Measuring your caravan might seem simple, but the devil is in the detail — especially when it comes to towing regulations, storage sizing, and resale listings. If you’ve recently bought or are looking to purchase, knowing exactly how long your van is can save you a world of stress. It’s not just about the living space — it’s everything from the drawbar to the bumper, plus any extra fittings. If you’re trying to plan storage or check whether it’ll fit your driveway, double-checking the size matters. For locals, the best way to make sure you’re choosing the right size is to inspect caravans in Heatherbrae and measure in person.
Total External Length vs. Body Length
The first mistake most people make is assuming the quoted length refers to the whole van. Often it doesn’t. Many manufacturers only list the body length — that is, the internal box without the drawbar or rear fittings. But legally and practically, it’s the total external length that counts.
When you’re parking in a storage unit, calculating towball weights, or even buying a caravan cover, you need the measurement from the tip of the drawbar to the back bumper — including spare wheels, bike racks, or toolboxes. Anything permanently attached adds to the overall footprint.
If you’re ever unsure what a seller means, clarify whether the measurement includes the drawbar. Don’t assume. It’s a costly mistake to discover your van is too long for your site — or worse, illegal to tow because it exceeds length limits.
Measuring Width and Height Accurately
Length is just one part of the picture. You also need to measure your caravan’s width and height — both of which affect storage, towing clearance, and fuel efficiency.
Width should be measured at the widest point, which may include awning arms or external lights. In Australia, the legal limit for most caravans is 2.5 metres — anything over that could breach transport regulations.
Height is even trickier. Make sure you measure from ground level to the highest point, which is often an air conditioning unit, antenna, or solar panel. If your caravan has a pop-top, measure it both in the travel (collapsed) position and fully extended. That way, you’ll know whether you’ll fit under bridges, into carports, or inside storage bays.
Why Storage Centres Care About Full Measurements
If you plan to store your caravan at a commercial facility, you’ll need to provide exact external dimensions. Most places charge based on total van length — not just body length.
That means the drawbar, rear bumper, spare wheel carriers, and mounted boxes all count. Some storage yards have physical barriers or gate widths that won’t accommodate oversize vans, so measuring ahead is vital.
When phoning ahead for a quote, ask if they need dimensions in metres or feet, and whether they want full height and width details too. The more accurate you are, the fewer headaches you’ll have on arrival.
What About the Internal Living Space?
While external length is crucial for logistics, the internal length tells you about liveability. This measurement is usually taken from wall to wall inside the caravan and excludes cabinetry protrusions or curved walls.
Knowing the internal space helps when choosing layouts. A 17-foot body might feel roomy in an open-plan layout, but cramped with a fixed ensuite. So when comparing vans, always check both internal and external measurements to get a sense of space and practicality.
Some dealers exaggerate internal length by including overhead cabinetry or curved front ends — so bring a tape measure if you’re inspecting in person.
How to Measure the Caravan Yourself
Don’t rely on manufacturer specs alone — especially if your van has been modified. Instead, do your own check:
- Length: Measure from the furthest forward fixed point (usually the drawbar hitch) to the rearmost item (such as a spare tyre).
- Width: Take the measurement across the widest part, including handles, lights, or awning hardware.
- Height: Measure from the ground up, accounting for roof attachments like vents or antennas.
Use a metal tape measure for accuracy and measure on flat, level ground. It also helps to have someone assist so you don’t miss alignment or tilt the tape.
Variations Between Manufacturers
Different caravan makers use different conventions. Some quote body-only. Others include the drawbar. And a few give both.
Imported models in particular can vary widely in how they report specs. European vans tend to be lighter and smaller, with narrower body widths, while American-style caravans may include slide-outs and extra fittings that change total dimensions.
This is why it’s crucial to always ask for clarification — or better yet, measure it yourself before signing anything.
Legal and Safety Considerations
In Australia, the legal length for caravans and trailers combined with the tow vehicle is generally 19 metres, but your van’s size must also meet tow vehicle limits and comply with regulations.
If your caravan is longer than expected due to accessories, it might push your total length over the legal limit when hitched. It can also impact how the van tows — especially on tight corners or gradients.
Always double-check dimensions before registering, insuring, or planning a long-distance trip.
Aftermarket Add-ons That Change Your Length
Be wary of items like:
- Rear-mounted bike racks
- Front toolboxes or storage crates
- Extended drawbars
- Rear ladders
These all add to your total external length. They may seem small but can shift your balance, affect compliance, and change your storage options.
If you’ve made modifications, update your measurements and let your insurance provider know.
How Caravan Length Affects Resale Value
Accurate measurement also affects how your van is listed for sale. Many buyers search by size or towing capacity. If you understate the length, buyers might be disappointed. If you overstate it, you could miss interested buyers.
Include both the body and total external length in any online listings. If possible, also include height and width — especially if you’re targeting buyers with specific storage constraints.
FAQs
How do I measure my caravan for a storage facility?
To measure your caravan for storage, focus on the total external dimensions: length, width, and height. Start by measuring from the very front of the drawbar (including the coupling hitch) to the back of the van — factoring in spare wheels, bumpers, bike racks or toolboxes. For width, measure from the widest fixed point, which could include awning arms or exterior lights. Height should be taken from the ground to the highest point, usually an air conditioner or antenna. Always use a solid tape measure on level ground and ideally have someone assist. These dimensions help ensure your van will fit into the allocated space and avoid unexpected fees or access issues. Most storage yards charge by the metre, so accuracy matters.
Is the quoted length of a caravan the total length?
Often, it’s not. Manufacturers frequently quote only the body length — which is the living space without the drawbar. This leads to confusion, especially when planning towing setups or booking storage. The total length includes everything from the drawbar at the front to any accessories at the rear. If you’re looking at online listings, always clarify what the length includes. Don’t assume the quoted figure is the total footprint of the van. Some listings will include both body and full length, but many don’t. The safest option is to measure it yourself, especially if aftermarket accessories have been added since the original sale.
Can I measure a pop-top when it’s down?
Yes, and you absolutely should. When towing or storing a pop-top caravan, you need its height in the travel (collapsed) position. This allows you to calculate garage clearance, storage access, and low-bridge situations. However, it’s also wise to measure it when extended so you understand the full dimensions when camping. The collapsed height is especially important when comparing tow vehicle compatibility, as some garages or carports have height limits. Use a tape measure from ground level to the highest fixed point — even when the roof is down.
How accurate are manufacturer specs?
Manufacturer specs are usually reliable but can be misleading if you’ve made modifications. Factory dimensions often exclude things like added bike racks, toolboxes, or upgraded roof attachments. Specs may also be rounded or simplified for marketing. When accuracy counts — such as for registration, insurance, or storage — it’s best to verify dimensions yourself. Use a steel tape measure and double-check all key metrics: length (including drawbar), width (widest point), and height (roof accessories included). A 10cm oversight might not seem like much until it stops you fitting into a bay or clearing a carport.
Do I need to measure the caravan with the jockey wheel on?
In most cases, no. The jockey wheel is considered a temporary attachment for manoeuvring and stability — not part of the fixed structure. Storage yards and compliance authorities typically ask for measurements excluding the jockey wheel. However, if your jockey wheel is a permanent fixture or cannot be removed, then it may count toward total length. To be safe, measure the caravan both with and without it, then clarify with the storage provider what their policy is. For online listings or documentation, it’s standard to exclude it.
Measuring Matters More Than You Think
Knowing your exact caravan dimensions helps with everything from compliance to comfort. It’s the kind of detail that can save money, stress, and potential legal headaches down the road.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.