Choosing a 23 ft caravan usually happens right at the moment you realize that smaller vans just don't have enough legroom for a rainy afternoon. It's that perfect "middle ground" size—not so big that you feel like you're driving a semi-trailer, but large enough that you aren't constantly bumping elbows with your partner while trying to boil the kettle.
If you've spent any time looking at floor plans, you'll know that the jump from a 19-footer to a 23-footer feels massive. It's not just about adding four feet of fiberglass; it's about what those four feet allow you to do with the interior. Suddenly, you aren't choosing between a decent shower and a dining table. You can actually have both, and maybe even a washing machine if you're feeling fancy.
The luxury of a real ensuite
Let's be honest, the biggest selling point of a 23 ft caravan is the bathroom. In smaller vans, you often get a "wet bath" where the toilet and shower share the same cramped space. It's functional, sure, but nobody actually enjoys wiping down the toilet seat every time they take a shower.
In a 23-foot layout, you almost always get a full-width rear ensuite. This means a separate, dry shower cubicle, a vanity with a proper mirror, and a toilet that isn't tucked under a cabinet. For anyone planning to spend more than a weekend on the road, this is a total game-changer. It makes the caravan feel less like a tent on wheels and more like a tiny apartment. Having that dedicated space to get ready in the morning without tripping over your bed makes a huge difference in how "at home" you feel while traveling.
Room to breathe in the living area
When the weather turns sour and you're stuck inside for six hours, you'll appreciate every inch of that extra length. Most 23-footers feature a spacious club lounge or a large L-shaped dinette. This is where the 23 ft caravan really shines compared to its smaller cousins.
Instead of a cramped cafe-style seat where your knees hit the table, you get a spot where you can actually stretch out. I've seen layouts where the lounge is big enough for two people to have their feet up while watching a movie. Plus, that extra length often translates into more bench space in the kitchen. If you actually like cooking while you're on the road—rather than just reheating canned soup—having room for a proper stovetop and a decent-sized fridge is essential.
Dealing with the weight and towing
Now, I won't sugarcoat it—towing a 23 ft caravan is a different beast than pulling a little pop-top. You're looking at a tandem axle setup, which is great for stability but does mean you need to be mindful of your tow vehicle. Most vans this size will have an ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) somewhere between 3,000kg and 3,500kg.
You're probably going to need a decent 4WD or a large ute to pull this comfortably. If you've got a LandCruiser, a RAM, or a well-specced Ranger, you'll be fine, but it's always worth checking your weights before you fall in love with a floor plan. The upside of the tandem axle is that it handles much better on the highway. It's less prone to swaying when a massive road train flies past you, and it feels a lot more planted when you're dealing with crosswinds.
Storage that actually makes sense
One of the most frustrating things about caravanning is the constant "Tetris" game of moving bags around to find what you need. In a 23 ft caravan, the storage options open up significantly. Because the chassis is longer, manufacturers can fit in larger tunnel boots at the front and sometimes even lockers at the rear.
Inside, you get more overhead cupboards and, crucially, more hanging space in the wardrobes. It sounds like a small thing, but being able to hang up a few shirts or jackets instead of living out of a duffel bag makes a world of difference. Many people also use the extra space under the lift-up bed to store bulky items like folding chairs, outdoor tables, or even extra pantry supplies for those long stretches through the outback.
Family life vs. couple's retreats
The 23 ft caravan is arguably the most versatile size for different types of travelers. For couples, it represents the peak of comfort—you get the "queen island bed" where you can walk around both sides without shimmying against the wall.
For families, this length is where bunk beds actually start to make sense. You can have a triple bunk setup at one end and still have a decent living area in the middle. I've seen some clever designs where the kids' area can be closed off with a sliding door or a curtain, giving the parents a bit of peace and quiet in the evening. It's the smallest size that comfortably fits a family of four or five without everyone wanting to kill each other after three days of rain.
Going off-grid or staying in parks?
Because a 23 ft caravan has more roof real estate, it's a prime candidate for a serious solar setup. You can easily fit three or four big panels up there, which, when paired with a couple of lithium batteries, means you can stay away from caravan parks for a long time.
Most vans in this size category also come with dual or even triple water tanks. If you're smart with your water usage, you can easily go a week or more without needing a top-up. Just keep in mind that the bigger the van, the more "prep" it takes to get into some of those tighter national park campsites. You won't be squeezing into every tiny nook, but most established campgrounds have plenty of "long bays" designed specifically for vans of this size.
Is it the right choice for you?
At the end of the day, a 23 ft caravan is an investment in comfort. If you're the type of person who just wants a bed to sleep in while you spend 15 hours a day hiking and sitting by a fire, it might be overkill. You might be happier with something smaller and lighter.
But, if you see your caravan as a mobile home—a place where you want to relax, cook good meals, and have a hot shower at the end of the day—then 23 feet is pretty much the sweet spot. It offers that elusive balance of "towability" and livability. You get the features of a much larger motorhome but with the flexibility of being able to unhitch your car and go exploring once you've set up camp.
It's about not having to compromise. You don't have to choose between a big fridge and a big bed. You don't have to choose between a washing machine and a pantry. In a 23 ft caravan, you can usually have it all, provided you've got the right car to pull it and a sense of adventure to match.
So, if you're standing in a showroom wondering if those extra few feet are worth the extra cost, just imagine yourself on a wet Tuesday in the middle of nowhere. Would you rather be huddled on a tiny bench, or stretched out in a full-sized lounge with a hot shower just a few steps away? I think we both know the answer to that one.