27 Everist Road, Ocean Grove VIC 3226 gumnutcampers.com.au | ✔️ |
| Hitch Campers | 3/19 Gateway Court, Coomera QLD 4209 hitchcampers.com.au | ✔️ |
| Jayco | 1 Jayco Drive, Dandenong VIC 3175 jayco.com.au | ✔️ |
| Lumberjack Camper Trailers | 290a Princes Highway, Corio VIC 3214 lumberjackcampertrailers.com.au | ❌ |
| Origin Campers | Caloundra QLD 4551 origincampers.com.au | ✔️ |
| Ourgen RV | 23/1 Northpark Drive, Somerton VIC 3062 ourgen.com.au | ❓ |
| Raptor Campers | raptorcampers.com.au | ❓ |
| Riptide Campers | Unit 3/14 Logistics Place, Arundel QLD 4214 riptidecampers.com.au | ✔️ |
| Roadstar Caravans | 824 – 830 Cooper Street, Somerton VIC 3062 roadstar.com.au | ✔️ |
| Smidge Squaredrop Campers | 9 Sefton Road, Thornleigh NSW 2120 smidgeteardropcampers.com | ✔️ |
| Southern Cross Camper Trailers | 31 Hammond Road, Cockburn Central WA 6164 sccampertrailers.com.au | ❌ |
| Space Pod Campers | 159 Boniface Street, Archerfield QLD 4108 spacepodcampers.com.au | ✔️ |
| Stockman | 13 Sahra Grove, Carrum Downs VIC 3201 podtrailer.com.au/campers/rover | ❌ |
| The Teardrop Camper Company | 3/20 Walker Street, South Windsor NSW 2756 theteardropcampercompany.com.au | ✔️ |
| Travelbug Campers | Unit 4/96 Link Crescent, Coolum Beach QLD 4573 travelbugteardropcampers.com.au | ❓ |
| Track Trailer | 1/640 Dorset Road, Bayswater North VIC 3153 tracktrailer.com.au | ✔️ |
| Vanglass RV | 29 Pioneer Road, Yandina QLD 4561 vanglassrv.com.au | ✔️ |
| Wotpods | Byron Bay NSW 2481 wotpods.com | ✔️ |
Do you see any pod campers Australia that need to be added or omitted from this list? As the camping industry in Oz is rapidly evolving, camper manufacturers can also come and go. Please let me know in the comments below if you notice any required updates that I’ve missed.
Travel Planning Tools
A few extras:
Goliath campers g47
Camp g cross g1
Thanks Dan, I’ve added those to the list.
sorry but the stockman rover pod is a chinese import
Thanks for the info Scott, I’ve just updated the post.