Confused by Caravan Measurements?

1. Quick Answer

Caravan measurements can be confusing because the industry still uses both metric and imperial sizes. For most product pages, use the exact measurement requested on the listing rather than assuming every caravan part is measured the same way.

As a simple rule, caravan body length usually excludes the A-frame and rear bumper. Caravan covers are usually chosen by the external body length and shape. Roll-out awnings are measured between the centre of the uprights, not by the fabric. Doors and windows often use the wall cut-out size, while brake drums are still commonly described in inches.

2. Caravan Body Length

Many Australian caravans are still described as 14ft, 16ft, 18ft or 23ft, even though metric measurements are now standard. This length normally refers to the caravan body only. It does not normally include the drawbar, A-frame, spare wheel carrier or rear bumper.

On some Jayco caravans, the model number on the compliance plate can be a useful clue. For example, a Jayco Westport 16.48-2 is a 16ft caravan, with the extra numbers referring to the layout family.

If the model number is not enough, measure the longest external points of the caravan body. Do not measure the A-frame unless the product page specifically asks for the total travelling length.

3. Covers And Overall Length

For caravan covers, the body length is usually the starting point. Measure the caravan body from the front wall to the rear wall or rear-most body point, then allow for shape, height, roof accessories and any fixed rear fittings if the cover listing asks for them.

Be careful with quoted sizes from brochures or campground bookings. Those can refer to total travelling length, internal layout length or body length depending on who supplied the number. If you are buying a cover, check the cover size chart and measure the van directly.

4. Awnings

Roll-out awnings are not measured by the visible fabric. Measure from the centre of one awning arm upright to the centre of the other upright. That measurement is then usually rounded to the nearest whole-foot awning size.

For example, if the distance between the upright centres is about 487cm, it converts to about 16ft. That usually points to a 16ft roll-out awning, but always check the awning brand and model before ordering replacement fabric or hardware.

Box awnings, such as many Fiamma and European-style awnings, are more often described in metric. These are usually measured by the full case length from end to end.

5. Doors, Windows And Brakes

Doors and windows need extra care because the outside frame size is often different from the wall cut-out. When a door listing gives a size, it will commonly refer to the cut-out required. The actual door and frame can be slightly smaller because the cut-out needs tolerance for fitting.

Windows are not all measured the same way. Some replacement blades, blinds, frames and complete windows use different reference points, so check whether the listing asks for cut-out size, outside frame size, blade size or blind/flyscreen size before ordering.

Caravan brake drums are still commonly described in inches, especially 10 inch and 12 inch AL-KO electric brakes. If you are checking brakes, confirm the drum size and stud pattern rather than relying only on the caravan model or year.

6. Conversion Chart

Metric measurements are best when you are measuring the van yourself. Imperial sizes are still useful because many caravan covers, awnings and brake parts are sold using feet or inches.

For quick conversions, divide centimetres by 30.48 to estimate feet, or use a calculator/search conversion when the size is close to a product boundary. If the result is near two possible product sizes, check the product page instructions before rounding up or down.

Gas thread sizes and fittings can be especially misleading because the measured diameter is not always the named fitting size. If you are identifying a gas thread, use the separate thread-measuring guide rather than guessing from a ruler alone.