Tiny House vs Caravan – What’s The Difference?

Creative options for tiny space living are popping up regularly on social media lifestyle profiles and in the news around local housing issues. This can lead to inspiration overload and become confusing when you’re looking to choose a Tiny Home.

Focusing on the fundamental structures can help keep it simple. In previous blogs we’ve compared life in a Campervan vs a Tiny House and a Granny flat vs a Tiny House. In this Blog we’ll complete the research into tiny housing options by looking at the differences between a Tiny House and a Caravan.

A Tiny House on wheels is often classified as a Caravan. This helps get around the restrictions and expenses associated with a standard dwelling.

Caravans are more widely understood than Tiny Houses, which can fall into legal grey areas that make them tricky to park, insure or find finance for. However, Australia’s Tiny House movement is developing rapidly and with it the possibilities. Even Caravans are required to be made by a select few top brands to receive financing and insurance. Parking is similar for both in reality, as long as you can guide your local council around the terms!

Your starting point – Why downsizing?

Before you read on, pause a moment to revisit your Why. Remember what inspired you to downsize and what you’d like your new lifestyle to look like. How does it feel?

OK let’s hit the road!

The cost of being on the road

Our Coolum 6m Tiny House is ready to move into at $71,900 and a comparably sized Caravan averages at the same price! However, the running costs of living in a Tiny House are better. Van life expenses can add up quickly with parking spot fees and fuel. 

Being on the road in a caravan searching for water, a place to empty waste, an electricity source and the internet become a preoccupation. It’s a different sense of adventure compared to the freedom from living in a Tiny House and looking forward to a full rainwater tank. 

If you’re not used to staying in a Caravan, go camping and experience a couple of weeks in one spot or try moving locations to really impact your results.

It is possible to park a Caravan where you’d park a Tiny House and enjoy the benefits of a more long-term position in a space you call your own. Regulations are typically the same for Caravans and Tiny Houses on wheels (THOWs) so with either choice you can find land, set up utilities, grow a vegetable garden and nestle in. Over time this is where the differences in comfort and design between a Caravan and a Tiny House are truly tested!

Comfortable, full time living

Tiny Houses look and feel like a permanent home. There’s enough space for your possessions, a kitchen, bathroom, one or more bedrooms and a living area. A Caravan feels like camping. They tend to rock around when people move about or in a strong wind. If you’re not looking for luxury amenities and just need a place to lay your head and reconnect with nature then a standard Caravan is a flexible, easy, inexpensive way to live. 

Consider how long you’d want to live in a Caravan, where you’ll travel and what the weather will be like. These factors determine what upgrades you’ll need in the Caravan size and features. To really know what you’ll need, get down to the daily nitty gritty like where you’ll store food before cooking on a glorious campfire under the stars.

Some Caravans are large and have wonderful kitchens, showers and even washing machines! They can feature pop out spaces for extra beds or living areas. The larger the Caravan, the bigger the tow vehicle needs to be. At this point, some people choose a Campervan instead or decide on a THOW as a more economical and environmentally friendly home.

Personalised design

Tiny Houses on wheels are not built to be moved about as often as Caravans. They’re not designed to be aerodynamic but are designed to be a comfortable space, with movability if required. 

One of the most important things to consider in Australia’s climate is the high quality wool insulation we use in our Tiny Houses. Caravans are typically built with cheaper lightweight materials, not well insulated and can feel the cold and the heat making them expensive to regulate the temperature in. 

Tiny Houses have bigger windows than Caravans, allowing for more natural light and air flow. Add SMART glass for extra insulation and a covered deck to prevent the sun hitting the outside walls directly and we reckon a Tiny House is the perfect Australian home.

Caravans are less customizable than Tiny Houses. This is somewhat due to the restriction of space but also the manufacturer’s ability. However, there may be upgrade options that make the Caravan more suitable. With an Aussie Tiny House you can choose the layout of your home and select the finishes, colours, and textures of every space.

Very Tiny with a Camper Trailer!

In general, Caravans are more secure than Camper Trailers and often have the extra living and bathroom space. If you’re considering a shorter time on the road and love the outdoors then a Camper Trailer might be just the thing. Prices range from $16500 to $19500. 

Both a Caravan and a Tiny Home come prebuilt, ready to live in. Whether it’s called a Recreational Vehicle (RV), Motor Home, Campervan or towed Caravan, these mobile homes can be more comfortable than a hotel room or tent and great for that holiday feel. For full-time living in comfort, talk to our Sales Team and discover how a Tiny House is best for designing the life you want.