With vast deserts, lush rainforests, alpine regions and more than 10,000 beaches,1 Australia was made to be explored. And increasingly, intrepid Aussies are looking to the humble campervan conversion to help them cross this great southern land.
In the last decade, registrations of caravans and campervans have steadily risen. In 2023, almost 859,000 caravans and campervans were registered in Australia – representing an all-time record and a 21% increase from just four years earlier.2
A campervan is distinct from an RV or motorhome in its size and cost. Campervans often start off as commercial vans or people movers, while a motorhome will have a body – the ‘home’ part – placed onto a cab-chassis truck or ute platform.3
Generally smaller and cheaper than motorhomes, campervans can usually be driven on a car licence, don’t require complicated hitching and unhitching, and can be covered under general car insurance – making life on the road more accessible and easier for more people.
You can buy a turnkey campervan from a manufacturer, or you can build your own by modifying a standard van, such as a Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit or VW Crafter.
Customising and designing their own campervan are major parts of the appeal for many people. Of course, it’s important to make sure your home-on-wheels is safe and roadworthy – which we’ll cover in more depth below.
Why choose a campervan over a caravan or motorhome?
Veteran Sydney-based writer and camping vehicle tester Malcolm Street has spent more than 40 years travelling the world in campervans. He says a big reason for their popularity is safety.
Street adds that driving a campervan is also less intimidating than towing a caravan.
“Particularly for inexperienced drivers, a campervan is a much safer proposition – no big box swinging around off the rear towbar,” he says.
There’s another unexpected safety advantage for solo travellers using campervans with a walk-through cab.
“If there’s a problem outside at night,” Street explains, “it’s quite easy to get into the driver’s seat and just drive off.”
Keen to start living your best van life but unsure where to start? From building a van step-by-step yourself to budgeting, knowing the licence you'll need and how to insure your campervan, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about campervan conversions. Plus, we'll explain how to make sure your van is safe and roadworthy before you head into the wild blue yonder.
1. How much does it cost to renovate a campervan?
Unfortunately, the big expenses don’t stop once you’ve purchased a van.
“It’s probably going to cost you $40,000 or $50,000 to do a conversion,” says Street.
He also warns that renovations require a lot of time, effort and skill.
“Unless you’re really skilled or have lots of friends, it’s going to take you a long time,” he cautions.
The biggest challenge with campervan fitouts in Australia, Street says, is compliance.
“If you want something like gas in your van, that needs a licensed tradesperson. And 240-volt electrics in your van also require a licensed person.”
A brand-new van from an experienced campervan manufacturer costs from around $100,000 drive-away if you’re after a larger campervan built on a commercial vehicle platform.4
Used campervans are also an option. Hire car companies sell second-hand campervans once they’ve reached the end of their rental life. Even with high mileage, these can be worth a look, given they’re normally well-maintained.
2. What is the best van to convert into a campervan in Australia?
The best vans for a campervan conversion depend on your particular requirements, such as size.
For a smaller campervan, you could look at models such as the Toyota HiAce and the VW Transporter. For those wanting a larger campervan with toilet and shower, models include the Renault Trafic, Mercedes Sprinter, Fiat Ducato and VW Crafter.
Other aspects to consider include tech features, resale value, fuel efficiency, internal height and built-in seating options.
“The European vehicles are better because they often have swivel seats in the cabin,” says Street, “so you get two extra seats without any cost. The older HiAce models couldn’t do that. There was just a driver’s cabin with bench seating and nothing else. But, of course, the HiAce does have the legendary Toyota reliability.”
Another consideration when it comes to whether you do it yourself is the van’s eventual resale value.
“Unless you’ve done a really good job, they can be difficult to sell,” says Street.
“A better idea is to buy a campervan that’s been converted and then modify it however you want it.”
When you have the basics already, it can be much quicker and cheaper to make modifications to an existing installation than trying to do it from scratch, he adds.
3. What does a campervan conversion involve?
Campervan conversions range from the super simple, such as a basic mattress base built from plywood and pine, to the extra luxe, like built-in galley-style kitchens with storage cupboards and running water.
Inspiration is easy to find on YouTube and social media, but if you decide to do your own conversion, you’ll need to make sure the vehicle remains roadworthy – which includes adhering to the Australian Design Rules.5
It’s also important to check out specific requirements for your state or territory. The states that list requirements for custom campervan conversions online include:
For other states and territories, you may wish to call or visit your relevant transport authority to confirm specific requirements.
4. What licence do you need for a campervan in Australia?
Across all states and territories, a standard driver’s licence – including provisional licence types – lets you drive any registered vehicle up to a maximum gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonnes.
This will cover most standard campervans. For example, the Jacana Seeker – a large, off-road, long-wheelbase campervan – has a GVM of 4.0 tonnes,6 while the smaller Volkswagen California campervan has a GVM of 3,080kg.7
Don’t forget to check out the specific licence conditions for your state or territory.
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia.
5. How do you insure a campervan conversion?
Time to insure your new home-on-wheels?
Youi defines a campervan as a car8 and offers three car insurance options: Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft and Third Party Property Only. For caravan and camper trailer owners, Youi offers separate insurance cover.
It’s important to note that any agreed value on your policy does not automatically include campervan or motorhome modifications. You’ll need to tell Youi about these modifications and specify an amount to be covered, which will then be outlined on your policy schedule.8
If you opt for Comprehensive or Third Party Fire & Theft, Youi also offers optional cover for campervan contents, which can insure you for up to $1,000 per item.9
Before you and your campervan hit the wide-open road, consider starting a quote with Youi for campervan insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped.
1 Source: Australian Government – Beaches and shorelines, 2021
2 Source: Australian Trade and Investment Commission – Caravan and camping data
3 Source: Drive – How do you convert a van into a campervan?, September 2023
4 Source: Jayco Motorhomes and Caravans – JRV Campervan
5 Source: Australian Government – Current Australian Design Rules
6 Source: Jacana Motorhomes – Seeker VW Crafter LWB 4 Motion Campervan, August 2024
7 Source: Volkswagen Australia – The California 6.1 Brochure, December 2022
8 See the Car PDS for full details.
9 An additional cost applies and is available with Comprehensive and Third Party Fire & Theft policies. For business items, additional restrictions apply. See the Car PDS for full details.
