When it comes to buying, selling, or storing a van, knowing exactly how to measure a caravan is critical — yet it’s often misunderstood. Whether you’re checking if it’ll fit in your carport or matching it to your tow vehicle’s capacity, accuracy matters. The thing is, measuring a caravan isn’t just about the internal living space.
You’ve got to account for everything from drawbars to rear bumpers. If you’re still on the hunt for something that suits your setup, browsing caravans in Heatherbrae can help you make more informed decisions
External Body Length
This is the most common measurement and typically the one listed in brochures. It refers to the body of the caravan itself — from the front wall to the rear wall, excluding the A-frame or drawbar. It gives you a sense of the internal living space, but don’t mistake it for the total length.
You’ll want to measure from the outermost point of the front wall to the outermost point of the rear wall. It doesn’t include toolboxes or spare tyres mounted externally. Some manufacturers will quote this length, while others might include bits and pieces attached to the frame — so it’s always best to confirm.
Total Length (Including Drawbar)
This is arguably the most important figure when it comes to storage and towing. The total length includes the drawbar, which is the A-shaped frame that connects the caravan to your tow vehicle.
Measure from the furthest point at the front (usually the coupling hitch) to the furthest point at the back (could be a bumper or mounted spare). This gives you the true length of the caravan footprint — vital if you’re parking it in a shed or storage facility.
Some storage facilities have strict size limits. Getting this wrong could mean you’re denied access or charged extra.
Width of the Caravan
Caravan width includes the widest external measurement, usually from the outer edge of one side wall to the other. In Australia, the legal maximum width for caravans is 2.5 metres. That includes anything attached to the side, such as lights, door handles, or awning arms.
Use a tape measure to go from the widest point on each side. Be sure to check with your local state road authority for regulations — going over width limits can have legal implications, especially when towing on public roads.
Height of the Caravan
Height is another big one, especially for storage under carports or in enclosed spaces. This measurement goes from the ground to the highest fixed point on the caravan. That could be the roof-mounted air con unit, a solar panel, or TV antenna.
A standard caravan height is usually around 2.7 to 3.1 metres. Fold-down campers or pop-tops will be significantly lower when travelling but taller when set up. Take both travel height and setup height into consideration depending on your needs.
Measuring the Internal Living Space
While most people focus on external measurements, understanding internal space helps you plan for comfort. This includes the layout dimensions — length and width of the main cabin — and ceiling height.
Use a tape measure inside the van to check usable floor space. If the van includes slide-outs, measure both closed and extended configurations. Ceiling height varies but is typically around 2 metres. Always measure without including cupboards or furniture in your height calculations.
Length for Towing Compatibility
Matching your caravan to a tow vehicle requires understanding the total towing length and weight. For measurement, focus on:
- Total length (including drawbar)
- Weight distribution
- Rear overhang (distance from axle to back end)
Length influences how your caravan tracks behind the vehicle and how it behaves during turns or in wind. The longer the caravan, the more consideration needed for weight distribution hitches and sway control.
Storage and Parking Considerations
If you’re planning to store your caravan on your property, in a carport, or in a rented bay, accurate measurements are essential. Measure:
- Total length (front hitch to back bumper)
- Total height (including aerials or solar)
- Width (at widest point, including awnings or handles)
Also account for clearance around the van. You may need extra room for opening doors or accessing storage compartments.
Registration and Compliance
Road authorities and insurance providers may ask for exact caravan measurements when processing registrations or quotes. Providing incorrect info can lead to fines, denied claims, or compliance issues.
Make sure you use verified measurements, ideally from the manufacturer’s plate. But it never hurts to double-check yourself, especially if modifications have been made.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my caravan for a storage facility?
When measuring your caravan for a storage facility, you need to account for its full dimensions — not just the body size. Start with the total length, which runs from the very front of the drawbar to the rearmost point, including any spare wheels, bike racks, or rear bumpers. Measure the height from the ground to the tallest fixed point, which could be an air conditioner, solar panel, or antenna. Don’t forget rooftop extras — they often push the height beyond standard limits. Width should be measured from the widest point, usually the edges of the awning arms, side lights, or handles. If your van has slide-outs or extended mirrors, make sure they’re folded in. Always measure with the caravan in its normal transport or storage configuration. These numbers help ensure the storage space is adequate, especially for facilities with enclosed bays, height restrictions, or tiered pricing based on size.
Is the quoted length of a caravan the total length?
Not always. Caravan manufacturers often list the internal body length rather than the total external length. This can cause confusion if you assume the quoted figure reflects the full span of the van. The body length usually stops at the back wall and excludes the A-frame or drawbar at the front — which can add another metre or more depending on the layout and coupling. This becomes a major issue when you’re booking storage space, arranging transport, or comparing models. To avoid surprises, always ask if the listed length includes the drawbar. When measuring it yourself, go from the very front of the hitch to the rearmost point — whether that’s the bumper, a bike rack, or spare wheel. If you’re buying or upgrading your van, this distinction matters for garage fitment, ferry bookings, and even legal towing limits. Get clear on what you’re actually dealing with from the outset.
Can I measure a pop-top when it’s down?
Yes — and for storage or towing purposes, you absolutely should. A pop-top caravan is designed to travel with the roof lowered, so the most relevant measurement for height is taken when the pop-top is down. This is the height you’ll need to know for clearing storage facility doors, low bridges, or suburban carports. Make sure to include any fixed rooftop additions like solar panels, vents, or air conditioners — these still count toward the total height. However, it’s also a good idea to measure your van with the pop-top extended, just so you understand the usable height when camped. This can help when selecting annexes or setting up under trees or shelters. Always record both measurements but rely on the closed height for any decision involving storage, transport, or route planning. Measuring when it’s down gives you the most realistic picture of how the van functions in everyday travel scenarios.
How accurate are manufacturer specs?
Manufacturer specs are useful as a starting point, but they don’t always reflect the real-world dimensions of your caravan. Many brands quote dimensions based on the factory-standard build, excluding optional extras or aftermarket modifications. Add-ons like solar panels, satellite dishes, roof racks, bike carriers, or upgraded bumpers can change your van’s height, width, or length considerably. Even different tyre profiles or suspension setups can raise or lower the ride height. Over time, some components may sag, settle, or warp slightly, also affecting the dimensions. If you’re booking storage, planning to ferry your van, or need to stay within specific limits for a site or access road, it’s always safer to physically measure the van yourself. Don’t assume the brochure dimensions will match your specific setup. Grab a tape measure and write down the actual size — especially after you’ve added any gear. That small bit of effort saves headaches down the track.
Do I need to measure the caravan with the jockey wheel on?
In most cases, no — the jockey wheel is considered a removable accessory, not a fixed part of your caravan’s dimensions. When measuring for storage, registration, or compliance checks, you typically exclude any removable parts that don’t affect the core footprint of the van. However, if your jockey wheel is permanently attached or difficult to remove, and it protrudes significantly from the front, you may need to account for it. Some facilities may ask for the total footprint as it will sit in the bay — so if the jockey wheel is left down, include it in your total length. That said, for practical purposes like quoting for transport or storage, most operators will assume it’s retracted or removed. To be safe, measure with and without it and check with the specific facility or provider. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference depending on how strict the storage terms are.
Making Caravan Measurements Work for You
Whether you’re planning a trip, organising insurance, or setting up for storage, accurate caravan measurements remove guesswork. They help you stay compliant, avoid fines, and ensure everything fits where it should.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.