Top-5 Chinese caravans (2024)

Chinese-built caravans have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the 'clunky' designs, unfamiliar décor, and 'no name' brand appliances; replaced by a new crop of more appealing imports that have much more in common with Australian-built 'vans.

Many Chinese imported caravans are also leaping ahead of their local 'stick 'n tin' rivals with their adoption of full composite construction.

While affordability has always been a big selling point, by all accounts you're also less likely to experience warranty issues with an imported RV these days, after concerning instances of structural weaknesses and inferior components on some earlier examples.

However, it's worth noting that Chinese imports are not as cheap as they were thanks partly to inflated shipping costs (we heard recently that the cost of a shipping container from China had increased six-fold since COVID-19!).

And whether you're planning to buy 'local' or imported, you still need to do your homework; locally-built vans still suffer their share of problems and only recently we heard of a side panel peeling off a brand new Melbourne-built caravan on a hot summer's day!

Here we're focusing on fixed roof, full size 'vans (go to the end of the article for a mention of the hugely popular 'cookie cutter' hybrid pop-top caravans, sold under dozens of different brand names across Australia).

While we can't personally vouch for the long-term durability or reliability of our 'top five' Chinese 'vans (listed in no particular order, by the way), they're all worth comparing with similar-priced homegrown models if you're in the market for a value-packed 'van...

Harvok Powerbank

The Chinese-built Harvok brand first caught our eye in late-2021 as "Australia's cheapest all-electric caravan" and it's not resting on its laurels, with a new, world-first range of car-like monocoque caravans on the way...

However, it's not all marketing mumbo with the recently reviewed $95,000 Harvok Powerbank 1960 RD couples off-road caravan, impressing with a build quality and finish comparable to many Australian vans... not to mention cutting-edge, off-grid camping innovation at an affordable price.

As reviewer Michael Browning surmised: "The new Harvok Powerbank is a timely warning from the Chinese that they are serious about becoming a major player in the Australian caravan industry -- leading in technology as well as price."

Regent Cruiser

A finalist in the Best New RV category of the 2021 Caravancampingsales Innovation Awards, the Regent Cruiser slide-out model is another slickly presented, full composite caravan that's built in China but with a features list that has Australian buyers firmly in mind.

While bearing more than a passing resemblance to previous Australian-delivered British vans as well as Jayco's range-topping Silverline, the end product is unique and well executed, with a couple of minor exceptions.

It's definitely worth a closer look if you're in the market for a well insulated, luxury touring van offering plenty in the way of space and comfort...

Snowy River SRC

Sharing a final assembly facility in Victoria with sister brand Regent, the Chinese-built Snowy River caravans have developed a loyal local following since launching in Australia in 2015.

Once again, they impress with their full composite construction, sharp pricing and user-friendly layouts and equipment lists that compare favourably with many locally-made 'vans.

As reviewer Chris Fincham put it recently: "It's no surprise that in a few short years Snowy River has become the most popular full-size Chinese-built caravan in Australia."

Titan Blackhawk

Titan caravans are finished off in a Queensland facility using largely Chinese components, but they're just as suited to rough Outback trips as many so-called Australian-built off-road 'vans, as we discovered during a 'real world' review of a big Titan BlackHawk 595 Touring couples' van.

Once again, the Titan vans boast full composite construction for those seeking all-weather interior comfort, along with value-for-money packaging. in the case of the Blackhawk 595, reviewer Michael Browning reckoned it was "nearly the perfect couples COVID touring caravan".

"It fits into the sweet spot of Australia’s most wanted caravans because it offers the combination of internal room and comfort with all-roads versatility that many of today’s travelling couples want," he said.

Ezytrail Winton

Although we've checked them out at shows, we haven't yet had the chance to review one of the Chinese-built Ezytrail large caravans, that first hit the scene around two years' ago.

Like with the Regent vans, the Ezytrails' designers have been influenced by British and European caravan design, but the end result hits the spot for buyers looking for an affordable, relatively light weight and stylish touring caravan.

While EzyTrail is best known for its cheap Chinese campers and hybrids, the latest range of fixed roof family and couples' caravans also help fill the gap left with the departure from Australian shores of lightweight British and European caravan brands like Bailey.

Special mention:

While sales of large Chinese-built, fixed-height caravans are increasing, it's the cut-price compact, hybrid pop-top imported campers that attract most buyer interest, with many featuring a distinctive rear slide-out bed design first introduced to the market about a decade ago by Queensland's Lifestyle Campers.

Now a major part of the Australian RV market, these Chinese 'knock-offs' are available under dozens of brand names form numerous dealers and distributors, enticing family buyers in particular with their off-road capabilities, jam-packed feature lists and low starting prices of around $40,000.

We've reviewed a few over the years, including the Fantasy F5-A, the Jawa Lowdown, and the Little Caravan X-Plorer, and while they're no match in quality for premium Australian hybrids, they make a lot of sense for those on tighter budgets as well as first-time RV buyers.

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