How to go caravanning for less

PSA: You don’t need the latest and greatest van to go caravanning and enjoy Australia!

Hold on to your hats, folks, because I’m about to spill the beans on something the dealerships don’t want you to know. While I was in Sydney, presenting the NSW Caravan, Camping, and Holiday Supershow, I met Bryce and Chelsea from the Youtube channel Caravan Adventure Aus. What struck me straight away is that these two weren’t your average YouTubers; for starters, they weren’t cringe; they were… normal. 

Two incredibly humble and wonderful people who adore travelling Australia and were willing to find a means to make it happen without breaking the bank. In doing so, they unearthed the one thing that makes new caravan manufacturers shake in their boots: the fact that you don’t need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to see Australia in your caravan. 

Who are Bryce and Chelsea?

Since early 2020, Bryce and Chelsea have been touring Australia in a Roadster caravan that’s almost twenty years old, all the while towing their tiny home behind a 2012 model MN Triton. Proving you don’t need to re-mortgage your home and sell your firstborn just to enjoy life on the road!

While they recently upgraded their tow rig to a Next-Gen Ford Ranger, this decision was driven by want, not need. The fact is, older vans still have a solid place on Australian roads and tracks, with some of them arguably sporting a more solid construction than newer vans too. 

Throughout their three years of travelling, they’ve managed to navigate their twenty-year-old van to places a twenty-year-old van really shouldn’t go, and it’s never skipped a beat. 

There’s been no serious modifications made to the suspension or chassis; it’s been solid construction, and skilled driving that’s seen them reach the places big brands want you to think are only possible in $100K+ off-road vans. 

Because Bryce and Chelsea kept their initial outlay on both their tow vehicle and van to a minimum, they were able to add the mod-cons they wanted and maximise their time travelling. Inadvertently, they also provided a proven method of success for first-timers and those looking to get into caravanning. 

The reality is, this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Some will try it and never look back. Others will try it and wonder what they were thinking. And the price of playing the game can quickly spiral into the hundreds of thousands. No one wants to wave goodbye to that much cash unless they’re sure it’s a lifestyle worth investing in. For years, there have been subtle voices within the industry that’ll tell you in no uncertain terms that older vans aren’t worth it. 

But the truth is, they absolutely are. With a little bit of love and elbow grease, an older van can be transformed into a comfortable and reliable home on wheels. And while new vans may come with all the latest bells and whistles, they also come with a hefty price tag.

Bryce and Chelsea’s journey is proof that you don’t need the latest and greatest van to enjoy Australia. You don’t need to break the bank or go into debt to make your dream of travelling the country a reality. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can make it work with what you have.

It’s not just about the van either; the same principle applies to the tow vehicle. You don’t need a brand new 4WD to tackle the rough terrain and dirt roads that Australia is famous for. A well-maintained older vehicle can be just as capable and reliable, as long as you know what you’re doing.

At the end of the day, it’s about getting out there and experiencing all that this beautiful country has to offer. Whether you’re in a brand-new van or an older model, the important thing is that you’re living your dream and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

So, if you’re thinking about hitting the road and exploring our fantastic Nation in a caravan, don’t let the fear of expense hold you back. As Bryce and Chelsea have shown, an older van can be just as capable and reliable as a new one.

The point of caravanning isn’t about the van or the tow vehicle. It’s about the memories you make and the people you meet along the way.