We Bought a Caravan! Saying Goodbye to the Rooftop Tent Era
At the end of 2024, we officially closed the chapter on our rooftop tent adventures. As much as we loved our iKamper and the freedom it gave us, our very determined toddler, Owen, had other plans. On one particularly memorable……….. trip, he figured out how to climb the ladder and unzip the tent door…..all in a matter of minutes. That was the moment we knew, the rooftop tent chapter was sadly done.
Our first time up in the tent
So began the search for the “perfect set-up”… though we quickly realised that such a thing doesn’t really exist. Every option has its trade-offs, and finding the right fit is all about knowing your family’s needs, limitations, and travel style.
The Contenders: What We Considered (and Why They Didn’t Make the Cut)
🏕️ The Tent (Oztent RV 5)
Pro: This option ticked the boxes for cost, simplicity, and versatility. Anywhere your car can go, your tent can too which we loved.
Con: Setting up and packing down a tent in wet weather is cumbersome, having to navigate lumpy, uneven ground, a tight squeeze for a family of four, and the fact that it doesn't fit in the boot all made it feel like a step back rather than forward.
🚙 Lumberjack Campers Seville 2
Compact and easy to tow.
Pro: Super nimble and quick to set up.
Con: Too cramped, especially for tall travellers like Nick. Just not realistic for extended trips.
🚐 Iveco Daily Van (DIY Fit-Out)
The dream of van life was tempting.
Pro: Fully enclosed, easy, everything in one place.
Con: Expensive, time-consuming, and we are not DIY experts. Plus, it’s not off road capable so would limit our ability to go off-grid and explore rugged areas.
Imagining a van fit out
⛺ Cub Frontier Camper Trailer
Well-built and surprisingly spacious.
Pro: Quality finish, great internal space.
Con: Setup and pack-down felt too laborious for the price, especially with kids around.
And Then We Found It: The Jayco Journey Outback 15.48-6
We found a second-hand 2021 model in excellent condition and we just knew……This was it. The right mix of comfort, practicality, and value.
So what do we love about it? Here’s what sold us:
Soft Off-Road Capable – While it’s not made for full-blown rock-crawling tracks, it can definitely handle gravel roads and mild off-road conditions, which suits our travel style perfectly.
Fantastic Layout – The internal layout makes really clever use of space, with room for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing, even with little ones underfoot.
Compact Size – It’s still a relatively small van overall, making it easier to tow, park, and store than some of the bigger caravans out there.
Great Price – Being second-hand, we scored it at a much more reasonable price point than buying new without sacrificing quality.
Ease of Repairs and Parts – Jayco is one of the most well-known caravan brands in Australia, which means if something goes wrong, replacement parts and repair knowledge are widely available across the country.
Built-In Comforts – After years of tents and rooftop rigs, things like a proper bed, fridge, storage, and a built-in dining area feel downright luxurious.
Family-Friendly Features – Plenty of storage, great ventilation, awning, and secure sleeping arrangements for little ones.
Easy Set-Up and Pack-Down – Compared to some camper trailers, this thing is a breeze to get ready. Pull up, pop the door, and you’re nearly there.
We’re beyond excited for what lies ahead, new places, new memories, and a whole new way of adventuring as a family. And in a lovely twist of fate, life is now imitating art: we’ve bought a caravan to explore the world just like the characters in my children’s book.
Coming Soon
Here’s to many adventures ahead, this time, with a little more comfort, a lot more space, and two tiny travellers in tow. 🚐✨
